I did it, gear is under 20lbs
02-27-07 | 07:06 PM
#51
totally louche
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i know from experience that a space blanket is NOT as comfy or cozy as a sleeping bag. it is manageable and bearable for overnight blitzes, but by no means warm or comfortable.
permanent juan, you've got some WACKY touring ideas, dude.
permanent juan, you've got some WACKY touring ideas, dude.
02-27-07 | 08:55 PM
#52
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Well yea if you compare a space blanket or thermos blanket to a sleeping bag the sleeping bag will be more comfortable. The sleeping bag may be warmer in that it is closed at your feet and doesn't allow a draft. I would not recommend a space blanket as your primary sleeping arrangements for a winter tour. In the summer I think a space blanket will do though. I slept in mine last night and was getting plenty hot. I'm sure when it's 80-90 degrees and then with humidity the space blanket will be more than enough.
But I still think the functionability of a heavy duty space blanket is enough for touring. I'm not sure if I'll take up my suggestion of only using a water bottle to spray yourself clean after you get the job done. :0
But I still think the functionability of a heavy duty space blanket is enough for touring. I'm not sure if I'll take up my suggestion of only using a water bottle to spray yourself clean after you get the job done. :0
02-27-07 | 10:24 PM
#53
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Originally Posted by Bekologist
permanent juan, you've got some WACKY touring ideas, dude.
02-27-07 | 10:47 PM
#54
Originally Posted by permanentjaun
I'll see what I can do. I'm still waiting for my bivy to come in the mail. I'm also not bringing a stove on my trek. I might save a few ounces or a pound since I won't need the can stove or alcohol. Call me crazy, but I'm also not going to bring a sleeping bag. I bought a 'heavy duty' solar blanket with grommets in the corners. I figure at night I'll fasten two ends of the blanket together to make me into a giant egg roll. I tried it out last night and it kept me plenty warm. Since I'll be touring from May-July I don't have to worry about 0 degree temperatures. My thoughts are the the bivy will be a nice wind breaker. Then since the bivy is much smaller than a tent my body heat will warm the air inside easier than in a tent. That coupled with the solar blanket should keep my plenty warm and still have a feeling of being wrapped in a blanket to keep my comfy.
I got this blanket, which weighs .87 lbs.
https://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/ta...Fresults%2Etam
They also have a sleeping blanket solar blanket that weighs .18 lbs, but I don't think it'd be able to survive for extended periods of time on a tour. That's why I got the 'heavier' blanket. It's not much lighter than a quality lightweight sleeping bag, but this also cost me a nice $12.00. Can't beat that.
I got this blanket, which weighs .87 lbs.
https://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/ta...Fresults%2Etam
They also have a sleeping blanket solar blanket that weighs .18 lbs, but I don't think it'd be able to survive for extended periods of time on a tour. That's why I got the 'heavier' blanket. It's not much lighter than a quality lightweight sleeping bag, but this also cost me a nice $12.00. Can't beat that.
Bivvys are also very cramped and you can't bring much of any other gear into them. And space blankets are often pretty noisy with every little movement you make.
For little, if any, extra weight, you can use a silnylon tarp that will provide lots of airflow and room for the rest of your gear. Unless you are touring through treeless areas, you can use dead treelimbs off the ground for support poles. A simple inner tent made from bug net will protect you from insects.
If you're really hardcore, there are some extremely lightweight tarps available made from spinnaker cloth.
Another alternative is to use a backpacking hammock. This works best in wooded areas in temps above 65 degrees. A bonus with the hammock is you don't need a sleeping pad, so you save even more weight. However, if you plan to camp at parks, it's best to check their policies. Some parks do not permit hammocks to be fastened to trees.
02-27-07 | 11:28 PM
#55
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Originally Posted by Shemp
You have no idea how anxious I am to follow his summer tour journal if and when it actually happens.
You may get more than you expect though. I think I found a solar charger for my cell phone for around 30-40 on ebay. I'm trying to find a way for that charger to also charge my digital camera. It might take just buying the car adapter to hook into it. Anyways, if I do that I plan on taking many pictures and video to edit into a nice long video. I haven't seen any personal tour videos online yet. I think it'd be fun for all to see.
02-27-07 | 11:37 PM
#56
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Yes I understand the poor ventilation problem. I was sweating a little last night when I slept with the space blanket. The bivy I bought has a rain fly which can be taken off to reveal a mosquito net top. So, protection from the bugs, a view of the night sky, and ventilation. I think it'll be fine.
I should note the space blanket I got is more of a tarp. It's thick and not the typical crinkly 1oz emergency blanket. Sure it's not quiet, but it's not that loud.
