I normally don't weigh my gear but a few weeks ago when we were touring down south I did because it seemed that I was bringing everything but the kitchen sink, I packed a lot more clothes than normal as it was still chilly down there and we were going to be doing a lot of cooking at camp since the area was not well populated. My 4 panniers and rear bag along with their contents came in at almost 30 lbs with food but no water, So I guess that is my "common practice"