hi, im a newbie to bicycle touring. I have used my 07 fuji touring for the last year as a commuter. not knowing much about touring when i made the purchase, i bought the bike because it seemed like the perfect commuter. anyways, i am super happy with the ride and fit. I recently went on a limb an incredibly stupid/ free spirited/ stubborn limb. and "loaded my bike up and headed out of the county (baltimore) and toward south carolina with two of my friends. we have all been riding bikes for a wile but mostly around the city just commuting on our fixed gears. well this time we decided to take a break from our lives and literally ride our bikes in one direction with absolutely no plans, minimum gear and money, and no experience. i had some food, a sleeping bag, pocket knife, spare tubes, bike tool, matches and candles. we camped out on the side of the road usually in some woods we made it to north carolina and we went home. although i could imagine so so so many things that i could have done to make my trip more enjoyable i still had the most amazing experience. well now i have decided to take up bike touring, but doing it in a bit more "safe" way.. i guess you could say. I have been reading through a few sites forums etc and have learned alot. but i am just wandering what you guys think should be my first purchases on upgrading my bike when it comes to parts and gear, brands etc? it seems so overwhelming, if you could understand that, i mean diving into a new hobbie, all the brands are just to confusing.
so i guess im just looking for some staright forward recomendations
-thanks a ton
-sam