Cheers for the info! I think I'll make a protective sleeve for my camelbak, I like that idea!

So, I going to be sewing a frame bag, and I want to have an accessory pocket on the non-drive side, but I'm having trouble how to make it.

Either I use a liner of some sort which is visible on the inside of the bag, or I sew on an extra layer of VX 21 on top of itself.

I like the idea of a colourful liner I must admit.

And has anyone used an old sail to make a frame bag? Would it be excessive? I can imagine it being a bit harder to work with since it's a bit thicker than VX 21.

Final question, I've looked all over the place, and found a multitude of answers: how to store the hydration bladder? From what I've seen and read, it's mainly just fit it in where ever it fits, if it even fits. Has anyone had a break through for this?

This is an idea, and please shoot it down if it's a terrible idea:

Towards the front of the frame bag, have a zipper going down along the down tube (maybe 25-50% of the entire length) with the standard zipper going horizontally all along the bag. Inside of the bag have a divider (velcro, permanent, whatever) that is parallel to the down tube, high/big enough to squeeze a hydration bag.

This would drop the center of gravity down a bit, and by having the two zippers, should allow to easy access of the hydration bag. A crazy idea just struck me. The downward zipper, have two zippers on it, so you wouldn't have to empty out the top/front of the bag.

Thanks!

Cheers man!

Yeah, I have to admit that it's a big undertaking, but luckily a friend of mine is seamstress who i'll talk to for some help. Otherwise there's always the trusty mom

So, here's an idea for bag I have.



https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HNOQ_J1f85LC0fxvxoXgldMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink

So, I'm thinking about using X-Pac VX21, with water repellant zippers, plastic rod/bar on the down tube so it gets screwed into the bottle holder screw holes. And if if possible, thinking of making a small bag inside of the bag, above the rear suspension for small important equipment, so it's easy to take out and place back (held there with either velcro tabs or clips). Also want to place some velcro loops on the inside of the bag on the top for tent poles. On the other side, I'm thinking of making a thin pocket for maps. The bag will also use 2 velcros which are hard to see in the photo, and there're located on the highest point of the down tube, and one on the seat tube (above the rear suspension).

I reckon the width would be a bit over 2".

And there is a chance of making a velcro divider, but not too sure. There might not be a whole lot of space.

However, I don't know what needle/thread to use. Nylon? Anything more specific?

Any other suggestions on this?

Never made a bag before, I've only browsed through the forum and stole...I mean, been inspired by some of the other designs I've seen.

Pretty sure I'm going to increase the space infront of the rear suspension.

And one thing I've been thinking about, what do you guys usually pack in the frame bag? Heavier items for a lower center of gravity or more easily accessible items?

That's a reason for the racks, lowering my center of gravity. I might ditch the front rack and replace it with a bar bag.


Any and all constructive critique is appreciated!

Thanks!

Hiya,
I'm new to here and I first want to say that I truly admire how much you, I want to say limit, but I feel it's the wrong word. Basically, how much you guys pull off with so little. Pretty bad ass!

I've got a crazy idea (nothing new to you guys, nor is the idea), but I can't seem to find any good information about it, neither in one spot or spread out, just a bunch of vague guesses.

I'll tell you what my plan is: Bike across Canada, Vancouver -> Quebec/Halifax, but primarily via the Trans Canada Trail.

I'm not going for speed on this, more of just completing it in one piece.

I was thinking of using a full-suspension (Canyon Nerve XC 8.0) along with a BoB Ibex Trailer. However, I must admit, having seen some of the crazy bike bags that are out there, trying out the ultra lite travel form. I have questions about that...will come later.

Reason for me wanting to use a full suspension (mind you, I think about a hardtail too, since it has one less thing to break) is that I plan to do some of "naked" biking along with way, and enjoying the mountains with a bit more speed.

However, there are some things that bother me. I contacted Fox Racing (it's on both front and rear suspension) about how often the suspension needs to be serviced, and they replied they need to be serviced every 40-50 hours of use. And that's based on ALL use, not the type of use. And if I biked say 8 hours a day (or more) then I would have to service them every week, for 3-5 months. When I heard that, my mind exploded, and a part of me died. Okay, didn't hurt THAT bad, but it wasn't the greatest thing to hear.

So here's a bombardment of questions for you guys:

What are the downsides with ultra light bikepacking? Can only carry food for short periods of time? I have a hard time doing it over a time span over 3-5+months.
How often do forks and rear shocks actually need servicing? Keep on trucking until it feels off? What about hydraulic break fluids?
Your electronics, such as GPS, Kindle, iPod, etc, do you mainly charge them where possible or do some of you use solar panels to recharge? Such as a PowerMonkey.
Anyone have experience with Canadian wildlife? If anything, that's my biggest fear of it all. I'm not stupid, and won't try getting close to a bear just to get that photo. I know better than that but as one said, sleeping in a bivvy bag makes you a bear burrito. How do bears or the cats see bivvy's or tents. For example, lions, elephants, and other animals in Africa see tents as a rock, that's why people get trampled, because the animal was trying to scatch itself using the tent.
What tyre would you recommend? I need a tire that would be good for both off-road and road. I think a pair of semi-slicks would be too much, or? I saw that Jay Petervary used WTB Nano for his Divide tour, anyone else can vouche for it, or give a better tip?
And would using barends be enough to prevent issues with sitting on a bike for a long period of time? I've read that's pretty important to switch positions while biking for long periods of time. I was a bike courier before, but I didn't have any other grips. It was a different type of biking too compared to what this would be.

I guess, for now, those are the main things I'm wondering about

Just a side note, I'm a pretty experienced backpacker (was out for 3 years recently: 2years in Australia, 1 year in New Zealand) and I have a lot of other travel experience too. So I feel pretty confident that I wouldn't over pack the trailer with crap I don't need.

Thanks for all the help/info! Really appreciate it!

//chris

I did my military service in the Northern Parts of Sweden, and we had to use http://en.carinthia.positionierung.at/products/tents/bivy-tent-tour this bag. Minus the pole.

We slept in it down to -30 degrees Celsius (the sleeping bag could handle -40). We ALWAYS had condensation issues, no matter what. However, dried VERY quickly, even at those temperatures. Just need some sun and wind, and you're sorted.