tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post4347160105934957734..comments2024-03-21T03:56:28.972-06:00Comments on Jill Outside: Bikepacking gear considerationsJill Homerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983065990450931943noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-86302546731377136712015-05-14T14:07:24.500-06:002015-05-14T14:07:24.500-06:00You gotta be careful with the sawyer:
http://whco...You gotta be careful with the sawyer:<br /><br />http://whconference.unc.edu/files/2014/10/murray.pdf<br /><br />It seems like those filters *can* suffer from low lifespans. Here's sawyer's response:<br /><br />https://sawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Review-on-Tufts-University-Paper.pdf<br /><br />I don't think this should be an issue with occasional use, and one is well advised to diligently follow cleaning procedures ...Beathttp://www.beultra.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-18919055671968713162015-05-14T00:17:22.433-06:002015-05-14T00:17:22.433-06:00If you're sitting in an airplane seat on a lon...If you're sitting in an airplane seat on a long flight and your butt becomes uncomfortable, you shift your position a little, right? I don't see any difference in doing so on a bike. I'm not twisting myself away from pain; I'm avoiding little nagging discomforts, and they do go away. <br /><br />That's all I'm supporting here. What works for me. I haven't had a hint of lingering knee pain (besides my fall-induced tissue tears and wounds) in six years, when I was wracked with knee pain through most of my 20s. Something changed, and I think it's that I just became better conditioned to this type of movement, while also decreasing the repetitiveness of my motions. <br /><br />All the advice you give is correct, of course. But I think you're imagining this issue from the perspective of shorter-term, higher-power efforts, where I'm approaching the problems any repetitive motion can create during long durations of moderate to low-intensity spinning. Even the perfect form is going to feel uncomfortable after eight, nine, ten-plus hours. Pros who need to power through their most efficient efforts deal with it and then recover. Bike tourists are going to give up some power and efficiency by standing out o the saddle, throwing an arm behind their back, etc., to relieve a tight muscle or other issue. But they'll feel better at the end of the day and ready to go again the next. I do this with my feet (mostly to relieve pressure in my feet since my toes are so sensitive.) I'm sorry this offends you so. <br />Jill Homerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02983065990450931943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-53683369264673851852015-05-13T19:15:37.609-06:002015-05-13T19:15:37.609-06:00I don't care whether people don't prefer c...I don't care whether people don't prefer clipless, but I do care if they use physiologically unsound reasons for it :P<br /><br />Moving one's body into a disordered position to relieve overuse symptoms (say, pushing with heels on pedals without adjusting the rest of one's position which would require adjusting the entire bike, turning toes out, moving feet outwards or inwards, what have you) is a sure way to develop disordered movement patterns, apply damaging torque to joints, and generally create a host of other problems down the road. Overuse issues are resolvable only by rest and appropriate treatment. I see this in the weight room sometimes; it hurts to do a heavy lift properly because of an injury, so the lifter just jacks his form up to work around the pain and to complete the lift rather than coming down in weight and keeping good form, or to rest until he can work out again. He think he's avoiding injury because for that initial period of time, the lift doesn't hurt, but down the road he's going to be lost and sorry. So, that piece of advice made me cringe. Flat or clipless, pedaling form and appropriate bike setup is super important to avoid injuries. If pedaling hurts so much you've got to move into a disordered position, it's probably time to stop pedaling. Jill, Head Geargalhttp://www.geargals.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-8081443818102350382015-05-12T23:29:53.016-06:002015-05-12T23:29:53.016-06:00Thanks for the tips. I did spend the majority of n...Thanks for the tips. I did spend the majority of nights in hotels in 2009. I would prefer to do a run that was mostly camping — not only for the experience, but also because it's so much more time-efficient. Towns and hotels suck up a large amount of wasted time, and I'm not convinced the rest or recovery is any better — it's just more emotionally reassuring. I'm not sure I'll be brave enough to throw a bivy in the dirt every night, but I like to think I have that kind of mental fortitude in me. :) <br /><br />Jill Homerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02983065990450931943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-83890145657845536472015-05-12T12:41:25.877-06:002015-05-12T12:41:25.877-06:00My brother and I have used the Sawyer Squeeze filt...My brother and I have used the Sawyer Squeeze filter system for our high-Sierra backpacking trips for 3 years now w/ ZERO problems, and it's fantastically light...much better than the old pump system we used to carry.<br /><br />Just FYI, there are now at least 2 mfr's who make treated down sleeping bags (so if/when they get wet, the down doesn't clump and still keeps you warm). Mine is a Sierra Designs Zissou 23 w/ their proprietary "DriDown" (it's comfort rating is 34F, but supposedly good down to 23F), and it only weighs 2lbs...I've been down to 20F in mine once (I was pretty cold but survived). Don't know who the other mfr is (this was a few years ago since I got mine, likely others doing the same thing...check w/ REI...they'll know all this if/when you are interested in getting a new bag).