Luggage solutions: bikepacking and commuting

[ze_zaskar]

Hello all,
 
I'm finishing details for my next years Ecuador trip. I'll be doing the new Trans Ecuador Route, so it should take me about 30 days. The route will be nearly 100% offroad or in dirt roads, so my initially planned rack&pannier setup needs revision. I believe a traditional bikepacking setup would be ideal, but I'd like to use the final trip setup already for commuting this year.
 
Right now I'm using a Tubus Cargo and a set of Ortlieb Back Roller Classics for commuting. I carry a pair of ankle boots, flip-flops, a lunchbox, jeans, shirt, underwear, soap and towel. To add some complication, at work the showers are far away from where I leave the bike, so the luggage needs to be easily detachable from the bike.
 
I've done some experiments and found that, without the lunchbox, I need 18L to carry my daily commute stuff. The lunchbox could go into a framepack or a camelback.
 
So for the trip, here's what I'm thinking:
 Front: ordinary handlebar roll like this:
 https://www.apidura.com/product/handlebar-pack-regular/
 or this:
 https://www.alpkit.com/products/airl...-dual-20-litre
 
Frame: I'm torn between a full frame bag:
 https://www.alpkit.com/products/stingray
 or an half bag:
 https://www.apidura.com/product/moun...me-pack-large/
 
The half bag has the advantage that I could leave it permanently on the bike, carrying the lunchbox for work and allowing me to ditch the camelback on weekend rides.
 
For the rear, things get complicated. I need volume and a way to carry stuff away from the bike.
 Option a) keep the rack/panniers for commuting and slap a 15L drybag on it for the trip. I keep hearing mixed reports about this solution.
 
b) Change for a Carradice Nelson Longflap. Will this handle offroad rigors? Will I be able to get behind the saddle on descents?
 
c) Go for a big saddle pack like this one (17.5L):
 https://www.apidura.com/product/saddle-pack-regular/
 Then get a big drybag to hold my stuff inside.
 
d) Try the new Revelate Terrapin. Anyone knows what's the largest drybag one can fit inside?
 
Thanks in advance for any help

[harryonaspot]

Look at the Revelate Harness. You can use any dry bag and remove it easily. The Carradice bags are a bit wide, but for dirt road touring you shouldn't need to get too far behind the seat. You do need plenty of roomunder the seat so it clears the tire. I have one that doesn't fit. If you want to go that route, let me know. Maybe we can work something out

[ze_zaskar]

Thanks for your answer Harryonaspot,

I'm in Europe, so my options are limited by that.

Anyone knows whats the biggest drybag one can insert in the Revelate Terrapin?

[harryonaspot]

I have never used one but they appear to be about the situation,e of a Visacha. Max about 14 liters. The problem would be to get a skinny dry bag. They are usually short and stout going to large would interfere with your thighs. Annoying for sure.

[ze_zaskar]

14L is probably too tight for my commute...

Alpkit has a special tappered drybag, but I think it only has 12L.

The Apidura saddlebag has 17,5L, but I've doubts about fitting a drybag inside

[ze_zaskar]

Solved the problem

I'll order a full set of Bikepack.eu bags (in Pencott Greenzone camo  )

I'll use the saddle bag with a Alpkit tapered drybag inside. 13L are enough for my stuff except the shoes and lunchbox which will go into the framebag.

Can't wait to try it out