Originally Posted by
bradtx
...Determining gear is a good first step, but plan to add-on during the trip...
I'm not a Touring person but I talk to many passing through Bastrop Tx at the State Park. I was amused and impressed with a rider doing an 1800 mile ride who had a small trailer on his steel Trek. The trailer contained a huge padded sleeping bag that took up the whole trailer. When he saw me give it the eye he smiled and said, "...after the first three nights I gave up on my Snug Pack. I curl up in that big thing and all is well." Some things gather more importance as you go along. I have never done an 1800 mile ride and most likely never will, but I am sure I'll give sleeping gear comfort a high priority if I do.