Mountain Goat or Sherpa?

[middleagecyclist]

When you go cycle-camping do you travel pared to the bone or packed to the hilt?

I know we all prepare depending on where and for how long we are going, but what is your general approach? What things must you have even if travelling light and what things do you not bother with even if you like to be prepared for every eventuality?

Me? I like to take a fair bit I suppose as I like my comforts and gadgets. I balance this though as I have good quality, light weight camping kit. One thing I don't bother with is a pair of binoculars (although I do take a dSLR and decent telephoto lens!).

Interested in what others do.

 

[vernon]

I weighed my kit on my return from my annual summer tour.

All in all the panniers and tent came to 16kg.

Lighter than I thought.

 

[chris-s]

My ten day camping tour in France came in at under 10 kilos including tent.

Chris

 

[middleagecyclist]

The weight thing is interesting. I have never bothered weighing my loaded panniers but now my curiosity is piqued. However, I am more intrigued by those things you must have despite the weight/bulk or will just not entertain carrying even if it is light/small.