Since this thread is, and I will be on, a light load tour I won't have much gear to bring into the bivy. I'll put the food 50 feet away and shouldn't have much else to bring with me into the bivy. Perhaps I can use the pannier I bring in as a pillow if I keep the clothes on one side of it.
I thought of using a hammock, but decided not to since it would require trees and as you note some places don't allow them. Unless I spent a few hundred on a hennessy hammock I would need to bring a tarp and some sort of bug protection as well as the hammock. Using the bivy is simple enough; waterproof, bug protection, and can be used anywhere. Just my opinion. Matt
I should note the space blanket I got is more of a tarp. It's thick and not the typical crinkly 1oz emergency blanket. Sure it's not quiet, but it's not that loud.
Since this thread is, and I will be on, a light load tour I won't have much gear to bring into the bivy. I'll put the food 50 feet away and shouldn't have much else to bring with me into the bivy. Perhaps I can use the pannier I bring in as a pillow if I keep the clothes on one side of it.
I thought of using a hammock, but decided not to since it would require trees and as you note some places don't allow them. Unless I spent a few hundred on a hennessy hammock I would need to bring a tarp and some sort of bug protection as well as the hammock. Using the bivy is simple enough; waterproof, bug protection, and can be used anywhere. Just my opinion. Matt
02-27-07 | 11:43 PM
#57
totally louche
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From: A land that time forgot
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permanent juan, I wish you the best of luck on your touring adventures, but if i may speak for some of us that have been touring and outdoor enthusiasts for several decades,
we are intrigued, to say the least, at some of your planning for your trip.
but, best of luck. waking up wet and clammy in the morning in a waterproof space blanket night after night, blech. if you get anything out of multiple threads on touring or ultralite backpacking, some things work for a reason, and there are reasons other things don't work as well.
having said that, best of luck. i hope you continue to gather wisdom from this site and others before you depart on your trip.
might i suggest a short, 1 week shakedown trip before your big one, to see how it all works for you? at least, a 3 or 4 nighter? (you could even report back to the forum)
we are intrigued, to say the least, at some of your planning for your trip.
but, best of luck. waking up wet and clammy in the morning in a waterproof space blanket night after night, blech. if you get anything out of multiple threads on touring or ultralite backpacking, some things work for a reason, and there are reasons other things don't work as well.
having said that, best of luck. i hope you continue to gather wisdom from this site and others before you depart on your trip.
might i suggest a short, 1 week shakedown trip before your big one, to see how it all works for you? at least, a 3 or 4 nighter? (you could even report back to the forum)
02-27-07 | 11:55 PM
#58
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Sure I'll see what I can do. But for now can we not hijack this thread. Let's stick to lightweight touring discussions.
One question I have about the list on page 1 is about the microporous rainsuit. I've read a couple sites about it and it seems to not be very useful for touring considering the durability of the suit. Are there any better rainsuits that are lightweight, but might be able to stand a month long tour or longer?
One question I have about the list on page 1 is about the microporous rainsuit. I've read a couple sites about it and it seems to not be very useful for touring considering the durability of the suit. Are there any better rainsuits that are lightweight, but might be able to stand a month long tour or longer?
02-28-07 | 07:23 AM
#59
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Originally Posted by permanentjaun
Sure I'll see what I can do. But for now can we not hijack this thread. Let's stick to lightweight touring discussions.
One question I have about the list on page 1 is about the microporous rainsuit. I've read a couple sites about it and it seems to not be very useful for touring considering the durability of the suit. Are there any better rainsuits that are lightweight, but might be able to stand a month long tour or longer?
One question I have about the list on page 1 is about the microporous rainsuit. I've read a couple sites about it and it seems to not be very useful for touring considering the durability of the suit. Are there any better rainsuits that are lightweight, but might be able to stand a month long tour or longer?
02-28-07 | 07:50 AM
#60
Easily distracted...
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Originally Posted by permanentjaun
One question I have about the list on page 1 is about the microporous rainsuit. I've read a couple sites about it and it seems to not be very useful for touring considering the durability of the suit. Are there any better rainsuits that are lightweight, but might be able to stand a month long tour or longer?
The jacket that I'm using is a Rainshield O2. The material is very thin like Tyvek. I had concerns about durability but bought one at the start of last summer. It's been on several trips and lived in my saddle bag the rest of the time for commuting. I don't wear it continuously, just when it rains or gets unexpectedly cold. So far it's held up, but I've seen others patched up with tape. I'm not very worried about it's durability.
02-28-07 | 08:28 AM
#61
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Originally Posted by GTcommuter
Yes, thank you for directing the conversation back to light weight touring.
