I ride a Cannondale t400, a set of large rear panniers, a REI 1/2 Dome tent (3 season), sleeping bag rated to 25 degrees F. Instead of a handlebar bag I use a mini-cooler I found at K-Mart. If you go to my website, www.guidesforbetterliving.com click on "pepe's diary, u can c a similar set up I used last year riding through the mountains. This time I didn't use the front panniers. The things I would have done different are training more (riding with a load couple weeks before I left), and purchase a new seat (the saddle I have has seen plenty of miles and the cushion is worn out-Specialized with the grove in it).