Bike Packing Seat Bag advice
Discussion
Am doing the C2C next year along with a couple of overnight stays as part of training - and general getting out and about.
The variety of seat packs is a bit mind boggling, so am hoping to delve into the real world experience of any PHers.
What bags have you loved and hated?
Have looked at holster types - Restrap, Terrapin, Blackpool, Porcelain Rocket etc
Also all-in-ones, Ortlieb, Altura, Apidura.
The list could go on for a long time.
What has given you the least tail wag?
Have any of them caught on your legs?
Waterproof seams vs Dry bags?
Is it sensible to go for a large and just squash it down for when you don't need all of the space? Or are there hidden pitfalls in doing this?
Has anyone tried the bag stabilizers from Woho? I like the ability of putting a couple of bottles on them as well as steadying the bag.
The variety of seat packs is a bit mind boggling, so am hoping to delve into the real world experience of any PHers.
What bags have you loved and hated?
Have looked at holster types - Restrap, Terrapin, Blackpool, Porcelain Rocket etc
Also all-in-ones, Ortlieb, Altura, Apidura.
The list could go on for a long time.
What has given you the least tail wag?
Have any of them caught on your legs?
Waterproof seams vs Dry bags?
Is it sensible to go for a large and just squash it down for when you don't need all of the space? Or are there hidden pitfalls in doing this?
Has anyone tried the bag stabilizers from Woho? I like the ability of putting a couple of bottles on them as well as steadying the bag.
I have the Alpkit ones and have been happy with them in terms of toughness. Of the 2, I prefer the Papa bag and its so much more secure in the fastenings to the bike and really doesn't swing about. It does have one flaw in that it can expand width ways and if you are sensitive on the space between your legs, then its something to watch when you pack the bag (as it turns out, I am, and killed my knee in Belgium in 138kms).
My winter project is to make a nose brace for it, to hold it open vertically and not allow width expansion.
Infact, my bike kit is a riding advert for Alpkit!
Edit:
Most people say that go with a bag that holds, only what you need. If you have spare space, unless you are very disciplined, you will have a tendency to over pack. The downside to this is, the less experience you have, the more you think you need. I'll post a pick of my bike in Belgium later inc weights.
My winter project is to make a nose brace for it, to hold it open vertically and not allow width expansion.
Infact, my bike kit is a riding advert for Alpkit!
Edit:
Most people say that go with a bag that holds, only what you need. If you have spare space, unless you are very disciplined, you will have a tendency to over pack. The downside to this is, the less experience you have, the more you think you need. I'll post a pick of my bike in Belgium later inc weights.
Edited by Celtic Dragon on Tuesday 21st November 11:59
Edited by Celtic Dragon on Tuesday 21st November 12:12
I've completed the c2c numerous times over different routes and different timescales with 3 days been the maximum and have always managed with a 20L backpack. Not sure that helps you but you would be surprised how light you can travel especially if you willing to go out in shorts on a night time.
Thanks for the input folks
A few holster replies which is interesting. I do like the idea of whipping the dry bag out with zero faff.
The Big Papa wouldn't be too much of a problem width wise as I tend to have the seat forward a bit more than the norm - 1/2-3/4 inches
I will be travelling relatively light, going for the 2 day transit, so stopping at Whitehaven and Alston - my folks live in Tynemouth, so they can hose me down when I get in
couple of t-shirts
Light walking trousers
Jersey
undies and socks
toiletries
Waterproofs I'd tie to the top of the bag .
Have a small frame/stem bag for tools/phone/tube/CO2 etc
Someone else is taking a handpump
The only thing I haven't got apart from the bag is Celtic Dragons T-shirt - I think that may be essential above all else. (PS thanks for the detailed reply Celtic Dragon)
A few holster replies which is interesting. I do like the idea of whipping the dry bag out with zero faff.
The Big Papa wouldn't be too much of a problem width wise as I tend to have the seat forward a bit more than the norm - 1/2-3/4 inches
I will be travelling relatively light, going for the 2 day transit, so stopping at Whitehaven and Alston - my folks live in Tynemouth, so they can hose me down when I get in
couple of t-shirts
Light walking trousers
Jersey
undies and socks
toiletries
Waterproofs I'd tie to the top of the bag .
