Piece by piece we are getting our kits figured out. Well after a weak moment at the local REI sale I now have 2 sets of Ortleib Back Roller Classics. I just got a call today and also got my handlebar back in at the LBS so I'll have to stop by and get it as well...

Things are starting to shape up for our Section 4 Cascade tour next summer. While we don't have all the bags we need yet, this is a step up Next month we will be looking for a BoB/YaK trailer (I hope) as I REALLY want to make it into a kitchen on wheels Ya like my wife will let me get away with that

So much to get so little funds to get it all with lol isn't that always the problem

You'll need another small trailer to pull her vacuum cleaner too...

This is my setup with the BoB on it as well.I also have a 22t,32t,44t crank set to go up hills.If you pull as much as I do you will need low gears my 2 cent's.

Blimey. That's a lot of kit! Never mind going up hills, I'd be a bit frightened of going downhill with that kind of weight on board!

yeah i was thinking the same thing.It look's like a great set up but a bit over the top,
i can get everything i need into two rear ortlieb paniers ,i have just bought two front panniers just to even up the load ,but i honestly can say i wont be taking any more gear along.
i could understand (maybe) if you were touring in winter and you needed extra cloths,but if the weather is going to be fair ,why all them bags.
don't get me wrong folk's but i think you seriously need to check your packing list over.

You should get the front rollers also while there on sale they will never be this cheap again.
I am going to pick up my front rollers today at my local REI to go with the back classic rollers have fun and I can't wait to start touring if this weather ever clears up here on the east coast.

Remember it's mind over matter
if you don't mind it doesn't matter

For safety's sake, try not to exceed 300 lbs on the total weight of rig+rider+supplies+BoB+kitchen. Your brakes will thank you.

My load on my Surly LHT with the Bob is only 55 lb in all.Not bad.And it does go down hill good it just looks heavy but it's not.So who said they would not pull this has not done much touring.Wait until you need a few items then you will be glad you have what you have with you.Or I feel this way any how.My 2 cents on this.

That brings up a question that has been skipping across my brain (ouch), If I weigh 215 and my bike has a rear set and a trailer, am I going to have issues with my stock rear wheel on my Trek 7100?

We are still kicking around the trailer Idea, I have a suspention fork and have heard a rack up front could be a problem. But my wife doesn't want panniers up front on her bike that has the ability to take a rack... Add to the headache my daughter still hasn't decided if she's going to join us...

Well the LBS just opened so I have to run out and get my handlebar bag

I met a man traveling solo this summer who had 4 panniers and a trailer. Couldn't imagine how he could fill up all that space until I saw him take a whole roll of paper towel out of his bag.

I tell ya, you guys are making my knees hurt just reading about all this stuff....

I don't know anything about that wheel. However, fwiw, I'm 240, riding a stock Bike's Direct Windsor Tourist except for changing the crankset, pulling a 14lb trailer loaded at times with 50-60lbs of gear and food. I've also got lowrider front panniers loaded with about 15lbs of stuff - beneficial for handling. My overloaded handlebar bag probably weighs about 7-10lbs. The math may make no sense to weight-conscious people here but it's working for me on the Natchez Trace.

I should note that I deliberately set out to carry that near-capacity weight in the trailer for "1st tour with it testing purposes" and the Natchez Trace is a fairly easy ride (at least so far). The key has been proper gearing and shifting - something that is weight dependent, not where-the-load-is-carried dependent. As I get nearer to Tennesee, there should be a few more short, "steeper" bits and things might feel differently then.