I'm about to take off on my Seattle-to-Lincoln ride, so I'm not sure what I'm going to find most useful for this trip. I've gotten my gear pretty much dialed in with S24Os and backpacking experience, so I'm not looking for big, unpleasant surprises.

That being said, I'm adding things I've never toured with before. My smart phone and an inflatable pillow won't add much weight, but will help me (and my husband) sleep better at night. I'm also taking a bear cannister, as much to keep all my "kitchen" Stuff in one place as anything else. I've noticed that a lot of bike tourists lose much food to raccoons, etc. As for keeping bear out - um, I hope I don't get to find out about that. Also, it makes a pretty good camp stool.

I'll write up a better summary when I'm back.