The video clip below shows a gear preview for the Oregon Desert Trail (ODT) speed record attempt. My goal was to go as light and minimal as possible, while still guaranteeing some safety and comfort. Without decent nights of sleep, I won’t last for long.
It is unlikely that I will have to deal with prolonged periods of rain, yet rain itself is not unlikely. To minimize the risk of hypothermia, I’m carrying waterproof rain gear. The bivy bag is also waterproof and breathable. It’s definitely on the heavier side, but allows me to keep all my gear, including the pack, dry inside because it’s slightly bigger. Many of the lighter bivy’s are either only water-resistant or not breathable.
I will not carry a stove. That means no hot meals and drinks to warm up. Staying warm and dry during wet periods and at night will be a major challenge, even though my route leads through high deserts. Over the last couple of years, I’ve experienced several times surprisingly bad weather in the Steens and the Pueblo’s, ranging from torrential rains to thunderstorms, hail, and snow.
Protection from the sun is another challenge. There are long stretches that are very exposed without any shade or shelter. With the bivy bag and the poles, I can build a minimal shade structure in case I have to.
The nights can get very cold, but temps are unlikely to drop below freezing point at this time of the year.
Direct YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ura5rAp-RYc
Leave-no-Trace
The challenge will be completed by following strict leave-no-trace ethics. In order to reduce landfill waste, all trash will be recycled. In particular, gel and energy bar wrappers will be recycled by TerraCycle.The buried cache bins will serve as temporary trash bins during the adventure. They will all be retrieved after the adventure.
Support and Acknowledgments
This speed record attempt is supported by La Sportiva and Tailwind Nutrition. Trackleaders is providing the real-time tracking.
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