Originally Posted by
Doug64
+1 on side entry doors. They make it so much easier in many different ways.
That is our tent's large door, providing easy access and spacious gear storage in the split vestibule. The rainfly is drying on a picnic table in the backgound.
A well made light weight tent (not UL)can pack down to a small size and weigh under 4 lb. We also have an UL tent that we use on bike tours, a REI Dash 2, that is very light, but I do not have the same confidence in it as I do the one pictured.
The tent and rainfly are in the blue compression sack. My sleeping bag is in the green compression sack, and a full length Thermarest Pro 4 is in the orange bag.
The tent, sleeping bag, Thermarest, compessible pillow, sil-nylon ground cloth/tarp, and Ortlieb waterproof rack pack weigh less than 10 lb. The same gear will fit into an Ortlieb Backroller (rear) pannier.
As you know, this is all new to me, so I'm trying to make the right choices the first time here, and everyone sharing their experience and knowledge is helping to make that happen. I'm almost completely done with my mechanical upgrades and changes to the bike itself, so that's why I'm now moving onto my touring equipment and supplies, including luggage systems. I'm going with the Ortlieb handlebar bag as you suggested. I'm waiting for the new 2017 flatter version to become available and then I'm getting one. Have you seen them yet? There is also an updated version of the Pro line coming too. I have a loaner Ortlieb handlebar bag to use in the meantime if I can get out on a little tour before then. I just bought my first set of panniers, and I got a great discount thanks to the holiday sale. I went with the new Arkel Orca 45 set, so I will start out with only two panniers and take it from there. Once I receive them I'll have a better idea of what else I'll need to satisfy my storage needs. Thanks again for all of your great help and advice here Doug, I really appreciate it!
