I use a Clik Elite Compact bag. I pack the camera in a small light drybag, lenses in other small drybags (1 liter). This is for wet rather than dust, but I guess it would do the same job.

The Epic / Revelate front bag doesn't loose volume when the harness has a bigger load - it is a separate thing and just site on it (with straps underneath). It has a curve built into the design. I think it is great, very accessible,  recommended.

Thanks!

I have looked at the X-Alp before, but can't figure out which ones are good - http://www.pearlizumi.com/publish/content/pi_2010/us/en/index/products/men/ride/footwear/x-alp_footwear.html - some of them seem to be more or less trainers with a SPD sole, tlooks like thay still have loads of padding to soak up water. What version do you have?

I have seen the Keen commuter sandals before as well. Look good foe drainage, but maybe a bit too open?

Got my rack, and have used it a few times. It is the new version of the OMM Sherpa, and is really solid! I bolted it with stainless steel allen bolts to the frame where it was tapped for racks - worked like a charm! Distributing the weight between the handlebar harness and the rack works out really well. Still have to try with a full load, but sure it will be fine!

Here it is with the camping set up (overkill for the 1.5kg I had on it!)



Here it is with the packrafting kit:

Does anyone know of good SPD shoes for hiking and packrafting as well as cycling?

I guess I am looking for a shoe that has a good sole for walking, and is quick draining for packrafting. I think I could walk ok in most MTB cycling shoes, but a lot of them are so padded out with foam, and once wet, take days to dry, even at home.

So little padding / non water absorbent, rather than waterproof. Any ideas?

I chose PLB. It is more robust IMHO and a more serious device, but I primarily choose it for when I am on the water. I can't see me being a day late, and  anytime this might happen, I think I could contact family one way or another within a 32 hour timeframe, without SPOT.

Thanks Eric!

I had the packraft in it's stuffsack, in a 20 litre drybag with the paddle and a PFD stuffed in there as well, it was simply IMHO too much on the front, will try the packraft by itself on the front next time, that will save about 1.5kg which is a lot. Will also try on the rear rack as well and see if it is better. The drybags I am using are heavy duty (almost like cordura) so will resist abrasion and rubbing, but I'm going to keep a close eye on all of that!

I have the OMM Sherpa ordered, looking forward to this final part of my jigsaw coming together!

An update on this.

It looks like the OMM Sherpa racks can be attached either with the longer skewer, or to the rack eyelets:



An email to OMM confirmed this.

Also, the Sherpa has a new bigger tubing just out:



So looks like I'll be going with this rack, will hopefully be ordering in the next week.

Thanks again for everyones help.

Looking further into things, the Old Man Mountain racks look good, but just had a thought that they would be a PITA packrafting, as the rear wheel has to come off when packing the bike on the boat, I presume then leaving the rack just getting held on at the seatstays, I can't imagine this is ideal at all :-/

I wish I had come upon your post a few hours earlier, as I just purchased a harness from Revelate Designs with the hopes of putting the raft up front.  You feel that it is just too much weight up there?  Maybe I will transfer my dry bag from the rear up front and use the frame to hold the raft.  My plan is to load the paddles, (I have the same as you) in my backpack on me.

Hi cfi... I was trying to carry the packraft (Llama) plus paddle plus PFD (Stormy Seas) all in a fairly substantial drybag - I think at least 4 kg if not a bit more. I had a feeling already this was too much for the handlebars, no matter what system you use to attach. it wasn't my plan to have that all up front, but the rack a friend was gonna lend me for my daytrip didn't fit my bike, so it all had to go on the bars.

I still did a 5 hour trip with it, with a 550m climb, at lest the weight up front helps with that! But the rubbing when the suspension sagged on the downs was not good, although it didn't wreck my bag or stop my wheel. I reckon an Alpacka will go on the bars no problem, maybe at the top end of how much weight you'd want there depending.

Hi everyone, thanks for all the feedback!

sigma7 - The Tubis Disco looks to have too small a platform to for a 20 litre drybag



I like the fact that it can attach to the eyelets though.

cgar380 - I have looked into the OMM racks, but I agree with you about not being keen on the skewer - apart from a single point of failure being catastrophic in more ways than one, it also means taking off the rear wheel for puncture repair is a PITA with a loaded rack. I wonder if it is possible to use them with the eyelets instead? Just bolt em on?!?



I have a Revelate Designs "The Harness" handlebar bag already - I tried it last weekend with my drybag and packraft, but I felt it put too much weight on the front, and when the suspension moved, it caught my front wheel. Maybe just the packraft on it's own would work up front there? I was planning more to carry my tent and sleeping bag there, but I am not set of exactly where everything should go, it could be the tent and sleeping bag and paddle could go in the rear rack.

I have a 5 piece paddle, so packing it is a bit easier - it is the same length as a folded packraft.



I don't have a problem buying the best I can get though! Just need to figure out what will work.

Eric - Hi! Thanks for confirming needing a wide rack, I had a suspicion about that.

TobyGadd - the Freeload rack looks interesting, but seems a bit heavy and I'm not sure I'd trust the plastic bits. it is also quite expensive once I take into account import.

Thanks for the advice.


Looking at models, I see that this Madison Ridge Disc Pannier Rack http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=26971 seems to fit the bill - Disc compatible, simple...



I guess that since this i my first try, a cheep rack that is gonna fit is a good bet. I'm not planing to approach the weight limits on these racks, and i'd rather break / find out a £30 rack is not suitable, than a £130 one!

Still, further advice and experiences welcome!

Yeh I like the idea of  the Tubis rack



But I'm not sure it would work with my rear disc brake calliper, and also the top is very small and has an upturn at the back that may negate me being able to slide the drybag back all the way to the seatpost - the drybag is quite long.

Hi all, first post, great forum you have here!

Looking for advice for what rear rack to get. I need to carry a 4kg 20 litre drygag with packraft / paddles / PFD in it. It is too much on the front bars.

I would consider any option for carrying this on the rear, including beam racks and standard racks. Looking for light and strong and stable, so I guess the lower the better. Needs to work on a disc brake MTB with 26" wheels, has rack attachments in frame on dropouts and seat stays.

Budget is not an issue, considering those titanium racks if they are the right choice.

Thanks!