The jacket that I'm using is a Rainshield O2. The material is very thin like Tyvek. I had concerns about durability but bought one at the start of last summer. It's been on several trips and lived in my saddle bag the rest of the time for commuting. I don't wear it continuously, just when it rains or gets unexpectedly cold. So far it's held up, but I've seen others patched up with tape. I'm not very worried about it's durability.
The jacket that I'm using is a Rainshield O2. The material is very thin like Tyvek. I had concerns about durability but bought one at the start of last summer. It's been on several trips and lived in my saddle bag the rest of the time for commuting. I don't wear it continuously, just when it rains or gets unexpectedly cold. So far it's held up, but I've seen others patched up with tape. I'm not very worried about it's durability.
02-28-07 | 08:58 AM
#62
Originally Posted by GTcommuter
Yes, thank you for directing the conversation back to light weight touring.
The jacket that I'm using is a Rainshield O2. The material is very thin like Tyvek. I had concerns about durability but bought one at the start of last summer. It's been on several trips and lived in my saddle bag the rest of the time for commuting. I don't wear it continuously, just when it rains or gets unexpectedly cold. So far it's held up, but I've seen others patched up with tape. I'm not very worried about it's durability.
The jacket that I'm using is a Rainshield O2. The material is very thin like Tyvek. I had concerns about durability but bought one at the start of last summer. It's been on several trips and lived in my saddle bag the rest of the time for commuting. I don't wear it continuously, just when it rains or gets unexpectedly cold. So far it's held up, but I've seen others patched up with tape. I'm not very worried about it's durability.
02-28-07 | 09:01 AM
#63
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Originally Posted by Bekologist
i know from experience that a space blanket is NOT as comfy or cozy as a sleeping bag. it is manageable and bearable for overnight blitzes, but by no means warm or comfortable.
permanent juan, you've got some WACKY touring ideas, dude.
permanent juan, you've got some WACKY touring ideas, dude.
02-28-07 | 09:10 AM
#64
totally louche
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From: A land that time forgot
Bikes: the ever shifting stable loaded with comfortable road bikes and city and winter bikes
no gearlist; that was an overnight blitz across the cascades in September. about 220 miles as an overnight.
but it was emergency Bivy (the silver thing), silnylon tarp, 3/4 guidelite, trangia stove with tiny pot, down vest, hat, light nylon windbreaker, extra wool shirt, thin long johns, extra socks, windbreaker pants. the usual assorted small stuff. I used newspaper for insulation under my legs (dry weekend!) 2 compression stuffsacks, two backpacking side pockets (one on handlebars-works great! use them all the time on the 'bars)
I was stealth camping and have been using tarps since the 1970's on and off, I'm okay with tarps.
I have a kilo down bag (not on that trip), thinking of getting a western mountaineering one pound down bag.
but it was emergency Bivy (the silver thing), silnylon tarp, 3/4 guidelite, trangia stove with tiny pot, down vest, hat, light nylon windbreaker, extra wool shirt, thin long johns, extra socks, windbreaker pants. the usual assorted small stuff. I used newspaper for insulation under my legs (dry weekend!) 2 compression stuffsacks, two backpacking side pockets (one on handlebars-works great! use them all the time on the 'bars)
I was stealth camping and have been using tarps since the 1970's on and off, I'm okay with tarps.
I have a kilo down bag (not on that trip), thinking of getting a western mountaineering one pound down bag.
Last edited by Bekologist; 02-28-07 at 09:45 AM.
02-28-07 | 02:05 PM
#66
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Originally Posted by Bekologist
no gearlist; that was an overnight blitz across the cascades in September. about 220 miles as an overnight.
but it was emergency Bivy (the silver thing), silnylon tarp, 3/4 guidelite, trangia stove with tiny pot, down vest, hat, light nylon windbreaker, extra wool shirt, thin long johns, extra socks, windbreaker pants. the usual assorted small stuff. I used newspaper for insulation under my legs (dry weekend!) 2 compression stuffsacks, two backpacking side pockets (one on handlebars-works great! use them all the time on the 'bars)
I was stealth camping and have been using tarps since the 1970's on and off, I'm okay with tarps.
I have a kilo down bag (not on that trip), thinking of getting a western mountaineering one pound down bag.
but it was emergency Bivy (the silver thing), silnylon tarp, 3/4 guidelite, trangia stove with tiny pot, down vest, hat, light nylon windbreaker, extra wool shirt, thin long johns, extra socks, windbreaker pants. the usual assorted small stuff. I used newspaper for insulation under my legs (dry weekend!) 2 compression stuffsacks, two backpacking side pockets (one on handlebars-works great! use them all the time on the 'bars)
I was stealth camping and have been using tarps since the 1970's on and off, I'm okay with tarps.
