Please post your basic equipment list!
[QUOTE=arctos]The idea that you can only go light weight comfortably for a few days does not fit my experience at all.
My base equipment weight of 15-18 pounds includes a warm bed, shelter with mosquito protection, rain protection, warm clothes for layering to meet all conditions from 10F and up, the ability to cook real food, a short wave radio for entertainment and information, camera, binoculars, bike maintenance and repair items, first aid items, H2O treatment, maps, guides and reading material. This setup has served me well from Alaska to South America from below sea level in Death Valley to 17000 feet in the Andes.
ARCTOS, as a touring newbie, I'd be very interested to see your packing list. I'm here to learn and I'm still making my initial equipment choices for 1 week excursions in 2007 and hopefully a full x-country ride in 2008.
Thanks!
Ken