Revelate Sweet Roll or Harness?

[gabbard]

Looking to start accumulate some gear for a bike packing trip in 2013.  I'm now thinking about the handlebar bag.  What is the general consensus - go with the integrated Revelate Sweet Roll, or use the Harness with a dry bag?  I don't have a dry bag currently, but I do probably have various semi-waterproof stuff sacks that would fit in the Harness.  Both look to carry about the same weight, Harness would be more modular, but more expensive if I buy a true dry bag.

Steve 

[joeydurango]

I currently use a mix of Revelate and Bedrock gear, and stock both in my shop here in Durango.  Personally I prefer the Bedrock handlebar bag to either of the Revelate options - I think it's the best bar bag out there right now.  Much more solid attachment, more effective compression straps, and the fabric is a good bit more bomber.  The best part, given your decision criteria, is that since the Bedrock bags (Entrada=smaller, White Rim=larger) are technically two pieces - the bag itself and the pocket/compression harness, both of which attach to the bars independently - you can use it as a complete setup, or just use the pocket/harness half with a dry bag, or a tent bag, or whatever else you might stuff in there.

If you're by chance somewhere in the Four Corners, I always stock this stuff - or you can just check out Andrew's bags at www.bedrockbags.com .  Definitely worth a look...

[JEF]

I faced the same decision for you and I decided to go with the Harness for the simple reason of allowing me to go on bikepacking trips in the cold and use my Mountain Hardware Lamina 0 bag that doesn't pack down tight enough for the sweet roll.  I think if I was racing I would use the Sweet Roll, but for general bikepacking the Harness and a dry bag is more useful.

[Bndst]

I picked up a large Sweet Roll from Eric a few months ago and have done two trips with it so far. It's been nice, though I could see the Harness being a bit more versatile for situations like JEF describes. For me however the sweet roll has been plenty big; I can get my Mtn Hardware 30deg down bag, SMD Scout tent and some clothing packed in with an OR ultralight dry bag just fine. It's a little tight to pull everything out, but not overly so, and when packed tight it sits super stable on rough trails.

-Chris

[NT]

I've been happy with my harness + pocket from Bolder Bikepacking (12wheels on this forum). It seems a bit more dialed than the old Revelate harness (which I haven't tried, only seen on my friend's bike). I like being able to take the the drybag off the bike without having to unclip the harness from the bike. Seems more versatile and less prone to leak as well. I have a 10 liter drybag that I use for trips with the guys. If my wife comes along, I use a 13 liter drybag and put her sleeping back in it as well.