Hello,
Have a three day trip coming up soon so on the South Downs Way and was looking at buying a waterproof backpack and Saddle bag. Just after some opinions on some kit I have found. I am not looking to spend mega bucks as I am not sure how much use I will get out of it. Just as extra bit of info we are staying in B&B's and not camping.
For the backpack I was looking at the 30ltr
LOMO daysack or Cycling bag (not sure I want the bright neon bag though) - I like the look of this bag because the top clips down the side and the pads on the back to provide air gap
Or
Alpkit Gourdon - I like this because it's lighter than the LOMO (apparently) and it has two decent size net pockets on the side for water bottle etc
For Saddle Bag I was thinking
LOMO - only thing putting me off this is the size but also thinking is it better to look at the space rather than look for it?
Or
Not really sure as haven't found anything for the same money. I did look at planet X but there bags are pre order and I wouldn't get it till after.
Happy for other suggestions but really looking at the £30 ish bracket for each bag
Thanks for your help
I use dry bags for my kit I want to keep dry. I wouldn't trust a waterproof bag for my sleeping bag. They are only a couple of quid, depending on what brand you buy.
If it's wet I just put my waterproof cover over the top that keeps the crap out, again, not expensive.
I'd be looking for a bag with a very good carry system so my back is OK after 3 days and not been rubbed.
As for a waterproof saddlebag, I have a ortlieb one that's been amazing. Comes in different sizes. Expensive but it's brilliant.
If you are talking about the Lomo 13l seat pack then I can tell you I was very impressed with mine when I used it for the first time last week. I don't have anything to compare it with but I doubt you'll find better for the same money. I also got the frame bag which pretty much fills the frame on my small bike and that's also very good for the money
If you are B&Bing then you really don't need much at all, certainly not a 13L saddlebag. For reference, for this weekend's JennRide I'll have 5L in the saddlebag and about 10L on the handlebars. That's for one overnight camp, actually I'm taking the hammock so it's bulkier than normal, and includes stove and food.
What bike are you on and what can fit in the frame?
As @damascus says, just get some dry bags and put them inside whatever decent rucksack you have, much better than trying to find a "waterproof" rucksack. You can also take a spare dry bag or two and use them for dirty/wet items.
Most people vastly overestimate what they need.
Thanks for your quick replies very much appreciated.
avdave2 I think all I was worried about was how long it was, but to be fair looking at some others they seem pretty similar lengths to 10ltr bags. I was worried it might move about a fair bit but think after reading other positive reviews and your comments I will go for it.
Damascus, One of the other reasons I liked the look of the LOMO was because of the straps being wider and padded longer than that of the Alpkit Gourdon. I have some dry bags but just fancied a waterproof rucksack so if it does rain then the rucksack does not stay wet if I can't dry it.
Put your stuff inside a comfy backpack in dry bags. +1
You don't need a 13l saddle pack for a B&B tour +1
I have a fantastic alpine Lowe rucksack that is brilliant for hiking. I took that on a bikepacking trip and it rubbed my back really badly it made it difficult to ride with it. Wasn't even that heavy. I retired it to walking and bought a replacement one just for offroad bikepacking.
When you are riding off road a rucksack can move a lot. Just because it feels comfy when you set off doesn't mean it will still be comfy when you finish your ride.
Ok well maybe I need to go and try a few rucksacks out then, as the ones I have may not be great for longish distance riding.
Too much choice and too much to think about ha ha. Should just put me scraggy rucksack on my back and just crack on with it 😁.
Thanks for all your help and advice
I've got the lomo seatpack... Not properly tested but very impressed with the build quality. Much nicer that the planet x podsacs one. Surely you don't need to fill it and can roll it tighter to take up the space.
I also have the lomo waterproof rucksack, the yellow one for commuting. Been using it a couple of years and no real complaints. Keeps stuff dry and pretty comfortable, not particularly sweaty. Maybe net pockets on the alpkit would be handy though.
Other cycling bags I have include deuter air lite 30 and a Lowe alpine eclipse 35. Both comfy on and off the bike with no rubbing noticed,though deuter is pretty short in the back. I used it on a coast to coast in 2009, mostly on road on mountain bikes and completely unprepared, over packed and unfit. I had a blast! 😁
I was going to offer my advice but Whitestone and Nobeer already said it. Listen to them. 🙂
Agree that you don't need as much capacity as you think, for b&b touring.
I prefer a bar mounted bag to rucksack, as getting the weight off your back makes things far more comfortable.
Definitely use drybags, in whatever luggage you choose, though