TD newbie qs

[Georg66]

I can't believe that the weight of the Mountain Equipment Helium is right. The total weight of the ME Helium 250 is over 600g, according to the ME site (which sounds OK to me, my ME Helium 400 is a bit under 800g). The weight of my sleeping system (as used in 2011) is 1930g.

TaR ProLite 3 Short w/ Stuff Sack	425
EXPED Bivy Bag eVENT/PU w/ Stuff Sack	670
NORDISK Salo +9°/+5°/-10°	835

In 2013, I'll use the ME Helium 400 (rated +4°/+1°/-16°). A bit warmer, and less bulky. The sleeping system above was a bit too cold (in 2 or 3 nights with temperatures below 0°, in August). I'll probably use a lighter bivy bag; a tent is not required. (IMHO)


-- sigma7

My mistake, Sigma ... you are right: The Helium is 655g ... Thank you ...
(I will correct it on my web-site)

[mcmurv]

Hey Phil_Rad,

Thank you for your data.  I hope you don't mind, I reformatted it and put it into tabular data.  You can see it at:
http://www.driven2divide.com/?p=765

This will most likely sound stupid, but maybe I am too tired, or haven't had enough coffee.  What does the miles column represent? 

For this row:
Eureka, MT            10    Sec. 1 10
Whitefish, MT   101   Sec. 1 90   

The distance between towns says "sec.1"  Is this map section, so for this one, map 1.  Does 90 represent the mileage from Eureka to Whitefish? 

I have packed up my maps already, since my work boss cancelled my vacation this summer for my TD. 

[phil_rad]

No it doesn't sound stupid, and it looks a bit better on an excel spread sheet. The "sec 1" is the map from ACA; as you know there are 6 maps.  The miles are between towns. I know the mileage in some cases is not 100% and might be off a couple of miles or so. I just did this list to have an idea how far to my next meal or roof over my head.

[the tortoise]

I am in and excited. Like many I am stressing the details but mostly my sleep system. I think I will do the bivy, cheap reflective sleep pad and I have a nice 30 degree down bag.
A few questions:
1. Do most of the experienced riders bring a filter and if so what is a good brand?
2. Will one of the cheapo hardware tarps work for rain? I can't spend $200 plus on a tarp.
3. One Fenix ld20 light or two? I like to ride when it is dark.
4. Bike shoe recommendations? I ride shimano clipless pedals.
4. Bug spray or wipe recommendations?
5. Do people ever split rooms on the ride? I plan on getting one every 5th night or so. It would be nice if someone who is on your pace could help share this cost.

Also I booked a room with 2 double beds for Thursday June 7th in Banff. If anyone is interested in splitting it with me message me. I think I paid about $100 (US) for the room.

[BobM]

I am in and excited. Like many I am stressing the details but mostly my sleep system. I think I will do the bivy, cheap reflective sleep pad and I have a nice 30 degree down bag.
A few questions:
1. Do most of the experienced riders bring a filter and if so what is a good brand?
2. Will one of the cheapo hardware tarps work for rain? I can't spend $200 plus on a tarp.
3. One Fenix ld20 light or two? I like to ride when it is dark.
4. Bike shoe recommendations? I ride shimano clipless pedals.
4. Bug spray or wipe recommendations?
5. Do people ever split rooms on the ride? I plan on getting one every 5th night or so. It would be nice if someone who is on your pace could help share this cost.

Also I booked a room with 2 double beds for Thursday June 7th in Banff. If anyone is interested in splitting it with me message me. I think I paid about $100 (US) for the room.

Hi Tortoise,

1) I think most use tablets or steripens to save weight.  I used a small Sawyer filter.  Others just camel up between drinking water sources.
2) Hardware tarps are heavy.  A lot of guys just plan on finding some sort of shelter, either man-made or the base of a nice thick fir tree.
3) It's dark from around 10 pm to 4 am depending on which side of a mountain you're on. Riding in the dark is usually slower.
4) no ideas
4a) Personal preference, but I would bring a lightweight headnet to prevent madness.
5) Lots of people split rooms if they end up at a motel at the same time.

Best of luck!

[the tortoise]

Thanks for the quick response!

I am looking at bivys and it seems like the main complaint is them getting wet inside due to condensation. Any suggestions?

