JaphyR

On my next trip I want to be free to hike a lot more, two to three day trips from my bike. When I tried to hike on my previous trips, I just took my bear rope and looped it a bunch of times around my shoulder, then clipped a couple compression sacks to it. Worked for a dayhike, but not a good idea for overnights. Anybody find a good backpack for bicycle travel, or other tricks to make the transition easily?

jnoble123

There was recently a discussion about this topic on the International Bicycle Touring Mailing List. I believe the consensus was to bring a hiking specific backpack with you stuffed in one of the panniers on the bike. I seem to recall that people felt that the saddlebags that convert into a backpack just had too many compromises involved and most people could carry the backpack easily inside a pannier anyway.

You might want to check out the searchable archives.

~Jamie N
www.bicycletouring101.com

supcom

Last fall I did a bike/hike ride. I have BOB trailer and I took an internal frame backpack instead of the the BOB dry sack. An internal frame pack fits the BOB very nicely if you set it in with the hip belt on top. Whe you get to where you want to hike, simply remove the backpack from the trailer, lock up the bike and trailer, and off you go. Couldn't be easier.

jamawani 

I've hiked across the Grand Canyon three times - done the John Muir Trail in Yosemite - backcountry lakes in Glacier - backcountry in Banff, Jasper, Kluane, and Denali. How?
I have a mid-weight Kelty backpack that I stuff my tent and sleeping bag into while I'm biking - I strap it horizontally above the rear rack. When I switch to hiking I strap the tent and pad to the sides and use all of the additional compartments.
Here's a pic.

JimboTrek

JaphyR, I'm a hiker/biker, I can tell u that I've thought of doing this also. So far i've only used an EMS daypack on the rear rack. You might be able to get by with a large volume daypack, but there are a number of affordable ultralight backpacks on the market that would be very suitable for your needs. (1-3 lbs) Just be sure to secure all the excess straps and use a pack cover. Many online outfitters have sales this time is "off-peak" for backpacking. Check out Campmor, REI, EMS, Backcountrystore, Moosejaw, etc. for deals. I own a GG Nimbus Ozone--easily holds a 2-5 days of gear. It stows very compactly when empty.

Consider the GG Vapor Trail. 2 lbs, 3600cu, $127(on sale!) https://www.backpackingdeals.com/Merc...tegory_Code=UP

Be aware there are many more choices than I've listed here, so shop around.

These are ultralight but are hiking packs, and are all highly rated:
>Granite Gear ultralight series
>ULA Equipment series
>Gregory G or Z pack
>Osprey Ether series





So

megilleland

I use a Berghaus rucksac attached to my rear rack sat between my panniers.
See photo attached. Used this combination for cycling in Spain for one year and used the sac for day walks in the Sierra Gredos and Picos Europa. Tent, sleeping bag and insulation mat in waterproof bag on front rack.

Saudade

The problem with bringing a pack is the aluminum stays, which are usually torso length. How do you fit the backpack in your panniers with those things? I've tried putting the pack crossways on the rear rack as well and its way too long. Even without the stays, most backpacks have bulky padding etc. I think supcom has the best idea i.e. trailer with the backpack storing with gear. Then you can still bring a quality pack with you. Lightweight packs sound great but then you are compromising your comfort on the hike.

Another thing is the hiking boots which are bulky and heavy. Do you guys bring boots along?

saddlesores

in new zealand, you can rent backpacks. while cycling there with my bob, i had
everything needed for hiking, including boots, except for the pack. had a mid-size
buttpack good enough for 15-20 mile day hikes. hostels were usually located
within easy walking/thumbing distance from the many trailheads, and would allow
bike & trailer to be securely stored. hostels either rented packs or could find a
rental sporting goods store nearby. and was nice to have a couple days in the
hostel with bed/showers/kitchen either side of a 7-10 day hike.

JaphyR

Thanks for the thoughts. The BOB does sound best, but I'm reluctant to give up on panniers. I'll look into the ultralight packs. I am used to well-fitting packs with good stays, and I agree they're too long to put across the rear rack.
I'm also curious to know if people bring boots. I've done plenty of hiking in running shoes, but I now like to get onto the snow, even in the summer. I know others have rigged crampons to sneakers, but nothing takes the place of good boots in the mountains on steep stuff.

jamawani 

I'll weigh in again on two points -

Forgot to mention the exact pack I use -
Kelty Redwing 2900 - https://www.the-roc.com/redwing.html
Lightweight - internal frame - moderate price - fits over rear rack horizontally - on top of panniers -
(The Kelty site doesn't list - they may no longer be produced but still available)

Also, I carry two pair of footwear -
1) HiTec or Merrill or Vasque Lite Hikers - with the back of the ankle LOWER than the front
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...parel&v=glance
I bike in them and hike in them
2) And when I'm not biking or just coasting / light pedaling I have my Tevas

Best - J

supcom

I take a lightweight hiking shoe (more like a heavy duty sneaker) and tuck them between the backpack and the BOB frame.

Here's a picture of my setup.

Frank B

One thing you might also want to consider, depending on the length of a hike you are planning to take is a daypack.... a good one that is. Just overnight... tent, sleeping bag, food, water, water filtration/sanitization.... does not require too much space. Depending on the season you may just really only need food, water, water sanitization,a sleeping bag/pad. None of this is terribly heavy with reasonable gear.

Something like this might work well:
https://www.camelback.com/rec/cb_prod...&selector=true

I've been quite pleased with the suspension and compression system on my camelback daypack. The wicking, molded back is also very nice. A decent sized load, especially for daypacks. Since it doesn't have a solid frame(plastic backing frame) you have to be more careful on how you pack and how much, but they work quite well.

MichaelW

An ultralight, unpadded, frameless backpack should be good for a few days. You can fold it up and keep it in your pannier, or use it as a stuffsac on top of the rack. If you have it made the correct size, then you can do without all the usual adjustable bits which add weight and complication.
I usually carry lightweight trail shoes. They work well with toe clips.
BTW What is a "bear rope"?

Map tester

MichaelW,
A bear rope is a long length of light weight but strong rope used to suspend your food bag high enough from a tree to foil bears or other animals from eating your food. Guess you don't have too many wild bears in England!

Jay H

I'm assuming what he means by a bear rope is rope to hang a bearbag too.

Another hiking boot suggestion is to try some low top trail runners, which could easily be used as camp footwear, off-the bike footwear on a long tour. The other option would be to mail the pack to yourself near the place you want to hike, pick it up and then strap it down so it's not as bulky on most of the ride.

As far as lightweight solo tents though, look at hammocks and single wall tents.

If you want to bring a kayak along, Paddleboy makes a kayak carrier up to 14' I think...

Jay