Have a small frame/stem bag for tools/phone/tube/CO2 etc
Someone else is taking a handpump
The only thing I haven't got apart from the bag is Celtic Dragons T-shirt - I think that may be essential above all else. (PS thanks for the detailed reply Celtic Dragon)
We did C2C over 2 days in July this year.
We started from Maryport, overnighted in Alston and dipped our wheels in the sea at Tynemouth Sailing Club the following afternoon. We then had a 10 mile ride back to Newcastle central station followed by a drive back down south after picking up our van in Maryport - that was a long day !
I can recommend the Victoria Inn in Alston for B&B - 3 of us shared a massive room on the top floor with 2 singles and a double in it and we had room to store all 3 bikes and kit in the room (just ask when booking) and still plenty of space. The landlady was fantastic, she even had bacon butties packed for our early departure the following morning ! Its not fancy accommodation but was great value, comfortable and perfect for what we needed - plus you get to wobble up the steep cobbled street to the Inn infront of the locals with tired legs after Hartside.
We ate that night at Alston House which is a 4 star hotel just a short walk back down the cobbles and enjoyed some great burgers and drinks.
Back to your question - 2 of us took small rucksacks and 1 a seat post mounted bag (we were on road bikes). I had a camelback mule and fitted everything in that I needed for the 2 day ride. This included my share of the spares which we split between the 3 of us to cover all likely bases. The less you can carry the easier Hartside and the climbs will be ! I was fine with Just a t shirt, shorts (lined so no grundies needed) and a pair of flip flops. The locals laughed at all 3 of us in flip flops in the pub but it was needs must. There is a small co-op in Alston so we were able to stock up on chocolate etc as well as lucozade sports drinks. I also bought toothpaste/shower gel etc at the co-op rather than carrying it and just binned it the following morning.
I managed to squeeze a lightweight waterproof jacket into the camelback which was essential for day 2 as we rode through fog, wind and sideways rain through the pennines. Payback for day 1 which was almost too hot and sunny !
Really enjoyed the ride - we had initially aimed to see if we could do it in a day when 1st planning the ride but decided that whist 130 miles was doable it was probably the elevation that would make it a horror. We therefore took the sensible option and enjoyed a 2 day ride rather than suffering over one.
Happy to answer any other Q you may have
Pot Odds
We started from Maryport, overnighted in Alston and dipped our wheels in the sea at Tynemouth Sailing Club the following afternoon. We then had a 10 mile ride back to Newcastle central station followed by a drive back down south after picking up our van in Maryport - that was a long day !
I can recommend the Victoria Inn in Alston for B&B - 3 of us shared a massive room on the top floor with 2 singles and a double in it and we had room to store all 3 bikes and kit in the room (just ask when booking) and still plenty of space. The landlady was fantastic, she even had bacon butties packed for our early departure the following morning ! Its not fancy accommodation but was great value, comfortable and perfect for what we needed - plus you get to wobble up the steep cobbled street to the Inn infront of the locals with tired legs after Hartside.
We ate that night at Alston House which is a 4 star hotel just a short walk back down the cobbles and enjoyed some great burgers and drinks.
Back to your question - 2 of us took small rucksacks and 1 a seat post mounted bag (we were on road bikes). I had a camelback mule and fitted everything in that I needed for the 2 day ride. This included my share of the spares which we split between the 3 of us to cover all likely bases. The less you can carry the easier Hartside and the climbs will be ! I was fine with Just a t shirt, shorts (lined so no grundies needed) and a pair of flip flops. The locals laughed at all 3 of us in flip flops in the pub but it was needs must. There is a small co-op in Alston so we were able to stock up on chocolate etc as well as lucozade sports drinks. I also bought toothpaste/shower gel etc at the co-op rather than carrying it and just binned it the following morning.
I managed to squeeze a lightweight waterproof jacket into the camelback which was essential for day 2 as we rode through fog, wind and sideways rain through the pennines. Payback for day 1 which was almost too hot and sunny !
Really enjoyed the ride - we had initially aimed to see if we could do it in a day when 1st planning the ride but decided that whist 130 miles was doable it was probably the elevation that would make it a horror. We therefore took the sensible option and enjoyed a 2 day ride rather than suffering over one.
Happy to answer any other Q you may have
Pot Odds
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