Bikepacking - a viable alternative to racks & panniers

The new version of mine will be different again. :]

Will you definitely be doing another saddle pack? Will hold my horses on the bikepacking.eu one for now then

Most of it for definite...still trying to get a chance to make it so I can test the strapping.

Ace, was sad to have missed the Archie's ones

The new version of mine will be different again. :]

Hold on a cottin pickin' minutes...

When you said new one, do you mean "the one I'm making for the Great Divide only", or "the one I'm making for people to buy"?

inasmuch as I liked Revelates et all, I rather like to support the local one, especially when it's fucking good.

Couldn't agree with the comments above more. I'm planning on doing a really lightweight tour next year and just want to use one of them saddle bags.

I do have one, let me fill it up with random bags to show you the size, think I'll use an iPod to compare the sizing easily.

my archie one is still in the states.

Thanks Ed. For a medium that's huge! It'll fit a down sleeping bag and bivi plus tools spare jersey and bibs no worry.

I reckon so, but make sure you only pack item that you won't think you'll be taking out regularly in a day.

small framebag/handlebar bag would be perfect for camera/phone/tools/windbreaker etc. I guarantee you'll enjoy riding more.

I actually think there's a difference between a 'normal' cyclotourist and a 'geek' one, the normal one tend to be people who choose touring as the best method of going around country, whether the geek one are those who tour because they like riding bicycle.

I reckon most of us here is usually the geek variation, the problem is, while my touring bike is comfortable, stiff enough to carry shitload panniers while being stable, strong, decent tyres clearance etc. it somewhat suck the fun of says, a great descent or climb, riding a road bicycle with a seatbag/handlebar bag actually contributed very little change to the bicycle feel when riding and I actually not only enjoy touring but the ride as well, it's a blast going through the countryside on (what feel like) a lightweight road bike without worrying about says, panniers touching the road when leaning too hard.

Like I said: you'll enjoy it even more.

My new favorite blog is full of bikepacking stuff: http://whileoutriding.com/

Don't forget this guy who's bikepacking South America on a Surly Pugsley;

http://joecruz.wordpress.com/

Right I think I'm going to ask for one of them huge saddle bags as a christmas present, they simply look awesome.

But I started thinking, say I filled it full of my stuff - spare clothes, sleeping bag, bivi, charger for garmin, money. Would a alu seatpost hold all of that? Or would I need a different one like steel or ti? I figure next year I can put on a light weight rack to hold the tent and fit everything else in the seat post bag. Either that or kip in hostels!

Also would a medium be big enough for what I've said ill be taking. Not sure if the large would be too big!

Spencer, it's an alu seatpost, it will hold the weight, don't forget that the bag is also strapped on the saddle rail too.

I can't says, but medium is fine with handlebar bag/framebag, not sure if large on it's own will be enough.

I've booked a train to the Lake District between the 20th to 22nd, so I'll be riding to Wasdale to a camp site, next day walk the mountain and then the day after, ride back to Windermere to take the train home.

I also have this to carry the tent on;

I don't really want a front rack at all, maybe front handle bar bag but I'm undecided on that yet as it might affect the handling of the front end, I'd much rather carry a 1.5 (or less) KG tent on the rear rack with that saddle bag.

I think I might go for the large of them bags, with all the compression straps I can get it down to 9 litre, which means on day rides I can carry a few bits and pieces (jacket, food) and if I need a smaller bag I'll just use a small specialized saddle bag. 5 - 9 litres just doesn't seem like enough for me.

It might affect the handling if the bicycle geometry isn't suited for such, but I do need to find a way to carry a tent, and that's the best option frankly.

Strap it to the top tube? Or bivi it up?

got framebag.

it be fine I reckon, the very compact sleeping bag should fit in the saddlebag, and the rucksack for the remanding equipment.

Just managed to get the sleeping bag and tent on the front rack, removing the heavy stuff and putting them in the framebag/on top tube;

Lovely piece HERE which makes a beautifully simple point.

http://www.bikepack.eu/ - 10% off before xmas here.

I emailed them to ask when they'd be making new stock. They replied immediately and within 48hrs the whole range was back in supply. :)

Have been delivered one of them for Christmas Rod. Haven't had a chance to look at it yet but they look lovely online.

The new version of mine will be different again. :]

really interested in a rackless pack, and echo ed's thoughts, i missed out on one of your bags and would rather wait to buy a rackless pack from your good self.

Mum text and let me know the bike pack has turned up. Now I have to wait a week for it!!

spenceey hows the bikepack?

I have read this thread with voracious interest. Might be time to see what kind of custom construction I can source out over here in the way of frame bags.