The Tubus Company makes a nice front rack for suspension forks,
by fitting to the fork crown, there still is active suspension, without hanging mass
off the sliders at the bottom ..

and put on a rear rack, say one made for discs [they need a bit more clearance around that mech]

and Go..

I see all sorts of bikes and riders headed down the coast, here..

the 'tour' is the journey not the equipment.

CGOAB is full of the kind of lists and such you seek.
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/?o=lt