I hear you on the tube. I keep telling myself it's only 220 miles, but freak things do happen. I can always fit another in the handlebar bag.

I tested out the straps on the rear and they seem pretty good. I had looser ones and leaning the bike over, the bag fell right off. With the current bungees, there is minimal movement, even rocking the bike back and forth like in an uphill climb or sprint. Also, the straps of the tent stuff sack are tied onto the rack for extra stability there. I was thinking of bringing one of the multi-adjustable canvas belts to haul firewood if there was a store nearby. I'll see if I can incorporate it into the strap system.