I've hiked and camped, kayaked and camped, etc. A friend and I have chatted about biking and camping. I've done it using my Burley Travoy but I think that's generally overkill. I'm going to see if I can do it with a handlebar roll and a rear rack.

However I don't HAVE a commercial handlebar roll. I *DO* have a piece of blue tarp that I use as a small floor area when I hang my hammock (that's what I sleep in). I was thinking of using that piece of blue tarp and rolling stuff up in it. What I would roll up in there would be whatever looks good to put in there to give it the shape and size I need. I would then use some cinch straps to attach it to my handlbars.

I've never been in the presence of a bike with a real handlebar roll on it so I'm operating on theory. I will be trying it all out before I launch into my ride so I'll have a pretty good idea if I'm going to regret it or not.

I am going to look through my gear and see if I have a stuff sack that is the right size. Then I'll wrap the tarp around IT (like a burrito!) and then attache it to the handlebars. Or something. I'm making this up as I go.

So.... I figure I'll lean on the experiences of people here so I can build upon some advice. My question generally is "Anybody make a homemade handlebar roll out of tarp or something like it (tyvex, whatever)?"

So.... I figure I'll lean on the experiences of people here so I can build upon some advice. My question generally is "Anybody make a homemade handlebar roll out of tarp or something like it (tyvex, whatever)?"[/QUOTE]

I just used a dry sac tied to my bars on the Great divide.
bikepacking.net has a make your own gear section

I bring along a small piece of bubble foil in the coder months, and slide it in between my harness and event dry sack on my h-bar.
Works nice to sit on at a fire, stand on while changing, etc.


I've had similar ideas for tyvek - basically a crap catcher, sit pad, etc.
Haven't made one yet.


IMG_2180 by mbeganyi, on Flickr

I just used a dry sac tied to my bars on the Great divide.
bikepacking.net has a make your own gear section[/QUOTE]

Yes that would be good as well and I'd given that some thought. I would be able to reuse it when I go kayaking, etc. Right now my drybags are not the size I like but maybe after I try to fake it (this weekend) I'll have a better idea.

Thanks for ideas of how to rig my tt bike for light touring/hiking. Bar roll + seat tube rack with a backpack. Maybe.

You could use a small frame bag . Like a Nashbar frame bag and keep heavy things in it . Tools and bike parts . Cost is $ 10.

I just used a dry sac tied to my bars on the Great divide.
bikepacking.net has a make your own gear section[/QUOTE]

I just checked out that site and I'll be saving that link! Thanks!

I like the looks of that handlebar bag. Just about the right size.

I'm going to try and avoid the backpack if I can. At the most make it for hydration and very small items. A light backpack. After a few long days on the road I'd bet a heavier backpack would sap the energy right out of you.

I've been looking at those as well. The ones that sit on top (gas tanks) and the ones that hang below, even the smaller triangle ones.

A fella could spend a bunch of money on things if he wanted to!

Revelate harness and pouch. Fits on the Fargo too.


fargo cockpit by mbeganyi, on Flickr

Nice. Looks just about what I pictured in my head for a setup. I found a stuff sack that isn't quite that size but will do for this weekend. I'm even looking for a gas tank bag and of course something to put my food items in. How about you just send me your stuff to save me time?

I've looked at using a couple of dry sacks as a handlebar roll and a saddlebag. They work pretty well by just strapping them onto the handle bars and the saddle, no absolute need for handlebar rolls. Of course things will be more convenient with some purpose made equipment. My continuing issue with bike packing is the extensive use of drysacks and deep saddlebags with small openings as it looks as if it would be difficult/annoying to get at stuff. Also I don't like the idea of having anything on my back. Also many bike packing rigs have 4 or 5 different bags making the setups quite expensive......better than 4 x panniers though.