Touring Equipment

Hey Eyebrows, where did you get the 'holster / cradle' for the saddle bag, it looks ideal.

I have one. Its an hour or so either side.

One of these http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php?page_id=product&under=range&url=sqrtour or the Slim depending on what you prefer shapewise and how much clearance you have.

Ah, so it's a saddle bag with a dry bag inside, not a bad idea. From the photo it looks like a 'holder' (for want of a better word) with a bag in it.

Ideal for me would be to have a 'holder' which accepts different size dry bags, so you can strap and unstrap the bag effortlessly when needed, leaving the holder attached to bike.

^

Aggi's link isn't what's in the picture...

You're better looking at something like the Wildcat saddlebags from what you're describing: http://www.wildcatgear.co.uk/products/seat-packs/

I'm not sure who makes the one pictures, maybe Archies or BRP (I know the latter BRP ones had a removable dry bag e.g. http://www.englishcycles.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/gates2.jpg)

All I know is that my first bike packing attempt was a nightmare.

The bag swing was fine until going fast and unstrapping and restrapping put 20-30 minutes on either side of the ride, luckily I never needed to delve in to the bag during the day.

See the Dale.

https://scontent-a-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/l/t31/1399017_10202464560964838_2117313121_o.jpg

P.s.

Soz about the image size and the dry bag was 20L, just enough for a week.

Thanks AndyTK, the harnesses are what im looking for, however the Wildcat ones are for small bags, I need bigger, something to hold about 20L.

Probably worth getting in touch with them, they might be able to make you a larger one...

Bingo.

http://www.backcountrybiking.co.uk/product/terrapin-bikepacking/

This does the trick, holds a drybag up to 14L......could it squeese in a 20L

Ah yes, I was replying without having refreshed the page. What I was suggesting is an SQR saddlebag that should have enough space for all your stuff. They're pretty solid, I've filled it with beer bottles before and not had any swinging.

I see Aggi, its not a bad solution actually.

At £85 its cheaper then the Revelate Terrapin (not to mention the price of the Viscacha) and officially holds two more litres.

@ CheBeef- my saddlebag is an old Archie's, so it's all in one, I don;t have a better photo of it, but its a great system.

Don't go large, that'll just encourage you to pack more, I says 16ltr is enough.

Can anyone reccomend a decent sleeping mat? Not primarily for bike touring but this year I'll be bike touring and touring in a van. Highest priority is comfort over size and weight but I don't want to be lugging something too massive or heavy around either. I've been looking at thermarests, any other suggestions?

I used a field and treck karrimor one. Was great. And cheap.

This one;
http://www.fieldandtrek.com/karrimor-x-lite-comfort-self-inflating-mattress-2012-782145?colcode=78214590

It's not really self inflating. But takes only a few puffs to get up!!

That looks ideal. None of the "self inflating" mats I've used in the last have actually been self inflating so that's fine. Much less than the thermarest ones as well.

I got this one: https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.detail/id_product/43993/id_colour/98/id_picture/33363 after Scoble suggested getting the Helium 2.5. The 3.8 was only a fiver more and has quite a bit more cush. I slept on it on Spotter's floor the other day and it was super comfy. Is tiny when packed up too.

Can recommend the Exped ones, good insulation values, small pack size and light

Exped is win.

Those looking at saddle bags, bar bags and frame bags, Restrap is hoping to have a range completed and available by end of March. Just working through the R&D&R&D stage. Shaping up to be pretty tidy, with some innovative ideas for attachment, as well as everything with be available to order in a choice of Navy, Burgundy or Black....

^^that mega mat 10 looks amazing, can't really justify spending £150 on it though. Or can I.........

Don't go large, that'll just encourage you to pack more, I says 16ltr is enough.

I suppose I was touring in the rain and cold last year and needed more clothing. Saying that I intend to have a smaller handlebar bag and a tent under the top tube.

@ CheBeef- my saddlebag is an old Archie's, so it's all in one, I don;t have a better photo of it, but its a great system.

Thanks for letting me know Eyebrows.

Those looking at saddle bags, bar bags and frame bags, Restrap is hoping to have a range completed and available by end of March. Just working through the R&D&R&D stage. Shaping up to be pretty tidy, with some innovative ideas for attachment, as well as everything with be available to order in a choice of Navy, Burgundy or Black....

I'm watching with baited breath...

^^that mega mat 10 looks amazing, can't really justify spending £150 on it though. Or can I.........

You most definitely can!

^

I brought a £10 inflatab;e mat from ebay and it was comfortable…after a day of cycling your exhausted and will sleep well.

£150 is an awful lots of money, almost as much as a decent tent.