Backpack for a 5 day cycle trip

[dracaena]

In September, we're going to spend 5 days cycling through the south of France.

 

I need a backpack that will meet these requirements:

Comfortable enough to endure 40 to 70km a day easy cycling.

Roomy enough for my SLR camera and a few lenses as well as 2 days worth of clothes. (There is a baggage service halfway through)

Ideally small enough to be able to take it as carry on luggage on flights.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions, please?

[Kranswurm]

In September, we're going to spend 5 days cycling through the south of France.

 

I need a backpack that will meet these requirements:

Comfortable enough to endure 40 to 70km a day easy cycling.

Roomy enough for my SLR camera and a few lenses as well as 2 days worth of clothes. (There is a baggage service halfway through)

Ideally small enough to be able to take it as carry on luggage on flights.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions, please?

 

 

First of all your camera is pretty useless in your backpack.

Get a proper touring handlebar bag from Ortlieb for that and maps,phone etc.

[The Guy in Pink]

Ask Frail about his when he gets back from his 4000km unsupported trip. He is carrying all his stuff on his back.

[Tankman]

I cant even cycle with a camelbak, it is just too uncomfortable. I would rather look at touring bags or bike racks or anything to take the weight of my back.

[Christopher Brunsdon]

Rather go panniers - I've been using a pannier to commute since Feb and it has been perfect. I've gone back to a rugsack only for the reason that I now need to commute with a laptop.

[Tjokkits]

you dont want too much weight on your back, get paniers and a small backpack for water and daily essentials

[Guest Frail4Life]

CHOICES are endless. Big Q is Budget?

There are some nice ones @ DUE SOUTH with a Compartment for a Hydro as an Extra. R400 +-, You can also look @ Cape Union Mart.

[TYGA]

I've got one of those handlebar bags you can use if you promise to bring me back one of those TdF Podium babes.

 

PM me if you want to talk.

Edited June 6, 2011 by XTC1

[Goodbadugly]

One thing I can tell you. I have done a few of these unsupported journeys. With a backpack. Keep it LIGHT. Your legs won't kill you. But your backside will. Say for instance your backpack weighs 10kg. That whole 10kg will sits on your backside. The last time I did it (PE to Stilbaai Des 2010) I packed to heavy. At some stage I couldn't decide whether to sit or stand to pedal. The 3 full days of raining did not help either.

I am starting to see the point of those ugly panniers.

[Nobody]

Rather go panniers - I've been using a pannier to commute since Feb and it has been perfect. I've gone back to a rugsack only for the reason that I now need to commute with a laptop.

 

How is mounting/dismounting pavements with panniers?

[Tankman]

How is mounting/dismounting pavements with panniers?

 

bumpy

[dracaena]

Thanks for the responses so far.

 

I was leaning towards a backpack for the following reasons:

I've got a large Camelbak filled with everything but the kitchen sink. I have used it on 4 hours plus rides, without any side effects. Something on my back does not really bother me. (Must be that monkey.)

I've been meaning to get a proper camera backpack for my DSLR and lenses, and wanted to get something large enough to throw a few changes of clothes in.

 

BUT after reading your helpful responses I will look into the panniers and handlebar bags:

The company we're using for the tour does have to panniers and handlebar bags to rent. So I will definitely look at that.

 

However I am still leaning towards a backpack for my camera and lenses. They are purpose built and protects the camera a bit more than what a pannier will.

And having it on my back is not that must worse than secure in a handlebar bag. You are going to have to stop and take it out from somewhere when you need to take a photo. Methinks.

 

Oh and the main aim of the tour is sampling wine, eating food, sampling wine, admiring the French scenery (female and country side) and sampling wine.

So there will be loads of stops and hopefully beautiful scenery to ogle.

 

XTC1: If I get a big enough backpack I can stash the podium girl in there :-)

[Christopher Brunsdon]

How is mounting/dismounting pavements with panniers?

 

Reason why I carry my laptop in the backpack. Broke a strap on the pannier bag while dismounting a pavement at 30km/h but the pannier hooks are still 100%. Would love to get a set of Ortliebs but budget only allowed a cheap one from CRC.

 

I tried to make my own pannier but its not cheap, flopped but I got some nice experience in the end. The problem is finding hooks that will work and having the tools. I intend to get some KWAY bags to turn into panniers when I eventually get the opportunity to do some cycle touring (got no time).

[cat-i]

Reason why I carry my laptop in the backpack. Broke a strap on the pannier bag while dismounting a pavement at 30km/h but the pannier hooks are still 100%. Would love to get a set of Ortliebs but budget only allowed a cheap one from CRC.

 

I tried to make my own pannier but its not cheap, flopped but I got some nice experience in the end. The problem is finding hooks that will work and having the tools. I intend to get some KWAY bags to turn into panniers when I eventually get the opportunity to do some cycle touring (got no time).

friend made his own panniers from cheapie small day-hike packs fitted on a frame. was good enough for touring from capetown to agulhas, but it was mostly dirt road.

 

if you tour and have lots of stuff - sleeping bag, tent, stove - then panniers. bike handles like a tank. technical(ish) riding is hard on the bike. have done this on some proper singletrack in scotland, not recommended.

 

if you can keep it lightweight like just a few kg, then backpack - bike is far more responsive. i do this when i commute and much prefer the way that the bike handles.