Packing

No, I'm not packing for the trip already, but seeing how much I can fit into my bags.  Like I have said before, I want to travel extra-lite as I won't be camping, I am not going to need all the paraphernalia which goes with it.  I have a rough list of the stuff I want to take, or think I am going to need; see below:

Bike Bits:

Cleats, brand new on shoes, one packet back up

Multi tool

Pump with pressure gauge

2x spare inner tubes

1x spare tire

1x Puncture repair kit
Tire levers

1x spare brake pads

1x spare brake/gear cable

2x water bottles

New cycle computer

Lights

Spare spokes sized for your bike’s wheels - NO

Energy drink? - NO

Gels? - NO

Foods? - NO

Clothes:

Black gore text coat – needs new spray or covering put on to make waterproof again

Red Gore jacket, detachable sleeves

Helmet – new

Glasses

Bike shoes

Lycra kits – 4?  One to wear, 3 next day/wash

Cycling socks 4

Camping trousers/Shorts for town

Leggings

Fingerless gloves – new

Windproof gloves

HH skin tops

t-shirts x1, post some to locations

Pants socks

Fleece hat

Baseball cap?

Small trainer things, my Nikes J

Swim trunks

jumper - NO

Other bits:

Adventure Cycling Maps.

Compass

Mosquito spray later on

Dog spray – “Halt”

Iphone

iPod

Camera

Chargers

Adapters

first aid kit

Leatherman

Plastic emergency gloves

toiletries

sunscreen

Bog roll

Sanitizer spray

plane ticket

visa

wallet

passport

tickets

money

pen

Duct tape ??

bag

bag cover

bike box

One of my bags holds 22ltrs and the other is 35+8.  I filled up the smaller bag with spare cycling kit left over and none of the "other bits".  This weighed in at 10lbs.  Using the same kit, I filled up the larger bag to the brim without using the side compartments nor the top flap.  The problem here is that just that weighed in at 10.5lbs and I hadn't again, added all the "other bits".

I ride to work with a rucksack each day, but I have no idea what it is going to be like to be carrying on my back/shoulders, 10lbs every day for 4252miles!  I will have a small saddle bag such as the "Altura Trail Velcro Expanding Seatpack".  I've not seen how much this holds, and not found any reviews on what you can fit in, but I would say at least 2 inner tubes, tools, puncture repair kits and a Leatherman easily.  Price, about £14.  I would also need a handlebar bag for easy reading of the maps.  For this, I've quickly found the "Topeak DryBag Handlebar Bag", "Altura Orkney Bar Bag" and the "CarraDura handlebar bag".  They are priced around the £50 mark and hold 7.5ltr, 7ltr and 6ltr.  Just read some bad reviews on the Altura though, so would have to research all before buying.  So, I could lose 7ltrs from my back, whatever that would be in weight, so that's good. 

But why don't you use panniers like everyone else?  You could fit much more in and not have the weight on your back.  Well, (this sounds more redundant now what with the amounts of weight on my back), I want to enjoy the feel of the bike, taking the corners and downhill's at speed.  I love my bike and the way I can throw it around, rushing down hills at 45mph+.  Panniers wouldn't improve the look of the bike!  (oh dear!).  Perhaps I should not say any more on the matter as I can see what debate this could open up.  I've attached some pics of the bags I was testing and what I thought I should take with me, minus a few things I didn't have to hand.