RIDEALIVE 2017 Yatsugatake is almost upon us, starting tomorrow.
Actually, I, TAKA, pleaded to be allowed to join at the last minute because I wanted to participate so badly, so I’ve been frantically preparing over the last few days.
Like Monja-shi, I’m a complete beginner when it comes to mountaineering. My only experience climbing a high mountain is riding my bike all the way from Nagoya to the summit of Mt. Fuji.
On top of that, we are required to keep our hiking gear to a total weight of 4.5kg or less for RIDEALIVE 2017 Yatsugatake. I’ve always loved camp touring and have tried to choose the lightest gear possible, like tents and sleeping bags, but I have a tendency to want to do everything, so my bags are honestly always packed to the brim and quite heavy. I was panicking about how much I’d have to get creative to cut down on my gear. Still, Monja-shi’s 2,972g is just way too light, lol.
So, here is the gear I’ve prepared—a mix of carefully selected existing equipment, new purchases, and items borrowed from friends.
About the bicycle I'll be using-
For about 100km of forest roads, I chose the DOPPO/ATB without hesitation. I originally had drop bars on it, but being the greedy guy I am who wants to attack unpaved roads too, I’ve installed a flat Simworks/Get Around Bar (custom painted). I also chose MKS/Lambda pedals, assuming I might ride in sandals or trail shoes, and I’ll be using PorcelainRocket bags to carry all my gear. It’s reminded me once again that because fast-packing gear reduces weight and cuts down on excess items, it’s also well-suited for bike packing.
About my hiking gear-
Backpack – Welldone ChipBag 30L
Tent – BIGSKY Wisp1 /589g
Sleeping Bag – ZEROGRAM Tuolumne UL Sleeping Bag /480g
Rain Gear
OMM Aether Jacket /195g
MONT-BEL GORE Bike Pants /197g
Thermal Wear
OMM Rotor Vest /115g + OMM Sonic Smock /58g
Rapha Merino Base Layer + Ibex Woolies 1 Tights
Emergency Sheet – SOL Heat Sheet /71g
Cooker & Fuel
SOTO Micro Regulator Stove /73g
SOTO Power Gas 105 Triple Mix /207g
TOAKS Superlight Pots /72g
TOAKS Folding Fork /13.5g
Energy Food – Trail Butter /128g
Food – Ultra Lunch Vivration 80g x2
The total weight is 3.92kg. Since I didn’t have a lightweight, spacious backpack, I borrowed a ChipBag 30L from Inocchi at Welldone. It’s embarrassing to admit, but I couldn’t find my headlamp anywhere in my house, so I rented a Black Diamond one that Tomoyan from TMD uses for night running. Everything else is my own, but looking at it now, I have a lot of OMM items. OMM apparel is compact and functional, so I highly recommend it as it's easy to always keep tucked away in your bag.
I was worried about the weather, but it looks like it will be nice starting tomorrow.
There are still a few things I’m debating whether or not to pack, so I’ll write another report later.
Also, the details for the final chapter of RIDEALIVE 2017, Gifu BOKU NO HOSOMICHI, were uploaded today, so please stay tuned!