On most of my fully contained tours, I've been able to keep the weight around 40 lbs. or less, so I've set the max this time at 50 lbs. If I were not familiar with the route, or the type of country, and had to carry most of my water, I would indeed, have to use a trailer. As it is, because it involves high country plateaus and follows large river canyons and long windy lakes, I have to have the appropriate clothing, although not as severe as when riding from Fairbanks south in June. I did ride with this same bike for over 1400 miles while carrying a total, including me, of 140 lbs. without even a flat tire, although it was on paved roads, some every rough with the dreaded tar patch cross strips.