Ultralight Evangelism.
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,923
Bikes: Nature Boy 853 Disc, Pugsley SS
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 251 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
Not to reiterate, but using Google Maps on my iPhone, I just put it in satellite view and check for green areas. It didn't fail once across 4 states in 30 days of camping in the northeast. Worst case scenario, I can use my bike frame and front wheel and a few stakes to make a tent out of the rain fly.
I would pose: how hard is it to find level ground with no drainage? That's about how hard it is to find suitable trees, since the width between them can vary greatly with no impediment.
I would pose: how hard is it to find level ground with no drainage? That's about how hard it is to find suitable trees, since the width between them can vary greatly with no impediment.
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,923
Bikes: Nature Boy 853 Disc, Pugsley SS
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 251 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
Know what, next time you go touring take 22 feet of paracord. Paracord is a good thing to have anyways so it's not so bad. Spend a couple nights trying to find 2 trees with a diameter bigger than your fist to tie the paracord too. It would be a good indication of how difficult the process is. Remember, a stick on the ground is more than enough to stake out the rain fly. Twigs are strong enough, it's not weight-bearing like a tent stake.
#29
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Know what, next time you go touring take 22 feet of paracord. Paracord is a good thing to have anyways so it's not so bad. Spend a couple nights trying to find 2 trees with a diameter bigger than your fist to tie the paracord too. It would be a good indication of how difficult the process is. Remember, a stick on the ground is more than enough to stake out the rain fly. Twigs are strong enough, it's not weight-bearing like a tent stake.
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Golden, CO and Tucson, AZ
Posts: 2,822
Bikes: 2016 Fuji Tread, 1983 Trek 520
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 669 Post(s)
Liked 725 Times
in
422 Posts
I know what you mean--once I tried a backpack made of spinnaker cloth to save two ounces over a silnylon version. Within a month, there were at least three ounce of duct tape on it. Lesson learned.
Another issue I'm struggling with, which you've addressed, is why do I have a relatively heavy touring bike for such a light load? But the frame features are nice, I can put on fenders, and it's a comfortable ride. And it's what I own and I don't really want to pay to replace it. It's a quandary.
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 1,215
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,441
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 33 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Where I tour, hammocks are actually desireable because there are too many trees in many areas, or the terrain is not level enough, for tents. My beef is I just don't find them comfortable. Also, the real hammock nuts carry a lot of gear to make them comfortable, I don't think they are as light as some other options. I am going to try a bridge hammock, if that doesn't work I will probably give up for a while. I notice a lot of the guys who seem really to love them are skinny as hell or clown/acrobats.
I've been doing the ultralite thing since 05, and as part of hiking since '78. Everything about our lives keeps getting more cluttered. Take the advice to carry an iphone to surf for greenspace. I can't imagine needing that in the NE, trees are everywhere, but it is a good idea. It is also extra gear. And everything has more zippers, pockets, thorn proof layers, gears. Disc brakes weigh more. MTBs weigh more. Modern people weigh more, and the standard touring frame weighs more.
Ultralite is actually very traditional. When I worked in a camping shop in the 80s, the lightest tent we sold was for cycle camping, it was assumed cyclist needed minimal gear, but over the years they learned to carry heavy loads.
I don't think my bike looks unusual, I carry 4 bags but they are small, I used 2 racks but they are the original Blackburn aluminum wire racks that weigh very little. I have the range to carry a lot of stuff, but the stuff I carry is ultralite. Works for me. As usual this new craze is being pushed by a new series of products, bikepacking. But the old gear was well worked out, just leave some of it at home, or in the store, and learn the basics of modern camping.
I've been doing the ultralite thing since 05, and as part of hiking since '78. Everything about our lives keeps getting more cluttered. Take the advice to carry an iphone to surf for greenspace. I can't imagine needing that in the NE, trees are everywhere, but it is a good idea. It is also extra gear. And everything has more zippers, pockets, thorn proof layers, gears. Disc brakes weigh more. MTBs weigh more. Modern people weigh more, and the standard touring frame weighs more.
Ultralite is actually very traditional. When I worked in a camping shop in the 80s, the lightest tent we sold was for cycle camping, it was assumed cyclist needed minimal gear, but over the years they learned to carry heavy loads.
