Originally Posted by
SparkyGA
- Carry a few smaller water bladders. It's easier to balance your weight that way. I loves the 4 litre MSR dromedary bag. Carry spare caps for the bags. Or just use PET bottles. Free with a purchase of your favourite beverage!
Yep
- Don't use 4 panniers unless you absolutely need 4 panniers. If you end up with the BOB trailer, put stuff that would have been in the front panniers in trailer. Saves a lot of weight (2+ kg). Rear rack bags are a good option as well for extra capacity without adding a bunch of weight.
Yep
- Invest in very good water bottle cages and don't be afraid to carry a spare. They love to break.
Pedaling Nowhere, an awesome bikepacking blog, uses the Lezyne Power Cage. I actually just ordered a couple. Apparently damn near indestructible- they survived 5000km in Africa and several other tours- on the same cage.
Smaller 22oz water bottles ought to put less stress on cages. The Specialized Purist bottles stay pretty clean.
- Go with a non inflating sleeping pad if your trip involves long periods of time in developing countries. Bulky, but hey, you want to carry a guitar.
Yep. I agree all around, for whatever my opinion is worth.
I don't know why I'm having so much fun in this thread, but I am. I'm excited for your trip.