Adventure Advice from Adventure Experts

Some Bonus Material from my recent interview with Seth & Jody Furtney. Enjoy!

“That’s the thing about when you’re bikepacking. You’re like a bug. Everyone is curious about you and they want to come over and check you out.” Jody Furtney

Seth & Jody have enjoyed decades of remote adventures together. They’re quick to point out that they are constantly refining their backcountry systems and what works well for them, may not translate well for others. But it’s hard not to ask this accomplished duo to share a bit of trail wisdom with folks new to the sport of bikepacking. Here’s more from this accomplished pair in their own words:

What to Carry?

I [Jody] probably tackled that first tour of the TransAm with 40 lbs. in a Bob trailer. We’ve refined our kits to be lightweight, but not crazy lightweight. We see a lot of people that are going without. Going with no sleeping bag or no shelter. That doesn’t work for us. We want to go light but we want to be comfortable! For us, it’s about compromise. We weighed our base kits and they are 23 lbs. This is light but not crazy light.

What to Eat?

The smallest things are going to amaze you. Things you’d never eat at home. You can have Pad Thai and a peanut butter tortilla for breakfast and it’s absolutely amazing. Our most agreeable trail food is always GORP. It doesn’t sit in the stomach. It’s easily digestible. After a long day in the saddle, we also like cheese, soup and bread.

And don’t forget the lunchtime Snoozesta! If it’s sunny and it’s warm, we’re probably going to eat and lay around and snooze in the sun for a bit. It’s not a race pace for sure. You’ve got to digest!

Size, Specs and Species of your ride?

We both ride 26’ dual suspension carbon bikes from TREK.

Essential Bike Equipment?

Ergo grips with bar ends. Having the ability to shift your hands from horizontal to vertical is key when you’re on your bike all day.

Water Purification Method?

We use water drops.

Stove/Fuel Strategy?

We use an Iso-butane canister stove.

Essential Gear for Staying Alive?

A lightweight polypro balaclava is worth its weight in gold. It’s ridiculous how light they are compared to how effective they are. They can literally save your life.

Favorite Trail/bikepacking recommendations?

The Colorado Trail

Favorite CT Segment?

Jody- Indian Trail Ridge 

Seth- Cataract Ridge