Bikepacking Basics 06Dec16

For our "pack" trips last season I selected from the Relevate line of bike bags. I wore a hydration pack (Camelback HAWG) and started with only a half triangle frame bag so as to leave the water bottle which kept efficient calories in reach -- basically strongly mixed perpetuem. (Others bought the full triangle and loaded their bladder into it which was a game design too) I ultimately chose the tangle as I expect I'll get greater use of it; for example I'll use it on the FB w/bottle instead of hydration pack and underseat bag for 'everyday' riding.

In the cockpit I opted for gas tank and feedbag as they serve separate use cases. Most use the gas can to store gadgets like phone and other things to keep secure, dry and handy -- I did the same but frankly I was unimpressed. The feedbag is of course to keep your snacks nearby and for this purpose it's outstanding. Nice to have bars, gels etc. handy and not dig through the myriad of other bags on a break or on the bike.

One last consideration; weight on the front of the bike is deadly, need to keep the fluffy stuff in the sweetroll. Meanwhile, the seat bag gets old as you swing your (tired) leg over 1000 times a day so for me the best piece of gear I acquired for the trip was my quilt. The seat bag ended up much smaller than pictured here which was taken before the maiden voyage.

The Borealis Echo with Stan's Hugo Plus size (27.5) hoops mounted with Maxxis Chronicle proved to be up to the task. The plus size wheels are very stable with the extra weight on the bike and help navigate the rough and tumble trails we have in the high country.