I don't think my bike looks unusual, I carry 4 bags but they are small, I used 2 racks but they are the original Blackburn aluminum wire racks that weigh very little. I have the range to carry a lot of stuff, but the stuff I carry is ultralite. Works for me. As usual this new craze is being pushed by a new series of products, bikepacking. But the old gear was well worked out, just leave some of it at home, or in the store, and learn the basics of modern camping.
#33
Senior Member
#34
totally louche
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: A land that time forgot
Posts: 18,023
Bikes: the ever shifting stable loaded with comfortable road bikes and city and winter bikes
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
8 Posts
2012
2010 or 11
2007?
UL camping site and another lightweight camping site using panniers
light loads, short trips.
I'm going to spend the winter sewing up a new UL shelter with no-see-um netting.
2010 or 11
2007?
UL camping site and another lightweight camping site using panniers
light loads, short trips.
I'm going to spend the winter sewing up a new UL shelter with no-see-um netting.
Last edited by Bekologist; 08-30-12 at 04:41 PM.
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 920
Bikes: 2012 Masi Speciale CX : 2013 Ghost 29er EBS
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
There are a growing number of tourists that are using ultralight backpacking gear and combinations of old fashioned saddle bags, small rear panniers and the newer bikepacking bags on bikes that are anything but traditional tourers. So if you have a setup you'd like to share, post a few pictures and give us some highlights of your gear and tours. If you are still struggling up hills with 4 x panniers and a handlebar bag and have questions please post too. Here are some examples that have been previously posted.
The so called touring bikes then were not made so heavy and so oversized tubings to resist the heavy loads of the rear panniers. I mean, some bikes sold in the early 80s were weighing not as much as a decent cyclocross bike now. Today, trucks like the LHT or the Raleigh Sojourn seemed to be a necessity. I was told that during the bike boom, this era attracted people from all walks of life to do bike touring and these people practically wanted to carry all the creatures comfort that you can camping and thus, people start carrying more stuff than they need to and bike companies make bikes to resolve issues like overweight panniers causing fish tailing by building heavier touring bikes. Just look at the average North American tourist heading to Mexico or Hawaii on a 1 or 2 week vacation with big 62" linear inches suitcases. I can do that with smaller than 18" carry on or even a small back pack.
Yes, the trend now is moving back to minimalist, just like the trend from aluminum bikes in the mid 90s back to steel now. It's not new, but it's a replay of the old.
#37
I've done a few "fast and light" bike-camping trips. The lightest I've done is around 15 lbs base weight. Still lugging around 3 lbs of panniers though
Last edited by BigAura; 08-30-12 at 05:53 PM.
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,923
Bikes: Nature Boy 853 Disc, Pugsley SS
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 251 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
Actually Nun, you got it backwards. Before the bike boom, people tour with pretty light weight stuff on their 10 speed bikes. The lowest acceptable gear inches then was only 27". Yeah 27". Now, you need something like 16" or 20" GI or you don't have it low enough. Difference is the weight some people carry these days. I even see people tour cross country in the Rockies with 53 gears!
The so called touring bikes then were not made so heavy and so oversized tubings to resist the heavy loads of the rear panniers. I mean, some bikes sold in the early 80s were weighing not as much as a decent cyclocross bike now. Today, trucks like the LHT or the Raleigh Sojourn seemed to be a necessity. I was told that during the bike boom, this era attracted people from all walks of life to do bike touring and these people practically wanted to carry all the creatures comfort that you can camping and thus, people start carrying more stuff than they need to and bike companies make bikes to resolve issues like overweight panniers causing fish tailing by building heavier touring bikes. Just look at the average North American tourist heading to Mexico or Hawaii on a 1 or 2 week vacation with big 62" linear inches suitcases. I can do that with smaller than 18" carry on or even a small back pack.
Yes, the trend now is moving back to minimalist, just like the trend from aluminum bikes in the mid 90s back to steel now. It's not new, but it's a replay of the old.
