Luggage

[Mr Panda]

So - luggage :cry: I not keen on lugging gear on a bike but sometimes it has to be done.

What do folk recommend for a two day X/C trip staying in a bothy? Rucsack :?: Panniers:?: Sherpas :?:

I'll need to carry sleeping bag and foam mat, cooking gear and food, spare togs, waterproofs, tools, emergency kit plus essential luxuries

I'm thinking 30 - 40 litres capacity maximum. I have some basic Karrimor panniers but passed their best and probably a bit wee for my needs.

 

[Marmite King]

Have a look at Ortlieb panniers...................I`d recommend these.

 

[barry2017]

Two tiny panniers is plenty for two days of touring. If you pack more, you're taking too much stuff. In fact, for two days I normally only take a saddlebag or a barbag.

Foam mat, tent and stove/fuel are better outside of your bag. Everything else can be inside.

If you carry anything on your body, you will be suffering by the end of the second day. It's actually sort of perverse if you have wheels deciding to carry things on your own.

 

[drystonepaul]

For off-road multi day touring in summer without camping I've comfortably got away with an 13 litre rucksack/camelbak and a 1.3 litre Orlieb saddle bag. You might need a few more litres to fit in a lightweight sleeping bag and inflatable mat.
Panniers tend to be a bit problematic if you're off-roading on anything but smooth cycle tracks. Otherwise they are great and I totally agree that if you can avoid wearing luggage on your back you'll enjoy the journey so much more.

I posted my touring kit list on the second page of this thread a while back which may be of use.

 

[velomaniac]

The above represents full on expedition touring which is WAY too much stuff for 2 days bothying.

Think minimalist, bungee sleeping bag and matt to rack or one on bars. No more than 2 universal panniers such as the carradice you have. Think hard about what you really need

The way I think is if the amount of stuff you bring is uncomfortable to carry in a back pack walking then its too much on the bike. Remember you may have to push or carry your bike for some reason and its weight needs taking into account :roll:

Have fun Mr P.

 

[dyna-ti]

How far is it to this bothy from wherever youre dumping the car?
If its nt too far or over rough terrain then a big rucksack and a bit of care and youll save yourself a fortune

 

[velomaniac]

Please calm down oh wonderous expedition tourist, I know your pictures overkill for what your suggesting but a picture speaks a thousand words. Should've shown a stripped down tourer in the first place.

By the by whats the longest you've toured living off the bike, I admire the long distance tourist, just wish I could get fit enough for such stuff

 

[Mr Panda]

How far is it to this bothy from wherever youre dumping the car?
If its nt too far or over rough terrain then a big rucksack and a bit of care and youll save yourself a fortune

Approx 35 miles mainly offroad from start to bothy including a walking section Not a massive tour as you can see, I'm just sounding out how other peeps carry gear.

Two rear panniers and stuff on rack might be ok I'm thinking. Maybe a barbag too.

And if anyone has a "Karrimor Mountain" pannier I'll take it/them off yer hands

 

[dyna-ti]

Now is that time to invest in the Bob yak you've always wanted

And as luck would have it theres a couple on ebay at the moment

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BOB-YAK-SINGLE-WH ... 2c53500cd4

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/bob-yak-bicycle-t ... 19ba7671fd

 

[drystonepaul]

For what you've described I'd go with a rack with the lighter but bulky stuff like your sleeping bag and mat strapped to the top, and a 20 litre or less rucksack for a few spare clothes, food, small stove and pot (if you're taking one) and a hip-flask.
Depending on how rough the terrain is bar-bags and panniers off-road can be a nightmare and to be honest they'll only encourage you to carry too much.

Sounds good though, when are you going?