Hi All,
I’m participating in an ultra distance cycling race next year and have decided to make a new sleep set up to service my needs. I’m essentially starting from scratch to match the demands of this type of event.
Some background and a brief.
Most riders in these races simply crawl into an SOL bivy on a park bench or on a public bathroom floor. However, I think for not much more weight and a whole lot more comfort I can make a set up that is superior.
Whilst I want to trim as much weight as feasible, pack size is of great concern on a bike. The race traverses the southern part of Australia’s desert and coast line as well as the Australian “alps”. It starts in March which means temperatures through the desert still go into the 40s celcius (100f) and through the alps there may be snow. I intend on staying in accommodation through the extremes, but would like to devise a system that will allow me to save some money and enhance the “epic adventure” aspect of the experience.
I have settled on a tarp and bivy set up with a synthetic quilt. On most nights that I choose to camp, I will simply use the bivy and add clothing and quilt to suit temperature needs. If it’s/ going to be raining I will pitch the tarp or get a room. I initially considered using a WPB bivy but the thought of getting into a bivy, already hot from riding, and trying to move that sweat through the bag doesn’t sound conducive to a good night’s rest. A tent is too heavy/ bulky/ expensive/ overkill and a tarp alone leaves me too susceptible to Australia’s friendly wildlife. I considered not taking a quilt but feel that it will just be a little too cool on some nights with just a synthetic puffy and leg warmers.
I have made plenty of my own gear before but need some crowdsourced wisdom with each of the items to make sure I get it right.
<span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>Tarp</span>: I’m thinking 5X8 flat tarp will suit my set up and not be too overkill (I’m 5’8″). I will use my bike and a single CF pole to make either an A frame or half mid pitch. I’d like to go with 0.51oz DCF for the weight. However, that dimension is difficult in DCF due to the roll width. Is it best to achieve this by buying 10′, cutting in half, and then bonding the two halves together, or do I need to buy 16′ of DCF, seam them together and then trim the sides? Alternatively, has anyone had experience with a 4.5′ wide tarp with a bivy (thereby meaning no centre/ridge seam)? What is the best way to bond these two together? ( yes I’ve read through many posts but I’m no closer to understanding the best method for a <span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>flat</span> tarp.)
<span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>Bivy</span>: I will use a polycro groundsheet underneath and 0.74oz or 0.51oz DCF for the floor. Because I will likely be riding right up until going to sleep I will generally be still sweating so the bivy top will have to be breathable and have a DWR enough to stand a bit of spray. A few pages back in the MYOG forum there was this very question. However, I’m not entirely sure what the outcome was. (https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/107822/ ). Is Argon67 still the best material for an UL bivy top?
<span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>Quilt</span>: I’ve made a few synthetic quilts, but feel APEX 3.6oz should work well for me. I’ve always done a zipper and drawstring footbox but would like to make a closed footbox this time. Does anyone have a link for a closed footbox pattern?
Thanks in advance for anyone who is able to lend some help.
