Originally Posted by
popscube
....Why then, when I see people traveling, their bikes look loaded?
Compared to backpacking, the bicycle has a huge mechanical advantage so it's much easier to take more luxuries. For example, if you add 10lbs to a 30lbs backpack, it will feel 33% heavier all the time. But 10lbs extra lbs on a 200lbs combined bike/gear total weight will only feel 5% heavier, and really only for ~third of the time (uphill and accelerating) - extra weight is negligible on constant velocity flats and downhill when wheels are bearing the weight.
If you can get ultra-light and compact enough @ <20lbs/30L, consider a bikepacking set-up (aerodynamic seat/frame/handlebar bag rig). Another neat/easy plug-and-play option is a hiking backpack on Burley Travoy trailer. Some reviewers say they handle better than single wheel trailers (eg, less tail wag while stand-up climbing) and it has a lot more off-bike options for wheeling/backpacking your gear with you while the bike is locked up, or hike everything to secluded wild camping spots, etc.