BIKEPACKING GEAR: WHAT WORKED? WHAT FAILED?

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In this gear recap vid, I talk about what worked and what failed on 4 days of riding, climbing and raining at the Ochoco Overlander.

[@Shanecoffeyoutdoors]

During wet conditions like that. You should try to carry a small tarp with with. You can expand it over the the tent. It allows you to pack away a dry tent and put your tarp in the outside of your gear. You can use the tarp as a door mat to keep debris out if the tent during dry days. 🤷‍♂️ great follow up on the gear. It’s nice to see what works for you guys and what doesn’t.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Didn’t have room for a tarp with the bikepacking bags unfortunately.

[@davidcummings5826]

Nothing beats real world, type 2 fun fests. Even if one doesn’t have this gear, your report guides one in how to prepare for multiple days in wet, cold environs. And you’ve generated great dialog for more tips. Much appreciated!

[@connorfoster4409]

Idk how you put out so many videos! You’re killing it! I feel spoiled with how much content you put out in a single week! Keep it up! And keep the supple side down!

[@mitmon_8538]

Just for clarification - at 1:07, when you mention a Trek Checkpoint, the bike you're capturing is a Trek 920. I have a 920 and it's a great bikepacking rig.

[@nickcowley8757]

Was going to say that wasnt a checkpoint!

[@neilstoddart00001]

coming from wet scotland...i have found a well vented tent with a campstove to dry off works well. extreme care needs to be taken, dont leave it unattended !! yep they are difficult to fold flat when they are melted crisp!!

[@benyujr.6545]

You can put you stuff in dry bags/sacks before placing them in your handlebar bag. That way, you don't have to go thru all those contraptions when removing/reattaching the handlebar bag, just pull out your dry bags/sacks. Another pro for that is you get some organization and they can serve as extra containers when needed. Cons, they are extras... can add weight or just redundant items.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

The ONLY thing that fits in my hbar bag sausage is a sleeping bag. Maybe a pillow and a vest if I jam it in there.

[@benyujr.6545]

Now I'm confused. I was referring to what you said from 6:36 to 7:07. You did itemized a few items. If it was just your sleeping bag, it doesn't make a lot of sense to remove the whole handlebar bag. But I do admit that I am not familiar with that particular bag.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Ben Yu, Jr. when it’s been pissing freezing rain for three days and in the AM it’s nice to be able to leisurely stuff the sausage bag inside the comfort of a dry tent and not hurriedly shove it attached to the bike while it’s actively raining.

[@mherke]

Thanks for your gear review. Also, you may want to consider adding some wool clothes, which tend to do well in conditions like you experienced.

[@blainecroy5057]

I was hoping to do the trip but had a work conflict. Can't say I am sorry to have missed the rain. I did the Ochoco Gravel Roubaix this past summer. Beautiful part of the world.

[@shannonstrobel6727]

cycling hack/bodge: take several pair of neoprene gloves. Wear *over* your cycling gloves. The Hack: They trap heat without your hands getting sweaty from direct contact and are exceptionally water-proof. The Bodge: it is highly recommended taking several pair as they may tear/rip/shred under stress, but! (additional Hack!) weigh nil and pack anywhere you have a few square centimetres... works well in very wet conditions.

[@jamese8508]

30s and raining. Yeah that sucks. For those conditions I use neoprene gloves (from Endura). From mountain climbing I've learned that there is no such thing as keeping your hands dry. So you need something that is reasonably warm when wet. In my experience, when it comes to gloves Primaloft gets soaked, packs down, and loses warmth. Other than neoprene you might try a wool insulated glove, which stays "springier" when wet. Looks like an excellent trip! Thanks for documenting!

[@JosephDiaz]

As someone who commutes all year in all weather conditions, I've given up on the idea that there is such a thing as a "waterproof" glove. I've moved on to neoprene gloves. They eventually soak through but still keep you plenty warm.

[@davidcummings5826]

Precisely what I was thinking. Odd crossover here, but as a duck hunter, I came to appreciate neoprene gloves and could totally see their value on this situation. Kind of like how Jan Heine espouses wool for riding in the rain. Nothing keeps you dry, but wool will keep you warm.