Gracias.

[phil_rad]

I've good results from the Minimalist Bivy from REI, it's not the lightest or the most waterproof but you can't beat the price. as long as you don't sleep with your head inside the bivy you'll be allright; I did that a few times at first til I leaned. If things do get wet on the inside you can dry them out real quick on a break during the day; that's what I did a few times.

[Rob Colliver]

I know the tent/bivvi debate has raged for generations, but it is time to check out this beauty - I used one last year and still cannot find a better option. Apart from being silly lightweight, you can acually sleep in it!
http://www.moontrail.com/terra-nova-laser-photon-usa.php

[phil_rad]

It has and still will,
Sweet tent! Don't have to worry about the rain in that! Too heavy and bulky for divide racing IMO. Also very expensive.

[chainagent]

Hello Phil,

at this point I’ve to chime in. During my last year vacation in the states I bought my whole sleeping system for my 2013 TD attempt at moontrail. They have got a nice bonus system so I’ve got the sleeping pad (Therm-A-Rest NeoAir) nearly for free.
The tent is a Terra Nova Laser Competition 1, one version below the Laser Photon 1 (the high class top version). The difference between the two versions is the price, the weight and the material. In 2011 the Photon 1 was $150 more expensive than the Competition 1. Weight penalty is nearly 200g. This results from a cuben fiber laminat at the Photon 1. But that makes the tent also more vulnerable against sharp items. From the packed size the Laser Competition 1 and the Photon 1 have nearly the same dimensions.
If you remove the poles and strap them together with your custom frame bag at the top tube you’re able to compress the tent in a size of a non bulky fruit can.
Together with the Western Mountaineer Summerlite 180 sleeping bag my sleeping system scratches the 1900g (4,18lbs) marker. IMH not so bad. Of course this system is a little bit more on the comfort side and even with the discount from moontrail expensive. But if I’d bought the whole stuff here in Germany I had to pay nearly the double price. So from my side of view it was a bargain.

     Kind regards

     Michael

[phil_rad]

Michael,
It all comes down to compromises. In 2010 I had a super light weight Six Moons Designs Lunar Solo, Tent, pole and stakes tip the scales at just 1 KG. It fit nicely in my seat bag, my frames bags main compartment was reserved for a 3 ltr bladder, also had one in my back pack. Last year and this I went with a bivi; I don't need a backpack because of it, way better for your feet, hands and butt in the long run. But it's personal preferences, if you're more confident with tent then and it gets you down the trail, then by all means go for it. :-) 

Cheers!
Phil

[pgadola]

What time is the GD?  Sorry if I missed this somewhere. 

[BobM]

What time is the GD?  Sorry if I missed this somewhere. 

9am.  It used to be 10 but was changed to give more time for folks to make it to Sparwood.

[pgadola]

Thanks...I thought it would be even earlier. 

[Thumby]

It was 8 AM for 2011. 

[DenisVTT]

Yes, 8am in 2011. The NoBos wanted to start earlier than 9 because of the heat, and Matthew agreed to change everybody's (NoBos and Sobos) starting time to 8.

Personally, the earlier the better.

[pgadola]

I agree, the earlier the better.

[LenzMan]

Question - How many folks are using a backpack/camelback as part of their set up. I'm on the fence as to include one or not, currently (i'm a rookie) everything fits on the bike, but I don't honestly know if I'm forgetting something, will need more pack space in general, will need a lot more water.....
I just finished a 5-day with the no-backpack set up and survived comfortably, but it was 5 days, not 25..... any pearls of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

[woody]

Question - How many folks are using a backpack/camelback as part of their set up. I'm on the fence as to include one or not, currently (i'm a rookie) everything fits on the bike, but I don't honestly know if I'm forgetting something, will need more pack space in general, will need a lot more water.....
I just finished a 5-day with the no-backpack set up and survived comfortably, but it was 5 days, not 25..... any pearls of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

I'm with you - everything fits on the bike, but.....

I read on here somewhere about the "Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Daypack" so I got one and I'll pack it in the frame bag, but in case I need more space I'll use it.
This thing is super small when folded up.
http://www.seatosummit.com/products/display/86

Woody

[sthig]

woody - whoa, that thing looks awesome.  and priced well too!