I think a packing list is a very personal thing, in that what I find indispensible, someone else would find easily dispensible. I refine my list after every tour, and I've found myself going back and forth on some things.

The key is to save weight when at all possible, while still bringing enough stuff to make the trip enjoyable.

Rather than put my whole list, I'll just put a few selections.

One tool I wouldn't leave home without is a Stein Hypercracker. It allows you to change spokes yourself on the cassette side of the rear wheel (where they always break first) and it doesn't weigh much or take up too much space. You can get them here. I also bring some real spare spokes. There's a braze-on for them on my LHT, but on my last bike I just zip-tied them to my left chainstay. Of course, for any spoke repair or wheel truing you also need a spoke wrench. My multi-tool has three sizes. It also has a chain tool, which I've never needed but a friend of mine did. His chain broke in the middle of nowhere. I guy riding by had a chain tool. He took out the broken link, re-attached the remaining chain, and my friend was able to pedal on, albeit with a few less gear choices.

This year I brought a pillow, and it added to my comfort immensely. On my first few tours I wadded extra clothes up in a stuff sack. It was a lumpy, hard, uncomfortable pillow. Last year I folded my fleece vest on top of my small towel. That was better. The folded flat cloth wasn't lumpy, and the fleece was relatively soft. This year I bought a small Thermarest pillow. When I put it on top of my folded towel it raised my head to the proper level. It's covered with fleece on one side so it's soft, and it's much more cushiony than any folded garment. It's also very light and folds up small. It's a keeper for sure.

I love coffee, so I bring a one-cup coffee funnel from Melitta. I also bring a plastic insulated coffee mug with a lid.

I have a fairly small Swiss Army Knife which I consider indispensable. I use the long blade as a sharp knife in the "kitchen" for slicing vegetables, meat, etc. I use the can opener as my only can opener. I use the screw drivers for various repairs. It's also handy to have a knife for cutting clothesline, loose handlebar tape, etc.

My stove burns unleaded gas. This allows me to refuel at any gas station. There are more gas stations on the road than any other service you can mention.

I bring CampSuds to wash my dishes. I also use it to wash my bicycling clothes. I buy travel-size bottles of shampoo, and when I stay in a motel I take the little bars of soap. I don't bring deodorant. Since I often have to go several days without a shower, and have to put on clothes I've already worn a couple of days, it's kind of pointless to try and smell good. (I usually tour alone )

I bring a small, light tablet and a pen. I write down mileages for my journal, shopping lists, notes to myself, etc. One of the things I write is addenda to my packing list for next time - what I brought that was great, what I brought that I didn't need, and what I wish I had brought.

I bring an MP3 player. I listen to it about half the time I'm riding (again, I usually ride alone so there's no one to talk to.) I don't listen to it on scary roads, or when I'm not in the mood. It's nice because it has a voice recorder, so I can record journal entries. It also has an FM radio, and occasionally that has been a great feature - usually in camp when I'm not moving. The reception isn't that great.