I am planning on doing some lightweight touring next year. Stopping in B&B’s rather than camping so i will only be carrying a few clothes & tools really.

I am not sure whether to buy a bikepacking saddlebag or a trunk bag. I will be using my boardman cx. Which do you think will be the best option?

Either will be fine. I’ve used an Ortlieb trunk bag in the past but use a Revelation Viscacha saddle bag these days. The latter obviously avoids the weight of a rack.

Bikepacking luggage for me. This had camping kit too so you can do away with the dry bag on the bars.

IMAG0312 by DKNWHY, on Flickr

I’d fit a rack as you can…..

Then either Panniers of a bag strapped on it

Either works well. I’ve used a rack-pack with a bar bag and it’s useful in a bike-manbag kind of way but you’ll get more stuff in a bikepacking pack. Bikepacking gear like that ^ is light and adaptable but it can be slower to access kit in a seatpack. Depends whether low weight and speed is your priority, or just a nice ride with minimal faff during stops. Keeping a camera, wallet etc easily to hand can be very useful in the end.

Thanks for the replies. Think I will use saddlebag and then a tri bag for phone etc.

A half way house is something like the Carradice SQR Tour Slim. Doesn’t rely on being packed tight to retain its shape and non wagginess. Easy on/off the bike, easy access inside, waterproof, does a nice job as a mudguard if you’re caught without.

Well happy with the Alpkit made-to-measure Stingray frame bag I got a couple of years ago – one of these; I can get a surprisingly good amount of stuff inside it, and so far the bag is showing absolutely no signs of wear and tear. Use it on a Cotic Roadrat.

my wife and i are just back from a week in west cork, doing just that. we each use a medium sized dry bag. squeeze the air out and put it in a very old pannier or strap to the back of saddle, you can then take the dry bag into the bnb/hotel it is a brilliant way to travel light and tour an area. stay in good places and eat good food !