Need for Handlebar Sling?

[devinallen]

I have done a couple of shorter, overnight bikepacking trips and on those trips I strapped my tent/groundcover onto the front of my handlebars with a couple of adjustable straps.  Didn't have any problems but am wondering if I need a handlebar sling for a 4-5 day trip on the southern half of the CT?  Without a sling, is the big issue crushed cable housing, etc.?

[mattyp]

i have a revelate harness and the one big benefit is that it is pretty rigid, so it helps keep the dry bag of stuff really stable.  there are also some spacers that keep the bag away from the bars; but if you haven't had issues kinking housing yet i doubt you'll have an issue.

[pro_out]

At around 1 pound or more ......... I consider them unnecessary weight.

[wahday]

I have a sling but have gone without and traveled with others that just lashed the bag to the bars. I agree that if you haven't had issues to date you should be fine.
 
Some things to ponder:
Harnesses are helpful in holding the load away from bars not only to free cables, levers and shifters but also to reduce friction which over a few days could wear a hole in your bag.

Many harnesses also have attachment points for other bags/pockets/items which might be helpful.

The harness can remain on the bike making securing and removing the load more convenient.

So they are not necessary but do provide some conveniences .

[pedalad]

another forum member posted this great DIY handlebar harness lesson. whistle is his name and he did a really nice job with this imo.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/whistle5/sets/72157629157542345/

i gladly copied his idea of using spacers to get your bag down off the levers and out of the way. my dry bag is attached to my bars via straps. i used a piece of pvc coupling as my spacers. i like the way my set-up is handling and holding up, but if you're inclined to get out the sewing machine and head to jo-ann fabrics, be my guest!

here are a few suspect photos of my easy easy set-up. it's not really that jank i promise, i just don't take the time to make it all look pretty for the camera..

http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=10235.0

[AlasdairMc]

I used a Wildcat harness for the first time in the Highland Trail Race, having used a couple of straps around a drybag in the past. What a revelation! I fitted the harness, and then attaching and removing the bag takes seconds instead of minutes. I don't need to worry about the bag spinning up around the bars on bouncy territory - it just gives me a lot more stability up front.

Also, cable routing is a lot easier, in that you sort it out when you fit the harness and don't worry about it again.

I'm a convert.