Preparing for the expedition: Student retention, one kilometre at a time... in Gaspésie
Mathieu, founder of Mount Trailwill work more than 250 km across the Gaspé Peninsula from Sainte-Anne de Monts to Baie-des-Chaleurs to raise funds for the organization: Course Your Success. The mission of the organization is to promote school perseverance through running.
Fundraising link : Click here
It should be noted that the weight reduction and Mathieu's choices are drastic. We strongly advise against following his advice without more expertise in long treks (several months) or expeditions.
Physical preparation:
Mathieu did not have time to prepare physically. He trusted in its experience and his physical condition. He will adapt his first days to his physical condition, the conditions of the terrain and his feelings.
His experience allows him to undertake this challenge without physical preparation, but it is not recommended to do so !
Nights and sleeping bag:
Mathieu opted for a tarp - an unenclosed shelter. The advantage of this type of shelter is the reduction in weight, but the disadvantage is the wind that rushes in.
He also opted for a 3 seasonsleeping bag at -15° Celsius along with an R: 6 ground sheet. He made a down warmth add-on to gain a few degrees at the feet and hips.
He will sleep with all his clothes from the day, his gloves, his hat, his neck warmer. In order to gain a few degrees, he uses his breath in his sleeping bag without a hood, leaving a draft to reduce the risk of condensation. A technique that will keep him warm on nights below -30°C.
Food & Stove:
In order to reduce the weight of his backpack, Mathieu left without a stove. He will eat all his meals cold. A drastic strategy to reduce his weight. He also chose to eat the same meal every day.
Meals :
- · Oatmeal flakes (morning)
- · Trail mix and chocolate bar (snack and lunch)
- · Chinese soup mixed with mashed potato flakes (evening)
Delicious... !
Clothing and snowshoes :
Snowshoes
The founder of Mount Trail opted for wide and long expedition snowshoes in order to sink as little as possible into the snow.
Clothing
Here is the list:
- · Merino wool sweater and polyester sweater Run your Success
- · Waterproof jacket
- · Down jacket
- · Fleece
- · Toque
- · Neck warmer
- · Winter and racing gloves
- · Waterproof socks for walking and light socks for sleeping
- · Hiking pants
- ·Ultralight waterproof trousers
- · Merino wool tights
- · Underwear
- · Ski mask
Orientation and Pathways:
Mathieu gave himself the extra challenge of leaving without a map, compass or GPS. An additional difficulty in his challenge!
Good luck!
The Mount Trail Team
Mathieu Jourjon
Adventurer and Economist