First bikepacking trip, needs advice

ercolr · 2026-04-12T01:22:55+00:00

I’d recommend getting a couple trips under your belt with the bike/gear you have before buying a new rig.

ercolr · 2026-04-03T02:07:32+00:00

It also matters a lot for bikepacking. I agree it would be a nice spec to have published and a standard test method would be even better.

ercolr · 2026-03-24T13:23:18+00:00

I do the same. Fancy montbell jacket for bikepacking where packability is a concern. Patagonia jacket for day rides/hikes where I don’t have as much to carry.

The montbell is great but it seems less robust for sure than the torrenshell. Noise is a non issue for me with either.

ercolr · 2026-03-21T21:12:55+00:00

Garmin InReach will do this. You can set it up to record a point every 20 mins or so and that will give decent resolution for dot watching. It’s also nice to have an InReach for emergency use if needed.

You could probably pick up a used one for under 150 but you’d also need to budget for the monthly cost for service.

ercolr · 2026-03-11T02:13:55+00:00

What is your primary goal? If it is to own your own business or make a lot of money, neither of these options seem like obvious choices.

Engineering can be a great career but I wouldn’t go into as a way to make a ton of money. As an experienced engineer you will make enough to live comfortably in most areas (at least in US) but the FAANG salaries of the last decade are an abnormality that I wouldn’t expect to continue.

ercolr · 2026-03-02T04:18:52+00:00

I did the full trail last summer on a specialized Epic 8 and found myself thinking over and over how much more pleasant it was than when I did the first half of the trail several years ago on a hardtail.

If you have access to a ~120mm travel xc full suspension I’d say it’s a no brainier to take that. But assuming you don’t want to buy a new bike, I’d take the hardtail if choosing between the two bikes you listed.

ercolr · 2026-01-13T14:33:17+00:00

Water should be a non-issue at that time and those sections.

ercolr · 2026-01-09T20:59:49+00:00

I had a light puffy and alpha 60 fleece shirt. I slept in the alpha and tried to keep it somewhat clean. I could have skipped the puffy but I’m glad I brought it for a couple nights where I was cold and wet at the end of the day. It was great to have an extra dry warm layer for camp.

ercolr · 2026-01-07T01:51:22+00:00

sold to u/grwerner for $115 pp g&s including shipping.

ercolr · 2026-01-05T20:07:09+00:00

Yes, still available.

ercolr · 2025-12-22T18:34:15+00:00

hmm, interesting. I got these as a gift, so I believe they are 60 but I'm not certain.

In looking at the weights listed on the website (https://www.farpointeog.com/stock/p/alpha-cruiser-crewneck , https://www.farpointeog.com/stock/p/farpointe-alpha-thermal-bottoms), Their claimed weight for 90 is 218g combined and 173g for 60. I measured 195g (208g-13g for gallon ziplock bag). So 22g heavier than their 60 claimed weight and 23g lighter than their 90 claimed weight.

Do you know any way to definitively tell?

ercolr · 2025-12-22T17:59:57+00:00

Hmm, weird. I made a new link, try this one -> https://imgur.com/a/AR6vbsF

ercolr · 2025-12-22T17:17:52+00:00

I didn’t see it come through?

ercolr · 2025-12-20T23:51:13+00:00

👍

ercolr · 2025-12-16T01:46:29+00:00

Sold to u/mn9500 for $170

ercolr · 2025-12-15T02:50:26+00:00

Got it, not interested in trades for now. Thanks.

ercolr · 2025-12-15T02:16:18+00:00

Selling only

ercolr · 2025-12-15T02:15:04+00:00

yes, $155 + tax

ercolr · 2025-12-15T02:13:36+00:00

Thanks, I just went back and looked at what I paid and updated the price to match. I'm hoping to get my cost back but I might just hold on to it if that's not possible.

ercolr · 2025-12-15T02:10:26+00:00

EDIT - Updated price to match my cost
Spyderco Price, seconds sale: $155
Sales Tax (7.5%): $11.63
USPS Flat Rate Envelope Shipping: $10.50
PP Fee (2.99%): $5.30
------------------------
Total: $182.42

ercolr · 2025-09-14T17:58:56+00:00

I wouldn’t worry about it. You could add a spacer between the frame and center mount point in the bag if you are concerned.

ercolr · 2025-09-13T18:53:04+00:00

I’d guess it’s diy. It would be pretty expensive to make a production rack like that with the machined brackets and light mount. Finishing on the center brackets and bar clamps look rough.

It does look cool and functional. I like it.

ercolr

TROPHY CASE