It also allows . Bears on the Great Divide Trail. Solo riders especially (and their loved ones) will likely appreciate the peace of mind. Tires are a great way to improve the performance of your ride, but to have the best bike gear setup, you may need a few more items. Ive written about this little sanctuary many times before; it goes with me everywhere. Ascent to Tornado Pass. Note about reception: Dont expect to have connectivity on all (or even most) of the GDMBR. Pretty well. Saddle: Brooks B17 Short Carved. Rigs of the 2021 Tour Divide - BIKEPACKING.com Shoe covers: Not used, even though my feet did sometimes get cold in the rain. If you ride aggressive terrain and loose conditions, the WTB Vigilante is another great option to consider. The sections are arranged in the direction I rode, which is northbound (also referred to as NOBO). I prefer a tent over a tarp or bivy on long trips, because I like to close myself off from the world if Im camped in a public place like a campground or town park. Heavier tires with thicker sidewalls can be a little tougher with less pliable casings, while lighter and more flexible tires are slightly easier to handle. You can also use certain water compatible water bottles, but the syringe is light and works well. Ive pushed myself hard on enough prior trips and wanted time for more relaxation and type 1 fun this time around. This tire relies on its aggressive tread pattern to do most of the work, with well-supported shoulder lugs and a supportive yet supple Gravity Shield casing. http://twentynineinches.com/2008/06/04/wtb-'08-29er-tiresprowler-sl-29er-update-ii/. Superb, extremely comprehensive, very useful. My Great Divide Bikepacking Gear List: What Worked & What Didn't There are hundreds of post offices along the GDMBR. Power bank: 10,000 mAh Ainope, lightweight and quick-charging. Ways to expand your water capacity: buy disposable bottles; carry collapsible bottles or bladders, fill up the dirty bag from your water filter, and carry a small stuffable backpack to hold it all. A select few of the tires, mostly the Schwalbes and the Continentals, required the use of a powerful compressor to finally seat the bead on the rim's flanges.