Bob Marshall Wilderness Open 2019

[Mike M]

This is my 2019 Bob Marshall Wilderness Open gear list.  Heavier than I was originally planning for but conditions appear to be worsening for Saturday’s (5/25) start.  Larger pack, heavier shelter (vs Gatewood cape originally planned), more clothing, snowshoes, a rescue rope, etc have all added weight.

[Mike M]

quick summary post Open

literally 10 minutes before I was out the door on the way to the start, mailman showed up with a package- a tarptent aeon shelter, opened the box, read the instructions and quickly set it up- ditched the Ghost UL and threw in the Aeon :)- worked great

more snowshoeing than any past Open, the Shifts were definitely the ticket

more rain than any previous Open as well; wasn’t sure how well my UL rain gear would hold up- but both the jacket and pants were great- pants would have been handier with zips though

rain mitts were a godsend

for several years I’ve packed Hydroskin socks and thin liners, never used them- I’m damn glad I had them; my fear of hotspots and blisters were unfounded- my feet weren’t hot by any stretch, but clearly warmer than thick wool socks

Apex insulation in both quilt, hat and jacket were good calls- impossible for things to be bone dry and Apex simply works better in damp conditions

overall very happy with the gear choices

 

 

[Scott Emmens]

Just stumbled across this thanks to a search on “the Open”.

Thanks for sharing Mike M this is great intel!

[Mike M]

Looking at the list I’ve changed very little in the last three to four years for the Open.

I mentioned the Aeon Light above, still using it.

Rocking a SO Flight pack now- carries better, more volume and no heavier.

Stove is now a MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe- slightly heavier, but boils in a hurry (and better in the cold)

Mid-layers have changed to Kuiu Peloton 97’s top/bottom- warmer and a little lighter

 

[Scott Emmens]

Thanks for coming back to me!

More great intel.

I am very keen to try the Kuiu Peloton garments, the Toray fabric sounds fantastic.

Are you planning on taking part in the Open this year?

Thanks, Scott

[Mike M]

plan is yes :)

[Scott Emmens]

I am jealous, it’s a bit far to travel to from New Zealand unfortunately!

One day I might get back over for a wander/float around the Bob….

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