Bikepacking - a viable alternative to racks & panniers

Thank you kind sir.

Profabrics.co.uk I found to be pretty good.

any cheap three bolt mount cages or drybag holsters out there? struggling with the idea of spending 40 quid for 2 cages

blackburn outpost cages were the cheapest i found. theyre really good though!

+1 for Blackburn.

https://www.charliethebikemonger.com/passport-lug-cage-11579-p.asp
Cheaper than Blackburn.

Yeah saw that, but unfortunately only one in stock.

Guess i'll just suck up the cost and get the blackburns

Following your feedback I've ordered the Restrap dry bag (thanks promo code!) and the Alpkit harness. Testing as soon as the bits arrive...

Not really 100% suitable for here but I need some help when commuting to work. I sometimes need to carry a 38cm x 25cm laptop. I've been using a carradice bag with support until now but it already has two holes after only 2.5k km. I'm looking for an alternative and ofcourse bikepacking seems handy.

I was thinking about the restrap 14 liter saddle bag as I could leave the holster on my bike and just carry the drybag into work but this might not be handy with a laptop in a seat bag?

Then I saw the Lotus handlebar bag recommended here and maybe that could work better?

Any ideas/recommendations?

I'd get in touch with Carradice to start with, they normally have very good customer service.

rack and pannier?

I did and they will sent some fabric to patch it up.

Not really the solution I wanted as the holes were created by rubbing against their own rack, but oh well. I get that they don't want to replace a bag just for two holes.

@amey yeah, might have to do some research but I want something that is easily removable. It also has to fit on the oldtimer bike :p

Might need to get a seperate bike for commuting

I have been using this saddlebag from Aliexpress one day a week for the last year on my 20 mile commute. works great and no issues.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/NEWBOLER-2017-Bike-Bag-Bicycle-Saddle-Tail-Seat-Waterproof-Storage-Bags-Cycling-Rear-Pack-Painners-Accessories/32816026004.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dyutV7I

I use it for tools, pump, lunch and food maybe a bit of shopping that I pick up at lunch, it has a bit of movement but I think most bags do. I use it in conjunction with a Alpkit Airlok dual 13l bar bag (used for clothes, shoes towel etc) photo of both bags on the commute on Monday..

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Ah, not ideal. I guess it's an old style Carradice and a bagman is it? Nothing like the Super C SQR Slim would probably do the job (there isn't really anywhere for that to rub and it's easily removable) but I can understand you wouldn't want to go back to Carradice.

My super c works well but my laptop is slightly smaller than the one spec’ed above.

In hindsight a super c would have indeed been better. It's a camper longflap with their quick release support. Two holes where it touches the support. So it also has movement as it has rubbed to the point of forming two holes :D

Might try out the sqr system to hold the bag, but reluctant to throw 30 pounds more at it if there is another solution.

If I could fit my stupid laptop in a bag like @Technics100 that would be awesome. I'd rather have a 20 euro bag wear out than a 100 euro one.

I'm a bit surprised as I've read countless reviews of people raving about Carradice and their bags going strong for 10 years and this one already has holes after one.

IIRC the Super C saddlebag has a leather wear patch; worth asking if they could send you one of those, which might be longer-lasting?

I know it works well for a lot of people everywhere but I've always thought that the quick release options (and even the Bagman systems) were a bit of a bodge that compromises the bags somewhat. I still prefer to keep a shopping bag with everything (valuable) in it inside the Carradice so that I can take it with me when I leave the bike.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyRsiU9dc_Q

And leave the bag on the bike, using the straps.

Overnighter, meeting partner & daughter who're already out there in a tiny tent so it's luxury camping in my coffin tent as a neighbour. Thought bivvy but with heat & humidity & still air I reckon on there being lots of biting bugs being out.

Thunder due so packed heavy with full waterproofs just incase, am reminded I'd need carry v.little more for multiday vs overnight.

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Bikepacking saddle and bar packs are not designed for carrying laptops, they’re suited for carrying mainly soft and deformable stuff (clothes, tents, sleeping bags, tarps etc) sounds like anything other than a rack (front or rear) and a bag/pannier is going to be a bad compromise.

I was thinking about the restrap 14 liter saddle bag.

No, just... no.

Beside Restrap aren't as good as they sound, you're better off going for panniers or those proper Carradice shite.

I thought Restrap were forum faves?

Was it? they're OK but there's better for the money.

Alright, thanks for the advice everyone!

I think I’m probably just confusing forum discount for forum endorsement.