For the non-americans here, could somebody please explain what the GDBMR, PITA or AZT is?

A friend of mine used a Bob Yak for a few weeks in Europe, he did not like it much. I myself use 2 pannier bags or frame bags, I never had any issues with them. I never needed the extra space that a trailer might offer, regardless of where or how long the tour was.

I've done all my tours with clips. The SPD shoes are good for hiking and walking around, be it in Torres Del Paine or Thailand. I've toured over 100 countries, I usually have thongs/flip flops as backup shoes, otherwise only the bike shoes.

My last tour was 10k km in Africa and Europe this summer, only had 1 pair of SPD sandals. Next tour will be different, I'll cycle in Kamik Everests (boots with no shoes), and have a backup SPD shoes for warmer weather. I'll use different pedals for the first time, half is a flat, the other side has a clip.

Exactly.  Why do you think you are getting the impression that Apidura bags are used mainly by adventure racers?  That's what she wants you to think.  And she gets you to think that by sponsoring anyone she can...simple marketing.

Please. She didnt talk me into this, I read blogs and reports before I wrote any of the companies. I'm not influenced by their marketing, because I've never seen advertisement by any of these companies. I just noticed that many fatbikers use Revelate Designs (because most Fatbikes come from the US and are used in the US and Canada), and that many roadbike / adventure racers use Apidura. Thats just my personal experience from reading around the web. There is no malicious intent, no "she wants you to think X".

Besides, I dont want this thread to devolve into "Revelate Designs vs Apidura" or "Tori vs Eric" or anything like it. Just wanted to know if anyone had good/bad experiences with the bags. The products themselves, not the company or person behind them. And if anyone has modified them. Thats it.

Thanks cccniuk.

Wow, we have completely different experiences. For example I've never even seen any frame bag setups in real life. Not Revelate Designs, not Apidura, Alpkit, Jpak, and what else is in production. Only the odd triangle bag from Abus or Vaude here and there. And I've toured 115 countries so far...

But you were right, there is a German dealer that does sell them. Cosmicsports. Not that it matters now, even if I could reach Eric from Revelate Designs now, it's far too late. I already accepted sponsorship by Apidura.

The only thing missing are the pogies and mountain feedbacks of course, but I substitute them with Bar Mitts and 2 Gorilla cages from Free Parable Design. They are quite multifunctional cages with 3 holding straps that I'll put on the front fork, leave enough room for 2x thermos or some extra food.

PS: I would have totally stopped you on the trail to ask about the Revelate Design bags. Just because they are so rare and I've never seen them in RL. And Bergen is super beautiful, you must have great weekend rides.

The more you know. Somehow I assumed that she is male. I've never heard the name Tori before that, so for me it was more along the lines of a Tony. Sounded close enough.

Its hard for me to judge, but it seems that more people are using Apidura when it comes to adventure races... or it just appears like that, because I'm Europe-based and couldnt even get my hands on Revelate Designs bags if I wanted to, besides ordering them from the US. There are no retailers in Germany that have them. I even wrote them an email several months ago, and never got an answer. Revelate Designs is virtually unkown here.

Still, doesnt really answer my question about personal experiences or modifications people did

I just posted that in another thread, but the solution fits here as well: Monkii cage by Free Parable design.

Thank you. Read through it, they only did an overnighter. I will go a year with them, Siberia and the silkroad. Guess its hard to find long-term reports about a product that exists since barely 2 years. I saw that the people in the world cycle race, like Mark Beauchamp, use it, so it must be pretty decent. And obviously the companies founder, Tori Fahey, knows what he is doing.

http://www.freeparable.com/monkiicagev Monkii cages.

Hey guys,

I'm getting a full set of Apidura bags, only exception is the framebag that doesnt fit on my fully. I'll get the large or extended versions, the saddle bag with 17,5l and the accessory bag for the handlebar harness.

Does anyone have first hand experience with them? Any pros, cons you know of? Anything in the design that you would change, or maybe altered to make them suit your needs better?

Hey everyone, I'm new here. There being said, I did read all the personal setup posts and all posts in the winter bikepacking area, and a few others. Found this website 9 hours ago, I'm done reading now. 

I'm a German cyclist who is usually touring lond distance, see www.unlocked-achievements.com. Currently I have 115 of 193 countries, and my next plan is doing Siberia this winter, going to Japan, and then riding the Silkroad back to Europe. Should take 9-12 months.

I'm working on my gear atm, but did add the gear for my last trip, a Sahara Crossing, to the personal setups page. Maybe it helps someone.