i'd like to use something to carry spares for the bike etc (kit list below)
Spare innertube, mountain peak medium / large pump, plastic tyre levers x 2, multi kit tool, puncture repair, mobile phone, door / car key.
want to keep away from the camelback type of rucksack if possible, yet there is not a huge ammount of room under the saddle for small bag.
anyone got any other suggestions ?, or is it a case of moving around the light / mudguard on seat post and fitting saddle bag etc.. or worst case getting rucksack..
looking forward to all other alternatives avaialable..
I second that emotion, but they are noisy on anything that's not flat. I would have thought appropriate shorts and cycling specific top, both with pockets, could take care of most of that stuff though, leaving only your pump.
Why the aversion to Camelbaks? They will carry all of the above easily as well as keeping you hydrated. They also offer a small degree of back protection in an off (I should know, mine saved me from quite a lot of pain on pointy rocks!) They don't have to be huge cumbersome things either, the Camelbak Rogue would take all of that without being too wieldy. I would try it, get a second hand one off ebay and if you get on with it then buy a new one or just keep going with that one.
It beats me what the hell people keep in those huge, sweaty rucksacks. Sorry - "Hydration Systems".
Everything bar the kitchen sink... I emptied mine the other day and it contained quite a lot of stuff, it kinda works in the if you have space you're gonna fill it.
However for a long all dayer they are useful, you can get a spare top, waterproof, spares, snacks and drinks in quite happily.
In my saddle bag: Puncture repair kit, multi-tool, gas canister.
In my pockets: Pump.
On the bike: One or two bottles.
If it's raining I'll wear my waterproof. If it looks like rain I'll put it in my pocket. If it's sunny I'll leave it behind.
If I'm out for more than three hours I'll take a jam sandwich. If I'm out for longer than six hours I'll take two jam sandwiches.
All that gubbins reminds me of climbing in the Alps. You could spot the Brits a mile off. Toiling along under a huge rucksack full of all kinds of crap. Ahead of them you'd see a couple of French chaps with the tiniest day sack. At 1400 the Froggies would be back down in the valley with a beer while the Brits would caught on a ledge in the rain preparing to bivvy.
As the wise guide said: "In the mountains, speed is safety. If you take all that stuff my friend - you're probably going to need it".
digital camera (normally strapped to the outside).
knee & elbow pads
mid weight outer layer
folding knife
paracord
multi tool
patch kit (tubes & tubeless tyres)
spare tube
Co2 canisters & adaptor
map
'emergency' tarp (hideously bright orange thing)
zip ties
duct tape strips.
But that's only when I'm going right out into the mountains. If it's strictly an on trail ride I take a lot less but still carry a lot of water and basic first aid kit. I would much rather carry something and not need it than the other way 'round.
the only downside i have with the camelbacks is tha fact if i was to use the hydration bladders and tubes etc there is so much maintenance in keeping them clean and mould free !..
i was thinking of having a saddle bag and one / two bottles yet like one person said they do rattle along a rough path.
i think i may try a camelback like suggested second hand that will fit in :-
Toeak Medium Pump, Spare tube, puncture repair (small 6 temoary patch), 2 x tyre lever, allen key tool pack, mobile phone, some cash, bananna / sweetie bar, light waterproof top
I'll leave for now the bladder and just have one / two water bottles.. (can allways upgrade later on)..
anyone here got a second hand on up for grabs ?, if not i'll look on fleebay or something..
Good quality bladder, easy to clean out, does everything you want.
And you don't have to use the bladder every time, if you are just out for a short ride, use a bottle.
big advantage to bladder tho is a lack of mud/horse crap coverage on the bottle. i was so glad I was using a bladder on my mud/crap strewn ride last night!
My camelbak makes an alcoholic beverage after every ride...then again I always forget to clean it between rides so I have a stinking cess pit of bladders that are beyond use
if i can get this in the bag then i'd be happy as the other bits are fairly small..
and about the second hand bit i only meant the bag not the bladder as well lol... urgghh.., i think i'll start off with the bag and keep the hydration to the water bottles on the bike for now..
thanks for the response all much apreciated, i'll have a look into fleebay and see what comes up..
Rhino, I've got a Karrimor cycling bag that I'm about to list along with a load of other bits I'm clearing out. It's got a slot for a hydration pack (if you decide to go that route) and 15litre carrying capacity (1 manin pocket & external pockets). Let me know if you're interested and I'll send pics
for the smoke at the top