[@SnootchieBootchies27]

Yup. Waterproof mitt, maybe, but never a glove.

[@H457ur]

Try the Dissent 133 glove system. It’s 3 layers and does really well in the rain - and the inner layers stay warm when wet (wool and silk). I’ve done 15 hours in the rain. I also use chemical warmers when it’s cold and wet.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Those sound nice!

[@sameoldcircus]

Just picked up a pair of the showers pass gloves and I'm surprised by them so far. Mind you I haven't put them through their paces in a cold wet day but as long as they do better than some of my other gloves I'll be happy

[@rogerkomula8057]

I have a HUGE microfiber towel. Big as a beach towel and squishes down to the size of a pair of socks. Dries fast and dries EVERYTHING. It weighs practically nothing. I think people's thinking about towels is still being influenced by cotton. Everyone is still going small. How luxurious it is to lie on my towel at the beach or dry the condensation off the inside of my tent.

[@CentristRN]

Good content. I like the wrap up videos. A fair assessment of the gloves. No single piece would survive that trip. My go-to for heavy rain is the Aerostich motorcycle rain cover. Small to pack and pull over regular gloves

[@davidbianic4350]

great idea

[@michaelbrettwilson]

Last week in Scotland I used plastic bags over wool gloves during a lot of rain at 5-8degc, not fashionable but effective.

[@jurjendraaijer4286]

I agree, I don't know what Salsa was thinking, putting a 38 chainring - First thing I did was swapping it for a 34, but I have a 32 on standby. I see on their website that hey are now selling the cutthroat with a 34 tooth chainring though

[@bfeltovi]

I agree the 38 is ridiculous for a bike that might have full gear loads strapped on. I put on a Wolf Tooth CAMO chainring and bought a couple of different sized rings. So far it seems like the 34 elliptical is a good size for me. I can spin up most climbs and if it gets too steep or too long there’s no shame in having a little walking break!

[@michaelbrettwilson]

I've got the 34t cutthroat but will change cassette from 11-42 to 11-46. On my mountain bike 32 x 11-46 with 27 1/2 tyres lets you climb anything, hoping to get close to the same climbing ability with 34t x 11-46 and 29" gravel bike but just a little higher top end speed for the paved downhills. For gravel/offroad downhills and flat sections 34t x 11-46 is faster than I'll ever be going. For faster downhill offroad you need suspension and for gravel biking I'm hoping not to see too much paved roads.

[@curtbrown7578]

This is very helpful. Fails and success both yield. Totally enjoy your lonely hard work!

[@davidbonn8740]

How you carry wet gear is a challenge for bikepacking and for general bike touring. My solution is to take a smallish mesh stuff sack that I can either tuck under the flap on the handlebar roll or strap onto the rear rack. The wet tarp, wet socks, and wet raingear fit nicely in the stuff sack. There isn't, unfortunately, any good solution that will let you stay dry if you are outside and active all day in the rain.

[@WanderABit]

Nice summary, thank you (I feel cold watching you both ride in that rain). After hearing your dilemma about the gearing I bless traditional 3x system (which I have), the only problem is to pick one up to your liking, but nothing as extreme as the choices "what will dominate -- uphills or flats" :-).

[@peppermintp2610]

I was soooo hoping you would do a video on this topic! You read my mind and pretty much addressed many of the questions I had about the gear, as I watched your SufferFest while attempting to stay warm and dry. I did notice that Laura appeared to be wearing a buff around her head and neck/under her helmet rather than a hooded jacket. I wondered how the buff (?) worked? Did she wish she had a hooded jacket for riding in the rain?

[@richardtodd5418]

Put a tarp up above ur tent between trees, keeps ur tent dry so u don’t pack it wet, & u can stand or cook under it, handy when u break camp, pack all ur gear have breakfast all under tarp

[@TeslaOsiris]

You should check out the Giro Timberwolf cycling helmet. Great for keeping the head and ears warm even when it's raining. I love mine.

