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| My Trek 920 loaded to roll. |
This was my first extended trip on my Trek 920, but with two weekend overnights and 2 years of commuting, it was not quite new gear. That being said, the 920 provided comfortable for day after day of riding, and I didn’t feel limited by the heavier 29er style wheels. The 920’s rough and gravel surface capabilities were really appreciated on fresh chip-n-seal and 10 miles of Michigan gravel roads. The 2x10 SRAM drive train handled grades of 13%, with a gear left over, and on the top end, I even enjoyed some 20 MPH+ stretches with tailwinds. I am already a fan of disc brakes, and they were an asset with the extra 30 pounds of gear. This is not a 25mph club ride bike, but I didn’t expect it to be. I am really looking forward to more miles and extended trips on the 920.
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| Pre-packing my Arkel panniers |
After the bike, my next biggest upgrade were new rear panniers to replace my Eclipse Transcontinentals that we have been using since the early ’80’s. For new rear panniers, I went with Arkel's T-42s. With a capacity of 2650 cubic inches, these are are not Arkel’s largest pannier, and they do not have the feature set of their top of the line T-54. They are just a very rugged, basic design with a main compartment complimented by 2 external zipper pockets, and 1 open topped, mesh pocket on the side. I really like Arkel’s Camlock mounting systems, which were 100% compatible with the 920’s standard Bontrager racks. The main compartment is a 3-sided zipper opening, and there is a hold open bar to shape the bag. These are now matched with a pair Arkel T-28 (1700 Cubic inch) panniers I picked up two years ago, which are used for front panniers and day trips.
Used as a set, the 4 available mesh pockets work great for stuff needed quickly on the road, like sunscreen, a hat, lock and cable, or for stashing stuff that comes off, like arm warmers or a wind vest. I use the zippered external pockets to organize small stuff I want secured but with easy access to during the day. I rarely open the main compartments during the day, except to add groceries. My Eclipse bags had served me well for over 30 years and thousand of miles, and expect nothing less from the Arkel bags.
All the next changes were small items, some for convenience, and some for something new.
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| The Aeros Pillow was a nice bit of comfort. |
Over the years, I have tried a handful of different camping pillows, along with sleeping on a stuff sack of clothing. So when my REI dividend came around last spring, I treated myself to a Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow. Aeros is the first of these option I would actually consider using as pillow at home. It inflates quickly with a clever check valve that self closes while inflating and opens fully for packing. The integrated soft, microfibre top cover is the nicest bit of comfort. In the morning it packs down into a small fist-sized stuff sack. The Aeros costs more than most inflatable pillows, but hey, that is what an REI dividend is for, and it was worth it. (Sea to Summit has updated the Aeros line since I picked mine up.)
Also from Sea to Summit, I purchased their X-Bowl and X-Cup collapsible dinner ware for this trip. These replaced some generic plastic dinner plates I had used for years. The X-Bowl served as a plate, bowl and even a light duty cutting board for preparing apple slices. The X-Cup was available for use as a drinking cup, and was the right size for my breakfast oatmeal. They are easy to clean, and both packed flat.
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| Sea to Summit X-Bowl and X-Cup |
I use stuff sacks to organize the items in my panniers, and this includes clothing packed in ziplock bags, or pre-packaged meals. To make it easier see what was in each bag, and since the contents were all water proof packaged, I replaced many of my older coated stuff sacks with mesh stuff sacks. Aside from a couple I already owned, I picked a couple of REI Co-op Mesh Stuff Sack, a 5 Liter and an 8 Liter. They feature a convenient one handed closure, and are great value. Being able to pick the item I wanted without emptying the entire bag made camp life a little easier.
And while I use household Ziploc freezer bags for clothing, I added an assortment of 4 LokSak waterproof bags. I already a pair each of their phone and 8x5 gear bag from ride swag (Thanks DALMAC!). The are much tougher than even household freezer bags, and feature a heavy duty double water proof closure. I used them for my shower kit, a mix of small electronics, including an iPad, and one for my iPhone. They last a least a couple of years of daily use, and will pick a few more before my next tour.
Another upgrade this year was Black Diamond Cosmo Headlamp, replacing my much older first generation LED headlamp. While I am carrying 2 bicycle headlamps, they are overkill when looking for stuff in the tent, and you can’t beat a headlamp for hands free in camp chores.
I also switched to a new microfiber camp towel from REI. It’s a much softer feel than my old cellulose based camp towel, and it drys fast and packs smaller. I also added a Matador Mini Pocket blanket, which came in handy as a table cloth for damp picnic tables.
The last thing I will mention here is a pair of NiteIze CamJam Snap Hooks, paired with 25 feet of 1/8 nylon cord. I used this for a clothes line each night, and they quickly adjust to almost any combination of trees and structures you are likely to find. It was much easier than trying my skill with knots. I also used a bright orange cord, which is less likely to be forgotten when packing up.
So that is quick review. i was really pleased with how everything worked. I need to write updated gear list this winter, and I might even write about the 4-5 things I will leave at home the next time.
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