Getting ready for an 8 day, 300 mi trip on the Empire State trail in upstate NY. Finally packed all my bags and I feel like I’m brining way too much!
Ortlieb 1: Clothes and Jackets
Ortlieb 2: Water bottles, toiletries, general items, tent
Frame: Tent poles and stakes, 2 tubes, repair tools, cable lock
Green bag: 20F sleeping bag, pad, parka
Detailed list of all the items I want to bring in the photos. A few items weren’t packed here but my 2nd Ortlieb has some extra space.
I had hoped to put the tent not in a bag and place it under or on top of the green bag. With the net I have on there it was too tight to fit the tent. Thoughts?
My sleeping bag is the bulkiest item but I sleep very cold and am anticipating the coldest night might be around 35F so I wanted something warmer. I do have a 20F down quilt that packs tiny but I just don’t trust that it’ll keep we warm, I usually use it at ~50F.
Do I need to bring a ski jacket parka? Probably not but it’s going to rain at least one day and be chilly at night. I get incredibly cranky if I’m cold so maybe I’m packing this out of fear. I do have a rain set and a fleece and a puffy packed too.
I’m bringing capacity for 3.5 L of water, is that too much? We’ll never be too far from a town so I can get rid of a 1.5L water bottle?
Do I need to bring a bear bag? Camping I always bring one but we’ll be either at campgrounds or warm showers so we probably don’t need one? In a pinch I could always hang up a tote or something.
I’ve got 3 days before heading out so I can still Amazon prime some stuff as needed. I was debating getting a handle bar bag for the tent? Or maybe two small fork bags to shift some things around?
by heyheyfifi
7 Comments
You will know when you get back. That is the beauty of the first trip
I can’t say anything about the need for a bear bag, but in general, I’d say you don’t need to worry at all. Just enjoy the trip! You’re doing this in such brisk weather the lofty bag and apparel you’re bringing is a necessity, not luxury.
Hiking, all the weight would be carried by your quads, glutes and calves, but people still enjoy hiking even with relatively heavy loads when the situation requires a lot of equipment + food. Riding a bike? The bike will carry the weight, all you have to do is bring it up to speed and take it up hills.
After the trip, you may want to check what worked for you and what didn’t.
Have fun!
Nah, like the other comment,you will figure out what u need and what extra weight you can dump, maybe upgrade a item , something ultra light..camp and ride safe everyone !
If everything fits im ur bags, you will learn what you need and what you dont need.
I did the ride a couple of years ago as my first big bikepacking trip too; you’re going to have a blast. First off, with regards to the parka, if you know you’re going to be miserable if you’re wet and this is your best option to be dry, absolutely bring it.
I think the first place to cut is clothes. You just sorta have to accept you’re going to be in goblin mode. If you can cut 4 shirts to 2 and make those merino wool, that’s great.
Never felt I needed a bear bag. It doesn’t get that remote. There will be many resupply points too thanks to that, but I would still keep the water. I like wearing a CamelBak, which really frees up bag space.
Finally, if you’re doing the whole thing from NY to Buffalo, I would recommend starting in Buffalo. If you’re doing the stretch to Albany, then it doesn’t really matter where you start.
Ps. If you’re in the city, hit up Eight Hour in Greenpoint. They are small shop but they can really help you dial in the setup.
Why do you have that plastic disc in your backwheel?
Definitely recommend a plan for storing food. Have lost nice panniers suspended between trees thanks to squirrels.
I use a watertight container inside a sturdy bag suspended by rope ideally between two trees… Darn pesky squirrels.