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SELF-CONTAINED

My loaded touring vehicle I’ve named Walter is self-contained.  I carry everything on two wheels, rain or shine, uphill or downhill, with only my one human power. 

The weight limit is about 100 pounds. This includes bike, camping gear, clothing, tools, electronics, food and water. 

Being "self-contained" takes a lot of planning because if anything happens you need everything. For example, you have a flat tire; you need a pump, tubes, tools, patch kit, and possibly a tire. 

The layered approach to housing, bedding and clothing to cover the range of weather changes. You always need something dry, and food to stay warm at night. A tent keeps you dry in the rain, warm at night, and bug free. 

Food is very basic; I carry only enough for no more than two days and a day or so of emergency dried food. I can find food along the way to replenish this but I don’t go below a minimum. 

Cell phone, maps, extra batteries, first aid, hidden credit cards, combined with a cautious approach to everything, will keep me safe, well as much as possible.