Channlluv,
What I have done in my quest to start touring is starting small. We have done a few overnighters to the local state park, and out and back overnighter on a local rail trail and a few local two and three day trips. With each trip I have refined by packing list. It's a trial and error thing that seems to be working well. We are in the first stages of planning a two week tour in the Canandian Rockies next summer. We'll most likely do a few more local trips before then. Even a short overnighter can teach you alot. Lisa