Be careful, you said Epic in your write up.  You might get a cease and desist letter.

So I have to ask.  What about a hammock for a sleep system?  How many days (total) would it have been virtually impossible to set one up?

Please don't poach.  Bad for us as a whole.

Joe, I'd say that is great advice.  While I have a bit of bikepacking experience I have more road touring experience.  The kind of touring where we fly to the country and THEN buy a map (no guide book).  I first learned that you can do all the planning you want, but if you don't come prepared for the right mindset, you won't be having any fun.  FUN!  That's what this is all about right?  Obviously it isn't always fun, and more times than not it probably isn't, but your passion for the outdoors and your love of the bike overrides anything that can cast a dark shadow over your adventures at hand.

Set off with the gear you think will work for you, change as needed.  Just don't forget your reason for being there in the first place.  You have a bike, you have a map, you have a spirit of adventure, that and with your health, you're ready to roll!

Good luck!

Sorry guys, I wasn't trying to degrade the thread or anything.  Besides the knee issues that plagued me at CTR the only real issue with my body that I've had is GI issues on trail.  Getting fiber seems to be a source of concern for my tummy happiness. 

Anyway, love this thread.  I won't be at the starting line this year but hopefully in the next few.  I got to many other plans!  The world is so big and so many different adventures await...

What about getting some fiber?  Goodness me, all the talk about high fat/protien/carbs and I'm getting stopped up just thinking about it all!  

If A&D is good enough for Matt Lee (he is the one who told me to check it out originally) then it's good enough for me.  Long lasting and easy to find!

What hammock are you using with that?  I'm a hanger too.  It was interesting hearing about your other trip and how you said you slept ok on the ground.  I did the same 2 weeks ago and slept terrible (even with the thick Neoair pad).  Love me some hammocks.

I don't really think this is bikepacking.  Just a longer race.  Not hating on the race at all as I am actually good friends with one of the guy's promoting it.  I hope to make it.

I would love to see some pics as well as my wife and I are planning something like this in the future.  How long of a ride was it?

Ok, thanks for the help.  I think I'm leaning towards the Micropuff.  I'm basically reworking all my old gear and going from lightweight, to UL.  I'm not core enough to do SUL.  I just can't give up the hammock!

BTW, Swiftwick has some new 7's out that work great as a stand alone or combined with knee warmers (which gives full leg protection).  I've been using them lately and am really happy with the set up.

Only reason I'm going with Patagonia is because I can get an order in at below wholesale.  Hard not to pass up that offer...If only they were WM...

I've got a full synthetic jacket that is right at a pound.  It's a bit overkill really.  I've brought it on a few bikepacking trips and it's always the bulkiest piece of gear I have.  I'm thinking the vest with the right layering system will get the same job done for less weight and a lot less bulk.  Take a look of what my system is looking like and give me your thoughts...

I wear a ss/wool jersey with arm/knee warmers.
bibs

I'd bring a...
Marmot wind jacket (without liner)
ls/wool baselayer
vest
Not sure on the rain jacket but I'd have one.  that is my next piece of the puzzle I'm trying to figure out.  One step at a time I guess.
With this set-up I have a lot of versatility.  I just don't have any real world experience with it (the vest and wind jacket, both are new purchases).

Then that leads me to my next question...Down or synthetic?  It's gonna be the Patagonia because I have a chance to get one at a steep discount.

I know all the pro's and con's to each, but not necessarily for bikepacking. 

For example, if I bring the vest I wouldn't need to pack a cycling vest (something I almost always have).  But I don't want to ride in the down vest for fear of wetting it through.

Did you/have you ever needed to ride in your vest on the CTR or TD?  I'm buying this mainly for summer adventuring up in your neck of the woods.

I know all about duct taping a down sleeping bag.  1st night in it (10 years ago) and I put a burn hole in it.  I couldn't figure out where all the feathers were coming from (I was a total noob) and finally realized it was my sleeping bag.  DOH!

I thought about posting this on backpackinglight but this audience will help more for the intendend use.  I'm not sure what vest I should get.  Either the Patagonia Down Sweater Vest or the Micropuff.  I love the use of down but worry about the fragility of a down vest.  It wouldn't be for riding, mainly for around camp and to sleep in. 

Any experience with these?

Please post Part 2, 3, 4, 5 so I can day dream more!

Question, did the crazy high altitude not bother you?

Buy a good waterproof compression sack and if you're still worried stuff it in a plastic bag as well.  A whole slew of use use down bags and haven't had any trouble with it getting wet.  Just be careful when pulling it out.  Have your tent set up first then pull it out.  Easy cheesy!

Hey Matt,
  First, do you live in Austin?  Where abouts?  I'm in Austin as well.  Anyway, a down vest would work very well as long as you've got some good bottom insulation.  What is your sleeping set-up?  A bivy would also help but then you have to deal with the fight against condensation. 

Traded.

http://te-waunderquilts.blogspot.com/

Less expensive, every bit as good (if not better).  Give Mike and email and check him out.  Super highly recommended.  Tell him Travis sent you!