If I Rode The Kokopelli Trail Again

The Kokopelli was only my third bikepacking trip, and first multiple night trip. What follows is a comparison of gear from my first trip and what I would bring If I Rode the Kokopelli Trail Again.

The trip was planned to optimize weather and route conditions. This meant I was able to leave certain items like rain gear and other items at home. I also cached water for the ride. The Kokopelli Trail lacks water sources and water caching is almost a must for most who attempt it.

To give you a better understand of the changes I’d make for next time, one needs to know my approach. The main goal would be to ride the route faster, sleep less, and bring less gear.

Hopefully this post, If I Rode The Kokopelli Trail Race Again will help others plan their own ride of the Kokopelli Trail and better their chances at a successful ride of the Kokopelli Trail.

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BIKE

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

Bike

Undecided

I no longer have the Rocky. I would use whatever I had.

Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt 790 MSL BC Edition

Fork

Undecided

Whatever was on the bike I had at the time.

Fox 34

Handlebars

Spank Oozy Trail Vibrocore

No Change.

OEM (Carbon)

HAB Bar Ends

None

Not enough HAB to justify them.

None

Grips

Ergon GS3

Great hand position options and they help with fatigued.

ODI Ruffin

Saddle

Brooks C17

Unmatched comfort for long days in the saddle.

SDG Bel Air

Wheels

Undecided

Whatever was on the bike I had at the time.

Stans ZTR Flow Tubeless Ready Rims on Stans 3.30 disc hubs

Generator Hub

SON 28 15 110 Generator Hub (boost)

Great output and bomb proof.

None

Tires

Maxxis Ardent EXO 27.5″ X 2.4″

No Change.

Maxxis Ardent EXO 27.5″ X 2.4″

Gearing

Undecided

Whatever was on the bike I had at the time.

46×32 SRAM

The Kokopelli Trail, with its short distance and rough desert terrain is the perfect route for a full suspension bike. One does not have to worry about limited storage space of a full suspension. A hardtail might save one from having to wear a pack but I’ll leave the choice of which type of bike up to you.

Which ever bike you go with, make sure it has a wide gear ratio to tackle the many steep climbs and also the fast flat sections. Wider tires will be your only friend in the Yellow Jacket section, which is a huge sand box. Large tires will also help with the roughness of the route.

If I rode the Kokopelli Trail again I would most likely use another full suspension.

Bags

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

Gas Tank

JPak Gas Tank

I had issues opening the double zipper of the Revelate while on the go, and if you forgot to close it, things fell out easily.

Revelate Gas Tank

Jerrycan

Defiant Jerrycan or a tool wrap under the down tube.

I broke the zipper on the Revelate and had to replace it.

Revelate Jerrycan

Handlebar Bag

Nothing or I’d use two feed bags.

If I could trim down my gear and eliminate it I would. The goal being to lighten the front end.

None

Harness/Sling

None

No Change.

None

Seat Bag

Get the smaller Terrapin.

The goal would be to force myself to carry less with a smaller seat bag.

Revelate Terrapin

Frame Bag

JPaks

If I rode my current bike, I would have JPaks make me a slightly wider one than my original to increase its volume.

None

Under Downtube

Something custom or buy

I would move my tools from the Jerrycan to this to get some weight lower.

Water Bottle

Backpack

None if possible.

Depends on the bike I use and how much gear I could store on the bike.

Camelbak Volt 13 LR

The less bags you have the less you can carry, thus less weight to slow you down. On the flip side one has to plan carefully and trust themselves that they have the ability to carry limited gear, and still be safe.

I chose to keep my bike light so I could more easily tackle the challenging route. I would do the same next time, but bring even less. No matter which bike I used I would try to get some of the gear onto the frame. Whether that was a small frame bag or handle bar bag, either one would help get it off my back and lower my center of gravity.

I would use a tool wrap, mounted under the down tube to also help get the weight lower. I could also then use the Jerry Can to store more food.

SLEEP SYSTEM

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

Shelter

Outdoor Research Helium Bivy

or nothing.

No Change.

Outdoor Research Helium Bivy

Sleeping Bag

Big Agnes Flume 30

or nothing,

A full sleeping bag is warmer.

Enlightened Equipment Enigma 30 Degree Quilt

Sleeping Pad

Thermarest 3/4 Z-Lite Sol (cut down)

or nothing.

No Change.

Thermarest 3/4 NeoAir

Pillow

Big Agnes AXL Air Pillow

or nothing.

This might not make the final cut, but I wanted to show I would consider using one.

N/A

If I rode the Kokopelli Trail again there’s a good chance I would do it in one big push. Assuming I did attempt to do the route without sleeping which is totally doable, I would bring the same set up. The previous set up was simple, easy to set up and tear down, light, and didn’t take up much space in my pack. The addition of a pillow would be the only change to the original kit.

