Wednesday 27 November 2013

How much is too much?

In the case of the Mongol Derby almost anything looks likely to be too much.  There's a limit of 5 kgs on what I'll be able to carry in my saddlebags so as I start thinking about what kit will get me across 1,000 kilometres of Mongolian wilderness I'll have to focus on weight and space.

 I'm going to try and spread the cost of the kit over the year and I also want to make sure it is well worn in, so I will think about and buy my kit in phases.  I am starting with cold weather kit to be tested skiing and on my cycle commute in London.
My list so far:
- down jacket 
- base layers
- sports bra
- sensible knickers (*sigh*)
- waterproof socks (I can't bear wet feet)

The days will be hot, hard and possibly wet; the nights will be cold.  What would you take?
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7 comments:

  1. S. Martini-Hansske30 November 2013 at 06:51

    Hello, I came across you blog by accident and have to say, I'm intrigued. As for what to take I can't offer any advice from personal experience but maybe you can find ideas on what worked and what not on the following website:
    http://www.thelongridersguild.com/Equipment.htm

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  2. Unknown30 November 2013 at 11:16

    Thanks! I'll definitely take a look. Off to try on down jackets now...! Still not quite sure what I've signed up to...

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  3. S. Martini-Hansske30 November 2013 at 12:47

    I kept thinking about your list. Is the 5kg limit including or besides food, water and basic first aid? A down jacket sounds all right but it's a bulky item that will fill your saddle bags rather quick. If you leave it out you will have to wrap it into something to protect it from elements or damage = adding more weight.

    I would look along the lines of ultra light fibers, teflon, self heating outdoor gear. Other things I would add:
    - sunglasses
    - hat
    - neckcloth: protects against cold, heat and sand
    - second pair of socks
    - pair of light camp shoes to get out of the boots

    I wouldn't wear boots but take a pair of comfortable trekking shoes and a pair of mini chaps. They will protect your legs but you can take them off should you have to walk longer distances (boots would add more weight on YOUR feet).

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    Replies
    1. Unknown30 November 2013 at 13:19

      This is really fantastic advice - thank you very much for taking the time to write it. I think the boots suggestion is particularly helpful. A down jacket is planned for the cold nights in Mongolia but very much dependent on how small I can pack it and whether I can pack it in a waterproof carrier. I'll keep you posted. I plan to have a second set of base layers kept waterproof to wear in the evening but I'm not sure I'll have space for a second pair of shoes. I *think* the 5kg is separate to water which I'll carry in a backpack and which should therefore come under the 85kg weight limit for rider fully clothed. Given the likelihood of a fall and horse disappearing into the horizon with my saddlebag, I also need to think about what I can carry on my person. A previous competitor broke a rib when he fell on his sun screen, kept in the front pocket of his photographer's jacket...! Do you have a twitter account I can follow, btw?

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    2. Unknown30 November 2013 at 13:23

      Added to the list of cold weather kit I can trial on my London bike commute and skiing in Austria...

      - sunglasses;
      - neckcloth; and
      - socks!

      Thanks S.Martini-Hansske!

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  4. S. Martini-Hansske30 November 2013 at 14:01

    depending on where you camp you could use slippers for camp shoes. Or even, if it stays dry, felt boots.
    I'm not on twitter but on facebook but I mostly write about our packgoats there. We're way behind on packing with the ponies but that's a project, too.

    To carry on your person:
    - water
    - small first aid kit (plaster, bandage, some blood stopper)
    - GPS or compass or something else you can signal with
    - knife (pocket knife is sufficient)
    - emergency ration, energy bars

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  5. Unknown1 December 2013 at 11:05

    Thank you again - I'm thinking of buying a photographer's jacket type thing to stash this sort of small item in. I've also been hunting around for tips and found this useful website: http://www.mongolia-travel-advice.com/what-to-pack.html

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