The so called touring bikes then were not made so heavy and so oversized tubings to resist the heavy loads of the rear panniers. I mean, some bikes sold in the early 80s were weighing not as much as a decent cyclocross bike now. Today, trucks like the LHT or the Raleigh Sojourn seemed to be a necessity. I was told that during the bike boom, this era attracted people from all walks of life to do bike touring and these people practically wanted to carry all the creatures comfort that you can camping and thus, people start carrying more stuff than they need to and bike companies make bikes to resolve issues like overweight panniers causing fish tailing by building heavier touring bikes. Just look at the average North American tourist heading to Mexico or Hawaii on a 1 or 2 week vacation with big 62" linear inches suitcases. I can do that with smaller than 18" carry on or even a small back pack.
Yes, the trend now is moving back to minimalist, just like the trend from aluminum bikes in the mid 90s back to steel now. It's not new, but it's a replay of the old.
Last edited by mdilthey; 08-30-12 at 06:08 PM.
#39
In the right lane
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Des Moines
Posts: 9,565
Bikes: 1974 Huffy 3 speed
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 44 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
I wrote an article that documents my craziness
Like the extra ~1 pound for a solo tent vs a bivy and tarp. I could see arguments either way, depending on where you were going and for how long.
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Oregon
Posts: 6,484
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1182 Post(s)
Liked 830 Times
in
433 Posts
Twenty pounds of gear including panniers, a 2-person tent with real mosquito netting, Thermarest, tools and a change of clothes. All on a 19 pound bike.
About 20-25 ponds of gear on a Peugeot PX10 (20 pounds) 45 years ago. My sleeping bag fills one pannier.
As a long-time mountaineers and backpackers we went through the "enlightenment" period a couple of decades ago. The conclusion that I came to after having "been there and done that" is to keep my loads as light as I can, based my objectives, where I'm going, what luxuries I want to take with me, time of year etc.
Why is it when someone "discovers" something "new" everyone else is doing it wrong? I think a lot of it has to do more with a feeling of elitism. I've seen this in other sports such as skiing. The telemark skiers I know (me included) look down on alpine skiers who have not seen the error of their way. There really is not a wrong way to go on a tour, just different ways.
Actually the same also goes for skiing
About 20-25 ponds of gear on a Peugeot PX10 (20 pounds) 45 years ago. My sleeping bag fills one pannier.
As a long-time mountaineers and backpackers we went through the "enlightenment" period a couple of decades ago. The conclusion that I came to after having "been there and done that" is to keep my loads as light as I can, based my objectives, where I'm going, what luxuries I want to take with me, time of year etc.
Evangelism- the practice of relaying information about a particular set of beliefs to others with the object of conversion
Actually the same also goes for skiing
"It is what we learn after we know it all that counts" John Wooden, UCLA BB Coach
Last edited by Doug64; 08-30-12 at 10:12 PM.
#41
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Actually Nun, you got it backwards. Before the bike boom, people tour with pretty light weight stuff on their 10 speed bikes. The lowest acceptable gear inches then was only 27". Yeah 27". Now, you need something like 16" or 20" GI or you don't have it low enough. Difference is the weight some people carry these days. I even see people tour cross country in the Rockies with 53 gears!
When I got back into cycling about 10 years ago (my mid-life crisis and way cheaper than a porsche) I defaulted to the setup I had on my Claud Butler Majestic back in 1977 which was a saddlebag and a handlebar bag and various racks to strap stuff to.
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,923
Bikes: Nature Boy 853 Disc, Pugsley SS
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 251 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
I love backpacking like I cycle tour, and vice versa. I'm climbing the haunted Glastenbury Mountain in VT this weekend, overnight, with 16 lbs of gear including food, plus a variable water weight.
I mean, put it this way:
You're going to be hot and sweaty. Wear an athletic fabric that repels odor and skip bringing 5 changes of clothes.
You're not going to want to cook. Forego the big pots and settle on a camp stove and easily rehydrated foods like instant potatoes and ramen.
You're on a bike. Bring one extra pair of lightweight shoes.
You're colder at night than during the day. Bring a good sleeping bag and leave sweatshirts and sweatpants at home.
You pass a rest stop every day. Carry 1-2 days worth of food.
Now, obviously these vary depending on what you want from touring, but these generalizations can be accepted by the majority, and the majority doesn't realize it.
I mean, put it this way:
You're going to be hot and sweaty. Wear an athletic fabric that repels odor and skip bringing 5 changes of clothes.