I have a kilo down bag (not on that trip), thinking of getting a western mountaineering one pound down bag.
02-28-07 | 09:51 PM
#67
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Originally Posted by nun
My old rainsuit was a lightweight nylon one and I found that it stuck to my skin when it rained. The microporous suit feels like a Tyvek type material. I just got it a few weeks ago, so I haven't toured with it yet, but a quick test in the shower shows it to be waterproof and it doesn't cling as the water just beads and runs off it. You are right that its not super tough, but I think its would survive a few long tours. I'd think that it would be more of an issue for the backpacking comunity where there is more chance of snagging it while "bushwacking".
Anyone going to come up with a 10-15 lb gear list? I'd be really interested to hear what the absolute essentials are. Matt
03-01-07 | 12:09 AM
#68
totally louche
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From: A land that time forgot
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nun- yes, my kit was for an overnight blitz. it was about 12 pounds. i didn't bring a sleeping bag. just an emergency bivy and a down vest. I planned it that way. I seriously doubt a 'credit card' tourer is going to be sleeping under a tarp in a bivy with a down vest for insulation and newspapers under their feet for warmth!!!
i have the "blitz kit". and a lightweight kit. and a trad touring kit. and a winter, in the snow touring kit. sometimes I'll bring an aluminum folding chair. Sometimes i'll bring skis -and looking forward to this springs' ski&bike tour!
i usually use a bigger tarp, a light sleeping bag (I still need that one pound down bag!) and its still right around 20 pounds or so of gear.
I was not 'comparing' your setup to my overnight blitz kit- I posted a picture of using a space blanket for sleeping in, for permanent juans benefit-
you asked for a gear list and I gave you an abbreviated one.
i have the "blitz kit". and a lightweight kit. and a trad touring kit. and a winter, in the snow touring kit. sometimes I'll bring an aluminum folding chair. Sometimes i'll bring skis -and looking forward to this springs' ski&bike tour!
i usually use a bigger tarp, a light sleeping bag (I still need that one pound down bag!) and its still right around 20 pounds or so of gear.
I was not 'comparing' your setup to my overnight blitz kit- I posted a picture of using a space blanket for sleeping in, for permanent juans benefit-
you asked for a gear list and I gave you an abbreviated one.
Last edited by Bekologist; 03-01-07 at 12:20 AM.
03-01-07 | 02:17 PM
#70
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Originally Posted by Cave
Light rain gear - Montane probably has the lightest stuff. Not cheap, though.
03-02-07 | 10:25 AM
#71
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You guys should request a copy of sportsmanguide.com catalog or just visit their site. They have some pretty good deals on great products. For example they have full gore-tex suits for 40 bucks. They're used german military suits. Problem is they're camo so you'll need to put some high visability tape on them. I say that's not much of a problem considering you'd be getting a full gore-tex suit for 40 bucks. I'm still looking on the site but you may be able to get it cheaper. They sell the pants for 15 bucks and a jacket seperate for 20, so you could have a full suit for $35, but they wouldn't be matching. Anyone really care?
Gore-tex is light right?
Gore-tex is light right?
03-02-07 | 11:04 AM
#72
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Originally Posted by permanentjaun
You guys should request a copy of sportsmanguide.com catalog or just visit their site. They have some pretty good deals on great products. For example they have full gore-tex suits for 40 bucks. They're used german military suits. Problem is they're camo so you'll need to put some high visability tape on them. I say that's not much of a problem considering you'd be getting a full gore-tex suit for 40 bucks. I'm still looking on the site but you may be able to get it cheaper. They sell the pants for 15 bucks and a jacket seperate for 20, so you could have a full suit for $35, but they wouldn't be matching. Anyone really care?
Gore-tex is light right?
Gore-tex is light right?
I keep an eye out at sierra trading too. here are some sites I like for equipment
www.montbell.com
www.westernmountaineering.com
www.rei.com
www.jacksrbetter.com
www.tarptent.com
https://www.rayjardine.com/
www.montane.co.uk
www.smartwool.com
www.ibex.com
www.sierratradingpost.com
www.antigravitygear.com
www.golite.com
www.gossamergear.com
PS I'll take post a photo of my gear as soon as I find the cable for my camera
03-02-07 | 12:33 PM
#74
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Originally Posted by permanentjaun
What're you reading saying it's not much of a wonder fabric anymore? Is something new replacing it? Looking forward to the pics. Matt
03-02-07 | 08:57 PM
#75
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Here are some pictures of my bags and the gear. The total weight including the food
and 3 waterbottles (not shown) is 24.5lbs.
and 3 waterbottles (not shown) is 24.5lbs.
Last edited by nun; 03-02-07 at 09:07 PM.