As far as gear goes, we ride mostly the Pacific Northwest where conditions may vary between 105 degrees and 20 degrees, snow, monsoon, calm and tornado winds. We often take off in the morning spring or fall when it is 30 degrees or so, but may encounter temps up to 80 as region and elevation changes. The point: try to gather gear that can be used in varying combinations for any type of weather. Silk liners for socks and gloves, for example, take almost zero room but greatly enhance dealing with cold when necessary. A jacket with zip off shell and mesh underneath, with waterproof and/or quilted liners makes for great versatility. Besides a versatile jacket, I pack a thin capilene undershirt along with cotton T-shirts and a good flannel, all to be worn in combinations underneath the jacket, depending on the requirement. The same for the bottom: thin capilene long underwear, heavy polypropolene long underwear to go over that, leather pants, etc., all to be worn in whatever combination is required. Sure, we are often rearranging the clothing during the day as weather and temperature conditions dictate, but we are generally able to be comfortable no matter what.