You're not going to want to cook. Forego the big pots and settle on a camp stove and easily rehydrated foods like instant potatoes and ramen.
You're on a bike. Bring one extra pair of lightweight shoes.
You're colder at night than during the day. Bring a good sleeping bag and leave sweatshirts and sweatpants at home.
You pass a rest stop every day. Carry 1-2 days worth of food.
Now, obviously these vary depending on what you want from touring, but these generalizations can be accepted by the majority, and the majority doesn't realize it.
#43
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 920
Bikes: 2012 Masi Speciale CX : 2013 Ghost 29er EBS
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I think the problem is the perception. The bike is a beast of burden on which to, well, burden. Backpacking is different, and I always marveled at how a backpacker could cut their gear weight to 10lbs while cycle touring had a 30-40lb requirement among some members of the community. When I see most touring bikes, I see four backpacks strapped to a frame and I think "What is so important that you had to put all those on?"
In the mid 90s, companies were playing tricks with people suggesting that it is the steel bikes that was the beast of burden. Aluminum was the answer -- lower weight and stiff frame makes the best of both worlds plus you can still carry all the junk you want. But then, this is simply not true as well made steel bikes are sometimes the same or lighter than their aluminum counterpart. In the end, steel made a come back and now even Cannondale themselves aren't making anymore T series touring bikes.
People tend to carry more because they want the same home luxuries they expected to be on the campsite. You see families camp and they want the hot bacon and eggs breakfast with espresso or hot coffee. When I was touring with my ex, I went from bare minimum to bloated 4 panniers because we see others doing the hot bacon and eggs with espresso, hot coffee and making waffles or pancakes and she wanted the best. Don't forget the portable cooler we have to bring along and then the contraptions we carry to hang our food up and away from the bears.
I'm not saying that all women cyclists are like that. Some can be as minimalist or more, but those 4 bags have to carry something and that sometimes mean luxury items people will cherish the most.
#44
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Evangelism- the practice of relaying information about a particular set of beliefs to others with the object of conversion
Actually the same also goes for skiing
I meant "Evangelism" to be slightly ironic. I do think that less is more in the context of baggage, but I'll still happily talk to people who have 4 x panniers.
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 920
Bikes: 2012 Masi Speciale CX : 2013 Ghost 29er EBS
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Low gears are good, I like them as much as low weight because they make the cycling more fun.
When I got back into cycling about 10 years ago (my mid-life crisis and way cheaper than a porsche) I defaulted to the setup I had on my Claud Butler Majestic back in 1977 which was a saddlebag and a handlebar bag and various racks to strap stuff to.
When I got back into cycling about 10 years ago (my mid-life crisis and way cheaper than a porsche) I defaulted to the setup I had on my Claud Butler Majestic back in 1977 which was a saddlebag and a handlebar bag and various racks to strap stuff to.
I find that touring light is great. In fact, some of my friends were inspired by what I did with my carbon bike and the touring I did that blew them away (I was constantly way upfront) that 2 of my friends had switched from a heavy touring bike setup to a lighter setup and had been extremely happy with it.
I sometimes do luxury camping tours, but it's usually short and usually with friends who want the whole 9 yards -- bacon and eggs with coffee, pancakes etc.. I have a trailer for that and my bike which tows it has a low 20" gear to climb hills with. But for the most part, I tour light. It's better that way!
However, I still have friends who evangelizes the virtue of the 4 pannier system and claim that ONLY REAL TOURIST tour with 4 panniers. Suggesting that anything less than 4 is not real. I guess some people have this ego thingy that they seemed to like to inflate. Sadly, their followers suffer. There is a place for 4 panniers and that would be expedition and overseas where you need to carry more provisions and parts.
Last edited by pacificcyclist; 08-30-12 at 10:46 PM.
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,923
Bikes: Nature Boy 853 Disc, Pugsley SS
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 251 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
I like my steel frame bike, and I haven't got the means to replace it sooner than next summer, but the thing weighs 29lbs stock. I got tires that weigh half, took off all the extras, got a lighter rack, and a lighter seat so I suspect my Raleigh Port Townsend is down to 26, but then I'll see a beautiful early 90's chromoly serotta coming in at 19-20lbs and my mouth waters....
Time to check Craigslist again.
