Topeak, Madison, Blackburn and Altura are all doing better priced kit, and I may be able to get a deal.

Dipping a toe in the water so not wanting to spend £££ on Revelator etc.

Any experiences/opinions/thoughts?

Info on the Madison stuff seems sparse, you can’t even find out their volume…

I’m sure you’ll find all you ask on bearbones forum.

Don’t forget ortlieb and apidua to name a few others

There’s quite a few with feet in both houses 😉

Cheapest option would be to get some Alpkit dry bags and strap them to the bike rather than get bags, harnesses and the like. Lets you figure out how much volume you need then once you’ve worked that out and if you decide to continue then start looking at the more specialised kit. Probably the only items I’d consider getting straight away are the stem cell/feedbags that sit in the angle between stem and handlebars – very useful for food on the go.

Apidura, Ortleib = 2 x the price.

the stem cell/feedbags that sit in the angle between stem and handlebars – very useful for food on the go.

I use jersey pockets, I have to say this is the last bag I’d buy, but I will be happy to be proved wrong.

From what I’ve seen, the bigger brands are jumping on a bandwagon and some of the products look like they have been rushed to market without the extensive testing of the more established but smaller companies. The Altura bags in particular are substandard, not the quality, but just don’t work as well as they should. My friend bought a complete set and returned everything in favour of getting Alpamayo designs bags, which are much better. The Blackburn bags just feel cheap when looking at them on the shop (although I’m impressed with my Outpost Cages) and the Ortlieb seat bags have a rep for wobbling about.

IMHO, spend the extra on a set of bags that will last and do the job properly – Revelate, Alpamayo and Wildcat are the best of the bunch at the moment, the latter two both being small UK companies if that’s something you value. Regarding the stem bags, they were the last pieces of luggage I bought, but I wish I’d got them sooner, I always have at least one on my bike whenever I ride now!

If Madison have the same quality and warranty as they do on their clothes, I’d try them.

Stiff zip? Pulled stitching? Replaced no questions asked.

Polaris have just launched a range of bike packing stuff:
http://www.polaris-bikewear.co.uk/category-s/1463.htm

Interesting steezy, Altura stuff can be poor quality too. Blackburn built to a price to pay for the warranty.

Polaris stuff, can’t see it via that link on my phone.

I just spent the princely sum of 30 dollars on a supposedly waterproof 10L saddle pack from a Chinese seller. I’ll let you know how it is when it clears customs but at that price, as long as it doesn’t disintegrate its worth a punt.

My bikepacking kit is:

Alpkit kanga bar harnes
Alpkit koala saddle bag
Ibera frame bag

The kanga is great if a bit bulky. With a non-29er or taller bars it isn’t necessary so it depends on your bike, the Joey looks like a good idea just as something to protect the bag from chafing.

I use jersey pockets, I have to say this is the last bag I’d buy, but I will be happy to be proved wrong.

I have a podsacks chalk bag permanently on my bars, and I normally use my jersey pockets. I just use it as a 4th pocket really, good for stuffing a camera, jelly beans, can of pop, etc.