Bikepacking: Bar Bags; Epic Designs vs. Carousel Design Works

[BigfatEd]

For those of you who are fortunate enough to own custom bar bags, please give your experience with said bag. Give details as to why you choose one over the other.

I am on the fence when it comes to Bar Bags. I really like the front zipper pouch bag that Epic Designs puts on their bar bag, but after looking at the system packed with a drybag most of the space might be less usable. Thoughts?

I currently own a CDW saddle pack and think it is great. I am not against purchasing a CDW bag bag either, but I feel like the Epic Bar Bag might give me a little more usable space for trailside needs. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance on any advise.

Cheers,
BFE

[sean salach]

I've seen quite a few of the Epic setups, and they all seemed to still have plenty of room in the pouch with a winter sleeping bag in stuff sack or drybag strapped under them. Seems like a pretty good setup.

[bmike-vt]

like my epic setup. room in the front pouch for wallet, camera, phone, small stuff, snacks, sunglasses, etc. - even when packing the harness with sleep system (insulated air core pad, liner, and 30 degree bag).

[sherpaxc]

I think a lot of this depends on what your going to use it for.  Epic is great for big loads and ok for smaller loads, CDW is great for small loads and not good at all for big loads.  I've used both.  I could recommend both depending on use.  I'd keep it as light as possible up front though.   You can't go wrong with either really.

Since you own a CDW you know it's a bit more of a hassle to get in touch with him, but the product he turns out is top notch.  Epic is very quick with all communications and puts out equally as good as a product. 

Winner winner chicken dinner.

[BigfatEd]

Thanks for the replies all. My main intention is to stuff a dry sack with clothes, and then use the extra front pocket for snacks, maps, etc.  I have a 4 day hut-to-hut trip planned around Mt. Hood Oregon coming up in July. This is a supported hut system, so we do not have to bring our sleeping bags or pads, cooking gear or the like.  That being said, I feel like I can pack pretty light using a medium CDW XPod, a Wingnut Hyper 3.0 pack, and to add to the collection, a bar bag with 10L+ capacity. 

Again your thoughts and opinions are much appreciated, keep them coming.

Cheers,
BFE

[sherpaxc]

I use the same seatpack and backpack you use.  I also have the CDW handlebar bag and use that as well.  I would think a dry bag would work just as well.  That should be more than enough room for everyhing.   Sounds like a fun trip!

[McNik]

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.