That is a good shop. I knew Stuart and Tim for a long time before I came out here...

Definitely good people at Maplewood. Have been very helpful. I just got in to wheel building and they have very graciously answered all of my insistent questions and laughed with me when I didn't cross the spokes over correctly and had to take the wheel all apart and start over - LOL   

For the sleeping bag I was just going with what I had and was familiar with. The historical hi/lo temps for April were 91/26 so I was somewhat worried about it getting colder than I was ready for. The thunderstorms and tornadoes have delayed my April plans so I'll probably easily be able to lose the 20 degree bag now. I went with racks and panniers because of the videos of the guys on OMM's websites riding down the mountain with all the bags, just looked awesome to me. The first time I loaded the bags I needed some ballast and found out I could fit a case of fat tire in the rears, then I rode to the shop, which of course made me popular. I am already planning to in the least lose the front bags for this first trip, so I am sure my setup will look more and more like some of the others on here eventually.

At least I've got the Ozark trail - 300+ miles long and with many miles bikes are allowed on, including the western half of the Berryman trail. Most of it goes through Mark Twain National forest so camping is easy. Eventually I'd like to try to ride all of it. This link is basically the ride I am going to do initially.

I talked to Jim Davis who rides and is involved with the OT and he mentioned also that I should catch up with Mitch at some point and talk to him. I like forums so I've ended up here, but I'll definitely contact him if this really catches on for me as I suspect it will.   

I really appreciate the suggestions and as soon I get out and do an over nighter or better I am sure I will appreciate everyone's advice even more - Thanks.

Riverfever - I go to Maplewood Bicycles, but my wife works there so I don't frequent many other shops in the area. They're a good shop, knowledgeable and helpful. I don't think there are a whole lot of bike packers in the general area though, which kind of limits the expertise available to touring mostly. This forum is a great resource.

I am with ya on the Mountains! Sorry I didn't understand the trail question earlier.

I haven't had a chance to get out yet because of the weather (lots of flash flood warning in the area I want to ro ride) Loaded, I've ridden the Council bluff loop so far to get used to my gear and see how badly the weight was going to kick my butt. I intend to ride on my first real outing the Ozark trail as an out and back from the Bass resort to Hazel Creek while I iron out my setup, which works out to around 30 something miles one way.

So far the weather has been holding me back, this next weekend I am going to be tied up volunteering for a trail build, so I am not going to be able to get out until May. At this point I just need to get out, then come back with more questions. I am going to try to change my setup as best I can before I go e.g.-lightweight blanket and sleeping bag liner instead of sleeping bag, dump the cup, carry only one fuel canister, etc...  

What trails are you talking about?

Big Bend National Park TX no fires were allowed
Efforts to curve the spread of the emerald ash borer in Missouri has caused campfires to be regulated, most say it's okay as long as you have local wood some say no fires.
In Moab, UT it seemed like there was just a general shortage of tree wood to burn when I camped there
 
For the Ozark Trail section I plan on riding I believe I can have a campfire, I'll have to double check if I will need to be in a campsite with a fire ring to do so, but if so I can probably leave the fuel behind.
                           
                             

In summary, getting lighter is mostly about the sum of many little things.  Based on the above I would estimate that 1/2 to 2/3 of your stuff you don't actually need.

Those changes make sense, there are some budgetary constraints given I already own some of the equipment and can't quite justify spending the money at the moment. 

Aqua Mira looks like a good way to go definitely. I own a Steripen, and considered taking it, but because of farming runoff in the area a carbon filter is a must to remove pesticides and fertilizers etc... The nalgene and camp cup I could dump, agreed, seems obvious now that you pointed it out.

Definitely going to try to find lighter smaller sleeping bag arrangements. I have a bag liner which in a month or two will be all I need.

I know two fuel canisters are not necessary for the distance, but I've always carried a backup just in case one leaks out or the threads are damaged etc... Most of the places I've backpacked did not allow campfires or in many cases you had to purchase firewood to have one.

The camp clothes were a pair of lightweight pants and a T-shirt allowing me to be clothed while I hang up the jersey and shorts to dry. I am undecided on bringing a pair of sandals, but I think they would go a long way towards allowing my feet to breath and dry at the end of the day. I suppose ditching them wouldn't hurt.

Thanks for the input! I feel like I will have a great start on this, once the weather backs off around here.

Perhaps with a bag liner and no sleeping bag you could drop the front paniers and just strap a stuff sack to the top of the front rack. My experience with paniers is that I tend them to fill them up. Eliminating some of your carrying capacity forces you to pair down (one fuel canister should suffice) and compact your gear (compression stuff sacks are great for hi loft/low weight items). However for the riding your doing your current set up seems to be working. If everything is on your bike and you're not bringing a backpack I'd say keep it like it is.

Makes sense, thanks for the input. As soon as all these tornadoes and thunderstorms pass I'll get out and actually do a trip, perhaps the first good weekend in May.

I am in Missouri, singletrack is my intent and have ridden several miles enjoyably loaded down but the climbs here are nothing like the rockies. I agree that less bags would be good, but I am not sure how to bring everything I believe I need. Are you guys saying that I need to find a way to pack my stuff smaller profile or remove some gear?

My concerns are as follows - dealing with the ticks and mosquitoes,  unpredictable thunderstorms, and unpredictable low temps at night.  In about a month I can fairly easily drop the sleeping bag for something much lighter like a bag liner.

Gear list:
20 degree sleeping bag
crux lite stove
2 fuel canisters
cook set
plate
spork
pocket knife
hammock tent
tie rope and stakes
water filter
nalgene
food for 2 for 3 days
camp cup
change of clothes for camp

Thanks for the input all

In comparison to some of the other mountain bike setups I've seen on here I am beginning to feel like I am over packed. Although the only thing I have that seems different from most others kits is a not so super light tent and sleeping bag. On a test ride I did 12 miles of trail with what did not seem as n uncomfortable amount effort, so I know I am not too heavy. Any opinions or insight before I head out on a long ride?

Jared - St Louis, Missouri.  Just bought some OMM racks and Axiom bags and did a trial run loaded down on the Council Bluff loop and am currently planning to go much farther on the Ozark trail.  All of the posts and trail reports are definitely exciting. Thanks everyone for providing such a great resource to get started in bike packing.