Time to check Craigslist again.
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 920
Bikes: 2012 Masi Speciale CX : 2013 Ghost 29er EBS
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I like my steel frame bike, and I haven't got the means to replace it sooner than next summer, but the thing weighs 29lbs stock. I got tires that weigh half, took off all the extras, got a lighter rack, and a lighter seat so I suspect my Raleigh Port Townsend is down to 26, but then I'll see a beautiful early 90's chromoly serotta coming in at 19-20lbs and my mouth waters....
Time to check Craigslist again.
Time to check Craigslist again.
#48
Bicycle Lifestyle
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Pacific Grove, Ca
Posts: 1,737
Bikes: Neil Pryde Diablo, VeloVie Vitesse400, Hunter29er, Surly Big Dummy
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
it seems that every tour is different.
different times of the year
different weather patterns to deal with
a variety of logistical options
distances
caloric demand, etc..
however I will say this much
that once you learn to be able to be self sufficient in the dirt, pavement is much easier.
easier in that logistics are that much easier to locate.
and there simply are not gradients on the pavement that are so common to mountain biking.
I finished a quick jaunt down the west coast
I honestly don't recall 1 hill coming down the coast. there are a few climbs, but climbing is just part of riding. I've become very comfortable climbing.
(a few months ago, I did a ride from Lahina, to Paia, then up Haleakala and back to Lahina, thats over 10k ft in one hill)
where I met/crossed paths during multiple days, a group of young adults all on LHT's, and all with at least 4 panniers.
wow, their camp scene every night was nothing short of impressive!
massive dinners, a lot of food, stoves, cookware, groceries, etc...
I simply marveled.
it was as if a scene from being home with friends.
the Hunter 29er, even shod in a fresh set of 2.1" Nanos was capable of +15mph av on the pave.
most days, I'd do a loop somewhere thru the dirt, exploring areas that were new to me, then eventually landing at the next camp.
some days I'd feel bad, when I'd see the group ahead, while closing the gap at over 20mph.
the difference is simply just amazing.
obviously the key here is to simply not carry too much.
it would be even that much faster if adopted to a road bike.
I've had thoughts of using my CAAD10.
from my experiences with the Oregon and Cali coasts
the road bike would be a very doable option
especially in light of the abundant amenities, especially in Oregon.
however, the 29er shod in the likes of Nano's, gives you the very real option of riding mtb trails, fire roads until your hearts content
at times I've thought of perhaps an LHT with frame bags and the likes of Schwalbe Marathon Extremes
while I still have a set of OMM racks and panniers
I admit that they are stashed away somewhere.
I never use them.
I can't get over what logic seems to pervade by using metal to hold something up, then hanging bags off of center line of the bike.
in my opinion its crazy, and to waste frame space on water bottles?
even crazier. the bike is a rack.
different times of the year
different weather patterns to deal with
a variety of logistical options
distances
caloric demand, etc..
however I will say this much
that once you learn to be able to be self sufficient in the dirt, pavement is much easier.
easier in that logistics are that much easier to locate.
and there simply are not gradients on the pavement that are so common to mountain biking.
I finished a quick jaunt down the west coast
I honestly don't recall 1 hill coming down the coast. there are a few climbs, but climbing is just part of riding. I've become very comfortable climbing.
(a few months ago, I did a ride from Lahina, to Paia, then up Haleakala and back to Lahina, thats over 10k ft in one hill)
where I met/crossed paths during multiple days, a group of young adults all on LHT's, and all with at least 4 panniers.
wow, their camp scene every night was nothing short of impressive!
massive dinners, a lot of food, stoves, cookware, groceries, etc...
I simply marveled.
it was as if a scene from being home with friends.
the Hunter 29er, even shod in a fresh set of 2.1" Nanos was capable of +15mph av on the pave.
most days, I'd do a loop somewhere thru the dirt, exploring areas that were new to me, then eventually landing at the next camp.
some days I'd feel bad, when I'd see the group ahead, while closing the gap at over 20mph.
the difference is simply just amazing.
obviously the key here is to simply not carry too much.
it would be even that much faster if adopted to a road bike.
