Bikepacking - a viable alternative to racks & panniers

Old school bikepacker;

I want to spend some nights up on Dartmoor with the Hound of the Baskervilles so have decided on a Bikepack.eu RePack saddle bag coupled with an Alpkit Airlok as a bar bag, thoughts? Or should I ditch the bar bag and use a rucksack?

Why not, if you can do such thing, go for it, I rated Alpkit highly especially their £30 bivvy which does exactly what it said on the tin, only thing I don't like is that the hood don't have a zip but that's nothing to worry about TBH.

it's a lots more fun to ride without having anything on your back, mind you if you're putting them on a road bicycle, the drop handlebar might make it a bit tricky..

+1 for Alpkit. Their stuff got me through the West Highland way (walking).

Why not, if you can do such thing, go for it, I rated Alpkit highly especially their £30 divvy which does exactly what it said on the tin.

it's a lots more fun to ride without having anything on your back, mind you if you're putting them on a road bicycle, the drop handlebar might make it a bit tricky..

No my inbred with flat bar, I've already go one of their fake-a-rest mats an can't fault it. Obviously not as hight quality as the real deal, the material seem a lot more 'plastic-y' than my GF's therm-a-rest other than that it's identical.

I always found my touring fixed felt more stable when I had the handlebar harness on there too.
It helps to even out the weight distribution in my opinion.

It helps to even out the weight distribution in my opinion.

I can tell you that this make a huge difference, I used to have just the saddlebag before and because of the extra weight on the back, the handling felt too light and unstable, that when climbing it was difficult to keep the front end on the tarmac.

it was easier to keep the bike in a line with the extra weight as well.

Anyone feeling brave? http://www.aidanharding.com/ewe/

that's amazing!

Another:
http://vimeo.com/31883015

This guy's blog is pretty interesting: http://www.drj0nswanderings.blogspot.com/

Finding panniers for a 1930's Gazelle bike isnt easier

Modified Nelson Carradice saddle bags did the trick

Hey, has anyone got any experience of the Ortlieb 'Downtown' Bag / Laptop carrier? Or alternatively the 'Office' from the same company? And any ideas where I can find one to see in the flesh.

Any news on the BRP seat bag?

Any news on the BRP seat bag?

I'm still trying to finish my workshop. :[

If anyone wants a Revelate Feed Bag, I have one to offload, today only. Check my ad in classifieds.

Recycled seatpack:
1 old pencil case
1 old rucksack (for velcro and elasticated straps)

It took literally five minutes to make on a sewing machine. Looks turd, works fine.

Think ima' have a go at making a frame bag, what material do people recommend?

I've seen internet howtos of people making bags out of old canvas banners, like what Freitag bags are made out of. I reckon that would be HEAVY though.

http://eeio.blogspot.co.uk/2004/12/recycled-banner-golden-mean-messenger.html

Not a frame bag but that's one example

Think ima' have a go at making a frame bag, what material do people recommend?

[START HERE! :]](http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=fd35ea774ec605be3ef8f6d7b6fb9d9c&board=10.0)

Enjoying reading this: http://type2fun.wordpress.com/

anyone planning on buying one of these soon http://www.bikepack.eu/shop/uk/

Am hoping to share shipping costs.

^ Should have one of the saddlebags turning up this week.

Can't remember the shipping being extortionate though?

15 quid shipping for one bag it said, 18 quid for two