Kit Advice for Tour Divide

[Hummerlicious]

Hi Guys, I know there are a few on here who have done the Tour Divide, I'm hoping to do the route next year (not the race) with my son and was wondering what people have used on the tent and sleeping bag front?

I'm a cold sleeper so like to be warm, I was looking at Alpkit, would this be ok: https://www.alpkit.com/products/pipedream-300

I quite like the tents too, unless there is a better two man option that won't break the bank: https://www.alpkit.com/products/jaran-2

What are your thoughts please?

[GregMay]

Not raced. But was due to twice in the last two years...long boring story involving getting a job. Anyway...

Are you planning to start with the pack, or as an ITT?

Reason being - it'll get warmer as you go south...so you an post things back if they are too heavy.

FWIW - my plan has always been a very light bivi with a midge net and loop.

[Blackhound]

For the tent I used a Terra Nova which is about 700gms but only for one person. A tarp set up would have been only slightly lighter but as I was touring after the race I wanted a tent for privacy. Sleeping bag was a Western Mountaineering Summerlite that is lighter but much more costly than the Alpkit. (A lot cheaper when I bought it). The Alpkit spec looks ok to me but there must be some users on here.

Depends when you go - and which way - but leaving after the race means you should get better weather. Touring with Chew and 2 others in 2013 we saw very little rain and good trail conditions. It was also quite warm.

It is a lovely route to tour, you will both have a great time out there.

[Scattamah]

I used a Zpacks Solplex tent (500gms) and Zpacks -1C down quilt/bag (390gms) last year. Will be using the same kit this year. A touch more expensive than Alpkit, but IMHO worth every penny.

Greetz

S.

[Bearbonesnorm]

I've never done the TD*

I think one of the issues when choosing kit for the TD is the massive variation in temp / weather along the route, which may be compounded if you get a June like last year. The PD300 may or just as likely may not be warm enough given the spec. I'd probably consider the PD400 instead, as it's that bit warmer and gives you the option to vent it once things start to warm up.

The Jaran looks okay. There's lighter tents out there and there's cheaper tents out there too but if you're touring rather than racing, I think it's probably a good compromise.

[Hummerlicious]

Thanks for the replies guys, I'm thinking of starting a week before the race so I can see some racers passing, but it depends when my son's college finishes, I don't know the dates yet.

TBH I'd rather go with the PD400 if it means I'll stay warm! But as I've got to get one for Tom too, it's a big chunk of cash!

[Blackhound]

Tell Tom to get a Saturday job and he can buy his own PD400! Different in my day.......

[Hummerlicious]

Ha ha, he's got one already, but he's currently paying us back for his bike!