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... It's better to be safe than sorry and everything I can bring to bear in a bad situation helps me just that much more
Absolutely what works for you/others! Gear critique can be harsh, & I absolutely don't intend it be, nor do I intend the critique at any particular individual.
I'm just thinking on what might work for me. If it also might help other folks, great!
I have a whole bunch of hiking & backpacking experience, including 2 month long treks. I also have a whole bunch more pedal cycle touring experience - more on the lines of what kids today might term "bike camping" almost "bike packing" (including a year long solo self supported trip from Paris to Vietnam). I'm just spouting off on what has worked well for me.
The more weight I carry on foot, the less distance I can go. After a week carrying a heavy load, I used to be able to hit 15-20 miles in a day. The first few days are 5-7miles, the next few are 7-12.
If I'm carrying 15lbs, I can likely do 20 miles--even givin my pisspoor shape I'm in today (if I've got good shoes). 40lbs+ I'll need a cart until I get back in shape...
Similar thought process goes for the bike, smaller distances/heavy load untill your body is used to it. Lighter load - higher distances.
...on that note, it might be a good idea to include a bike as a possible BOV/GHV. The situation / circumstances would obviously depend! For folks thinking that way, "rough up" your bike. Make it look like your standard piece of crud bike-not some umpteen thousand dollar rig.
-I did just that to my custom Waterford tourer. I just put black fabric tubes over all the "Waterford" placards - bike looked like crap from a few yards..the folks at a guest house I stayed it in Laos left that bike unlocked on the sidewalk all day once, and it didn't disappear...I do consider my self watched over on that one...
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