Great photos and story.
Looking forward to the new maps.

Fizik Arione for me.

But no Divide experience for me yet.  Plenty of long days in the saddle though.

Good news.
Not much detail on her condition though??

Hoping for the best.

Not about bikepacking but it's good news for cyclists.

http://www.calbike.org/give-me-3-its-the-law/?utm_source=Main%20Contact%20List&utm_campaign=8a5a276cd3-CalBike_Report_September_30th9_29_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f7c54eb9ef-8a5a276cd3-335224261&mc_cid=8a5a276cd3&mc_eid=57a11b69ac

Scott also has a new "enduro" shoe or two with Vibram soles.

A lot of the enduro shoes would make great bikepacking shoes.

Giro, Five10, Teva, and others also have "gravity" or downhill shoes with SPDs now that would be nice for touring, but don't have a ton of tread for slippery surfaces.

Mostly I use these:
 

The great thing about those is you could hit the bowling alley after riding in them all day!  
Dual purpose is always good! :-)

Cool.
Good luck!

Been an Oakley guy for years. 
I think they're ridiculously over priced, but I've always managed to find a reasonable deal somewhere.

If you like XO-1.org
You might also like:
http://gravelgrindernews.com

If you are traveling where there are US Post offices, you can mail packages to yourself marked "General Delivery" and pick them up when you arrive.  I have done this backpacking before and it has worked well.

I picked a free membership a while back.
They're a great organization and I plan to PAY for a renewal when my current membership expires.

Great bump!
Thanks for finding this.

Wow, there lots of really good info in that, much gratitude for posting.

Steve

+1

Cool trip!
Thanks for sharing story.

Regarding frame protection...

http://www.amazon.com/ISC-Racerstape-com-Paint-surface-guard/dp/B000TPC7HU

It's a bit pricey but could be well worth it in the long run.

Nice work on the video.
Thanks for sharing it.

I've had good luck with the freezer bag cooking/rehydrating of dehydrated foods available in bulk at some stores.

I also look for foods that require as little fuel as possible to cook - like instant mashed potatoes, or cous cous.
Tuna or chicken packs add a little protein and flavor.  A little bit of seasoning, hot sauce and olive oil can go a long way to adding flavor as well.

Fair enough. But I think we just need to stop sharing false information about how much better clipless are, because they really aren't. I think it's crazy when I hear new touring cyclists get told they need clipless shoes. No one needs clipless shoes.

How much better clipless pedals are is relative to how hard one chooses to ride.  The more effort you put out, the greater to advantage is.  I don't believe this to be "false information" at all.

I switched from toe clips and straps to clipless pedals (for both mountain and road bike) in about 1987 and I have no regrets whatsoever.  I do use flats on my beach cruiser for riding down to the corner for a slice of pizza though.

But like I've said, I have no problems with those who prefer to use flat pedals, or any other gear choice that they feel is right for them.  Freedom of choice!

The power output is the same. Once you get used to flats there is hardly a longday efficiency loss at all. Plus the advantage of walking the bike and having one less breakable thing is really a bonus.

To each their own amigo.  I have no problems with you using whatever it is you like. 

But clipless pedals are used in virtually every type of competitive cycling, (with the exception of gravity) specifically because they are more efficient at transferring power from the rider to the bike. 

I don't understand the fascination of clipless, if bikepackers keep running into problems with clipless why don't they give them up?

Flat pedals + hiking shoes (or Five Tens) = Heaven.

The "fascination" is with the greater efficiency in comparison to flat pedals.  

Looks good.  And an honorable mention for you too!