Clothing Worn

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

Helmet

IXS Sport Trail EVO

Simply wanted the newest.

Giro

Sunglasses

Julbo Aerospeed Segment

I wasted time switching between lenses and the photochromic lenses would be great for the varying light conditions on the CTR.

Julbo Pipeline

Jersey

Outdoor Research Astroman L/S

More sun protection and the loose fit is cooler.

Castelli S/S Race Jersey

Shorts/Bibs

None

I would use boxer briefs and baggy shorts.

Castelli Bibs

Boxers

Ibex Woolies Boxer Balance Briefs

Better to keep things cool downstairs, and easier to go the bathroom.

N/A

Shorts

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts

Durable and they have stretch fabric.

N/A

Socks

FITS Light or Medium Hiker Cut ( 2 pr.)

Fit great and durable.

Ibex Hiker Crew

Shoes

Newest Pearl Izumi X-alps?

I have not figure out my next shoes yet.

Sidi Spiders

No Change.

No Change.

Fox

Transition Pieces

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

Rain Jacket

None

Plan to go during dry weather.

None

Rain Pants

None

Plan to go during dry weather.

None

Warm Gloves

None

No Change.

None

Base Layer

Ibex Balance Sleeveless

No Change or I might not bring at all since I’d bring a synthetic puffy that could be worn more than my down jacket.

Ibex Balance Sleeveless

Buff

Probably whatever I have at the time.

No Change.

None

Arm Warmer / Sunsleeves

Probably none if I had a long sleeve jersey.

If I didn’t wear a long sleeve shirt I would bring some OR ActiveIce Sun sleeves.

Castelli

Knee Warmers

uBRDO by Capo

No Change.

uBRDO by Capo

Vest

Generic cycling vest

Great piece to add some protection.

None

Long Sleeve Jersey

None

Castelli

Camp Clothes

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

Jacket

No Change

or nothing.

If I camped I’d use the same but I if I didn’t I wouldn’t bring a puffy.

Montbell UL Down Hoody

Hat

Outdoor Research Beanie

No Change.

Outdoor Research Beanie

Sleep Top

Ibex Woolies 1 L/S or Ibex Indy Hoodie

or none.

If I camped I’d use the same but I if I didn’t I wouldn’t bring a sleep clothes.

Ibex Woolies 1 L/S Striped

Sleep Bottoms

Ibex Woolies Boxer Balance Briefs

or none.

If I camped I’d use the same but I if I didn’t I wouldn’t bring a sleep clothes.

Ibex Woolies Boxer Brief

If you plan it right, the Kokopelli Trail can be all sunshine and some darkness. One doesn’t need a ton of clothing to be comfortable. Even if you don’t race the route and take it slow, one can afford to bring less if they time it correctly. Watch the forecast and go when there’s no chance of rain or extreme low/high temps.

As I would be going faster I would aim to carry less. If I rode the Kokopelli Trail again I would leave my sleep clothes and other camp clothes (puffy and hat) at home. My main concern would be protecting myself from the sun. With the goal of not camping, keeping warm wouldn’t be an issue as I wouldn’t be stationary much.

Hydration

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

Storage Bladder

MSR Dromedary 4L or Platypus Duthie AM 15

Depends on the bike. If hardtail then the dromedary, if FS then the Duthie.

Camelbak Volk 13 LR

Water Bottles

(2) 20 oz Water Bottles on forks?

Tool wrap would be on down tube. I’d use the bottles for straight water and the bladder for hydration mix.

20 oz Water Bottles – Down tube (1) and (1) under down tube

Filter

None

Cached water and what I could carry.

None

Drops

None

Extra weight I never used.

Aqua Mira

Staying hydrated is probably the biggest crux of the whole Kokopelli trail. Even in the spring there’s not much water to be found. You might find a few streams flowing in the La Sals but other than that, there’s no water.

Carrying capacity is a major concern. I would definitely cache water again at strategic places, thus limiting how much water I had to carry at one time. I would also be sure to use electrolytes and bring supplements with me. You’ll sweat a lot, and that means losing key nutrients that your body needs to keep going.

Health/First Aid

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

First Aid

Custom First Aid kit

Outside of crashing most all ailments can be remedy with my other items.

Small assortment of bandages and antiseptic creams

Pain Relief

Advil

No change.

Advil

Medicine

Tums

Tums would work faster than Imodium.

Imodium AD

Tape

K-tape

Useful for many injuries.

None

Sun Screen

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer

No Change.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer

Tweezers

One blunt end and one pointy.

Cactus

None

Lip Balm

Cherry flavored

No Change.

Cherry flavored

Oral Care

None

No change but adding a flosser.

Tooth brush & paste

Toiletries

Dude Wipes & hand sanitizer

No Change.

Dude Wipes & hand sanitizer

Vision

Disposable Contacts or get Lasik

Lasik would be the best option, but the daily wears are much better for my eyes than wearing normal contact for days on end like I did the first time.