[@JoshHerodOutdoorAdventures]

Love the insight on all the gear. Great video

[@texrgb]

Good info Russ

[@johncarman7182]

Was talking to my mate at the bike shop the other day and its interesting that with BPing bags so waterproof these days once your tent or kit gets wet it stays wet when stuffed in your waterproof bags..... and gets everything else in there all nasty. Be almost good to have mesh vent or something to open to allow a bit of drying if sun comes out. But guess its another seam and potential leak point when it rains. Just an issue with not easy fix

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

That's true, but just the nature of bikepacking packing where everything is crammed together, I don't know that mesh would do much.

[@blonder]

Soma Wolverine with a 32 front for a 1x11, 11-42, is good gearing and you can still motor on the flats, however, long downhills on pavement are a coast. With Wolftooth 11-49 or a Sunrace 11-46 the front could go to a 34 or 36 and give a bit more speed.

[@jeffkatzer]

Good info, Thanks. Russ what was the name of that handlebar water bottle bag that you reviewed a while back? Was that the same one that you used on this ride? I'm thinking of getting one.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Oveja Negra chuckbucket. Yeah it’s awesome!

[@thatguyonabicycleofconsurv3908]

Very on topic as always...

[@PMcKay00]

Australian Blundstones? Wow. Maybe they're not made just in Aus these days?

[@BahWeepGranahWeepNiniBong]

Good to see a Tassie company doing well hey.

[@steveb1972]

Great vid as always Russ. I was thinking of a smaller chainring for bike packing - got 36 at the moment with 11/42 on the back. What gears did you have in the back? Best wishes to Laura 😊

[@gignas1992]

There's a plan for my girlfriend and me to ride Torino-Nice rally this year, it's in Alps. My macho man's cassette is 42 and chainring is also 42t and i was thinking about 38t in front, probably i need to reconsider and go for 34-36 cause it's 700km and 20000feet of climbing 😀 as my experienced friend said about that event, a good half of day climbing and couple hours descending and thats for 7 days in a row 🙂

[@magnusmandel]

Did you get to do your ride, or did covid ruin it for you?

[@vickaiser]

What were the pedals you talked about?

[@michaeldennis1021]

Try the Montane extreme pertex mitt. Warm when wet through. Even Warmer with thin liner glove inside -5c' £40

[@jeffreybushaw7273]

How well did the Shock stop stem work with the handle bar bags weight? Great videos!!!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Worked awesome for the terrain.

[@ironman1518.]

Serious question please? WHY non-suspension/road/gravel type bikes? For lightness, to go faster on flat roads? Just curious. Thank you great video!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Less to break and maintain.

[@ironman1518.]

@@PathLessPedaledTV I see, but way less comfortable no?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Fred J. Not necessarily. Hence the bigger tires. It’s all a trade off and there’s no perfect bike which is part of the fun.

[@ironman1518.]

@@PathLessPedaledTV I am going back to many years ago watching the The Divide and everyone was on a mtn bike, most with suspension. Thank you!

[@mavver]

could you list pedals you are talking about?

[@BramEsposito]

Must be these: rideissi.com/pedals/stomp

[@pingpongballz5998]

Could you review redshifts seatpost lol

[@normanzielke6108]

Blunties??? Great shoes, but for biking?? I recommend FiveTen EPS for such conditions. They worked really well on the Sprengisandur in Iceland and the Saariselkä MTB in Finish Lapland.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

It is what I had with me.

[@bfeltovi]

I agree about flat pedals and walkable shoes/boots. My problem with biking in the rain is that water always gets in from the top, even with shoe covers, and then I slosh around. I like my Blundstones, but they’re pretty wide open at the top. In the video it looked like you had rain pants on. Did you wrap plastic or something over the tops of the boots to keep water from dripping in and collecting inside?

[@bfeltovi]

Also, have you guys come up with comfy, light, useful camp shoes?

