Expanding on your third question, I also ask whether the item has just one purpose and if so, can it be replaced with something which has multiple purposes.

For example, I rarely bring cycling jerseys on tours and instead I bring wicking T-shirts. Wicking T-shirts can be worn on the bicycle or off. They also don't have the weight of pockets and zippers. And I'll bring a long-sleeved merino wool top for the same reason ... it's lighter than a long-sleeved jersey and more versatile.

And instead of a soap for every purpose, I bring a small bottle of cheap shampoo. It works for dishes, laundry, and me.


In addition, I ask a fourth question ... can I buy this en route?

Shampoo is an example. I won't bring a huge bottle of shampoo because on all the tours I've done so far I have been able to buy shampoo along the way.

Same with food. I carry about a day's worth, two days max, because on all the tours I've done so far, I've never been more than 2 days away from some sort of food source. It has been tight a couple times, but so far not alarming enough to carry more than that. Although if I were going to a more remote area I would.

I've also bought clothing along the way if I felt chilly.

Unless you are going to a really remote area, you'll usually encounter shops at least once a day.