Originally Posted by
pacificcyclist
Wow that's great and good for you to treat your daughter to a trip like this! Looks like an awesome trip and great destinations. We'll be visiting NYC and the east cost this Sept, so looking forward to that!
As far as backpack is concerned, I like to pack light too. I'm sure you are a sound of wisdom' in terms of going with very little. When I experimented with the pack, I tried carrying it but gave it up. Just not comfortable. Then I tried strapping it to the rack and that worked better until I started climbing out of the saddle on hills. Laura Crawford and Russ Roca of Path less pedalled tour with a backpack strapped behind their Bromptons. I saw their contraptions in person in Portland when I met them at the PDX bike show -- very interesting, but you need a Brooks saddle.
You can actually pack less just knowing what you need. I usually carry 2 pairs of everything and just do laundry more often, plus I've been slowly buying functional quick drying and light clothing as seconds in the past years. I like Icebreaker stuff and the new Mountain Hardware down jacket that can pack into the size of a fist have been extremely handy for those cold nights that you need to keep warm. For internet, I use the phone and the Playbook for notes and journals and keep the iPad at home.
Really only need room for a few snacks, pair or two of undies, rain jacket, tubes. I tend to wear a pair of shorts that I can ride in, swim in, go to restaurant, etc. Most my stuff is dual or more purposed. We are going to do a few S24Os just so she can get an idea of what to expect and bring. Although I will miss camping I won't miss the prep and carrying of gear. I camp when motorcycle touring to save cash and be close to my bike and gear at night, but with over 100 hp it is not much of an issue. With my power measured in watts instead there is a diff!