Titiritero
Retro Guru
I think there was some merit on critisizing the "bikepacking" packing style. There are only 2 situations where I think using multiple bags attached to the frame is better:
-for aerodynamic purposes: those trying to beat some record or taking part in one of those endurance events
-for tough offroad routes where a lot of hike-a-bike or rough singletrack with a lot of vibration is expected
To be honest, the above 2 situations apply to about 5% of most touring journeys for most people. In most cases people buy bikepacking bags because 1) it's in fashion or 2) their bikes have no attachments for a good old rack. Fashion is fine as long as you are aware of it. In modern bikes expected to be use for long adventures I think there's no excuse for not having rack (and even mudguard) eyelets. They don't affect the geometry, the weight or the looks of any bike, at least in my opinion.
I prefer to use the old system of racks and panniers because:
-it's what I already have. No extra investment required. They fit all my bikes.
-I don't take part in races, and if my route is too gnarly I just strap a backpack to my rear rack that I wear in the hike-a-bike sections
-measuring in capacity, a bikepacking setup is 3x more expensive than panniers (for valid reasons like limited production runs, multiple sizes to fit different frames, etc , but still). To top that up, in order to fit your camping stuff, you also need top of the range sleeping bag, tent, etc to get them as compact as possible to fit in your bags
-bikepacking bags rub the paint of my frame, and once the trip is over, they are pretty much useless. With panniers I can do my weekly shopping, carry my laptop to work, books to school, toys for the playground,... so I get more money for my investment.
The excuse that a bikepacking set up is lighter is a bit lame. Tubus racks are sturdy and light (and cost less than half a Tailfin) and the fact you can carry 4 full panniers does not mean you have to. When travelling alone I just use the 2 at the rear, and half full so I can do my food shopping before disappearing into a forest for a wild camping night...
-for aerodynamic purposes: those trying to beat some record or taking part in one of those endurance events
-for tough offroad routes where a lot of hike-a-bike or rough singletrack with a lot of vibration is expected
To be honest, the above 2 situations apply to about 5% of most touring journeys for most people. In most cases people buy bikepacking bags because 1) it's in fashion or 2) their bikes have no attachments for a good old rack. Fashion is fine as long as you are aware of it. In modern bikes expected to be use for long adventures I think there's no excuse for not having rack (and even mudguard) eyelets. They don't affect the geometry, the weight or the looks of any bike, at least in my opinion.
I prefer to use the old system of racks and panniers because:
-it's what I already have. No extra investment required. They fit all my bikes.
-I don't take part in races, and if my route is too gnarly I just strap a backpack to my rear rack that I wear in the hike-a-bike sections
-measuring in capacity, a bikepacking setup is 3x more expensive than panniers (for valid reasons like limited production runs, multiple sizes to fit different frames, etc , but still). To top that up, in order to fit your camping stuff, you also need top of the range sleeping bag, tent, etc to get them as compact as possible to fit in your bags
-bikepacking bags rub the paint of my frame, and once the trip is over, they are pretty much useless. With panniers I can do my weekly shopping, carry my laptop to work, books to school, toys for the playground,... so I get more money for my investment.
The excuse that a bikepacking set up is lighter is a bit lame. Tubus racks are sturdy and light (and cost less than half a Tailfin) and the fact you can carry 4 full panniers does not mean you have to. When travelling alone I just use the 2 at the rear, and half full so I can do my food shopping before disappearing into a forest for a wild camping night...
