Monday, March 01, 2010

Shelter for the Tour Divide

I've been fretting these kind of things. Trying to be light, but want to stay fairly comfortable. I've toured with bivy sack and a tent. The tent is a more comfortable option but heavier and having to deal with it after riding all day. Been doing some on-line research and shopping, and I think I found a good compromise. The Nemo Gogo. I just ordered one. This will be the ultimate test for one.

I also ordered a new sleeping bag since my light bag is 30 years old. I ordered a Mountain Hardware UltraLamina 45+, plus a Thermarest NeoAir.

So hopefully my shelter problems are solved. Everything is very high quality, very light and compact, and somewhat expensive...nuts!

5 comments:

Mimbres Man said...

Total weight is about 1 kg.

mark scotch said...

wow, nice but expensive, as you say.
get it on sale or sponsor deal?

Mimbres Man said...

I found the tent on sale, about $90 off.

Unknown said...

Just found your blog...

I'd go for a tarp if I were to do it all over. Sub 1 lb. and easy to setup, if it is even needed...

Mimbres Man said...

Thanks for the suggestions J.

I often think about what a day will be like.

Yep...that was another thing. I was thinking of a Tyvek tarp. I've done 9-day excursions in the Gila Wilderness just using a tarp. It worked well.

Then I've also ridden from Mexico to Canada with a tent that I rarely used. I slept out in the open 80% of the time. It even got to the point where once, even under the threat of rain, I crawled under a picnic table when it did start raining at about 2:00 AM.

Then I've done some mtn bike tours (mostly in the desert) where I've used both tent or bivy. Tent was heavier, but more comfortable, but I survived sub-freezing temps in a bivy.

Again, I am doing this prep from 3000 miles away. All this stuff is being sent to my mom's in NM. I am in Venezuela. I won't be able to sort through stuff till I get there. Most of my gear is 20 - 30 years old, so this new stuff I am acquiring might just be put into storage and I might pull out tried and proven stuff.