[@petermitchell6993]

Thank you for the review. I have a couple of questions regarding the Cutthroat. What size frame do you ride? The "small" does not have a lot of room for a frame bag, limiting the amount of gear that the space can accommodate. Have you considered using a rear rack for additional storage space as opposed to the seat bag? Do you find having a seat bag complicates handling by having the weight higher on the bike? Have you considered using a front suspension fork. The 2019 Cutthroat Apex has an option with a 100 mm suspension fork that could further smooth out rough roads.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I'm 5'8 and the Medium works well. A little more room. I've considered a rear rack, but would rather keep this the rackless bikepacking bike. I'm not a fan of suspension forks on drop bar bikes and would rather get the suspension from supple tires :)

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

Ortlieb Large seat bag vs medium? Ref 52 size frame does the Large small frames??? Thanks in advance...

[@pibe10pelusa]

Hey, what Patagonia jacket did you guys pack? Thanks!

[@inkjob12]

Im going to a Salsa Test ride at a local bike shop this weekend...the Salsa truck is goi g to be there for rides...question. I, like you, have a ElMariachi, in size small. I want to get more into Bike Packing...but on my Mariachi its very hard to put on packing bags. The 29 wheels are so close to my seat that its almost impossible to put on a under seat bag. The frame basically has no room for a frame/top tube bag....the bike you used I know is a medium....any problems moving up to the medium. I like you am a ankle biter, 5ft 7in, . Im hoping they have some small sizes on the truck to try out. Im also looking at he Jones SWB. and Surley ECR...thanks

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

`Randy Cuffaro that is going to be tough and the reason why I want more 650b bikes!!!! If they have a small Timberjack I would check that out. But also, some bags are better for short people than others. I’ve had good luck with the Ortlieb ones. They tend to point the load up high.

[@mediumrick7667]

So a 32T chainring, but could you give a bit more info? - (cassette, derailleur, shifter). Thanks.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Apex 1x11. 11-42. Whatever was stock on the Cutthroat.

[@johnnyg2983]

Where do you get all your bikes??

[@gilbertcrespin5631]

Where can I get a supple t shirt?

[@michalk1975]

iam looking for light, small ,compact tent for 2 persons that i can carry on my bike any recommendation ? thank you

[@davidcj32]

I use the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2. Super light, has a lot of space which is useful since I'm 6ft. Don't get the UL1, it'll be super cramped and you want a little space for your gear. It's around 1kg.

[@michalk1975]

@@davidcj32 thank you for your advice

[@davidcj32]

@@michalk1975 no problem! In any case, any tent is good as long as you get out in your bike and enjoy the adventure ;)

[@xLITTLESIMBAx]

Trek 920, not the checkpoint, Love the content keep it up!

[@bikeprofessor815]

Great video--lots of useful info. But talking about the size of your chainring without mentioning your gearing on the cassette doesn't really tell us anything. So...?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

10-42.

[@michaelpayne8337]

30 years of riding what are the warmest winter cycling shoes? Blundstones. Not Lake winters shoes. Not Sidi winter shoes . Even those in combo with covers cannot compete. Secret favorite pants are equestrian brand Jomiluti. Very versatile.

[@chadbacusmo1337]

hi russ, just a question. are you a filipino? 😁

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yes.

[@chadbacusmo1337]

@@PathLessPedaledTV you have fans here in Cebu. me and my friend are following you on IG and youtube. 😁

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Awesome!

[@chadbacusmo1337]

@@PathLessPedaledTV we like the concept of your so called supple life. just like us Pinoys, chill-chill lang. 😊

[@kevindeaton5235]

Would you consider living in a simple, and small town of 30,000 people that has bike lanes?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

That's sort of where we like where we live now.

[@pedaldriven417]

Do you still own a Surly LHT?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

No. Sold them both.

[@breezyfuckinbabyy]

2019 Cutthroats are coming with 34t rings!

[@richardtodd5418]

Fail2plan …plan2fail

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

DeepSo...SoDeep

[@headshotkillz]

Pro tip, don't use a single wall tent. I've always wondered at the amount of actual touring experience behind this channel behind the gear wankery and now I know its just about nil.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Pro tip. Don't be a dick. Also the double rainbow is a favorite of many tourists. Some you may have heard of like Nicolas Carmen and Cass Gilbert.