backpack size

anthdci

I am doing the coast to coast shortly (whitehaven to sunderland). So I am in need for a backpack to carry what I need. But my problem is that I have no idea what size I will need in litres. I plan on taking the bare minimum for the 3 days.

3x shorts
3x tshirts
3x boxers
3x pairs of socks
shower gel - small
spare inner-tube
water bottle and hydration bladder
money/ cards

My phone will be on my arm strap and the map will be on my handle bars.
I am sure there will be other obvious things I need to take so please feel free to mention them.

Any recommendations are appreciated but the cheaper the better.

Bikerbaboon

Any reason you are not going for Paniers? Takes the weight off you and makes life alot easyer in the long run.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=14128
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=13690
should cover what you are packing.

anthdci

I'm going for a backpack for cost, I am not really a long distance cyclist, this is more of a one off and I cannot justify the cost of the frame and bags for one use, where as I can get more use out of a backpack for other uses.

CowboyBob

anthdci wrote:

I'm going for a backpack for cost, I am not really a long distance cyclist, this is more of a one off and I cannot justify the cost of the frame and bags for one use, where as I can get more use out of a backpack for other uses.

All depends on your budget?

I think Highlander do a clone of the NI day sack with padded back and lots of pockets for haribo.

anthdci

my budget is up-to £60 really

MuddyFunster

Something around the 30 litre mark should do the trick. Bet you end up taking more than you've listed

Northwind

See if you can borrow panniers off someone, they really do work better. You'd be welcome to my rack if you were more local but it'd cost as much to post as it'd cost you to just go to Tesco and buy one the same (£15). Great for lightweight bulky kit, just fire it in a dry bag and bungee it on.

CraigXXL

I would say you need something around the size of a Camelbak Alpine with a 30 litre main pocket, seperate 3 litre bladder pocket, valuables pockets and exterior mesh for all the dirty stuff afterwards.
Wait I think I have one for sale
http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12714828

andyrm

Was going to say 30 litres - I got mine in Mountain Warehouse, it takes a Camelbak or similar bladder, loads of pockets and hidden ones too for valuables, rain cover etc and a range of colours, all for £30! I've been using it for quite some time now and it's held up really well:

http://www.mountainwarehouse.com/Rucksa ... 2/p69.aspx

bails87

On the clothing front, I've got to say, do you really need 3 sets of clothes for 3 days riding?

Get a merino wool t-shirt (not as hot as you might think, and it won't smell) and one pair of shorts.

Maybe double up in case one lot gets wet. But could it dry overnight? Where are you staying?

If you're staying somewhere where you'll be able to wash stuff in the sink then do that, wash it in the evening with shower gel/a small bottle of travel washing up liquid, hang up to dry overnight.

Then you'll just need one set of riding clothes + a set of clothes for the evenings.

How about buying some panniers second hand, then flogigng them when you're done. Shouldn't lose much money.

neninja

I'd maybe be inclined to try to split what you're carry between different packs or paniers

Maybe a handlebar bag, a saddle bag and a small backpack. Using a larger backpack will be pretty tiring.

rowlers

bails87 wrote:

On the clothing front, I've got to say, do you really need 3 sets of clothes for 3 days riding?

Get a merino wool t-shirt (not as hot as you might think, and it won't smell) and one pair of shorts.

Maybe double up in case one lot gets wet. But could it dry overnight? Where are you staying?

If you're staying somewhere where you'll be able to wash stuff in the sink then do that, wash it in the evening with shower gel/a small bottle of travel washing up liquid, hang up to dry overnight.

Then you'll just need one set of riding clothes + a set of clothes for the evenings.

How about buying some panniers second hand, then flogigng them when you're done. Shouldn't lose much money.

I've got a set of pannier sitting doing nowt. Welcome to them if you want.

Also agree one set of riding gear is enough. It was for me anyway: bibs, merino base layer, windproof gilet and my waterproof. Some merino socks too!

Anonymous

rucksack should be fine for three days, you big jessies. It's not like he's crossing the sahara .

butcher of bakersfield

For what you list, I doubt you'd need much of a bag at all. I've got a Fox one with 3litre bladder that would carry all that. And I agree with bails. I survived for about a month in Cambodia occasionally washing my one pair of shorts in the shower with shampoo.

Your list is likely to grow though. Another tube. Tools. Food. Camera. It all adds up. Clothes will pack it out the most though.

nick1962

I'd go for one of these http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/diosaz-27-raid-67869411/
if you live near a Decathlon store.Designed for adventure racing but perfect on a bike and the price is spot on.
They have 5l,10l,17l and 27l in this model . I have the 10l for day rides and it's ideal but am going to add the 27l for longer trips at some point.
Thye also have some lighter models too.

anthdci

thanks for the advice guys, i bought the camelback from CraigXXL. Its absolutely ideal and the service was fantastic.