Aidoneus

Nah, if I had 70 L, no doubt I would just carry too much. I mentioned them to compare the weights. As far as I can tell, the Backpackers max out at 40 L, though, so I am leaning toward the 52 L Lone Peaks or the GT-54. I currently have some 45 L Axiom panniers, and I would like a bit more volume as I only have a front rack platform, which is good enough for my tent and let’s me do grocery (ahem, beer) runs after setting up camp.

Maybe, someday, I might replace my front rack so that I can add a small pair of panniers on the front. BTW, I bought a frame bag for my Ogre, but just one tube for my 29 x 2.5 tires almost fills it; add my basic first aid kit or small tool roll and it’s stuffed. (My knees stay over the pedals; I see some people riding with their knees way out to the sides, so maybe overstuffed frame bags would work for them? )

djb

I agree with Tourists take on using the rack pack. I have a med size one, it maybe is the 30l one, but cant remember, looks the same size as his. The option to pack stuff differently with it is the advantage, and the easy on/off aspect of the clips work well.

On my longer trip this year, I hummed and hawed, but finally took it, didnt need all the space, but it was handy during the trip to have lots of spare room to throw extra food in etc, and I also had my tent in it, along with my extra shoes, and extra food.

as noted, it does put weight higher up, so I specifically learned not to put too much weight up there, as it made my Troll a little more "waggy".

Ive seen the 70l Ortliebs, the Plus versions are remarkedely light considering the storage space. I figure they would be handy if you had to bring more bulky, cold weather stuff, clothes, sleeping bag etc, that wouldnt weigh a lot, but take up space.

and yes, the weight would be lower, which is generally a good idea and works better than higher up.

oh, Aidoneus, as per taking too much stuff, ulitmately in the end, the only way to really learn this is by touring and taking too much stuff, and learning, and then taking less stuff the next time. (time of year, where you are going etc all factors in this)

Aidoneus

Sure, I have done a lot of long distance hiking and camping in mild seasons, as well as a moderate amount of snow camping. Thus, I have at least two sets of pretty much everything: 3-season, single-wall tent vs 4-season, double-wall tent; lightweight quilt vs heavy down bag; thin sleeping pad vs down pad; etc.

I am hoping to figure out a flexible pannier/bag combo that will cover any trip on-road, off-road, mild weather, cold weather, etc., that I want to take. Knowing myself, in the end I’ll probably find justification for buying multiple systems. I just have to hide the bills from my better half...

fietsbob

Arkel is Canadian they have different holidays than the USA..

so Day after US thanksgiving is probably just another Friday north of the Border..





......

skookum

Canadian Thanksgiving is in October it is already past, but Black Friday knows no borders. Whether Arkel discounts their gear that day, I do not know, but it's worth keeping an eye on it.

djb

In general, having front and rear panniers is nice simply because not having all the load at the rear makes the bike nicer to ride. The Ogre is surely very similar to the Troll in that the frame is reasonably stout, and the front fork is good and stout, and so with a heavier front load than I have ever had on other bikes, the Troll was very composed. A good sturdy front rack helped, but the troll and ogre forks and beefy and handle front weight very well I find.

you'll have to figure out what sort of carrying systems you want or need, but at least you have all the camping stuff already, so once you figure how much space you need and what you'll carry, you can go from there and perhaps go the front pannier route.

fietsbob

Over the years, I got a few Ortlieb closeouts resold at Sierra Trading Post..

Aidoneus

Thanks, I will watch their site, also.

Aidoneus

I called Lone Peak to get some info about their Mount Superior panniers. When I said that I would probably be looking to buy something around Black Friday, the salesman (owner?) offered me a 15% off deal and I took it. Earlier today, I ordered a new front rack with high and low rails to replace my platform rack. I think that will allow me to move my waterproof Axiom panniers up front to hold clothes.

I am still hunting for a replacement for a small Axiom handlebar bag I used to hold my iPad mini. After my iPad mini died, I replaced the now discontinued mini with the larger iPad (2017) and need a bigger bag. Jones Loop handlebar has been both a blessing (hands and shoulders) and a curse (suitable handlebar bag).