San Juan Hut Advice Durango to Moab

[JeppaCrzy]

Hi Everyone!
I will have to say that there is a vast amount of good information contained on this website and I would like to thank you in advance for you time and advice. I have been riding SoCal for several years and done some endurance racing, so I feel that I am comfortable with long distance riding.  BUT, that was always without anthing more than a 70oz camelback, some food and some minor repair pieces.  Myself and a friend are doing the San Juan Hut Durango to Moab trip and I was wondering how I can get my gear as light as possible. I know that there are a million different gear combinations, but overall I have have a Osprey Manta 30 pack, 6L waterproof stuff sack, Topeak Beam rack w/ RX bag. I am also planning on bringing my NiteRider Firestorm HID light as that is the only one I have but it is pretty much a brick.  I have weighed everything fully loaded including bike, backpack, handlebar and rear bags for a total of 60lbs bike and all.  My total gear is ~30lbs.

Thanks in advance!
Rick

[Done]

Look like a thorough kit! A couple of things that you might want add:
1. needle and thread
2. duct tape
3. TP and/or wet wipes
4. A few spare zip-lock bags.

And you can probably ditch the CO2 inflator if you have a pump!

Also, I didn't see a water treatment kit (filter, drops, tablets, etc.)?

[JeppaCrzy]

I just talked to my partner and he has the water treatment kit and I have added the duct tape and TP to the kit as well as ditching the CO2 (habit to have from racing). The needle and thread is also a good idea to add too! 

Thank you,
Rick

[Done]

Wet wipes are a REALLY good idea for long rides, by the way. I bet that 95% of riders who do multi-day trips swear by them. To keep saddle chafe from developing into saddle sores, you need to stay CLEAN!

[aphoto]

If it were me I would ditch the heavy HID light for a good headlamp. I can't imagine you would be doing any riding after dark.

[Aslan]

Since you are going hut to hut you can carry more 'spare kit' than most; however, you might not need quite so many spare parts.  You just cannot plan for every contingency. I would drop 2 of the 4 tubes as you have a patch kit and the spokes and derailluer hanger.  I would also second the comment on the headlamp and especially the wipes. Clean = comfort on bike. Also, the less you carry, the happier you will be.  Have a great trip.

[mtntraveler]

Hi I am also from Southern calif; and have done the other Hut to Hut ride Tuleride to Moab.  All the previous posts are right on.  I would add a few comments, 1) ditch the cotton t shirt go with a non wicking base layer, 2) leave the HR monitor at home. 3) Check to make sure you have enough extra battery to last the whole trip. 4) Being from So cal, I don't like rain pants and would probably bring a pair of Lycra knickers instead, check the weather forcast and past climate data to see what the likehood of rain is.  5) When I did my Hut to Hut ride the 4th hut we stayed at had a broken seatpost rack on the wall since then I am not a fan.  Consider a Jadd frame pack, Nashbar small frame pack or as a friend has done taken a new Surley anything rack  and mounted it in the normal water bottle position and finds it does not bother his leg's. 6) lastly, we got to the huts with plenty of time to clean up, so a personal solar shower was in demand.  We had mostly hot days and time enough to get the shower water hot.  A small bottle of shampoo and about 20 feet of light cord for emergency use, doubles as a clothes line.  That's all my two cents worth.