I was trying to figure out an inexpensive way to make multiple items (tent and sleeping bag) into one bundle that would be easily attached and removed from the rack. Traditional straps either attach to the rack, or go underneath the rack. Either method leaves you with loose straps to deal with, and loose items, instead of one bundle.
I could solve the multiple items into one bundle by using a much larger dry bag, but that still leaves the issue of loose straps to deal with. I know, this is probably an OCD issue 🙂
Of course, another solution would be to buy something like a KlikFix, and strap everything to one of those. That would work fine, but is a little pricey. Last year, I had bought a KlikFix to use on the G Line, but it wouldn't fit the rack. Now it seems that there is a new version that does fit the G Line rack.
As I mentioned in another post, I put the tent on the bottom, because it fits between the roller wheels, preventing heel strikes.
This is the first iteration. I would have used single, longer velcro straps, but I already had a bunch of the shorter ones, so I joined two shorts to make one long. The plastic hooks are from Amazon, a bag of 16.
The first picture shows it mounted on the rack. The second is a closeup, showing the hooks facing out. It doesn't work as well facing in, unless I cut the hooks shorter. The third picture shows the underside. After some final adjustment, I need to fix the hooks so they don't slide on the velcro webbing.
Once the tent and sleeping bag are strapped together as one, just tilt the bundle to hook the rack on one side, then pull down a bit on each hook to attach to the opposite side of the rack. Reverse to remove.
I think on version two, I'll leave hooks on one side, and use short velcro loops to attach to the rack on the opposite side. This should be easier to attach.
BTW, I had a leftover (orange) shoulder pad from a duffle bag strap, so I slid it onto one of the sleeping bag straps. Not really necessary, but it makes for a nice carry handle.
by mojoehand