Bikepacking - a viable alternative to racks & panniers

better insulation rating and about half the weight...
More things to ponder...

Don't forget about comfort, the foam ones may have a higher insulation rating, but are not as comfortable as the air/foam combos.

For comfort...

Lot of hard edges on that...

Very glad I didn't ride out to TdF today, v.wet up here, still warm tho. Instead I will head out early on my Kaffenback now with 29 extra gear choices once again.

Very glad I didn't ride out to TdF today, v.wet up here, still warm tho. Instead I will head out early on my Kaffenback now with 29 extra gear choices once again.

Agreed, might just about get out for a road ride on Sunday by any TdF action will be highlights or streamed by the looks of things... busy weekend putting things back together, packing, sewing and planning. Hope you have a good day tomorrow!

Bike was ace, here's the setup

Mixed emotions about not sleeping out, would've been lovely night but what was even nicer was evening with good friends, hot shower, a carpeted floor to place my mat and sleeping bag down on, and hassle free breakfast.

From the other photos you posted it looks like you had a pretty good weekend! I was a bit bummed out last night as more and more people were posting awesome photos and getting a whole bunch of texts/message about how amazing the whole weekend was (you bastards!)

On the plus side, I took delivery of a tarp, some ti-pegs, a tick remover and something-treated headnet as a precaution for the Lakes. Played around with various luggage set ups on the Karate Monkey and got round to fitting a completely new, and hopefully bombproof, drivechain (still singlespeed!). Think I've got everything planned out. Just need to stitch up a couple of bags to keep tent pegs and other pointy things from rubbing through anything.

Even contemplating a full-size toothbrush this time!

burn him

the dry bag from on one was good but im not so sure on the straps but it could be my failure, put my stuff in and strapped it to my bars but it was bouncing around like anything and I couldnt pull it any tighter

Was it just 2 straps to the bars or did you anchor the bottom around the fork legs/headtube?

+1 for insect protection, the midges were a nightmare... particularly trying to pack up first thing in the morning pre-coffee....

From the other photos you posted it looks like you had a pretty good weekend! I was a bit bummed out last night as more and more people were posting awesome photos and getting a whole bunch of texts/message about how amazing the whole weekend was (you bastards!)

On the plus side, I took delivery of a tarp, some ti-pegs, a tick remover and something-treated headnet as a precaution for the Lakes. Played around with various luggage set ups on the Karate Monkey and got round to fitting a completely new, and hopefully bombproof, drivechain (still singlespeed!). Think I've got everything planned out. Just need to stitch up a couple of bags to keep tent pegs and other pointy things from rubbing through anything.

Going to try and pick up some 'Smidge' in Cotswolds later. Seen it recommended by a few Scottish bikepackers so I guess it should work...

we bought some stuff from a pub up holme moss called Avon So Soft Skin or something... confused the shit out of me as its not labelled as an insect repellent, but looking at the ingredients it contains citronella/limonene... can't say it was that effective, but its what the locals were using....

Was it just 2 straps to the bars or did you anchor the bottom around the fork legs/headtube?

just 2 straps

we bought some stuff from a pub up holme moss called Avon So Soft Skin or something... confused the shit out of me as its not labelled as an insect repellent, but looking at the ingredients it contains citronella/limonene... can't say it was that effective, but its what the locals were using....

Maybe I'll just get some DEET instead...

just 2 straps

Yeah, it'll pivot on the bars unless you have something to anchor it to another point. Check out how the Wildcat harness forks if I'm not making sense...

http://www.wildcatgear.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/mtnlion3.jpg

I see, hmm.

Even a toe strap around the straps on the bag and around the headtube should work. I was using zip ties on mine last time, cheap and easy to replace, scuffs paint a bit but that's to be expected with any bikepacking luggage

Deet is the only thing that works IMO, citronella and it's variants just attract biting insects.

That being said, mosquito netting with long sleeves and trousers won't damage your stuff.

Have a google for Avon 'skin so soft' the army and lots of the guys I work dogs with swear by it as a midge repellent

^ Internets Truth v Science.

From the other photos you posted it looks like you had a pretty good weekend! I was a bit bummed out last night as more and more people were posting awesome photos and getting a whole bunch of texts/message about how amazing the whole weekend was (you bastards!)

On the plus side, I took delivery of a tarp, some ti-pegs, a tick remover and something-treated headnet as a precaution for the Lakes. Played around with various luggage set ups on the Karate Monkey and got round to fitting a completely new, and hopefully bombproof, drivechain (still singlespeed!). Think I've got everything planned out. Just need to stitch up a couple of bags to keep tent pegs and other pointy things from rubbing through anything.

It was amazing (just incase you needed reminding).

New kit sounds good, are you up the Lakes this weekend?

Ha, thanks :p

Heading up to the Lakes next Tuesday, back Saturday morning and then straight off to a wedding!

Does anyone have a recomendation for the best decent sized saddle bag and does anyone have a second hand one for sale?