olgah8644

Hello!

I just wanted to get some advice on taking a lightweight backpack on a bikepacking trip (as well as the full setup..Frame pack, Saddle pack, Handlebar pack etc). What are peoples thoughts on this? Are they useful? I'm also thinking about using dry bags to organise my kit but i'm unsure if they will just add weight!

Thanks for any help.

Leebo

I use frame bags.

olgah8644

I meant as well as...oops. I've changed my post now!

jamawani 

I take a lightweight NorthFace 2-day pack on my back rack.
When I am biking, it has everything to set up tent/sleeping bag in 2 minutes, if necessary.
When I hike, I have the tent and pad outside and transfer other stuff into the backpack for hiking.

I have crossed the Grand Canyon a half dozen times as part of bike tours.
I have hiked the John Muir up from Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne twice.
I hiked the backcountry of Glacier, Banff, Jasper, Denali - and others.

It gives me the flexibility to combine real hiking with cycle touring.
Not for everybody - but then, everybody does things differently.

olgah8644

Wow you've been on some amazing adventures ! I was thinking of something more lightweight like the sea to summit packable backpack so I can pack it away easily when I don't need it, but your pack sounds great for what you use it for.

Tourist in MSN

I do not bikepack, but I have seen several people bike packing when I was doing day trips on mountain bike trails from campgrounds. They all had small backpacks - or maybe they were hydration packs. And of the bikers I saw, they should have had bigger packs because they always rolled into the campground dehydrated and the first thing they did was ask where the water supply was.

I have also seen some people doing ultra light bike touring on skinny tire bikes on paved roads using bikepacking gear (no racks), but they did not use backpacks. The ones I saw had water bottles and cages on their bike frames.

jefnvk

For what purpose?

I organize stuff in panniers in labelled drawstring bags. Easy to pull one out and use it as a day bag if I need one. Works well, if all you are looking for is a small bag to put stuff in for off bike adventures.

fietsbob

pack and your hiking boots in a bike trailer, if that , hiking, is why you bring the back pack in the 1st place.

Happy Feet

I just finished a bike packing trip where I used a small waterproof backpack as well as bikepacking bags. In it I put my day riding layers so I did not need to open my saddlebag and drybags every time I donned or doffed something. Starting at 6am I had full gloves, booties, jacket, vest, knee warmers and cap under helmet. By noon I only had bibs, jersey, short gloves and helmet. When it rained I re donned some. By using the backpack I could moderate my comfort faster without putting it off because stopping and unpacking and packing my saddle bag was a pita.

stardognine

I voted bikepacking, because I carry a large expedition pack, made by the North Face. I mostly carry clothes in it, plus food. I also use 2 smallish panniers, and when I eventually get those dialled in right, I'll probably get rid of the pack.
Or maybe not, I can carry a lot of food in it. 😁

olgah8644

Do you think that the pack needs to be fully waterproof then? Yeah...having to repack your bag is a faff. Have you also ever used a water bladder in the backpack?

Happy Feet

Depends. Some people want breath ability, some don't. My thinking is, when going minimal, dry clothes are very important so I would pack them in a dry bag if the pack sack was not water proof. One less thing to use. They had a sale on a bare bones waterproof model at MEC so I decided to try it.

A note though. Don't pack a lot of weight in a backpack for long hours in the saddle. It puts weight right over your pelvis and acts to push the butt harder into the saddle which can make soreness more of an issue. So, no water bladder.

MAK

Two comments:

I've heard many people complain about 'packable' backpacks. No structure, no back padding, no strap padding and no venting against your back makes the fit uncomfortable. They are okay for a very short trip (campground to pick up local food) but not for more than a mile.

Very few backpacks are truly waterproof, even those with built in rain covers. Most backpackers line their packs with contractor or garbage bags to assure dry insides.

If you can, spend the money to get a quality bag with bike friendly features. I use an Osprey Escapist 25 (it also comes in an 18 liter size) and I couldn't be happier. Saves my shoulders and back and comes with a lifetime warranty.