Bikepack

[Matt2matt2002]

Anyone any experience of these?
http://bikepack.pl/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=55
It was mentioned by Helen.
http://helenstakeon.com/take-on-asia/equipment-list/

She does get around a bit....!
And rides a Raven to boot.

She appears to have it strapped across the handlebars nearest to her and then a barbag in the usual position.

I did a search here on 'Bikepack' and came up with something from 2012 but not sure if this is it?

Matt

[jags]

what is it for matt .

[Danneaux]

what is it for matt

I hope Matt won't mind if I answer a question intended for him?

jags, there's a whole school of off-road touring called "bikepacking". See: http://www.bikepacking.net/ It is more akin to backpacking than conventional touring. Rather than drawing on traditional touring practice and using a handlebar bag and 2-4 panniers, these folks prefer tying or strapping bags onto their bikes. It is an interesting approach. Besides flexibility in packing, putting the weight on/in the frame avoids the extra weight of racks and many feel it affects bike handling less. Without the constraint/weight of racks, it is possible to attach a lot of luggage pretty much anywhere on the bike using frame bags, saddle bags, and bags attached to the handlebars.

The bag Matt references is one of the latter. It is a "sausage roll" style with dual roll-closures. Helen attached it to her handlebars behind her conventional HB bag, as Matt mentioned. The purpose is to hold more stuff, in this case a bit closer to the steering axis so handling is less affected by the weight. These bags are a nice way to add extra carrying capacity beyond the conventional means even if one is not a "bikepacker".

Something along these lines might make it (more) possible to do some limited touring with your Raleigh until the Audax comes along.

Best,

Dan.

[rualexander]

Alpkit now have a range of bikepacking gear https://www.alpkit.com/bike-luggage

[jags]

nah don't think i'de fancy those bags, a fella could end up in a field with a strong cross wind.and i cetainly wouldn't be putting that bag across my handle bars it would distroy the feeling of  steering the bike .

[julk]

jags,
i now use a Revelate Sweetroll which fastens under my Thorn comfort bars.
I carry my Exped mat/chair kit in it when going camping.

I find it has less effect on the steering than a previously used carradice bar bag which projected further forward.
It would be a bit wide though to use with drop bars.

I also use a medium Revelate Tangle Frame Bag in the frame to carry the heavy items like tool kit, Abus lock, first aid kit and spare inner tubes.
It works well and leaves room for 2 drink bottles in the frame
Julian.

[Matt2matt2002]

Thanks Dan.
And thanks for the other comments. I will be exploring them all
Matt

[mickeg]

The key point is minimal weight and bulk for the truly minimalist campers.  If you tour from one B&B to the next, it might be a viable option.  I however carry more gear than would ever be able to fit in the bike packers bags.

[jags]

jags,
i now use a Revelate Sweetroll which fastens under my Thorn comfort bars.
I carry my Exped mat/chair kit in it when going camping.

I find it has less effect on the steering than a previously used carradice bar bag which projected further forward.
It would be a bit wide though to use with drop bars.

I also use a medium Revelate Tangle Frame Bag in the frame to carry the heavy items like tool kit, Abus lock, first aid kit and spare inner tubes.
It works well and leaves room for 2 drink bottles in the frame
Julian.

Ah julian still don't fancy them i reckon they would only get in my way.i like to see the front wheel  when cycling frame bag would hit my knees.

[Matt2matt2002]

I'm going to make up a pack sausage shape and tie it onto the bars before I shell out on one.
I see it as complimentary to other bags I may carry.
Not seeing down and the front wheel may be unsettling at first.
But then my bar bag hides the front mud guard.
Its usually still there when I finish my ride.

Hitting my knees? I'll let my sausage test decide that.

Matt

[jags]

  best of luck matt hope your sausage doesn't get to brused

[mickeg]

I did not remember if I could not see my tire until this topic, so I checked a few photos.  It does not bother me not being able to see my tire.  But, I drove a motorcycle for decades and I did not see the tire on that either.

[jags]

Mike fantastic set up, your right when i had the sherpa i could not see the wheel when i had the barbag on.