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My son and I have a couple of multi-day adventures planned over the rest of this year and while we won't be carrying full luggage, if the weather is inclement we'll certainly want to take layers, waterproofs etc. I'm not a massive fan of rucksacks and as my bike won't take panniers, I've been looking at various options for mid-sized saddle packs which would be big enough for me to carry enough for both of us. It'll also need to consume a few tools and bits that are in my current, very svelte saddle bag.
The bag will be going on a gravel bike with about 4ft of visible seatpost (ok, I exaggerate a bit!), so clearance to the back wheel isn't a problem. I suspect that something around 10 litres or less would suit us perfectly.
I've been looking at Alpkit, Ortlieb and Restrap and would be interested in people's experience of these or other brands that they could recommend.
My carradice super c is tough as nails been round border reiver twice and commutes with me.
Its the saddle pack one. Rather than the mire traditional looking saddle bags.
Advantage of it over my "bike packing" ones (which i also have and also use) is the ease of access just unclip the flap and you can rummage around which is nice if you're going to be stopping and starting.
My alpkit koala has taken a battering and is still going strong.
There's a new one out with it's own hanging rail, so the old one was going cheap, don't know if they've got any left.
The new one wasn't bad value iirc.
Thanks guys.
My carradice super c is tough as nails been round border reiver twice and commutes with me.
Its the saddle pack one. Rather than the mire traditional looking saddle bags.
I'm glad you said this as I had a quick Google and came up with this, which nearly made my eyes pop out!
I don't think I could even ride with that on my bike!
My alpkit koala has taken a battering and is still going strong.
There’s a new one out with it’s own hanging rail, so the old one was going cheap, don’t know if they’ve got any left.
They definitely seem good value, although I've read a few tales here of people having to return them due to failure. Restrap are local to me and might win out just through longevity.
Glad to hear yours is going well - which size do you have and how much stuff can you get in it?
which size do you have and how much stuff can you get in it?
13L - it usually takes my dry/cold weather clothes (so down jacket, merino long sleeve base, spare liners/socks) in a dry bag. Then a couple of food bags for the evening, then a waterproof.
It's not cavernous, but you can get a fair bit in there.
For credit card touring I've used a Carradice SQR bag https://www.carradice.co.uk/bags/saddle-packs-sqr-bags/super-c-sqr-tour which fits to a clamp on the seat post. Easy to put on and take off.
In the end, I've gone for an 8l Restrap - I like the design and reviews are good. Should be big enough for what we want, which is mostly layers and coats. Will do some testing of size before I decide if I should have bought the next size up!
If you find it too small, just get an 8-10l drybag and strap it to your bars, I like doing that for winter commutes as I can tuck my fingers between the bars and the bag out of the wind!
That sounds a good plan! Do you use anything special, or just a random bag with a couple of straps?
I bought one of the alpkit ones with loops to run the straps through, although I often use a much smaller one for commuting.
Have a look at planet X the podsacs are stupidly cheap. If they aren't perfect you're only a few quid down.
Thanks, they are indeed. If the restrap one doesn't work for me, I'll take a look!
https://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/accessories-c11/pannier-racks-c136/the-bindle-rack-p16459
I have the above. Awesome bit of kit.
I really like my carradice Nelson longflap