Crossing East Texas and Arkansas in the second half of June in '16 I arrived at a ratio of ~10 miles per 24oz water bottle and I had four, so I was carrying 40 miles of water which weighed 6 pounds. Would possibly need more than that out West.


Four Ortleib panniers, a surprisingly heavy 15lbs, but they last forever.


Bike weighs 33 pounds with front and rear racks.


Plus 20 pounds of tools pump, folding tire, camping stuff clothes etc.

Adds up to ~75 lbs.


Riding west in summer would mean going against prevailing winds during the hottest and driest time of year, all the while facing the afternoon sun. Sixty miles between accessible water is possible in some places.


So add two gallons (16lbs) water insurance ~90 pounds.


Maybe I'm a pessimist or a worrier, but hey I was a Boy Scout...... "Be Prepared"