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Later this year I’m looking to change things up a bit. Instead of doing the usual point A to point B ride with little consideration as to the time or miles traveled. I’m looking at doing a ride where time and distance are a priority. Yes, it is a race, but one that has more of a focus on making new acquaintances, seeing the country from a bike while pushing miles. My question is, it’ll be a multi 2-4 day ride. Tent, time consuming, good weather, is it worth the time, weight and effort? This question has a lot of variables, but considering that fortune is smiling on us all things will be good! Thanks…

Tim Roberts

User Name Location

Posted in How to Pack
  • Jason Deyo

    Jason Deyo
    Member Since 2022
    0 Verified Score
    Oshawa, Canada

    If rain is the primary concern, while it's not suited to an actual race, a UL hammock/tarp/2oz Apex TQ/UQ combo can be quite good. It gets you up off the ground, which is quite nice when water is pooling. The "con" is just finding ideal trees (it's better suited to the east or north/west, obviously it's a no go south/west). I also find it easier to pack on the bike than a tent with poles. Although as Logan said, a 'mid with adjustable CF pole is pretty slick :)

  • Tim Roberts

    Tim Roberts
    Member Since 2023
    1 Verified Score
    Builder-level Member
    Fort Benton, United States

    Thanks guys! Your reasons were valid. Rain was the main the primary concern. Bugs didn’t really factor into my thinking. I have a Copper Spur Tent so it’s no big deal to pack. Thanks!

  • Logan Watts

    Logan Watts
    Member Since 2012
    49 Verified Score

    I always pack a tent for all the reasons Matt suggested, but I have the luxury of having several sub-2-pound dyneema tents, so that's a major benefit.

  • Matt Armstrong

    Matt Armstrong
    2 Verified Score
    Builder-level Member
    Port Townsend, United States

    Personal choice, with too many variables to come up with a definitive answer. Depends on how many bugs there are, and how much you want to avoid them. Depends on the chance of rain, and how much that will impact your trip if it happens (and how much you care if you must scratch if you're too wet and uncomfortable to continue, and how easy it is to do so). A tent also allows you to sleep warmer, and perhaps take a lighter sleeping bag, etc. Personally, I don't find a tend a high-effort item, but I also like to sleep without one as weather and bugs permit.

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