bags for light touring

[whittierider]

First-timer here, but I did my search homework well enough to be pretty sure I'm not asking a question that was already answered elsewhere on this forum.

I want to start doing multi-day rides using hotels and not camping.  We would not ride in rain or cold weather.  Paniers and even the largest seat bags (the ones that are like a small duffel bag) would be overkill, but I'm not sure if something like the Jandd Mountain Wedge III (see http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FMW3 ) with its 456 cubic inches would be enough.  Can you share your light-touring packing lists and how many litres or cubic inches of volume you recommend for carrying it.

[ptaylor]

Sounds like you're doing your homework, and are doing a good job of planning. My first tour was much like one you are planning. If you haven't done so yet, you may want to take a look at the 'How To' section on this site.

For my first tour, I bought a set of cheap, small panniers. I have since bought a 'good' set for expedition touring, but my original panniers worked well, and I am still using them today for running errands and sometimes, for commuting when I need to carry extra stuff to/from work.

Let me suggest that a set of panniers on a rear rack will work well for you. See http://www.rei.com/product/749997 as an example.

Panniers will be easy to pack & unpack, will keep the weight low, and will allow you plenty of flexibility in your travels. It's surprising how stuff adds up when you think about carrying a change of clothes, first aid stuff, toiletries, tools and so-on.

Paul

[JayH]

Well, a good rule of thumb is to gather all the things you think you would need for your light tour and then see if it looks like 456ci is going to be big enough...  

It looks like the Jandd is an expensive solution to what is called a Saddle bag. A Saddle bag is going to be a little more compact than a full rack and pannier setup and some of the larger ones will have some support attached to the seatpost and chainstay. Carradice, a UK company is popular with it's set of saddlebags..

http://www.carradice.co.uk/saddlebags/index.html

They are kind of pricey though, but it should be considered and Im sure, if you're pretty handly, it could be copied with a little legwork...

Of course, you can do what I do since I'm a bike commuter, for my commute which I obviously do not need as much as on a tour, I simply have a rear rack and just use one pannier which is medium sized... then I can use 2 full sized Super C panniers on a tour and if more space, put on my front rack and 2 more small panniers..

[staehpj1]

It all depends ...
If you are just doing overnights and moteling it you could conceivably carry everthing in your jersey pockets!  Your list could be the clothes on your back and a credit card or you could be carrying 15-20 pounds of stuff.

A trunk bag could be sufficient if you are carrying a bit more than a credit card, but I wouldn't rule out panniers.  Small ones designed for the front could be mounted either on the front or back and carry an appropriate amount of stuff.  You don't have to fill them and as if you start camping or doing extended trips you will have them already.  They have the advantage of getting the weight a bit lower if you carry anything that weighs much.

I usually am carrying camping gear when touring, but for the last week of our TransAmerica we had support from family and friends so we were carrying very little.  We just put one front pannier (about 500 cubic inches) on the back and left it pretty empty.  It seemed to work out well.

The Nashbar front waterproof panniers are often on sale for $39.99 a pair (they are right now).  We had very good luck with our's.  Performance sells one that is pretty much identical for tha same price

[KennethJMoose]

I have a Carradice saddle bag which is very roomy.  I was quite happy commuting with the Carradice bag, but when I took it out on a tour I found that it didn't hold up to the sun.  After a month in the blazing sun the thread holding the straps to the bag started to deteriorate and come apart.  I had to get the bag sewn together again which was irritating because the bag wasn't exactly inexpensive.

For light touring using hotels I would go with small paniers.  I use those for commuting as well.  

[randyberlin]

I've done several 3 week tours with a delta poste haste rack and bag. I carry two pairs of bike shorts, one pair of off bike shorts, one pair of off bike long pants, two tee shirts, rain jacket and pants,  toilet kit and maps. For me this is enough.

Sorry I forgot to add the size. 588 cu in.

This message was edited by randyberlin on 11-2-07 @ 12:52 PM