Backloader Packs

[PaulSB]

I'm thinking of buying a Backloader Pack - the seat posted bags which stick out over the rear wheel.

I have panniers and rack but these will not fit the summer bike I want to use for this ride. So it's not a debate between the two.

There seems to be quite a choice. Any experience or comments please.

 

[13 rider]

@tallliman uses one by Blackburn and seems very happy with it . I also own one but haven't had chance to use it so can't pass on my personal experiences

 

[tallliman]

Thanks @13 rider. I use one of these (as does @Supersuperleeds): https://www.wiggle.co.uk/blackburn-outpost-seat-pack-1/

Very large, safe and stable when full on the bike. Id recommend getting a top tube bag and maybe a small frame bag too for those things you want more to hand when travelling far. I use those by Restrap and I'm very happy with them. Apidura are good in this field too.

 

[chriswoody]

Your biggest issue with these packs is the amount of seatpost you have showing, the more the better. I'm using a Topeak back loader which seems to need the smallest amount of seatpost showing at 15cm, however, this is still not entirely ideal. You can see from the picture below I only have 15cm free and the pack sticks out more horizontal than ideal. Ideally it needs to sit at about 45 degrees. If I didn't stick my knee between the pack and tire and really crank the straps down, then it would touch the tire over big bumps, less than ideal.

If the amount of free seatpost isn't an issue then you have a wide choice of good packs out there and it comes down to how much you have to spend and what features your looking for. The Topeak one is good for the cash, though the Ortleib one is a better design to be fair, though more expensive.

Overall I found the whole bikepacking bags set up to be really stable and light, you just have to think a bit more about what you pack, because there really isn't much room!

 

[tallliman]

And the order you pack in.....small and stuffable at the bottom of the bag, big stuff along a side.

 

[jay clock]

i did a 3 night/4 day trip with one. It really takes minimal kit so you have to be very creative and definitely wash stuff on the way

Bag https://www.rosebikes.co.uk/product/detail/aid:24816 (expandable bigger than in pic)
Rack https://www.rosebikes.co.uk/product/detail/aid:50971

NB that you cannot use this style of rack with a carbon seat post but if you have a carbon one you could always buy the cheapest alloy one as a temporary replacement (unless as in my case the seat post contains the Di2 battery)

Shoes is the biggest space and weight waster so think what you can get away with

 

[PaulSB]

Thanks for the responses. Very useful.

@chriswoody yep the seat post is a potential issue. My LBS gave me a Topeak to test the clearance. I can get 45 degrees so feel I'll be OK. Saying that I'd prefer a longer seat post but that means longer legs........🤔

 

[PaulSB]

@jay clock could you expand on the carbon seat post issue? I have one!

I've had a test pack and while I'll have to be even more of a minimalist than I already am it will work....just!

Shoes aren't an issue as I never carry them. SPDs and wear my cycling shoes day and night.

 

[Dwn]

I had the ortlieb seat pack, which had around 16l capacity. It was well made, and pretty stable in use, and had reasonable capacity.

I did feel that it was a bit of a faff to pack things in itz and mid-ride access wasn't great. It was also slightly awkward to carry when off the bike.

 

[steveindenmark]

I have the Apidura Seat pack and the Restrap Holster. The Restrap Holster is always on my bike. The Restrap Holster is holster which contains a drybag. You fill the drybag and it slips into the holster. It is simple and easy to pack and unpack. I attach mine to my carbon seatpost and have never had a problem. It would be difficult to overload. The Restrap fastens to the bike much more securely than the Apidura.
The Apidura does not have a dry sack and will not take as much gear as the Restrap Holster. Its a total PIA to pack and unpack and is difficult to keep totally solid.

 

[Aushiker]

My main one is a Porcelain Rocket Mr Fusion but this is both expensive and at the top end of the market. Designed for bikepacking. Very well designed, very secure on the bike and is rock solid but.


Side view - Porcelain Rocket Mr Fusion by Aushiker, on Flickr

My second one which is on my Audax bike is from Apidura [I cannot recall the specific model]. This is fine for what I use it for, but it lacks the design sophistication of the Mr Fusion and is not rock solid like it (it can sway from side to side). Still, for the cost it is more than fine.

 

[jay clock]

@jay clock could you expand on the carbon seat post issue? I have one!

I've had a test pack and while I'll have to be even more of a minimalist than I already am it will work....just!

Shoes aren't an issue as I never carry them. SPDs and wear my cycling shoes day and night.

i cut and pasted that from an email I did at the time to a friend. I think the instructions said dont use with carbon seat post. You would probably get away with it I am guessing

 

[Aushiker]

For related interest ..


View: https://youtu.be/pG2PwKvTKx0

 

[PaulSB]

@13 rider @chriswoody @jay clock @Dwn @steveindenmark @Aushiker @tallliman

Just a quick note to say thanks for your contributions. Comments from experienced users are so helpful. Backed up by comments from a much younger fellow club member** I went for the Restrap. Good reviews and comments, I've seen it in action and like the apparent simplicity. Cheers.

** 30 years younger so has a different outlook on these things than me

 

[jay clock]

I have the Apidura Seat pack and the Restrap Holster. The Restrap Holster is always on my bike. The Restrap Holster is holster which contains a drybag. You fill the drybag and it slips into the holster. It is simple and easy to pack and unpack. I attach mine to my carbon seatpost and have never had a problem. It would be difficult to overload. The Restrap fastens to the bike much more securely than the Apidura.
The Apidura does not have a dry sack and will not take as much gear as the Restrap Holster. Its a total PIA to pack and unpack and is difficult to keep totally solid.

@steveindenmark can you link to the holster. I can't see it on their website. Ta