Originally Posted by
BLYTZPK
bag shift...yes ! I was trying to write that but couldn't. The bag shifts then the shock cord loosens falling into the rear wheel. Inevetibale.
Riders not experiencing the problem may have a well positioned light load within the cord's yield spec that is maybe the cord isn't holding the bag down from falling off.
I don't think it inevitable. My dry bag does not noticeably shift, and it has never come of the rack even in a crash. The rack and the panniers make a nice platform for the rack pack, and there is really nowhere for it to shift.
On a tour a couple of years ago part of our route took us over 400 miles of unpaved roads and trails and over 500 mile of cobblestone roads and trails. No problems at all.
I think people should use whatever they are the most comfortable with. My wife uses a different system from mine.
We each carry a 5' long 1/2" tubular nylon strap, with Fastex sidelock buckles, that we call ferry straps. We use it on ferries and trains to secure the bikes to the railings, racks etc. If I think I need extra restraint or hauling firewood in a campground, I could always use that. It is the red strap on the top tube in the middle picture of my first post.