Bikepacking - a viable alternative to racks & panniers

did my trips in a pair of light running trainers. dry out quick too if they get wet.

my mate though uses sandles with cleats in the soles snd loves them

Flip flops. Or trainers if shoes are needed. Etnies scout is what I use, which are very light.

I take my Vivo barefoot trainers. Super light and they fold up if you need them to. But not cheap.

Vivobarefoot and True make some trainer-like minimalist shoes.
I'd also recommend the Crocs Hover Lace Up, but it no longer exists; it was lighter, cushier, cheaper, NOT stinky, a little wider in the toe box and more eco friendly (if you care about stuff like that) than All Stars.

I was in a Vans shop the other day and noticed they've just released a line of super-light trainers. Don't know what the comfort is like but picked one up and was surprised by how light it was.

I had a pair of Puma super light plimsole style things I got in TK Maxx that always went touring with me. Fucking uncomfortable but very light and didn't feel like too much of a prick walking into a pub or restaurant in them!

I used to take a pair of plimsolls, tackies or whatever people call them. Or a pair of light Keen sandals. Although, I have been known not to take any other shoes apart from my Shimano MT91's. Ever since I did my Dungeness to Durness trip when, as I dozed outside my tent in the evening sunshine in a field near Spalding (exotic, I know) a fox ran off with one of my nice little sandals. Managed the rest of the 1800 miles (I rarely take a direct route, in case you're wondering) with just the boots. Even if they were a bit ripe by the time I got home.

Crocs

Last 2 tours I've ridden flats/straps and worn Nike skate shoes, carrying some flip flops as well. I find flat shoes much more comfortable over consecutive days as you can move your feet around more on the pedals.

You are Grant Petersen and ICMFP.
(I agree regardless)

I have a pair synthetic of New Balance trainers I always took, but they're getting a bit knackered now so I may replace them with something lightweight and quick to dry like fly knits. Definitely will be getting some sandles for this summer too.

I always use running shoes, I normally use them with flats and Restraps and it's been great for touring.

Road shoes this year as there's gonna be too much climbing for squishy soles

Sanuks, bought cheaply from sp***pursuit.

Birkenstocks are great for pedaling!
The sole is relatively stiff and very supportive, and they fit amazing on my feet.
I can't imagine touring in the summer with socks and stinky shoes.

Useful list of recommendations there, thanks.

I'd heard about the Vans, good to hear they're quite light.

Anyone got any experience with Gorilla clips?

I'm thinking they'd can be easily adapted for anything cages on my rigid carbon forks. Then you can leave the clips on the fork and quickly remove the cages when not needed without having to peel off loads of tape.

having trouble securing my carradice, my brooks saddle doesn't have the hooks. does anyone have any advice?

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SJS or similar will have rail adaptors to replicate the bit missing. Think you can bodge it too if you get creative at a diy store.

A guy called Ben from Bournemouth aka fatbiketooz on fb was passing by yesterday. He's seriously kitted out and we had a good chat.

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link?

right now i've threaded that black strap through the holes and across the top of the saddle rails. seems to be ok, but it's hard to get it nice and snug across. so worried it's not going to hold well over the course of a ride...

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/luggage/carradice-cyclo-bag-loops-chrome-per-pair/ will sort it.

Can you not take the two straps out on the top, and re-thread them through the hole lower down? Then loop them round the saddle rails?

The issue is that they end up being perpendicular to the vertical rails....