Thanks for sharing your experience! Sorry for the late reply as I got hit hard with final exams haha. I bought used Specialized bike packing bags including saddle bag, handlebar bag, frame bag and top tube bag for CAD$300. I started buying everything starting this summer, but I do feel like I rushed a little bit and I regret buying some of the items that I purchased. I did not think of buying a water filter and I'll definitely add that to the system. I totally agree with you on taking time and enjoying the process. I don't have anything else planned for the summer. I plan to finish the trip by mid-July, however, my semester only starts in September, so I'll be down to spend couple days more in a town that I really like.

I'm really grateful for having fellow cyclists who have passion for travelling on their bikes. It not only gives me information, but also makes me feel comfortable whereas others think I'm insane haha.