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I've been looking at getting a seatpack for my "gravel" bike. I want to be able to carry some relatively bulky items for long days (or days when I'm not riding 100% of the time) such as a down jacket, rain overtrousers, some bits of photography kit, a Greggs sausage roll. I also plan (hope) to do some bigger bikepacking excursion so will need space for the kitchen sink.
I originally thought I could get away with one bag, using a harness system and just swapping out dry bags, or rolling down dry bags really hard. But looking at pictures on websites I'm starting to doubt that that makes sense, and that a bag, or harness big enough to handle the "bikepacking" function will just be too big to be practical for a "day trip" function (eg Decathlon Riverside - in principle holds 5-15l, but the harness looks huge; with only 5l inside it will surely be rattling round? ). If only there was a shop where I could see all the different options in the flesh, I'd be able to get a better idea of what I actually need. But there isn't so I rely on your experience 🙂
One of the holster style ones will work, then different drybags to suit your needs.
I have the revelate one and I reckon i could get a 5l pack cinched up and be very stable
Which Revelate one do you have, AAMOI ?
16L Spinelock, I asked Revelate before I got one and they guessed that the minimum volume was about 6-7L (not official). Having used it a bit, I'd say that seemed about right.
Darn. I’d talked myself out of Revelate due to £££. 🙂
I think mine is the Terrapin. It's a few years old now, all my bikepacking bags are Revelate and they work great. I've updated bits over time to newer designs but even the older ones are good
I’ve got a 14ltr Alpkit seat pack, not a holster and dry bag one, which is OK for proper bike packing duties, it does roll down to compress the contents but is still a bit bulky. It does wag when it’s full, but it’s quite long with no extra metal supports. The new Alpkit ones are available with a steadying metal frame.
I do use a Restrap 4.5ltr seat pack for my gravel / road bike. It’s more than big enough for a big day out, tools, spares, 1st Aid kit, extra layers, food, kitchen sink. I also use the Restrap Canister bag on the bars for phone, wallet, keys, lock, snacks.
I pack for everything like a good Boy Scout.
Cheeky for sale pitch. My Alpkit bag is available if you want to try something before spending loads.
I’ll take a photo in the morning if you’re interested.
Tailfin?
My older style seatpacks are unlikely to be used again.
I'd you don't need 6+L of storage, why don't you just use your pockets?
There's nothing virtuous about hanging shit off your bike for an average day's ride just because lail Wilcox looks cool when she rides the tour divide.
5l is a *lot* to carry in pockets