Personal setups » My set-up and things learned…
by Mike Brown
A few notes: I use panniers and love them. Live with it.
Set-Up:
OMM Cold Springs Rack
Jannd Mountain Panniers
Small dry bag.
Gear in bags (approximate):
Cheap old 1″ Thermarest this will be my first upgrade for next trip- something smaller/lighter.
Western Mountaineering Highlite
1 midweight wool top
1 silkweight tights
Campor zip-off pants/shorts I liked this luxury item.
1 extra pair of socks
1 extra bike shorts
1 extra lightweight top
I’d live without these extras in a “race” but not a tour
1 novel, traded out when going through towns again, would leave at home in a race or not solo for 16 days
Alcholol stove and alchohol
small ti kettle
MSR coffeemate could have left this at home, but it was nice
coffee
small pirce of pack towel- about the size of dish cloth
toiletries -TP, Bronner’s, Tooth stuff, Contact lens stuff
Very minimal First aide- gauze, duct tape, Superglue, Benadryl, Aleve
Chaco’s – defintely could have left these at home, but I loved having them every day.
MSR Hiker filter
Food- up to 5 days worth, I promised my wife I’d always have 36 hours extra food just in case…
A few other small misc items…
Handlebar bag is an ANCIENT Trek bag I’ve had since I was 16 (36 now). Holds- Compass, map, hammock, rain fly. Hammock is Claytor Expedition, the best gear ever!
WIngnut pack on back- holds Sierra Designs jacket, food for the day and standard riding stuff, plus bladder. I don’t like carrying the weight on my back. This pack was never “stuffed”- and my back never hurt.
I am aware my set-up is “bigger” than most, but it worked great. I’ve noted what I’d get rid of if racing or with others. My only problem is when I’ve had to shoulder the bike across some serious water crossings, that’s a pain in the arse. Otherwise, descends awesome, handles great.
Bike is an Indy Fab Steel Deluxe 29er.
ScottM on 
Dylan on 
AmosIv on 
Preston on 
Jesse on 
Martin on 
Rod on
Nice setup. Nothing wrong with panniers. . . they work very well for getting weight/bulk onto the bike (and off the back). The main reason I don’t use them is just that they get in the way when hiking, especially on narrow / overgrown trail.
Looks like you have a good balance of weight and comfort here.
I swore by my Mountain Panniers for years and had a hard time giving them up. I think it depends on the trail they can be a major advantage on loose but ride-able terrain. With all of the weight on the back wheel you can stand and crank with out loosing traction. Then I met Scott and saw his set up and at least for the AZT the panniers and soon maybe even the rack will stay behind.
I also carry sandles I think they are well worth the weight for use in camp, creek crossings, around town, and even for riding when the feet just can’t take it any more as long as you are on a road streach you can ride in them.
Nice work dude! No need to suffer unless suffering is due. Non race situation dictates enjoyment and mega pictures to inspire others to get off their duff’s and get after it!
Panniers are great I swear by my Arkels I like panners because, well I have NEVER lost anything on the trail that was in the panniers. Nice setup.