Bike components:
UN-52 Bottom Bracket (seconded.  It looks like the folks who didn't like it were freeriding, but I don't think that was ever the intended use.)
Cane Creek Headsets
Suntour thumbshifters (again)
Dura-Ace 9spd barcons
SRAM chains (sure they wear out, like any chain, but they're reliable and have a great connecting link)
Kool Stop Eagle II brake pads (post or threaded.  They don't work with every brake, but they're long lasting and stop in all conditions)

Camping gear:
Trangia Stove (seconded)
MSR Whisperlite Int'l (for cold weather)
Blue foam pad

I'm going to have to disagree on the Rohloff though.  It's probably fine for most riding, but I know they're not so great for extreme cold.  I saw one fail in the '07 Arrowhead.  It's a sad sight to see a $5k bike sitting alongside the trail, useless because of a frozen hub. 

I have the Jandd bag and I'm pretty happy with it.  I put food, stove, and clothing in it.  I haven't had any leg rub or tire rub with it, but I can see how that could be a problem on some bikes.  I have been using it without the tie-down straps and I haven't had any sway issues.  If your LBS has one, make sure it will fit before you buy. 

Ahh, the styrofoam sound of cold slow snow.  I've skied on stuff that looked and sounded like that, but only for a few miles.  I can't imagine 1000 miles of it plus colder and windier. 

Strangely it makes me want to do it more.

It's not pretty, but this was my setup for a tri-modal (bike, hike, ski) trip I did last winter.  I bike with skis fairly frequently because it's often quite some distance to a ski trail.  Sometimes skis can be strapped to the top tube, sometimes it's better to sling them across your back. 



If you try a sled you'll need to have some type of rigid pole system.  If you're feeling rich you could try a Chariot child trailer with ski kit. 

How do you cook the Don Miguels on the trail?  Or do you?   

I overnighted in George Wyth SP on one of my gravel tours.  I'm not sure what their use regulations are, but Camp Ingawamis has some nice trails.  There are a surprising number of options in your area.  If you want to know more talk to Mark at Europa Cycles.  He's in the know about all the trails in the area and does a little bikepacking himself. 

As far as the DSM area, I haven't done the Science Center trails, but hear good things.  Seven Oaks near Boone is the best mountain biking in the state.  I did a little S24O there a few years back.  Miserable night, but good riding.

Whereabouts in Iowa are you Dallas? I've hiked at Backbone, but didn't know they allowed bikes.  I'd check out Decorah and Sugar Bottom near North Liberty if you're looking for some more trails in the general area.  As you know though most "bikepacking" in Iowa is really gravel road touring, but it's better than nothing.  Welcome to the forums!

As far as comfort goes I like my Titec H-bars.  The sweep is good, and with the Ergons I can ride all day (3x100+ mile gravel cruises) w/o a problem.  The one problem I do have with them is not being able to place the brake levers on the outside part of the bar.  While I haven't had any problems with the setup the way it is, I'm afraid that I'd have trouble reaching the brakes while tackling serious singletrack.  I suppose I could cut down the Ergons, but I can't quite bring myself to do it yet. 



This is my Pugsley by the way, set up w/ Deore brake levers and Suntour shifters, which I use on gravel, moderate singletrack, and snow (of course). 

Climb a popular 14er.  Gray's Peak in my case.  There were plenty of goats up there looking for a handout.   

The simplest solution would be wool socks with worn out toes.  I've got a constantly renewing supply of these.  They shouldn't get soaked like cotton and they should dry quickly.  Alternately, I've seen Army surplus wool socks for as little as $3. 

Or you could stop being cheap, but that wouldn't be near so much fun.   

If you want more gravel try the walk option on Google Maps.  The bike option keeps you on paved roads/paths.  Of course walk is also the shortest distance and you may not want that. 

Google maps is a great place to start looking for directions, but I find that I always have to make a few changes to do just what I want.  I use the Delorme state atlases or better yet Sportsman's atlases that use DOT maps and show campgrounds, natural areas, and bike trails...even in the corn belt.   

Yeah, some "fleece" is about as breathable as a garbage bag. 

Slim explained the fleece over wind layer better than I ever could.   

For the AHU I've used a windfront jersey and tights from Craft.  Both use the Gore Windstopper material but only for the front side.  Along with a Smartwool baselayer I've been pretty dry and warm.  At night I'll add a fleece vest with a down jacket and pants in case it gets super cold.  

An XC skier friend of mine swears by wearing fleece over a wind resistant jacket and I think he's on the right track.  The fleece keeps you warm and allows the breathable jacket to do it's job without clogging up with frozen sweat.  Most of the top guys (Pramann, Oatley, Basinger) appear to be using something similar.  

As far as condensation on the outside, that's fine so long as it's white and fluffy, like snow.  You can brush it off if you like.  If it's soaking your fleece that's bad.  

I don't think there is a waterproof jacket on the market that is breathable enough for what you (we) want.  Too many people seem to think that waterproof is necessary for cold, but they always seem to be the ones swimming in their own sweat at -10f.  

If temps are low (sub-zero) carrying more than 2-3 liters isn't worth it.  Pretty much no matter how you pack it it will freeze before you can use it.  I've used Camelbaks (hose froze), Thermoses (lid froze shut), and Nalgenes with parkas (slushy).  I'm going back to the Camelbak this year because if I do it right I'll be sure to drink enough. 

I recently picked up the Montbell UL Inner Parka & Pants.

I have always carried a bailout jacket & pants at the AHU, but the old ones I had were way too heavy.  Several times on the bike I've had to use them (-35f anybody), but when I put them on to ski last year I almost passed out from the heat. 

The Montbell stuff probably isn't as warm as the old stuff I carried, but it is so much lighter and smaller it's ridiculous. 

WTB Rocket V Race.  It's not light, but is still tolerable after 24 hours in the saddle.  It's even better on shorter rides.   

Agreed about the Pure V.  Too wide.

Looks like fun. 

Check this out for an Australian bikepacking adventure that redefines "rideable".
http://www.wildworks.co.nz/csr/home.php

In a related question, what do folks use beneath their stoves to make a stable/insulating base?  In the past I've either cheated and not used the stove or found a log or piece of plywood, but I'd rather not have to poke around in the woods too much. 

The old road biker rule is: don't spend more than $1/gram of weight savings.  That's meant more for components rather than camping gear of course.  I'd imagine that no one (sane) would pay an extra $250 to save 250g on a sleeping bag. 

I'm more concerned about space savings than weight.  I wonder if anyone's worked out a formula for that?  $1/cc?

I've heard about the olive oil trick, but my one attempt at it while backpacking was a failure.  Olive oil likes to creep out of containers and get all over everything.  I didn't even make it to the trailhead before my sleeping bag and clothes were smeared in oil.  Did I mention that I was in bear country?

Anyway, really I just try to get out there and pedal. 

Thanks Andrew.  I had a good day at GRAID.  Your brother and Cory are both monsters for riding the whole 240 miles on mountain bikes. 

On topic I just did a two day gravel tour with the new Pugsley.  I didn't have a camera with me, but I'll try and get some photos of the rig.