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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2016

Kirk Baird

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Atacama Crossing (2016) blog posts from Kirk Baird

20 August 2016 12:21 pm (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

44 days left before the start of Atacama Crossing 2016.... Wow! Time is going by very quick now.

Comments: Total (3) comments

Mathieu Deliens

Posted On: 12 Sep 2016 09:34 am

How to trim your bag: Take only compulsory items. I only add the sleeping mat to isolate from the ground which is cold at night + a warm top to ensure I sleep well. Put everything in zip lock for the food so it is lighter and easier to pack. Just keep one Expedition food pack that you will use for the entire week to have your food. Trim the bags, clothes from all unnecessary features, such as etiquettes/labels, straps on your pack that are longer than needed. Extra food: that's personal, but I think you don't need much more than the minimum requirement. In Iceland, which was colder than Atacama, I had 16kcal/3.3kg. I have exactly the same now. Yes, I was a bit hungry but not that much, your body will get energy from your fat. I lost 4kg in Iceland as an example but I was feeling good all the way. With the mandatory items, you can get your bag at less than 8kg easily. Mine is 7.3 now/20L but I can still reduce a bit. If you lose a bit of weight in the weeks before the race, that will also help you. Let me know if you have more questions. Hong Kong is a great place to train with the slope, that will definitely help you.

Bruce Ferree

Posted On: 23 Aug 2016 01:33 am

I understand the heat but you're right, that should help with making the desert easier (I hope so too). I'm lucky enough to get a couple of weekends at altitude prior to leaving so that will also help. As for pack weight - I have not experience but am going minimalist with my pack, just what is required and hoping to leave a little room for extra food. If you have strings and "bungee's" on your pack that you don't use - remove them. Also cut your toothbrush in half. That will save just tidbits of weight but it all adds up. Use old shoelaces instead of straps to tie things on. Bundle food into a single zip-lock instead of several. Not major savings but it helps. Major savings come in having a light coat, sleeping bag and food. See you there.

Sam F

Posted On: 20 Aug 2016 03:27 am

Awesome work Kirk - sounds like your preparation is going well. We can't wait to see you competing!