It's only recently that the M43 has really got the quality lenses the system needed. From what I've read, Sony have got the best sensor - I'm sure they'll get there with the lenses at some point. I really like the have a lens that's a bit wider than 28mm - it really opens up the picture, I think.

I used a Nikon DSLR with a Nikon 12-24 f4 (18-36 equivalent) plus a Sigma 50-150 2.8 (75-225 equivalent) and a 50mm 1.4 (75mm equivalent). I didn't really use the 50mm though. It's a heavy system, but the quality is really good.

I also own a much lighter Micro 4/3 Lumix GH2 which is way lighter and more practical for bikepacking, but I don't have a wide angle for it, and that's really nice to have with such great Arizonan landscapes. If you want variety, quality and a relatively light system, I think a mirrorless camera is the way to go. Shame the higher quality lenses are so expensive at the moment.

I've come to realise I have weak lungs but a strong stomach. I've travelled on my bike all around Asia and Central America, rarely purifying or buying bottled water. And I spent summers in India drinking local water (in the mountains, that is). Now that I write this, I'll probably be struck by guardia tomorrow... But so far, so good...

For the sake of minimal weight, it's always useful to have some Puritabs though, and probably err on the side of caution...

It's worth the wait (-; Just past Safeways as you're coming into town from the route, on the right. Killer portions.

No top on the water barrel. It was flowing though, and past the rigorous 'looks ok' test.

Go quick! It's getting hot in Sedona...

I've added in a Coco Lite paragraph to the trip report, suggesting a couple of ways of avoiding some hike and bikes - which would probably suit a bikepacking newbie!

It's a tough ride, so I'd recommend allowing enough time to enjoy it. Fresh legs would make a big difference to some of the more challenging sections.

Thanks Chad.

We took the Mingus Bypass! Gary told me the hike and bike was 'infamous'...

I'll be around from Fall onwards, so be great to hook up for some rides. I'll be in Santa Fe, but happy to travel. Gonna set my bike up a bit lighter too - it's the out-of-the-box setup right now. Everything helps when you have to carry it (-;

Amazing ride! Such diversity of scenery. We found it pretty tough too, but well worth it. My favourite days were 1 and 2, with the last half day into Flag a highlight too.

I posted some pics here:

http://whileoutriding.com/2012/05/09/more-coco-di-loco/
http://whileoutriding.com/2012/05/02/coco-di-loco-back-in-flag-az/

Thanks to Chris and Chad for figuring it all out, and for supplying the gpx file and cue sheet. We barely got lost (-;

Cheers! It's a long journey to get there, but definitely worth it.

Not sure about mild hucking potential, but the trails I rode were a pretty even mix of fast doubletrack, rough jeep trails and desert singletrack. I wouldn't call it particularly technical - there was nothing I couldn't ride on a rigid 29er. But it was a fun mix.

Thanks for all the information on this site. It really helped plan our trip of Big Bend Ranch State Park this February.

I've posted some pics and information on my blog.

http://whileoutriding.com/2012/02/15/back-in-the-chihuahuan-desert-bikepacking-in-big-bend/

All the best,

Cass

Thanks for all the info and inspiration! It was really useful in planning a recent tour.

http://whileoutriding.com/2012/02/15/back-in-the-chihuahuan-desert-bikepacking-in-big-bend/