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BikePacking - A beginner and a bike

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Hello Community~ I am planning a 5 day bike trip through the Kenai Peninsula region in AK this July and am hoping y'all have all kinds of knowledge to drop on me. I have done short runs, but nothing that required as much diversity preparedness and staying power as this one will. I will list the things I'm curious about, but am certain there are things that I'm not even aware I should be researching. Please share your thoughts with me, even on topics such as food, as I burn a lot more fuel while pedaling v. on foot. Details: At least one travel buddy, ~50 miles per day of single track and highway, 40-80 degrees, sun and rain, possible water crossing(s), will roll through a town about every other day.
Feets: I'm looking for a waterproof hiking boot that has a bare enough sole to allow my feet to communicate with the pedals.
Eyes: What are your favorite photochromic sunglasses? It sounds like the weather changes fast and frequent there.
Luggage: I'm picking up a rental bike in Anchorage and am borrowing a handlebar and seat post bag, but will need to get a full or partial frame bag. What are you rolling with? I've been eyeing this company and these two items, has anyone had experience with this maker?
http://woho.bigcartel.com/product/x-touring-bike-packing-frame-bag-xpac-ash
http://woho.bigcartel.com/product/xtouring-bikepacking-anti-sway-basic-post-service
I'm almost surely going to order that anti-sway bottle holder, which would allow me to get a full frame bag.
What time is it and where am I: I'm thinking about getting a Garmin for both training and adventuring, any suggestions on models or similar products? Heart rate and distance are my priority. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Rain: I think I'm good on my torso, but would like to know what your favorite rain pant is, specifically for a cyclist if possible. Additionally, is there such a thing as a rain helmet cover? Elastic band, short bill, back flap down past your shoulders? If not, maybe I'll make one, and I guess now you're all on the patent.
Shelter: I think we're decided on the Black Diamond MegaLight and some bug head nets. Thoughts?
Sleep pad: I've been using an inflatable, I believe Big Agnes, for a few years. I don't think I've ever once had a good nights sleep on it. I've stuck with it for it's small size, but am looking for someone to convince me to move on to a thermarest or something.
What is your go-to "luxury" item that you allow yourself when you can? This question is more for fun.
That's what I have for now. Thank you in advance for any knowledge, tips, and stories you're able to share!
~Erica
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Jan 29, 2018
Thanks @planimco ~ I've decided to leave the spd's at home and ride deck pedals for this tour. I'm a single track novice. Additionally, I need to be able to step into water, and frankly I've been looking for an excuse to upgrade my hiking boots for a while now. I had been eyeing the Garmin 25, I'll give the Wahoo a comparison.
planimco
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Jan 27, 2018
Hey! not a bikepacker, but as a cyclist I think you could pick up some mountainbike shoes! they have little holes on the bottom for attaching clipless pedals, and also are flexible enough to walk in! Garmins are nice, but there are also many alternatives out there! for example, Wahoo elemnts are nice and they have navigation features at a lower price point than garmins. If you are absolutely set on Garmin then I can't help but say look at the garmin 25! it has Ant+ capabilities, and does most of what the bigger garmins do! most people begin with the 520 though, as it has a couple more features (color screen!) but on general I was happy to change out my 520 for the 25 during my commutes on my road bike!
my go-to luxury item is anything made in merino wool! my noses absolutely thank me after a long day in the saddle wearing merino socks :P
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