Bikepacking - a viable alternative to racks & panniers

Parents have the jacket version, can't give you an exact size but I think they were fairly bulky. Do it advertise as packing into it's own pocket or is there a stuff-sack?

It's referenced as packing in its own pocket on a few sites, but the way a lot of descriptions read I suspect it's a bit bulky.

http://www.bikepacking.com/plog/bikepacking-trans-germany-video/

Looks like a lovely route.

Used my Roswheel aliexpress bag again for the commute this morning. All good!

I was looking at that one too. :)
Gotta admit, I'm being drawn towards the American Trail Race after reading Sarah and Tom Swallow's ride journal about their trip on the TAT route.

Yeah, but TAT is huge. Amazing, but really brutal climbing and I think it goes over 13,000 feet. I'd get TD done first then think about it! Also, unless you're racing, it's like a 2 month route.

I should probably read this thread but TL:DR!

Looking for a smallish bar bag for a light tour. Preferably not a roll top - any suggestions?

Nice watch, ta for the heads up!

Carradice.
Choose based on size, not how they designate the bag.

So. A bikepacking-style saddlebag that could fit a 13" laptop. Is there anything out there other than Carradice?

Not really - bikepacking style bags are all long and thin. The Carradice is wide and deep(ish).

Bikepacking setup from trip to Scotland at the beginning of May. All Restrap kit on my Paul Donohue. It was my first time bikepacking, so still getting to grips with a few things. All worked pretty well though!

130 pages to trawl through? Or can someone suggest a saddlebag for my incoming Isen? Revelate/apidura/alpkit/restrap what do people suggest? For day long rides.

Day rides? What are you taking with you that needs a saddle bag?

Get a top tube bag/feed bag/small frame bag/combo of the above. Saddle bags aren't ideal to dip in and out of.

Bikepacking saddlebags were designed to hold predominantly soft items that can be cinched down really tight, they also require a minimum amount of said contents in order to function properly and not swing like crazy. They weren't designed for carrying random hard objects.
This is why I see so many people riding around with bikepacking saddlebags flopping and swinging about behind their saddles,with hardly anything in them. They've become fashionable, but for a lot of people aren't the best choice.
A full frame bag would make more sense if you really have to carry it on the bike, but even then it will need to be well padded.

Set up for last weekend:

Rode the south downs way from Winchester to cocking first day, wild camped, got told of by a farmer, did another 16 miles on the SDW in the morning, but decided heat was too much and rode on some tarmac down to littlehampton, then rode the easy coast all the way to Brighton. Had a splash in Worthing, was excellent

Bigxtop saddle bag? Look decent, well made and shouldn't flop around too much. https://www.bigxtop.com/collections/cycling/products/mini-seatpack

I am seeking a bag that'll take a rain jacket, body warmer and possibly tools and some flip flops or barefoot shoes.

Bar bags all seem to interfere with garmin and lights - my k edge mount has Garmin out front with light underneath.

Go for something small like the big top or one of the bigger saddle bags from wiggle/chain reaction. As Scott said large saddle bags are rubbish unless their packed full and with a bit of consideration.

Things like shoes are likely to cause headaches when packing, I'd be tempted to lash them to the outside of the bag with a ski strap or similar.

Bike packing saddlebags aren't a volume you can just chuck stuff in, close the lid and ride off like you'd be able to do with a Carradice or box shaped rando bag.

I'd go with a frame bag and some toe straps/something to attach the sandals under your saddle.

I'd second the frame bag. Much better for regular access.
If you're accessing a bikepacking saddlebag more than once...possibly twice a day, you've probably packed the wrong stuff in it! :)

You're pretty tall too James so you should be able to get a partial framebag that should still have plenty of space for what you need and more.

@coldharbour what is the real top tube length on the 55cm Isen frames?

Who makes the best partial frame bags?

@RankinJ will knock you up a fully custom one for a good price - definitely worth asking

Wat measurement do you want, mitre to mitre?