[Closed] Bike packing bags

Planet X podsacs

Try Alpkit - a bit more solid that Planet X in my experience.

If it's the first time, you don't really need proper bikepacking bags - a couple of appropriately sized drybags strapped to the bars and saddle/post should work fine. It is worth spending money on a decent frame bag, though - this will make it easy to get at the things you want to access during the day: food, money, etc.

I have the podsacs stuff. Used it on a few bike packing trips, saddlebag on longer commutes and the frame bag gets regular use. Its cheap and heavy but seems reliable for my once or twice a year bike packing use.

Lifeline stuff from Wiggle has been getting good reviews. Prices are excellent

For dipping your toes in the water or for occasional use then the Podsacs will be fine. Don't be tempted to take too much kit, i.e. don't think "I've got X litres how do I fill it?" but "I need this amount of kit, what's the smallest set of bags it will fit into?". Also worth fitting frame protection tape as the straps can rub.

Note that need and want are not the same thing - if you are stopping in B&Bs/hostels then you only need a single change of clothes that will do for both evenings. For instance my wife did LeJoG with just a Carradice saddlebag, another woman had panniers and had taken a hair dryer!

Thanks, the pod sacs do seem very cheap - two bags for £40 seems a steal.

Anymore experiences of them? I would pay a bit more if needed

Lomo. Well made and well priced. Load it fully to prevent swaying.

Thanks, the pod sacs do seem very cheap – two bags for £40 seems a steal.

Anymore experiences of them? I would pay a bit more if needed

Was it the podsacs which had the slightly dodgy bar attachment - vaguely remember a thread. If so, buy a couple of extra straps to stop it jiggling all over the place.

Alpkit Joey Harness and drybag has served me pretty well for smallish loads. I cut a couple of foam squares and covered them with gorilla tape to space the bag away from the bars and provide a bit of cable room.

Was it the podsacs which had the slightly dodgy bar attachment?

In my experience, yes. I have one and the attachment was useless; straps badly placed and too long, also wasn’t very stable.

I’ve actually only used it once, all other trips I’ve done with just a seatpack bag (Apidura 17l), top tube bags front and rear, and some form of frame bag. I’d be inclined to spend on the seatpack and frame bags rather than a bar bag.

Alpkit big papa seat pack back in stock today.

Podsac bar bag is fine on my drop bars. Two velcro straps around the bars. Ends rolled shut then they are clipped shut around the drops. Bar is rock solid. Maybe those having problems were attaching them to flat bars?

Thanks - that Alpkit big papa seat pack is £100

Is it better than an Apidura which is similar price and seems to get good reviews.

Maybe those having problems were attaching them to flat bars?

Indeed, I had issues making it play nicely with Jones bars. I imagine the drops help stabilise it by virtue or wedging in somewhat.

Just used the podaacs bar bag and seat bag.

Ba bag straps were useless attaching it to the handle of my fat bike. Velcro wouldn't hold together and overly long. Meant that the bag would swing around a bit but overall stayed where it should've by keeping an eye on it.
the seat bag has been good does sway a bit but hey its cheap.
don't do what I did. Put my waterproof jacket in the bugee cords on top, came loose and wrapped around rear brake and ripped it to shreds. Was 10 years old and needing replaced thankfully otherwise would've been crying.
also used a Blackburn frame bag that I got from CRC for £30 that fitted perfectly too.

OP, you haven't said whether you are on-road or off-road for this trip. If off-road, will you be on a FS or HT and will you be using a dropper seat post?

The Alpkit Big Papa is effin' huge! It has a greater capacity than my entire setup (8L front, 5L back plus a couple of 1L stem cells), even in the Arctic I've not used a seat pack that big. Don't get me wrong, I've a lot of Alpkit stuff but ...

As I posted earlier, think about what you need then get a bag or bags that will take that.

I used the podsacs seat bag for the Jennride last year (and would have this year but unfortunately cancelled). Found it a decent bit of kit and wouldn't consider spending more to upgrade it. Fitted well on the bike (a hardtail). Pack the heavier stuff at the bottom to stop it bobbing about too much but no complaints here. Tape up the contact points otherwise you will end up with frame rub.

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CCPDWSB/podsacs-waterproof-saddle-pack

Where are you in the world?

I've got the Podsacs frame, seat and bar bags if you want to borrow them.

I've used them once and had no issues on a hardtail and when this madness eases I'll be off using them again.

The Podsacs barbag works fine, as does the Alpkit Big Papa. I've had both on the go for the last three years or so.
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Just wrap long QR straps right round the barbag and bars to pull it in tight.

Just used the podaacs bar bag and seat bag.

Ba bag straps were useless attaching it to the handle of my fat bike. Velcro wouldn’t hold together and overly long.

Mine doesnt have velcro...I think maybe different versions are about.

Sorry, good point - I’m doing an on road c2c - will be on a trusty trek road bike (with external gear cable along the top tube so I think a frame bag is out)

Crikey: that’s v.kind of you - I’m in mighty Leeds 🙂

Cheers

external gear cable along the top tube so I think a frame bag is out

Velcro bag fastenings under the cable, or bypass the cable stops with a full length outer ziptied to frame. I've done both.

I did the c2c over two days last year with the podsacs saddle bag, and Alpkit Frame Bag and a really small top tube/stem bag. I bought the Podsacs bar bag too but managed not to need it. This was staying in a B&B.

If I did it again I’d try and use a smaller saddle bag and take a bit less stuff. Half way through day two swinging my leg over the saddle bag when I was knackered was a bit annoying, to say the least.

@meandyuk, you got a message!

will be on a trusty trek road bike (with external gear cable along the top tube so I think a frame bag is out)

Doesnt appear to make any difference on my mtb.

Restrap is excellent.

I used topeak kit, 10l rear and a front loader for a recent Garmisch to Berchtesgarden trip, 4000Hm and 260km over 3 days,so similar with B&B rather than camping. Too much space so carried much more than needed.
The wife did appreciate the clean shirt after picking me up for the drive home, though.

Velcro bag fastenings under the cable, or bypass the cable stops with a full length outer ziptied to frame. I’ve done both.

Or just an offcut of outer slipped into place.

@Crikey - cheers, it won't let me reply to your message. Anyhow, i've managed to get hold of some bags! thanks again for the offer

Alpkit doing 15% off over the bank holiday... code is SUMMER15

No worries, enjoy.

I've got some Acepac stuff from bearbones website. Really good quality. The handlebar harness in particular is brilliant.

The wife did appreciate the clean shirt after picking me up for the drive home, though.

Couldn't it have been in the car waiting for you?

I’ve got some Acepac stuff from bearbones website. Really good quality. The handlebar harness in particular is brilliant.

I've got the bar harness and the drybag, for some reason couldn't get it to play nice. How much up and down jiggling was there on yours?