OK so the 2020EC is behind us and I'm looking forward to next year. I wanted to share a few of my random thoughts and gear choices good/bad. Mind you, I'm on a SUP so my choices will likely be different from yours or may come more in line to what you have, who knows. So lets get started.
First thing is, a hammock while it may have it's plusses, isn't the right shelter for the EC. I carried it on 2 ECs and used it once and even then it didn't work well as I only had 1 good tree. Mangroves are not good anchors for a hammock. So, a simple backpacking tent is the way to go. A good ground cloth and a tent offers up a secluded shelter from the wind, rain and bugs. A tent also will be a tad bit warmer. For those that already pack a tent, good on you, this is geared to folks who may consider a hammock.
Along the the lines of shelters, and inflatable mattress is well worth its space and added weight. Also, don't skimp on a good sleeping bag. Your sleeping back doesn't have to be rated for arctic temps, but it needs to be your warm comfort area, the area that you recover from mild hypothermia. I'd rather be too warm than too cold. Last year I brought a bigger bulky sleeping bag and used it twice, both were very restful warm nights. This year I found a tiny packable warm weather sleeping bag, it worked on the 3 nights I used it but found myself at a temperature deficit to start the day. Not the end of the world for a SUP as we generate heat a lot quicker but not the most restful recharging sleep.
I bought a bug net for my head, basically a mesh bag but it worked well in Choko and an out island. I had it at the ready when I pulled up for a stop. couple that with "Bug Juice" and my Thermacell and bugs were not a problem at all.
My VHF radio. I kept it accessible this year. I used it to listen to the forecast and to break up the quiet (weird to want to do that)
My SPOT. It's been covered here before, but use it a lot before the race. Get into a habit of pressing the OK. Also, consider a small clear drybag with a desicant. I used it without one, and while I didn't have an issue, I did have something happen to is in the middle of Charlotte Harbor, but after turning it off/on it was fine.
Possibly the most important thing, off the water clothing. I didn't give this a whole lot of thought beforehand. But, my choices helped me stay in the fight. I suggest cothing that is comfortable and overkill. At the last minute I added my down jacket, it added very little weight or space but was glorious to put on in the wee hours of the night after the chill set in. Also, socks, not tight socks but homemade fleece socks. For me, my feet were wet all day and I needed to dry them and warm them. My fleece socks were heaven. (I'd pack 2 pair).
On the water clothes varied with the temp, time, exertion level. Again, on a SUP you become a heat machine so this is up to you. I started and ended the days with a thin drytop, during the day I would drop to a performance T with compression sleeves. A hat is a given, but a buff it key. I prefer my Simms buff. It's form fitting and has holes be my mouth. It's also thin so it doesn't build heat like a full Buff.
water storage and consumption. For me, dehydration is a concern and makes all the difference in the world so I force myself to hydrate. I chose to use my Nalgene bottle for my Tailwind (so I could see how much I was drinking), my camelback for water and 2 Hydrapak bladders. I also had 2 bladders packed away for a total capacity of 17L+.
Navigation. I used the TopSpot maps and my phone with the Navionics app. Even without signal it works fine, utilizing the internal GPS. I also used the basic Maps on my iphone for a quick peek on where I was. This worked great. I packed an additional phone, stripped down with just navionics on it as a back up. I also had a Garmin GPS that is now for sale since I don't use it no need it.
Portable power. I try to minimize the drain on my phone by turning off my WiFi and Bluetooth, if I'm away from signal I'll also put my phone in airplane mode if I don't need for Nav. But ultimately I have to charge up, so I use 3 GoalZero Venture 70s. They gave me plenty of recharge over the entire week. Last year I brought my solar panel, that I did use and was helpful, with the Venture 70s I didn't need it this year and left it.
Food. LoL, Pack whatever you think you'll eat and then reduce that by 70-80%. Like most, I came back with a ton of well traveled, smooshed food. I chose a breakfast shake to start the day, gu throughout the day, and tuna/salmon or granola for dinner. Most of the bars I packed are sitting in my pantry. Sure I burned 8-10K calories a day, and only ate ~3-4K, whatever. So add and ectra day but realize youre going to bring a lot of food home with you or dump it at check points.
Pack something to wipe your glasses. I rinsed my glasses with water and dealt with the water spots, but when I was able to wash and dry my glasses it was more than welcomed.
I'll come up with more ramblings soon. If you have other tidbits to offer feel free. Everyone is on a different vessel so what works for you guys letting the wind do the work it may not work for that poor bastard you just waved to as he/she trying to paddle into that wind. Heeheehee.
C-TJAM