I've had thoughts of using my CAAD10.
from my experiences with the Oregon and Cali coasts
the road bike would be a very doable option
especially in light of the abundant amenities, especially in Oregon.
however, the 29er shod in the likes of Nano's, gives you the very real option of riding mtb trails, fire roads until your hearts content
at times I've thought of perhaps an LHT with frame bags and the likes of Schwalbe Marathon Extremes
while I still have a set of OMM racks and panniers
I admit that they are stashed away somewhere.
I never use them.
I can't get over what logic seems to pervade by using metal to hold something up, then hanging bags off of center line of the bike.
in my opinion its crazy, and to waste frame space on water bottles?
even crazier. the bike is a rack.
#49
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,480
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 141 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
7 Posts
I am a fan of granny gears even on a twenty some pound bike with fifteen pounds of bags and gear. My low is about 21 inches, with a high of just over 100. Long days, lots of miles. I don't like to push if I can help it, and I hate being spun out. Just because I have it does not mean it always gets used. But at the end of a 100+ mile day, when all that between me and someplace to sleep is that last hill, it can be nice.
Interestingly while I really like ultra light touring(which I consider to be rackless, with under fifteen pounds of gear)I really like the look and even the feel of going all out with four bags, rack top bag, and a handlbar bag . When I do that, I go full bore, with both tent and hammock, full cooking gear, both an inflatable and closed cell pad, and so on. Options are greater, the wardrobe is nicer and helps you stay cleaner. But even full on, with my largest tent with two vestibules, clean wool socks every night and day, and cooking nice two pot meals with and using a real fork, electric toothbrush, and all that I generaly have a good time. And seldom get the load over forty five pounds. I tend to do that if I can talk someone into going with me. Usualy its only an overnighter.
Interestingly while I really like ultra light touring(which I consider to be rackless, with under fifteen pounds of gear)I really like the look and even the feel of going all out with four bags, rack top bag, and a handlbar bag . When I do that, I go full bore, with both tent and hammock, full cooking gear, both an inflatable and closed cell pad, and so on. Options are greater, the wardrobe is nicer and helps you stay cleaner. But even full on, with my largest tent with two vestibules, clean wool socks every night and day, and cooking nice two pot meals with and using a real fork, electric toothbrush, and all that I generaly have a good time. And seldom get the load over forty five pounds. I tend to do that if I can talk someone into going with me. Usualy its only an overnighter.
#50
Bicycle Lifestyle
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Pacific Grove, Ca
Posts: 1,737
Bikes: Neil Pryde Diablo, VeloVie Vitesse400, Hunter29er, Surly Big Dummy
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
i don't think that ultralight touring gear is expensive
and that lightweight gear is expensive
simply being that buying any gear costs money
zero grams = zero gear = zero money
the hardest part is simply not carrying crap.
so one thing that I've found useful is to use some masking tape, cloth medical tape, etc...
and place a piece on every single tiny piece of junk that you carry.
each time you use that item, make a hash mark on the tape.
you will quickly discover what you use, how much you use it, and the things that you don't use AT ALL.
you'd be amazed how much junk you actually carry.
every piece of equipment better serve at least double duty.
it should be multi task
if its an item that has a single focus use, it better be very important, perhaps like nitro tabs, or medications
my latest discovery is the Shoe Hammer!
laffs.
it actually works quite well.
I use Sidi Dominators with SPD's
using a shoe like a hammer, making the strike contact on the metal cleat, works amazingly well.
that only took me about 5 years to figure out. duh!
and that lightweight gear is expensive
simply being that buying any gear costs money
zero grams = zero gear = zero money
the hardest part is simply not carrying crap.
so one thing that I've found useful is to use some masking tape, cloth medical tape, etc...
and place a piece on every single tiny piece of junk that you carry.
each time you use that item, make a hash mark on the tape.
you will quickly discover what you use, how much you use it, and the things that you don't use AT ALL.
you'd be amazed how much junk you actually carry.
every piece of equipment better serve at least double duty.
it should be multi task
if its an item that has a single focus use, it better be very important, perhaps like nitro tabs, or medications
my latest discovery is the Shoe Hammer!
laffs.
it actually works quite well.
I use Sidi Dominators with SPD's
using a shoe like a hammer, making the strike contact on the metal cleat, works amazingly well.
that only took me about 5 years to figure out. duh!