Originally Posted by
andrewclaus
Hah! Same thoughts here.
I switched from heavily loaded bike touring to heavily loaded trekking about 20 years ago, then lightened my load so I could do the long trails (trailname Garlic, AT'08, CDT'07, PCT'04). While hiking with a ten pound base load, I started wondering what bike touring would be like with that load. So I tried it a few years ago and I'll tell you, there's no comparison. When I encounter the conventional bike tourist with five packs and a pile of stuff on the rear rack, sometimes with a trailer too, we look at each other in wonder. My packed bike:
You may need a little more weight for the bike--a few more tools and spares, a lock, oil. I consider the bike a companion and I need to pack some stuff for my companion. I carry a little more clothing for wind protection on mountain pass descents--the 30+ mph wind chill while you're just sitting there very exposed can be nasty. The packs can weigh a little more since they're subject to more abrasion--leaning against things, road hazards, etc.
Bike touring is a little different from backpacking. An excerpt from my
journal: "
I spent some time pondering the differences between cycle touring and long-distance hiking. They are hard to compare, and personal styles can blur the differences. For instance, there were several days in a row on this trip where I stayed outside and did not buy any groceries, just eating out of my pack and camping--very similar to a hiking trip. During some portions of the AT I left the trail quite often for restaurant meals and hotel stays, spending a lot of money, as you would expect a cyclist to do. In general, I found it was easier to stay clean on the bike, to get a shower nearly every day, and to eat better. But it was more difficult to find a good place to camp. Skin problems on the feet got traded for skin problems elsewhere. I had to use more sunscreen on the bike. I think cycling is lower-impact on joints, but higher risk for major trauma. Hiking is very appealing in its simplicity, but riding a bicycle is pretty fun. As I said, lots to consider and no clear answer. I have enjoyed each equally as well and it would be impossible to choose a preference.
Andrew, that was an outstanding reply, and clearly summarizes what is bubbling just under the surface of my (somewhat warped by the '70's) mind as I try to draw parallel lines between the sports. I love to backpack and I love cycling as well. As a quasi-ul guy i revel in light weight and my ability to extend my fun through judicious selection of gear (and methodologies), spending not too much on weekend towns and pointless 'necessities'. And therein lies the issue - I, too believe in meticulous maintenance and contingency planning, so I figured I'd need a few extra lbs. on the bike trip - namely, an assortment of allen wrenches and a philips, along with a spare tire/tube and my beloved Finish Line lube, some wind / sun protection --- and, of course, some extra dead presidents to stay in motels as needed. But from a base view, it seems to me the base gear is similar and logistics for both sports can easily be transported over - for example, my quilt is 19 oz, my tarp or hammock less than that, I have wicking everything and breathable lightweight everything, a ul kitchen, all the toys for backpacking that can easily be morphed into a couple of decent-sized panniers and a handlebar bag.
I am concerned about the 'places to camp' part, though.... Even on the trail, I found it difficult at times to find anything to hang my hammock on, so 'going to ground' happened. But on a cycling trip, it may not be so simple as 'going to ground', since that 'ground' may be restricted-use. Guess we'll play that one by ear. Thanks!!! for the entry and reply! And GREAT KIT!!!
Here's my beast. I may lose the low riders and keep the mini rack.
