Bikepacking - a viable alternative to racks & panniers

Dunno. Presume Spesh. It reminds me of this, but bar mount:
https://theradavist.com/2018/01/the-tim-tas-rek-ahead-steerer-rack-saves-your-saggy-handlebar-bags/

It's part of the handlebar bag system they're gonna release

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looks like it clamps on the bars

system

yes!!

Don't address me
Fuck the system

Fuck the system

:(

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VvmixeowNI

I’ve got enough bike luggage to last a lifetime but love these. The fact that you can just pop it off and use it as a stool etc while cooking is a real winner.

I just don’t think I’ve ever seen anything sold in a bucket that shape here in the uk which is a shame.

Looks similar to this…

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/jack-the-bike-rack#/

Yeah, I got a jack coming from their Kickstarter campaign. The Spezialized thing looks interesting for shorter riders because it seems to need less space between handlebars and tyres.

I’ve just checked out the diy mudguards linked from that article. Very neat.

I’ve got a pair of these from the Kickstarter, should be here early April I believe.

Perhaps here...

WTD Apidura BACKCOUNTRY SADDLE PACK 4.5L
https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/374205/#comment16450055

Mentions "Wolf Tooth Valais" saddlebag dropper adapter. That would let me run my existing Viscacha bag with my dropper? Could be useful.

https://saddleback.co.uk/products/wolf-tooth-valais-dropper-post-fixing

Apologies for the noob question but are there any particular budget brands or sets of bikepacking luggage that are worth looking into? Thanks

What do you want to carry?

https://www.planetx.co.uk/c/q/bikepacking

Alpkit also a possibility, not as cheap as they used to be but well regarded mid tier offering:
http://www.alpkit.co.uk

Given you’re the next village over, if you want to have a look at some stuff from a few brands drop me a dm :)

Overnight gear for bothy stays, so sleeping bag, inflatable sleeping mat, small one person tent plus cooking/hygeine gear etc. I've already tried slimming my kit down for a lighter backpack when walking, my only issue might be that I use a synthetic sleeping bag so it might be bigger than some people's choices.

I'm hoping I could have the sleeping bag on my bars and most other stuff in a big seat pack plus a frame bag.

Thanks for the offer, the bonus is you already know what bike I'll be using! :)

Ive always been happy with my revelate gear

Not sure revelate is exactly budget though!

second this. I did the oregon timber trail plus two trips to the alps with the podsacks bar and saddle bags and they're still going strong.

Ah I missed that important word

Buy cheap, buy twice though. So what might appear to be a bargain now may not be over the longer term. If you want cheap bikepacking bags just to see if you like using them, I'd consider borrowing stuff first.

Reduce, reuse, recycle.

I like my Revelate gear too. Buy it 2nd hand and sell it on if you don't need it.

True! Wish there was something like this gear library in the U.K. to go and borrow/try things

https://bikepacking.com/news/rar-atl-gear-library-video/