Bikepacking - a viable alternative to racks & panniers

theres also a restrap code -- LFGSS15

(think it still works)

Ace, thank you!

Last question for the moment! Any particular frame bags that are good for not rubbing your legs on road bikes in particular?

double post

That's more a question of how you pack it I think.
And if your legs are funny/very strong.
But some bags (especially full ones) have stuff built in to keep them from bulging out too much.

I often notice my (baggy) shorts rubbing on my top tube bag for the first 50m, the forget about it for the rest of the ride.

What sort of tape is everyone using to protect their frames from their bike packing equipment?

Helicopter tape, following a disastrous attempt with masking...

Cool, I've had a bit if a Google and the options seem varied. Is all helicopter tape the same?

I got some cheap stuff off eBay and when I removed it it took some paint off with it, so I would avoid the non-branded stuff being sold in pre-cut sections on eBay if you're fond of your paintwork.

Bulk buy a load from here https://www.selfadhesive.co.uk/shop-by-type/tape-type/helicopter-tape.html you need to spend £30 for the free postage for it to be worthwhile. Recommend getting 25 and 50mm strips.

Cheers everyone, that's a good link. That 3M stuff looks quality!

Just ordered fabric and a load of bits and bobs to have a go at making my own assortment of bags!! Any links to something like a 9-14L saddle bag templates or how to videos?

I have a load of fabric and bits on the way too. going to try first in cordura, if that works out i'll get some VX21

bearbonesbikepacking and bikepacking.net have good MYOG forums

Saddlebags are pretty tricky to get right first time.

Yeah the VX21 was a bit too expensive I thought. Went with a hexagon ripstop.

Yeah the saddle bag seems the most complex due to it’s shapes and how it functions.
@dnrc do you have any/ much sewing experience? As I don’t!

In a Bizarre turn of events some guys from a local club are doing a 4 day trip to Amsterdam and back next week and one of the guys pulled out, so looks like I'm going to Holland. Nothing too serious, Monday Norfolk>Harwich, overnight ferry, Tuesday hook >Amsterdam, Tuesday night in Amsterdam B&B, Wednesday back to ferry, overnight ferry, Thursday ride back to Norfolk. About 300 miles total I think.

So I took @TM's advice and bought the restrap saddle bag and frame bag, the value is pretty good with the discount code and I couldn't find a bad word about it anywhere. I even phoned them and asked if I could get it by Friday and they said they'd put a rush on it for me! Fingers crossed. (Thanks again @r_mash for the discount code)

I've never actually done any 'proper' touring before really, only overnighters, anything I should definitely take/not take? It's probably not a bad first foray as it's pretty civilised with the distances and a proper bed each night!

definitely take/not take?
Lay out what you are taking, then take half that. Also, zip-ties.

Are shoes included in that? :D

Decide right or left shoe before you go, based on dominant foot :)

Noted!

I will take cable ties though!

One set of off the bike clothes and a toothbrush

Do you take the zip or the tie though?

I am only following expert advice.

That guy's an idiot.

Do you take the duct or the tape? This 50% rule is hard work.