How much stuff can you get in your frame bag?

[Rob]

Anyone care to estimate the volume of a frame bag?

I've been using a 20l Inov8 rucksack for bikepacking but 8 days after the Cairngorms ride I've still got pins and needles in my shoulders and I'm taking that as a sign to get the credit card out. usually carry tarp, bivy bag, spare clothes, food, lights and myti mug/stove in the bag which I recon can be compressed to 15l. Do you think that will fit into a frame bag on an 18" inbred?

Currently looking at Buggy Bags offerings, anyone have any experiences to share?

Cheers, Rob.

[mollyiom]

Just packed mine tonight,
hunka bivi bag
3x3m tarp
klymit sleep mat
myti cup
100g gas and burner inside it with a few guylines
katadyn water filter
ti, pegs, +cutlery
spare set of clothes
ti mug
still lots of room for food.

frame is a 18" ragley TD-1

[trickyname]

My frame bag has saved my back alot of pain by having everything on the bike.
Day ride today in the woods clearing fallen trees from trails, I had:
3l water bladder,
tools and spare tube,
Gransfors Bruks Small forest Axe,
folding saw,
Honey stove,
Crusader cup and lid ( with tea and lemon inside)
a couple of sandwiches
wind proof gilet
wallet, keys and phone
and there was some extra room for fuel for the stove (a handful of twigs)

Bike is a Surly Pugsley 20".
I prefer to put the bulky but light things, sleeping bag ect, strapped to the handle bars, for overnight trips.

[Rob]

Thanks for the replies, sounds like there'll be plenty of room. looking forward to a rucksack free WRT.

[timothy.doran]

In my home made version I had
Pump
multi tool
alen keys
head torch
500ml bottle
2ltr hydration flexi pouch thing
soreen
biscuits
2 sandwiches, cheese and salad
4 mars bars
packet of trail mix

That was about full, but more items could have fitted in if necessary

[chris n]

Only got a medium Revelate Tangle Bag, not a full size frame bag, but I can get a mug, snacks, tool kit, 2x tubes, 6x pegs, 4x guylines, lights, spare batteries, gloves, hat, first aid kit and wash kit into it. Very handy.

[Ray Young]

Tarp, bivi bag, small groundsheet, pegs, cooker, pan and mug in a smallish frame bag.

[numplumz]

I've always been a bit disappointed with how little I can get in my frame bag. It looks a decent space but the shape is a bit restrictive, I guess I'm just a messy packer. Tend to use it just for those odds and sods like some above. Food, cooker, batteries, personals, poles, pegs, and tools, spares.

Rob how about lying your bike down on its side with a piece of board behind it, then packing the space with stuff to convince yourself.

[royAB]

Currently looking at Buggy Bags offerings, anyone have any experiences to share?

Jon's made me 2 custom bags so far - one with his 'standard' Cordura, the most recent with the latest wonderfabric Xpac that I sourced for him from Extremtextil. Both bags have been superbly engineered & finished. I made fairly accurate templates and the bags fitted to a T.

Couple of observations;

1) I think kite buggy bags must take a hammering because Jon seems to like to err on the side of caution when it comes to 'strength' - a good thing I think, but that may be a bit of a barrier for weight weenies. (That said he's always been happy to discuss & try all my daft suggestions - the latest bag being a product of just such a discussio - and neither bag has been noticeably 'heavy'.)

2) He's pretty busy (or has been recently) so If you're looking for a WRT bag, might have to get a move on.

3) Buggybags are (I think) very good value - 100% custom, you'll be dealing direct with the guy who makes your gear and no customs duty to pay.

[Anthony]

Lots! Just packed mine for this weekends trip-

Bivvy bag
Tarp
Pegs
Waterproof Jacket
Balloon bed inc pump
Travel tap water bottle
1L dry bag with HH base layers, socks & beanie.
Pump
Lhoon
Ti mug & lid
Windshield & meths burner
100ml meths
Bike spares / tools
6x energy bars/gels
Inner tube
1L dry bag with-
Headtorch & spare batteries
Spare gps AAs
Mobile phonre
Ear plugs
Matches
Car keys

A large framed 26" wheel bike has its advantages!