I live in Lake Tahoe and go mountain biking and backpacking every summer as much as I can, decided it was time to combine both hobbies. Just starting to put together the gear I'll need – first purchase.
It felt like a pack that sits behind the seat was a good place to start. My goal is to keep it as light as possible so not sure I want to add much more to the bike besides this.
My idea is that I can strap my tent and sleeping back directly to the frame with straps and then carry everything else in a small backpack.
Does that sound like an okay plan or should I be adding more storage packs to my bike?
by morgancmu
11 Comments
I would say that strapping stuff directly to your frame isn’t a great idea as it will rub and damage and might not be very secure – maybe get a rack? The Old Man Mountain ones will adapt to almost any frame
> Does that sound like an okay plan or should I be adding more storage packs to my bike?
Entirely depends on how far your trip is going to be, where you’re going to sleep or how comfortable you want it to be, etc. You provided almost no info here
If all goes to the frame and the backpack then why the saddlebag?
Well the saddlebag is great! I do believe multiple other frame bags and 5 to 8 liter drybags will make you more ready then the backpack, but that depends on budget also. You don’t need a lot for a plain old bikepacking trip. But secretly it does become a lot once you all have to store it comfortably on a bicycle.
Strapping things directly to your bike isn’t a great idea. Bar bags are a good idea. I don’t like tail bags myself. Too much weight up too high and far back for me. But see what works for you
Don’t strap to your frame- strap to your handlebars if you must and don’t rely on a backpack. Stuff on your back gets burdensome fast and sweaty back sucks on long endurance trips/rides
I own this and love it
>”Does that sound like an okay plan or should I be adding more storage packs to my bike?”
That depends on you. How much do you want to pack?
The best way to find out and pack. If you can fit everything in one bag, GREAT. if not, either you need another bag or you need to carry less stuff.
I would ditch the backpack. You don’t want the extra weight of a 20 lb backpack on your sit bones and neck/shoulders if you’re riding more than a couple hours. Let the bike do the carrying.
I usually put my sleeping bag and pad in a handlebar roll, bivvy or tent goes in a saddle bag like yours along with spare clothes, beanie, gloves whatever, and I keep my stove, food, misc tools, water filter, and other odds and ends in my frame bag.
The front roll I use is a cheap waterproof stuff sack and a diy handlebar harness I made out of an old tire and some voile straps. Frame bag was second hand and super cheap as well. If you keep your eyes peeled and are patient there’s no need to break the bank to get useful gear with lots of life left.
Tbh half the fun is figuring out what works best for you, there is no wrong answer. Good luck and godspeed, post a trip report when you’re back!
Who’s downvoting this guy? They’re in here asking for advice but y’all still gotta gatekeep? Wild
The Terrapin is a great seat bag. Good job.
It’s great for light and bulky items (clothes, sleeping bag) and other things you don’t need during the day.
Personally I’d add a handlebar roll (like the Revelate Sweetroll or Harness) to mount your tent and get some weight off your back.
I’m also a big fan of a framebag or half frame. They eat a lot of gear and keep heavier items in line and low.
A backpack (other than a hydration pack as needed) is my least preferred option.
I have a similar one and I absolutely love it.