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Backpack for sleeping bag/pad/food/etc...on my enduro bike.

2960 Views 15 Replies 12 Participants Last post by lentamentalisk, Jan 24, 2022

MyDadSucks

Discussion Starter · Dec 8, 2021

Hello
Recently ive been getting more interested in doing some bikepacking, with the goal being overnight camping (1 nigh only) in remote sights accessed with some gnar descents before and after. I would be riding my 2020 enduro, which has the SWAT box for some minor storage (spare pair of socks, some snacks, tool, maybe a jacket).

Ideally i would like to bring my sleeping bag and pad in a backpack. My current hydration pack is a Dakine syncline 12, which i can only fit the pad in, not the sleeping bag (a north face aleutian). Is the solution here to get a bigger, non-bike specific backpack to fit everything in? or would i be able to get a smaller sleeping bag that will fit in my dakine pack/strap to the outside of my dakine pack?
Im hesitant to get a big backpacking pack as i'd like to ride some gnarly, steep trails en route to a campsite, and not have the pack constantly hit my helmet.

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Brad In A Van

· #2 · Dec 8, 2021

What about a small dry bag strapped to your handlebars with a couple Voile straps?

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MyDadSucks

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 8, 2021

Brad In A Van said:
What about a small dry bag strapped to your handlebars with a couple Voile straps?

Good idea, was a bit hesitant to do this as well as i used to run a bar bag but it ripped at the seam during a descent once and all my stuff went everywhere…Maybe a sturdier bag would suffice.

doubravsky

· #4 · Dec 9, 2021

The salsa anything cradle is a nice option. Get's your bag out from cables, and holds a dry bag securely with included voile style straps. You could get in both pad and bag... as they're both light but bulky items.

Reactions: 2

evdog

· #5 · Dec 9, 2021

I used a compression sack on my handlebar my first few years bikepacking. It worked pretty well, and would compress the bag down to a packable size for you. Then pad and whatever else can go in your Dakine pack. You'd probably want a ground sheet or possibly tarp or bivy as well. A larger pack wouldn't be a bad idea either. Once you do a few quick overnighters you'll probably find you want more stuff - either a bit more clothing for at night when it's cold, or food/water. No need for a big pack, something that is 20-25L can carry plenty for lightweight bikepacking. I've been using an Osprey Talon 22 for years now. If you get into doing this often you'll eventually want to upgrade to a lighter sleeping bag. My old one was $100 at REI and compressed down to about 8" diameter, and 2lbs. My new one is a thermarest down bag that compresses to about half, and weighs under a pound. More $$ of course, but makes it easier to get out there.

Reactions: 1

Brad In A Van

· #6 · Dec 9, 2021

MyDadSucks said:
Good idea, was a bit hesitant to do this as well as i used to run a bar bag but it ripped at the seam during a descent once and all my stuff went everywhere…Maybe a sturdier bag would suffice.

I’ve had good luck using Sea to Summit bags. The Salsa Anything Cradle, Revelate Pronghorn, Rockgeist BarJam, or similar handlebar system would get your bag out away from your cables as mentioned above. I wasn’t sure how much you want to spend to try it out in case you don’t like having a bar bag and want to go with a larger backpack.

Reactions: 1

She&I

· #7 · Dec 9, 2021

I’ll also prop the Talon 22 as a good and durable all-around pack. A lower slung option that worked well for me was Wingnut’s Adventure Pack (27l capacity, don’t be in a hurry if ordering).

There are numerous off-shelf options for small frame and seat bags that can keep some weight out of your backpack. But using a backpack for rides like you describe sounds good.

It’s highly personal, but for a ST romp I skip the pad for a few days if the weather and surface agree. Or bring a small, thin pad for torso.

I would not abandon the bar bag idea for light and compressible stuff.

Reactions: 1

TooTallUK

· #8 · Dec 9, 2021

I've run the Ortlieb bar pack on my mountain bike with no issues. If you're wanting to shred the gnar on the way down you're pushing the limits of bikepacking so it's all a compromise. Borrow a backpack, borrow a bar bag if you can, see how it goes before spending money. If you want more, then bike bags, a down sleeping bag etc can empty your pockets for a few months.

