Bikepacking - a viable alternative to racks & panniers

Also, padded undershorts or bib shorts?

Many thanks in advance.

When I cycled across Canada it was padded shorts all the way. I've never worn bibs so wouldn't know any difference but certainly the shorts never caused any problems.

Thinking about some of the hottest days at 30oC+, bibs might have been a bit uncomfortably warm.

As for clothes to take with you, might be worth a trip to Rohan. Pretty light gear that doesn't look too shabby straight out of the Carradice for those occasions when you don't want to walk around in day old sweaty lycra. A little pricey but the stuff lasts.

Would the Bikepack saddle bags be suitable for a ten day trip through Western France? Anyone have any other, more suitable suggestions?
Will be travelling light, on road bikes and won't be camping

More than suitable, from a couple days to several months easily.

Since you're not camping, just the saddlebag is enough for everything you need.

I'm going to order a frame bag today (pay day - yay!)

I can't decide between the Alpkit or Buggybags - prices are about the same.

Buggybags use 1000d Heavy Weight Coated Nylon (Waterproof) and have velcro the entire length of the tubes - can any one see pros/cons regarding this Vs smaller velcro tabs?

The Alpkit ones are 100D cordura so probably less waterproof?

My fabric knowledge is light.

Also, if I went for the buggybags one, would it matter that my rear brake cable that runs exposed along most of the top tube would probably end up encased?

Are those Revelate Designs frame and saddle bags water proof?

I plan to take a shitload of photos during my trip and I'm thinking to bring a small tripod, like 15-20cm legs. My dad has one but that piece of lead weighs in more than half a kilo. Anyone experience here with cheap & light tripods?

Revelate design bag are waterproof but take a dry bag anyway.

Use your tent pole as a tripod and those mini flexible tripod, both can work together.

Oeh nice! Gorilla pod :D

http://joby.com/gorillapod/magnetic

That's the one, much more useful, especially with a tent poles embedded in the ground if you want a higher shot.

Sadly the TN Laser Comp 1, which I just happened to have found on a Dutch second hand site for €175 (148GBP), only uses a single pole. I'll figure something out though since flexibility and magnetism of the Gorilla Pod Magnetic is simply amazing and offers an infinite amount of ways to get a camera in the right position.

On another topic, which doesnt have anything to do with containers but this seems the right thread to discuss anything concerning touring, I'm running a triple with 11-25 in the back. I've climbed some mountains with it before but never with more luggage than two full water bottles. Should I consider fitting a casette with let say a 28 cog back there? My lack of experience at climbing with added weight leaves me in the dark here...

single pole is fine - when disassembled, you can use it to push into the earth and wrap the Gorilla on the top to keep it stable.

Triple with 11-25 sound about right, however if you tend to ride in the little ring regularly rather than the middle/big with two water bottle, then the 28t might be a useful upgrade.

Watch the weight that you place on the Gorillapod, I cracked a few of the pivots over time, rendering it useless. They cheerfully replaced it (didn't even have to send the old one back). I like the UCO Ultrapod series.

http://www.mec.ca/shop/?q=uco%20ultrapod

Hmm the strap on that tripod seems usefull aswell and it saves quite some weight compared to the Gorilla Pods. Decisions decisions.....

Not sure if mentioned however, i went through Croatia & Italy for 7 days with a Wildcat Tiger (w/ dry bag). Worked nicely, not as expensive as other systems and didn't swing around too much. Managed to get a decent amount of stuff in there too - 3 jerseys, spare bib shorts, hoodie, jeans and underwear. Could have done with more room as I had a load of stuff in jersey pockets but this would only be for luxuries to be honest.

http://wildcatgear.co.uk/products/seat-packs/

You must be badass bringing jeans on tour. I shed a tear when I admitted to myself that my gorgeous jeans are way too heavy and space consuming to bring. I'm thinking of buying a pair of linnen trousers to bring since they are ultalight and pack very small. Jeans would probably also be way too hot in the summer in France and Spain. I haven't yet decided about shoes though, as they are also bulky and might be heavy. I could bring some light running shoes but they look like shit, especially when I wear them on my huge feet under my skinny brown legs in shorts.. I doubt that flip-flops will be enough for a longer tour so I have to back both the flip-flops (which come very light and thin) and a pair of comfortable lightweight shoes to wander around in.

hoodie, jeans...

Dude, that's heavy and bulky!

Check out uniqlo ultralight down jacket, they're a great alternative to the hoodie, much lighter and pack really small as well being very warm.

^^ you need something like the classic Argentine alpargata - comfy, packs small and looks OK with shorts.....

Hmm the strap on that tripod seems usefull aswell and it saves quite some weight compared to the Gorilla Pods. Decisions decisions.....

I misread as I thought the Gorilla Pod weighs 325g but it can carry a maximum weight of 325g and weighs only 45g itself. slobber

I haven't yet decided about shoes though, as they are also bulky and might be heavy.

If you're happy with it, clip and strap with normal shoes would work perfectly well, meaning only one shoes to walk and ride, and I was glad to have it when I was touring, except on fixed wheel down the Pyrenees that is.

Or go for touring/mtb shoes that you can walk and ride, but it's more of a jack of all trade master of none kinda shoes.

The other option is the Timberland Radler Trail shoes, I have them and they work great, but a bit redundant after going back to clip and strap;

Teva Mush Frio is another option, tiny bit heavier, but very plushy and comfortable, can pack small in a saddlebag, look a bit "special" thought.

You ARE a walking touring encyclopedia!
As I wouldnt want to walk around all day in the same shoes as the ones I'm riding for hours, the Timberlands seem like a good buy. Havent been able to find a dealer in the Euro zone so far though. Gotta keep looking.

I only found them online and promptly order them.

Sizing is similar to the other Timberland shoes, fit fine with thin socks, but if you want thicker, go one up.

I misread as I thought the Gorilla Pod weighs 325g but it can carry a maximum weight of 325g and weighs only 45g itself. slobber

Make sure you get at least the one that's rated for your camera size - and considering my experience with them, get the next size up.

I have recently taken receipt of an Alpkit Stingray frame bag (£100 with extra pocket & divider) for my Surly and am awaiting the imminent arrival of a Bikepack Fuel Tank (£24) from Poland.

I havent had a chance to fill it up yet, or ride the bike with it attached but once I have I'll be back with a detailed review. First impressions are good and Alpkit were quick with the fabrication and delivery.

The only thing I'd say is that the ends of the velcro straps are not 'finished' and are pretty rough, but maybe this is done on purpose as they expect that you might want to trim to suit your bike?

That look amazing, is there's enough room to put a tent pole in, or just strap it between the top tube and bag?

What you mean by rough? like the edge is sharp or something?

Very jealous of you two.

Is there's enough room for the fuel tank to sit on top? I tried mine but couldn't as the velcro got in the way.