Bikepack.eu user opinions please (on a fargo?)

[johnnystorm]

I'm looking at Bikepack.eu options for bags on my Fargo.

Being offered a choice only makes things harder, eh?

First up, unless I'm being dim I take it the idea with the Bikepack.eu kit is that it's waterproof and you (could) stuff your gear straight in as opposed to a harness style handlebar/seat pack that carries a drybag?

Regarding sizes for the seat/bar packs, how well can excess capacity be rolled away? I'm probably paranoid that if I get a medium I'll run out of space, but if I half fill a large it'll be just as bad!

If there are any Fargo/drop bar riders have you had any problems with a bar bag getting in the way of the drops?

Finally, my bike is dark blue. Will it look stupid with camo luggage?

[tommid]

I can only answer one of your questions. Yes your blue bike will look stupid with Camo bags... Go for the black..

[d45yth]

The Bikepack bags are fairly waterproof but I still put the contents I want to keep dry in plastic bags, that helps with organisation too.

Regarding the size of the seatpacks, I've a medium and that's big enough for me. Like you, I didn't want to be left with an half empty, large. I then chose a large bar bag and that's a great size as I can get my tent in it which is the perfect length for fitting in between my brake levers...that's on my mountain bike though, might not be an option for you if your bars are much narrower.

I agree with Tommid on the colour of the bags too.

[johnnystorm]

Well, at least we got the important business of colour sorted!

I did think expecting 100% waterproofing was unlikely, and that you could get away with some thinner drybags or similar.

Could you do me a tremendous favour and measure your bar bag? It'd be handy to know the diameter of the tube & the min/max width, if you see what I mean.

[d45yth]

Please excuse the rough drawing skills! All measurements were taken with the bag laid flat.
You wouldn't be able to make it any narrower than the reinforced area...looking at a picture of the smaller bag, that area does look narrower.

[royAB]

I've a large seatpack & had no issues with rolling it smaller when needed. I'm told it does swing about a bit when packed to the max, but I've never felt it on the bike. It's no more or less waterproof than any other bag, tho what little water does get in seems to be more from opening the bag to get stuff out in the rain than anything that comes through the (well made) seams.

[johnnystorm]

Cheers fellas, that's excellent. Particularly on the drawing front!
I'll get busy with the tape measure today. :)

[chris n]

I've used an 8L Airlok Xtra (41cm long, mounted with two straps) on drop bars with no problems, and a medium Bikepack Repack saddlebag. Rolls down nicely to about half its fully stuffed volume.

Full:

Loaded 'rat by cnarborough, on Flickr

Half full:

Loaded Inbred by cnarborough, on Flickr

[johnnystorm]

Thanks again. The medium seat pack looks plenty big enough at full capacity. As a statement of intent I removed the rack from the Fargo today....

[Pawel]

I'm looking at Bikepack.eu options for bags on my Fargo.

Being offered a choice only makes things harder, eh?

First up, unless I'm being dim I take it the idea with the Bikepack.eu kit is that it's waterproof and you (could) stuff your gear straight in as opposed to a harness style handlebar/seat pack that carries a drybag?

Fabrics that I use are waterproof, but the seams are not sealed, so during long periods of rain bags can get moist inside

Regarding sizes for the seat/bar packs, how well can excess capacity be rolled away? I'm probably paranoid that if I get a medium I'll run out of space, but if I half fill a large it'll be just as bad!

If You want to order both bags, I always reccomend to choose medium sized repack and large one doubletwist

If there are any Fargo/drop bar riders have you had any problems with a bar bag getting in the way of the drops?

I can make doubletwist more customized for Your bike if You want

Finally, my bike is dark blue. Will it look stupid with camo luggage?

You can choose black/navy blue combo, but its only available in the lightest option X0

Cheers

[Cheeky Monkey]

I haven't used my Bikepack gear in really wet conditions but its always kept the water out. Like Pawel says, fabric isn't an issue but the seams aren't sealed. Not suffered dire consequences with pit and clothes in dry / plastic bags and everything else "loose".