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It’s now officially less than one week until my departure date, and though I still have packing and shake down to do, I feel ready. In my previous update I outlined my itinerary, so as I enter the final stages of preparation I’d like to take a moment to introduce you to some of the gear I’ll be using for the trek.
Ridgemont Monty Hi Hiking Boots:
I’ve been sporting these boots for awhile now, and I’ve been quite pleased with them. Because most of the Great River Trail is paved, these casual hikers will be great for this trip.
Alps Mountaineering Lynx 1 Backpacking Tent:
Clarissa and I have a two-person backpacking tent, but I wanted to cut weight and size, so I picked up this solo backpacking tent while it was on sale.
Small and light are relative terms when it comes to backpacking gear; at 4.5 pounds, it’s heavier than what ultralight backpackers would prefer, but is the lightest tent I’ve ever owned. Of course, there’s only room for me, but that’s all I need. The rest of my gear can sleep outside.
Cotopaxi Taboche Backpack:
I knew I would need a new pack for this trip, and I wanted to make sure that it would also serve me well for future endeavors. So I chose this 55L Taboche from Cotopaxi, one of my favorite outfitters. It’s super comfortable, incredibly adjustable, weighs less than four and a half pounds, and has plenty of cargo space. I went with the vibrant red color, so I should be easy to see on the trail.
If you see me on the trail in this pack, I hope you’ll consider saying hi, or strolling with me for a few minutes to help pick up any litter we come across. If you’re interested in joining me for any leg of the journey, you can follow me on Twitter, Instagram, or check out my Facebook page where I’ll post regular updates about where I’m at and how I’m doing. I’d love to see you out there and have some company along the way.
If you’re unable to join me but still want to help out, I hope you’ll consider joining me in spirit and picking up litter on your own trail that day, or even in a nearby park or your own neighborhood. And don’t feel the need to wait until I’m on the trail! To help encourage people to join in, I’m hosting a giveaway on my Instagram account! Post a shot of yourself picking up some litter, or the spot that you’ve beautified, for a chance to win a $25 gift card for Cotopaxi. Make sure that you tag my username “@Intrepid_Daily” and be sure to use the hash tag “#GRTTrashTrek” so that I can see your entries. Remember, this giveaway is starting today, so post away!
I’d also like to mention that I’ll be returning to Paula Sands Live on Thursday June 23rd, to talk briefly about the Great River Trail Trash Trek. I hope you’ll tune in if you can, and I’ll be sure to post a link for those of you who would like to view but can’t watch live.
The beginning of the hike is right around the corner so keep your eyes peeled for me, and I hope to see some of you out there too!
Have a great trip, Wade!
Good luck, looking forward to following you around!
Wonderful..! Stay Safe..!
This was such a great idea! So carrying a tent that weight was manageable? That’s interesting. Like you, I’m a pretty big Cotopaxi fan so I opted into the Inti 2 tent Indiegogo fundraiser (https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/inti-2-the-world-s-most-versatile-tent–5/x/14362488#/ ).
Just filled out my survey earlier today. I’m so excited for it. The 2-person main tent is a pretty big 4.9 pounds, but the little alcove is 2lbs 8 oz. I loved the versatility of it. Hopefully, I’ll end up loving it in real life as much as I do in theory. 😉
I’ll be testing it out definitely at REI’s campout in Sandy Hook national park (which is conveniently right near me) this August. They are also hosting beach clean-ups the morning after. You might be interested! They are doing them at parks all over.
If it happens to ship in time I’m going to bring the whole tent to my trail maint crew, in case a group of 4 ladies happen to be interested in testing it with me (and splitting it up to carry). I’m already helping 2 women out by picking them up on the way (so I’m hoping to convince them). I’m super eager to try it. On the other hand, there is a good chance I won’t get it in time. Very slim window.
I really wanted to jump on that Indiegogo, but I’m between jobs at the moment, and since I’ve bought a lot of new gear this year I decided to hold off. It looks like a great tent, and I think the versatility will be amazing. Hopefully you can let me know.
I didn’t have any issue with the tent’s weight. I pulled out anything that could be left behind; extra stakes, guylines, repair patches, etc. My pack weight with all my gear, clothing, and food hit 26 pounds, and I felt very comfortable hauling that. Now when I started carrying extra garbage weight, it got a little uncomfortable, but that was from the stuff I picked up along the way. I would love to have a lighter tent, but it’s just not in the cards yet.
I hope that you’ll share tons of pictures and reviews of the Inti when you get to use it! And I’ll definitely have to look into those REI cleanups to see when they’re going on. Thanks for sharing with me!
Just wondering, how tall are you and how much do you weigh? Did you feel cramped in the Lynx 1? I’m 5’11” and about 190 pounds and I’m considering the purchase of this tent. Thanks!
Hi! I’m about 5’9″ and around 160 pounds. I left my pack in the vestibule outside of the tent and didn’t feel cramped at all. At 5’11” I don’t think you’ll have issues, but you could experience your sleeping bag making contact with the walls of the tent at your feet, which isn’t ideal. For the price, the Lynx is pretty great though. Where are you based? If you’re close to the QC, you could always check mine out before buying your own.