Riding away from the crowds comes with its own rewards, mostly amazing, unadulterated singletrack with a taste of adventure. But you need to be ready if you plan on going after backcountry trails. Being equipped if something goes wrong could mean the difference between riding out with an interesting story, or not riding out at all. Digging into his 30+ years of adventure mountain biking, pro-photographer and adventure nut Dan Milner gives you the low-down on what you should have in your backpack on EVERY backcountry epic.
MENTIONS: @DanMilner @yeticycles
If i could i would as well...
And I am being serious now, does anyone actually carry Bear Spray, or is it just going to piss them off right before lunch??
I like the duct tape around the pump, except that the pump would snag on and stick to everthing in my pack as i pull it out/put it in (that's what she said). . Would rather just take the time to lay a section out about the length of a deck of cards and fold it over and over on itself so that I have a nice flat section that takes up no room. Basically, it looks like if you took a roll of duct tape and flattened it.
Last thing, medicated Chapstick. Lips and knuckles always chapped and cracked. Works great in place of triple antibiotic cream under a band-aid too.
Personally, I'd ditch the shock pump and just get a little schraeder right-angle fitting, like this:
www.amazon.com/Topeak-Pressure-Rite-Anti-Air-Loss-Connector/dp/B000FIAVKG
Your 'normal' pump can then at least get shocks up to about 80psi, enough to get you home etc.
And if you're riding at this time of year, it's really worth packing a proper front light - for obvious safety reasons, but also because you might just want to stay out longer than planned if the weather turns out nice ! And some, like Lupine have an SOS flashing mode.
Oh, and a marmotte snare.
Doesn't that mean you would then also need to carry a recipe, fire starter, and appropriate seasonings?? lol
PS: This might not fly in Canada, as I seem to recall that certain Marmottes are protected species here?
I had a shell once that didn't have a hood and had to walk out in an icy downpour and said I'd always carry a hooded one thereafter. I ride in it alot rather than excess clothes layering.
But I love to learn how others combat the elements.
I've said my "Dad" peice for today now....
LOL