Bikepacking - a viable alternative to racks & panniers

Anybody have any experience with Blackburn Outpost Elite frame bag? Looking for a full frame bag for my Toughroad and considering it as cheaper alternative to a custom one.

What's the reasoning behind not having panniers on the rear of this? I know they're not on trend, but panniers would bring the weight a lot lower on the bike than a bag perched on top and make the ride much nicer.

As much as anything to try different configurations. I rode with panniers previously and for this trip I was a bit worried I’d just fill them because I had the space.

Presumably you could ditch the fork bags (or front roll) if you had panniers and make the handling a bit better. I've not ridden with fork bags but find stuff hanging off bars a bit annoying.

I don't know if it would handle better. All the weight on the back is annoying.
One of the the vest handling bikes I had with panniers was a CDF with low trail fork and panniers on the front. #scobled

I think the comments above reflect the different experiences and requirements of each rider and trip. I guess the only way to find out what works is to try it and see…
My CdF with low rider front rack did handle brilliantly even on fast descents. So after this week I’ll know what I prefer…

I still to this day can vividly remember doing 110km/h down the north side of ventoux.

This sort of setup is great, but tarmac suitable only. Once off road it needs to be more distrubed and lighter.

Low-rider panniers put the weight lower than those fork bags though and they typically get used with smaller front bag. Riders adjust to whatever the setup is so it's not that bad but personally I try to get as much weight off the bars as possible if I can. When you're going with tent and cooking gear though you run out of space quickly.

I am planning my setup as well for trips with my daughter in kid trailer, but also some ultra races, I have a Giant Toughroad (midfork mounts for rack but no fork cages mounts), I already have a seatbag harness, handlebar harness and plan to get a full framebag. For solo short trips and races it will be enough, but for trips with kid I need more space, do you believe adding a low rider will work better or a pizza rack with basket or a bag on top instead of harness and panniers if needed? Will tour on tarmac and dirt roads mostly.

a Giant Toughroad

I really secretly want one, show me a pic pls

I prefer weight as low as possible. But that doesn't mean you can't have stuff high, if you pack with weight in mind.

I've not ridden with fork bags but find stuff hanging off bars a bit annoying.

I did a ride to Snowdonia once with fork bags and they were fine tbh. In the end I found them hassle to take off, pack, make sure they're right etc and I've not used them since.

I think I'd happily leave them on with just emergency stuff like jackets etc that I didn't need to keep dipping into them

Yes to this statement, and enjoy your trip.

I'm a big fan of a lowrider on the front. Coupled with a carradice on the back is a winner in my opinion for anything that isn't so rough that it'll rattle both to bits.

It'll be good when the explosion of new options for bike luggage are just seen as part of a roster, and panniers are back on the menu again.

Normandy trip…

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Heads up: I caught a peek of the Wizard Works calendar when I was in their studio earlier (framebag size exchange, they were fab about it) and sample sale is pencilled in for 23rd July. I think @Maj went last year and queue was crazy long.

Nice!

Pushing the envelope of the thread, has anyone tried the merino trekking boxers from Decathlon? Currently £17.99

I'd just buy montane primino. I have some that are quote a few years old and going strong.

This weekend I am planning a 3-days off for the Trans Cambrian Way.
The bike is ready, I am not but doesn't matter!
Starting on Friday earlish morning in Knighton if anyone is around then following komoot 3-day route (link here: https://www.komoot.com/collection/899090/welsh-border-to-irish-sea-bikepacking-trans-cambrian-way.)
Hope to have a smooth experience as my first multi-day mtb trip!

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Nice, have fun!

ty!

Looks like a thorough setup. I need to pull a finger out and get some bags onto my Stanton.

:) ty boss

enjoy!
it's a tough route, don't underestimate the amount of climbing involved, take it super steady.
arriving at Claerddu bothy has to be one of the most special bike-related experiences in the world.

Thanks for the tip!
I will try to dose my (few) energy responsibly!