11053

· #9 · Dec 9, 2021

OP- as you can see from the responses so far, there are a few ways to approach carrying gear on your bike and back.
Specific to your focus on overnight trips with a big descent as payoff, I'd suggest looking at the Osprey Manta 34:

Manta 34 - Men’s Hiking, Hydration (2.5L) Backpack - Osprey Packs Official Site

Manta 34 liter men’s hiking backpack includes 2.5L hydration reservoir, featuring the AirSpeed backpanel plus adjustable harness, and integrated raincover.

www.osprey.com

I've used the Manta for several hundred miles and multiple night trips.
It's a "big" pack, but that makes it easy to pack and the weight is distributed very well for tech riding/DH.
For multi day bikepacking I prefer frame bags, but for pedaling/hike a bike/DH overnights, a backpack works great.

Reactions: 1

evdog

· #10 · Dec 9, 2021

If you're interested in the Manta, definitely try it on (with helmet) before you buy. I was not able to try on the Manta 24 I bought last year when REI locations were covid closed. I figured it would be smaller than the other models I've used (old Manta 30 - perfect size, new Manta 36 - massive) and would work well. Turns out with the internal frame it feels almost as big as the 36. I think it's a narrower profile but similar in length. So it doesn't fit me very well, doesn't sit comfortably for multiple days and sometimes my helmet contacts the pack on steep descents. It's ok for an overnight but I've been trying hard to pack lighter so I can get away with the Talon more often. Fit obviously will depend on body size/type so YMMV.

I'd suggest trying to go with the gear that you have right now first and see if you like bikepacking, then invest in gear as needed. The more difficult the trails are that you ride, the lighter you'll want to travel.

chazpat

· #11 · Dec 10, 2021

2

Anyone tried a system like this? I'm picking it all up for $50 tomorrow. Not sure it will accommodate my sleeping bag but thought I'd give it a try.

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Blue Dot Trail

· #12 · Dec 13, 2021

Wingnut make backpacks that are more suited for biking. They sitting much lower on your hips.

Wingnut | innovative cycling and adventure racing products

www.wingnutgear.com

Jayem

· #13 · Dec 16, 2021

3

chazpat said:
Anyone tried a system like this? I'm picking it all up for $50 tomorrow. Not sure it will accommodate my sleeping bag but thought I'd give it a try.

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You want micro-panniers. There are several companies that make them. Then simply lash the sleeping bag to the rack in a dry-bag.

The Porcelain Rockets are tits, but hard to find and I don't think they are making them anymore. Still, there are lots of micro-panniers on the market. Way better than putting that weight on your seatpost IME.

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Brad In A Van

· #14 · Dec 29, 2021

They are currently out of stock, but Rockgeist has the Microwave Panniers listed on their website.

rmcrow2

· #15 · Jan 4, 2022

I got a rear rack so I can put saddlebags on my full suspension for bikepacking. something to think about.

I put about 60 lb in those. Strapped 3 L of water to my front forks. And did a round of the Back Forty bike trail up in Bentonville Arkansas with no difficulty.

I've never had to worry about snagging them except on places I would be going very slow and exceedingly careful anyway.

And being able to completely compress my dropper and still get back in behind the saddle. Is much better than a tail bag for anything that hit down straight line level ground.

I've never caried that much weight in them again actually out on the road, but I have not removed them off for a couple months now.

Mountain man makes disc brake full suspension racks.
Mine is an Odessy, I don't think they make this model anymore.

我宁愿在山上。

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lentamentalisk

· #16 · Jan 24, 2022

I hope you've found a working solution already, but if not, I'll add my two cents. I've done a fair amount of overnights on my full squish all mountain. Long travel, big wheels, and not being super tall mean I have VERY little space between seat and rear tire, and between handlebars and front tire. A Salsa Anything Cradle will help keep the handlebar roll high enough to not rub the tires, but do make sure to check. Seat bag is totally out of the question. Yes, you could go the rack approach, but unsuspended weight on the rear wheel is going to really mess up your traction and handling on rougher trails.

My strategy is to get as much weight onto the bike as possible, and then carry the large fluffy light stuff on my back in a minimalist backpack. I find that all the bouncing around really hammers my back over the course of hours and hours of riding, if I leave too much weight for the backpack.

You can't go wrong with an Osprey Talon 22, assuming that has enough volume. After a few years with that I splurged and got a Hyperlite 40L pack so I can carry more when my wife joins.

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