Contact case / contact fluid

I’ve done quite well with my custom first aid kit. It’s super simple and small. K-tape has many uses and is a must for me these days. I would carry extra contacts and a small bottle of fluid next time. I got sun screen in my eye last time and the last 20+ miles were very uncomfortable.

TOOLS/REPAIR

Item

Brand

Reason

What I Used Last Time

Tubes

Super Light Latex Tubes

Save weight and space in frame pack.

Standard Tubes (1)

Patch Kit

Park Tool GP-2 glueless

No Change.

Park Tool GP-2 glueless

Tire Boots

Park Tool TB-2 (2)

Bring 2 instead of 1, they’re small and don’t add much weight.

Park Tool TB-2 (1)

Tire Plug

Innovations Tubeless Tire Repair Kit

It’s the desert, and there’s lots of sharp things.

None

Pump

Lezyne Pressure Drive (w/ Duck Tape)

No Change.

Lezyne Pressure Drive (w/ Duck Tape)

Co2

Innovations Airchuck Elite

No Change.

Innovations Airchuck Elite

Tire Sealant

3oz bottle of Orange Seal

No Change.

None

No Change.

Quick Link (2)

2 are better for making repairs.

SRAM 10 speed (1)

Chain Tool

None

Included in multi-tool.

Park Tools CT-5

Multi Tool

Pedro’s Rx Micro-20 Folding Multitool

It’s small, has the tools you need and has a useable chain tool built in.

Park Tools IB-3

Multi Tool

Leatherman Micra

I only have this for the knife. A single razor blade might be a simpler option as well.

None

Spare Derailleur Hanger

OEM

Small item but a must on a long ride.

None

Cleats

None

No Change

None

Cleat bolts

None

No Change

None

Tire Repair

Needle & Floss

Another small item that can save your ass.

None

Brake Pads

None

Check them at home, start with enough life you don’t need spares.

None

Rag / Brush

Larger rag / brush

I went through three chains and two cassettes, so I would clean my drivetrain better and more often.

Small scrap of rag / no brush.

Most of the changes to the my tool kit have to do with trimming the fat and ensuring success. I’ve learned a lot since my first go at the Kokopelli and letting a ripped side wall, broken chain or some other small mechanical end my ride is silly. One can prevent most mechanicals by riding smart but in the chance things do go south, I’d rather have the tools to get going again.

Most things added have to do with tires and ensuring they hold air. The desert has so many ways to ruin your tires. Best to have ways to fix any and all possibly.

Besides cutting extra unused tools from my kit, I would invest in a tool wrap, that would mount to the underside of my down tube. This would lower the bikes center of gravity.

Electronics

Brand

Reason

Item

What I Used Last Time

GPS

Oregon 600

No Change or possibly get a Etrex 32x (better battery life).

None

Personal Tracker

SPOT Gen3

Better battery life and they had a amazing deal to upgrade.

Spot Gen 2

Lighting System

KLite Bikepacker Ultra V2

Klite DUAL USB charger
KLite Bar switch / wire loom V2 smaller XT30 plugs
Generator Hub – SON 28 15 110 Generator Hub (boost)

More powerful, cleaner set up, and versatile.

None

Headlamp

Latest Petzl

They make the best lights and they’re rechargeable.

Petzl Reactive +

AAA Battery Pack

None

Wouldn’t be necessary with dynamo hub.

AAA battery pack for Reactive +

External Battery

None

Wouldn’t be necessary with dynamo hub.

Anker 5500 MaH

Phone/Camera/Navigation/Journal

Latest iPhone

One item to do multiple things. Great camera and battery, runs apps and easy to journal with.

Phone – iPhone 7 Plus

Charging Cord

Apple

No Change.

Apple

USB Block

None

Wouldn’t be necessary with dynamo hub.

None

Ear Buds

Apple wireless

One extra thing to charge which is a negative but an advantage not having to deal with a cord.

None

Cords

One to fit my Petzl.

No Change.

One to fit both external battery and Petzl.

Storage

SealLine ECase

No Change

None

The big change to my electronics is adding a dynamo hub to the mix. The dynamo hub eliminates the need for extra batteries and more. The Kokopelli Trail’s overall terrain is perfect for charging items from a dynamo hub.

Conclusion

For someone looking to do the Kokopelli Trail fast and light, I think the above kit is a solid one. It’s built on experience and reflect the trail confidence I’ve gained over my years of bikepacking.

With the above changes, experiences from my first go, and a better understanding of terrain I believe I can shave time off my previous ride without compromising too much comfort or my safety.

Hopefully this, If I Rode the Kokopelli Trail Again, post gave others some insight and helps them plan their own trip.

Lastly, be sure your own gear list reflects your own personal style and matches your confidence level. Do your own homework, do shakedown rides, and build your trail confidence before hitting the Kokopelli Trail. Good luck!

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