Originally Posted by
walksomemore
Interesting thread. Almost exactly like twelve million threads over on Whiteblaze.net or Backpackinglight or Hammock forums. I am a long time backpacker and a developing (first long trip next month) tourer. My backpacking base weight is about 11 lbs - maybe 12.5 for winter camping in the mid-atlantic. - includes down quilt, shelter (yes, I DO use a Cuben tarp - as well as a large 10X11 or 8X10 silnylon, depending...), clothes, kitchen, personal hygiene. When I start a new backpacking section on Monday, I generally carry 6 days' food and 2 liters of water. I filter along the way. My loaded 'Monday weight' is about 21-23 lbs including backpack and 2L water. So it ain't magic.....
I expect people who come over from modern backpacking sites will be amazed at some of the stuff bike tourers still carry. Ultralight gear and approaches still haven't totally penetrated. However, with bike packing and adventure trips like "The Great Divide" a growing number of people are moving away from racks and panniers.