blaise_f: +1 for the article you mention regarding ultralight touring. I read it earlier in the week after seeing a link to it on another site. The information is excellent.

I also agree whole heartedly with GPSBlake and Peterpan. I have done three tours in the past 15 months including a trip from Hong Kong to Shanghai on a $60 Walmart montain bike. The only trouble I've had has been very minor: a few broken pedals, replacing brake pads, new tyres and general wear-and-tear.

This site offers excellent advice but it would be easy for a new member to assume a tour is absolutely impossible without a Trek 520 or LHT with expensive, lightweight accessories; and specific brands of sleeping/cooking gear. That stuff is great down-the-track, but you don't need it as a touring novice to tour successfully, happily and in reasonable comfort. Part of me would love to rush out and get the brand names recommended online, but another part is enjoying figuring out what works well on-the-cheap and where I need to spend more. For instance, I am prepared to be a cheapskate with my tent, panniers and sleeping pad, but will be buying the best, lightest sleeping bag available (within reason) for my next trip.

All the best for your trip.