Bikepacking - a viable alternative to racks & panniers

https://iikmisc.blogspot.com/2023/03/ultralight-mesh-rack.html

This is the new wave, you'll see it on all the "Rigs Of" posts on bikepacking.com in 2025.

Tailfin working on a spider silk ultralight version that connects to a proprietary tailfin handlebar don't worry.

That's definitely not going to bounce my camera into a canyon... :)

That’s Tailfin’s R&D Dividion aero pack. It’s being tested. Looks great.

Coincidentally to the recent conversation here around tailfin vs rack+bag, I've been back and forth with a friend about the same. I think I'm in the rack+bag camp, primarily because of cost. I have no doubt that the tailfin works well, but when I priced the tailfin and all the accessories that would replace rack/bag/panniers, I could buy a decent used bike for the total. That seems silly.

Using bits I already have on hand I could get the same result within a few grams, and not have to sell a bike to do it.

Advantages to the tailfin:
-mounting versatility for bikes without eyelets
-sleek design
-instagram points
-folds flat for travel with the bike

Advantages for rack+bags:
-many of us probably already have a good bit of the stuff needed
-significant cost difference
-retrogrouch points
-versatility in what bags and things it can carry

Example:
The blackburn EX-1 that I have on my Rove is claimed 535g though I suspect it's a bit more. I am however using nicer mounting struts and hardware from a tubus rack and suspect that it's lighter than with the stock flat steel hardware. The rack can carry panniers, rack top bag, drybag with straps, and even the child seat that my youngest rides in. I don't think I'd get very far trying to strap a 2yo to the tailfin.

I've done trips offroad with saddlebag/framebag/bar bag, and I've done similar trips with panniers and an ancient old man mountain that I've had since 09-ish. Both fine, and I prefer packing in panniers. Light panniers with secure attachment with straps are great on dirt roads, but I wouldn't use them on a purely trail trip. A bit too much "tail wagging the dog" for my liking. That's where soft bike packing bags win for me.

See if you can find a set of these Jandd panniers. Here they are on my Blackburn EX1 on the Gower.

Also, if you’re into this sort of behaviour, that stem bag is an old Lowe Pro lens pouch.

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Very nice. I'm a Jandd fan(dd). I use the classic frame bag and I have an enormous Jandd full size front rack that is currently sitting since I don't have a bike for it. Those look like a very reasonable size and very simple.

I like the repurposed bar bag too. Fortunately I have a really great/versatile/light bar bag that doubles as a harness for a light sleep system.

This picture is from a trip to Moab,Utah. Between what is on the bike and midsize pack i carried, I had enough for about 3 days before having to resupply.

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Advantages to the tailfin:

-sleek design
-instagram points

Is it just me that thinks they are ugly then, not a fan of the stance and how high they sit.

Their 10l mini panniers are tempting for trail. Light, secure and convenient with a quick release.

Nah it's a good product, but most of the time it looks like a scooter topcase.

Tubus Vega with Revelate Polecat?

Not sure what the additions are on the rack legs to get the added mounts. They look good.

Decathlon fork bag is similar and slightly larger volume, at 4l. Width of this is 130mm, just 10mm wider than the 120mm Blackburn EX1 rack platform.

What I really want is a lightweight rear rack (400g?), only rated to, say, 5kg, with braze-ons on top to mount a cargo cage as a platform. That would be ideal.

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Russian made titanium rear racks by Protostudia look very good.

500g Console Rack and 330g Y Rack, $185–195.

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Perhaps time to update the thread title?

lol soz

That y rack wouldn’t be too flexy? I didn’t notice any weight ratings on the site.

https://bikepacking.com/news/old-man-mountain-axle-pack-launch/

Any recommendations for full frame frame packs? I've got a half frame Restrap but looking at something larger so I can fit more gear without having to go down the handlebar bag/fork bag route (will be using saddlebag)

Figure suitability is v bike dependent but keen to hear people's recommendations or tails of products to avoid

Alpkit and Restrap custom options are pretty close price-wise to OTP full frame bags. Unless you get lucky with an OTP option suiting your frame almost exactly, I'd look at custom.

Which one would you go for out of Alpkit and Restrap? And why?

I've used both brands(1), and while I haven't had their sewn framebags(2), I've not seen anything from either that would alarm me in terms of quality.
Just based on their websites, I'd probably go for Alpkit, as they seem to offer a bit more customisation, fabrics and colours (though I reckon if I asked Restrap nicely they could probably do the kind of stuff I'd be after).(3)
I think Alpkit come up a bit cheaper?

(1)Alpkit stem and toptube bags, Restrap harnesses
(2)I've used Alpkit's welded framebag, but that's mass produced in the far east AFAIK
(3)Lace up attachment, eyelets for attachment to bottle bosses etc.

I've got two custom Restraps. They've worked well.

I also have a Revelate Ranger on the Scott but I've not really used it in anger yet so can't comment other than to say the Small fits a Large Spark.

Thanks for your sage advice @Bearlegged and @hippy

Another tailfin adjacent - wizard works sell them too

https://bikepacking.com/gear/tumbleweed-t-rack-and-mini-pannier-rack-review/

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Bar bags, specifically a big roll for sleeping stuff. I'm looking for a stabiliser that's not going to de-breek me. I've used the Restrap anchor/ bumper. I think it was about £40.. a fool and his money.

Do not want.

Tried a hammock thing which was ok but wanted to ask if there was anything else out there. I want it away from the bar so I can ride the tops and away from the cables. I realise I should probably get a Jack The Rack but ££s

What do you use?

Revelate harness does a good job of spacing stuff from bars but admittedly is spendy.
Decathalon equivalent looks decent and also has a chunky spacer block so could be worth a look. Harness is good as opposed to bag as you can jam a few things in separately.

AFAICT the Rockiest Barjam is just a basic handlebar extender with a bar roll system attached.

Yes! Have also done this and worked well. As did @amey