What Should Everything Weigh?

[stumpbumper]

My plan is to carry two bags, one on the handlebar, the other atop an Old Man Mountain rear rack, and then a few light items in a daypack.

What is a realistic total weight target to shoot for, not including food, water and the bike?  I'm talking every single item needed for a multiple-day trip, sleeping bag & pad, tent, ground cloth, stove, fuel, first-aid, extra clothing, water filter (or purification tablets)---everything.  That also includes the weight of the bags everything on the bike is stowed in.

And what about weight distribution on the bike?  Right now it looks like I will be running around 30 percent up front and 70 percent out back, or close to that anyhow.  The bike feels really good which I suppose is the important thing.  

[harryonaspot]

I like a 50 50 balance. But that's hard to achieve. As far as weight goes, pack what you need. Maybe a little extra food and warm clothes and go out and pre ride your bike. If it feels good it is.

[Dallas.S]

Everything you decribed in my gear weighs close to 35 pounds, but I dont mind carrying a little extra weight. It adds to the challenge.
Hope that helps.

[wookieone]

Weight is a big one, the lighter your set up the more "normal" the riding will feel, ie your bike will handle closer to your empty bike. Plus you can go farther with less effort and take on bigger and crazier challenges. But don't go out and spend a bunch of money, use what you have and learn what works for You and what could be less, lighter or more. After a trip write down what was good and what was not enough and make improvements from there. I started out with a BOB trailer that sometimes held a 40 pound dog, now I sometimes don't carry a sleeping bag.  Jefe

[stumpbumper]

Everything you described in my gear weighs close to 35 pounds, but I dont mind carrying a little extra weight. It adds to the challenge.
Hope that helps.

Quite interesting.  I am at 33 pounds total which is darned close to what you have.  None of my gear including JetBoil stove, MSR water filter, sleeping bag, bivy shelter, tarp, etc. could be considered lightweight so I was thinking total weight might be excessive.  It might be to some bikepackers but I see no way of trimming away very many ounces without spending a great deal of money on lighter stuff.  Perhaps later when I get into more rugged country, but for now I think I am good to go.  I have taken several day rides with the bike (full-suspension weighing 27 pounds) fully loaded with the 33 pounds of gear, three days' food and three liters of water and it doesn't handle a lot differently than with no load.  But I do huff and puff more on long climbs.

[tonymason]

I second Jefe. This is a tough question and depends on so many factors (comfort level, style of riding, terrain expected, size of pocket book, etc.)  Lighter is better especially in terms of handling technical sections, big climbs and going long distances. Coming at this from the perspective of light weight backpacking I looked first at the big 3 for saving weight- sleeping bag, tent, gear carriers (bikebags, racks, etc.) These will save you the most pounds. My current set up is 16 pounds and has worked great on numerous trips including a 15 day tour on the Colorado trail. Use what you have and modify it as you go. I found that after a trip if I didn't use an item and I didn't need it for emergency repair of bike or self it stays home. Lots of ways to lighten your load don't cost money. Use just tent fly and poles (no tent body), waterproof stuff sacks/straps to carry gear (no rack needed), purification tablets instead of filter,  the list goes on and on ...  Backpacklight.com is a good source for more ways to lighten your load.  There is really no right answer other than whatever gets you out here riding and having fun.  Tony