Frankly, as you are touring is a first world region, there is probably no need to sweat the details that much -- whatever is missing can probably be purchased on the road, whatever is useless can be discarded or mailed back.
As weight is largely overrated, I would suggest that you want to err on the too-much-stuff side. You'll learn to get rid of unnecessary items in due time.
1. I would draw your attention to the
bear canister, though -- it is
mandated in several national parks. See
here to find out what REI has to say about this. Even if you were to avoid National Parks, you might want to ask yourself why the NPS requires bear-proof canister rather than merely throwing a bag over a branch (bears are good climbers).
I have some time to think about this one considering I won't need it in Utah. I'll probably end up getting one as I leave CO and can mail it home as I roll out of bear country.
2. You plan to pack flannel Ts and pants. If by flannel you actually mean brushed cotton, I would bet that you'll come to regret your decision.
Cotton is arguably one of the worst fabric for outdoor activities. (It weighs a ton once wet, and takes forever to dry). Synthetics or merino (I personally prefer the latter -- more comfortable and not as likely to smell (not so) funny).
I've cut the flannel shirt for being low weight to function. I've just checked and my long underwear is 60% cotton. Might be time to upgrade. Maybe I can get another base layer and double it up if things get really cold.
3. If you can figure a way to ride without a computer, you'll save weight and, more importantly, worry less about theft/damages (shocks, water, etc). A fairly
cheap tablet gets you a long way on the road to connected living.
I was looking into a tablet because the weight is so low. However, I would like to do a blog that includes photos and some short videos. This requires a decent amount of memory, RAM, and a SD Card reader. I'm looking into some really small options.
4. Some people like to navigate with the help of the sun and stars (and the occasional road sign). I can't help but rely on a
dedicated GPS. I would forget maps downloaded to a smartphone as a primary nav tool (unless you can positively recharge it every single day, or are comfortable with the occasional low-tech navigation). Bike GPS also has to be recharged every day, but if/when you run out of battery power, you still have your smartphone somewhere in your kit, and can use it in an emergency. (it means GPS + downloaded maps to your phone + tablet).
This is something I've been debating. I don't have a smart phone and don't plan and getting one anytime soon due to the cost. A GPS would be nice, but I'm worried it would just tell me to take the highway or something stupid like that. The plan so far is to use paper ACA and local maps. Any suggestions?
5. Somewhere among the comments, someone has suggested getting rid of the mug/bowl -- I would not. You want a pot/kettle to "cook" (boil water added to whatever you'll eat) and something else to drink tea or coffee. If you want to keep weight to an absolute minimum, look at the
seppou insulated titanium mugs. Will keep your luggage light, as well as your wallet
Me and you have different idea of light on the wallet. $54 for a mug is insane! I am thinking is going with just a plastic or Titanium mug that will fit in the stowaway pot.
have fun. should be great.
Thanks!