<br /><br />I give you credit carrying a Thermarest...they are SOOOO heavy (bike-packing probably isn't quite as weight-critical as backpacking tho...sure you have to pedal it, but it's NOT all on your back). <br /><br />I'm just trying to think back to your last Tour Divide run (info that I got from your book)...don't recall you spending a lot of nights out on the trail, I seem to remember you getting to hotel rooms most nights...am I mis-remembering? But I gather this kit you are assembling is for general bike-packing, not specifically the 2015 TD, right?? <br /><br />Sure hope you decide to do it (the TD)...I'm stoked to follow you again...already have my Outlook set to give me reminders a few days out from the 2nd Friday in June. LOVE following that race...it just boggles my mind how hard it must be, especially 100% self-supported.Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10517087265569164625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-7121676076869373042015-05-11T19:00:19.015-06:002015-05-11T19:00:19.015-06:00Usually, you don't wash your gear when cowboy ...Usually, you don't wash your gear when cowboy camping — which is the reason I want to avoid using a chamois. A quick wipe with a wet wipe can take care of many issues with dirty clothing, except for the smell — which really is more other peoples' problem than yours. :P<br /><br />Everyone has their own thing. I would hate a hammock — I like the "security" of an enclosed space and can't be fussed with finding two trees close together to hang my shelter. On the other hand I don't mind sleeping on the ground. Jill Homerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02983065990450931943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-57250545373283942342015-05-11T17:58:09.059-06:002015-05-11T17:58:09.059-06:00What do you think about hammocks for California ra...What do you think about hammocks for California rain free trips? My preferred "sleep system" is a motel bed, but if needed, I can sleep suspended much better than on the ground. Another question I always think of when reading someone's gear list is: how do you wash your riding kit and dry it when camping outside? Hotel shower and good wringing in a towel takes care of that for me. Learned these skills from a GDR record holder...unless you carry multiple sets of course. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03059137901941493531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-31211555229382968322015-05-11T13:49:51.870-06:002015-05-11T13:49:51.870-06:00great list! love lists like this - so I don't...great list! love lists like this - so I don't have to trial and error things... <br /><br />jacAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-29847401977830918782015-05-10T08:47:09.462-06:002015-05-10T08:47:09.462-06:00Jill seems to like her Fenix BC20. It has an inter...Jill seems to like her Fenix BC20. It has an interesting beam pattern with one spot closer to the wheel and one farther away. She's backing it up with a Fenix headlamp as helmet light.<br /><br />The Bivy looks great btw. The pole (which adds 2 oz and is optional) really makes a difference, and it seems to be basically freestanding, just adding a fair bit of space above your head. It also has a bug screen which is awesome. Of course if you fully zip up a bivy there's no escaping condensation issues, and in a deluge it won't be as waterproof as a tent for sure. I used some eVent bivys but they're heavier and eVent has some durability issues, and noone makes them with the right mix of durability, weight and features IMO (there's one from MLD which is light indeed but uses a cuben floor which is prone to punctures and costs a whopping 360 bucks!!!). But really it takes you no time to set up a bivy ... Beathttp://www.beultra.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-46088218795975228662015-05-10T07:15:23.543-06:002015-05-10T07:15:23.543-06:00Love the NeoAir too-- although it crinkles a lot w...Love the NeoAir too-- although it crinkles a lot when you move around :) If you ever decide to go for a new sleeping bag, check out Sea to Summit's Spark series. Super small and lightweight-- the darn things stuffs to the size of a grapefruit and barely weighs a pound!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11655350930482947967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-89490861932259567712015-05-09T20:58:30.327-06:002015-05-09T20:58:30.327-06:00I'm in love with those Patagonia base layers a...I'm in love with those Patagonia base layers and my NeoAir too. I'm slowly upgrading my gear and it's so hard to decide what is worth replacing when everything still works fine but weighs a ton.Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01212228308225991239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-76600503762607178082015-05-09T05:47:23.524-06:002015-05-09T05:47:23.524-06:00Bivy!!! Ughhhh. I just can't do it. I can see ...Bivy!!! Ughhhh. I just can't do it. I can see where you would not want to mess with a tent and perhaps you can cowboy most of the time. Shelter is always my biggest dilemma. I thought I loved my trekking pole tent until a couple weekends ago in the Grand Canyon. The wind, the wind! I'm now back to my 1p Big Agnes but I resent carrying extra poles. Hope the squeeze works for you. There's the plunger thing to clean it, I rarely have to use it but if you think you will use it a lot it is worth carrying. If you carry smart water bottles there's a way to use the cap as a flush also, but I haven't done that. Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11166776565191771729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-15374532252725126632015-05-08T23:40:08.005-06:002015-05-08T23:40:08.005-06:00I notice you didn't mention your light yet? H...I notice you didn't mention your light yet? Have you made a decision on what type of light?Corrinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18079166369675219383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-82811683501991388802015-05-08T20:13:30.847-06:002015-05-08T20:13:30.847-06:00So does this mean we will see you in Banff...?So does this mean we will see you in Banff...?Flyboyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11304812333120293988noreply@blogger.com