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Road touring gear? Touring advice?

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Rusty:
need some good touring gear  for my fairdale as I'd like to get into the whole bike packing thing. Northern California has some amazing wildlife and I'm finding my bike to be great for climbing and long distance. Maybe some of your can chime in on the gear you use, packing methods, supply lists, etc. I know it's a bit trendy judging but it's a whole lot cheaper than the whole VW van life bandwagon.

Anyways I really was needing good front rack advice. I have been looking at the Soma Porteur Deluxe rack. Pretty sure it is compatible. Would like something without fences and a big platform. Seems like a good "right in the middle" rack. Not flimsy and weak and not some handcrafted over built accessory.

http://www.somafab.com/archives/product/porteur-rack-stainless-steel

Also been looking into Jandd since I have one of their saddle backs which is quite nice. This seems like it may fit my fairdale a little better style wise but I think I'll like a bigger platform from the Soma.

http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FREXT


As far as the whole camping thing, I've never done it before let alone on a bike. I've been doing a lot of reading online into what different people do but I still wanna hear anything I can. Was gonna buy a small heat source to use a pot or skillet and bring small things like coffee, snacks(protein/carbs), dehydrated meals (trader joes has some good stuff that's shelf stable), and some thing sweet. I've read it's a good idea to eat but it seems like cheating. There are a lot of campsites around me but I'm curious if people lock their bikes when they nod off and keep the bags/gear close( this will probably be my course of action ). Could use a nice tent recommendation. Obviously something that packs away small and is affordable. I'll  be honest I'm probably gonna go get a book on camping because I feel a bit in over my head since I've never been camping but I'm very excited to plan trips for this spring.

Chime in here guys!
Thanks

Narcoleptic Insomniac:
Sounds awesome. I can't offer any advice on gear but I suggest you take a couple of overnight camping trips close to home at first. It'll give you a rough idea of what stuff you definitely want to bring and what you can do without and also what it's like to ride a loaded bike. Water purification tablets are a good idea especially if you're gonna be in remote locations. I wouldn't consider dehydrated meals cheating.

As for loading the bike, try to load heavier items on the front rack. This helps with bike handling and stability. A mountain descent on a rear-heavy bike is gonna be sketchy. Consider a frame bag. Use the rear rack or saddle bag for bulky but lightweight items such as a sleeping bag or tent. Bring condoms.

Prodigal Son:
Get a hammock instead of a tent. You can get a rain fly for them too. If you're going to campgrounds, I doubt water purification should be anything to worry about. A jet boil is nice for dehydrated foods. You could probably do better if you're only doing a couple of days. Usually you can buy a cord of firewood for ~$10 at state campgrounds.

Rusty:

--- Quote from: Narcoleptic Insomniac on November 11, 2016, 05:51:25 PM ---Sounds awesome. I can't offer any advice on gear but I suggest you take a couple of overnight camping trips close to home at first. It'll give you a rough idea of what stuff you definitely want to bring and what you can do without and also what it's like to ride a loaded bike. Water purification tablets are a good idea especially if you're gonna be in remote locations. I wouldn't consider dehydrated meals cheating.

As for loading the bike, try to load heavier items on the front rack. This helps with bike handling and stability. A mountain descent on a rear-heavy bike is gonna be sketchy. Consider a frame bag. Use the rear rack or saddle bag for bulky but lightweight items such as a sleeping bag or tent. Bring condoms.

--- End quote ---

So just so I have a check list accurate a front rack + panniers is more than enough for overnight or more camping trip? Really all I'm trying to accomplish starting out. I know I'll need a rear rack but I'm on a budget and big bike stuff is expensive! The local has a nice Jandd frame bag that I've been super tempted to buy but its orange... Would prefer black but I'm sure they'd order me one.

Rusty:

--- Quote from: Prodigal Son on November 11, 2016, 11:10:42 PM ---Get a hammock instead of a tent. You can get a rain fly for them too. If you're going to campgrounds, I doubt water purification should be anything to worry about. A jet boil is nice for dehydrated foods. You could probably do better if you're only doing a couple of days. Usually you can buy a cord of firewood for ~$10 at state campgrounds.

--- End quote ---

Got any good experience with any campsites in the bay? I gonna be starting out doing overnighters  fairly local so I'd probably be picking up a gallon in town before making camp. I was looking into the half moon bay campsite since it's close and I love the beach.

Eventually I hope to gain the knowledge of survivalism to travel further distance......

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