When I am in my backpack preparation mode and wear my pack on the local hike and bike trail, I use bags of rice to simulate my expected pack weight.
In any case, I am no longer in the pack it all in mode and now strive to go as light as possible. Years of carrying out food after a trip has taught me that I really do not need that much food. My goal now for a ten day hike is 15lbs total pack weight.
For a ten day cycling trip I have a saddle bag and bar bag and that is it.
I see people on this forum love to quote aphorisms; so: Go Light. Go far.
