In this paper we demonstrate distributed Raman temperature sensing (RDTS) in a loop scheme employing anti-Stokes light intensity only. Using a single-channel receiver and anti-Stokes traces measured in loop configuration, we implement RDTS with inherent compensation of fiber wavelength-dependent losses, as well as local external perturbations. Experimental results show a signal-to-noise ratio enhancement with respect to a standard RDTS in loop configuration, providing a robust and reliable high-performance sensor for long sensing ranges. © 2011 Copyright Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).