With my TE, I find myself looking to conserve in the packing department for two panniers and a rack pack. Have downsized my kitchen and my tent, but always looking for reasonable ideas to have room for extra food and water on long, empty route sections.

For those looking to do the same, this shelter site offers interesting options using 'cuben fabric.' Bit pricy, but ultralite and packable. Anybody had experience with this material?

Site sub posted in a Touring thread.

Wool resists odor build-up, even in hot, sweaty, weather. So if you have wool bike clothes, you can get away with bringing less outfits. I usually wear wool underwear, socks and t-shirt (optionally long sleeve top depending on weather), plus bring a spare pair of same. My shorts are a pair of Chrome knickers - they're made of some kind of artificial fiber (usually a source of stink!) but I think they're treated with something because they last really well. Never been accused of smelling on tour, but lots of people are amazed at how small my panniers are!

check out some of the ultalight hiking forums, i'd like a cuben shelter, or silnylon, but content myself with a very cheap light plastic tarp !
i do like to lighten up, whether hiking or biking !

Cost and cuben fabric transparency both major downers. Except for the true gram weenie. I'll be sticking with sylnylon, having modified the fly on my Eureka Spitfire 1 to a fly only pitch. That's light enough and packable enough for me.