Gear Guide: Luggage
I’m a big proponent of the “less in more” philosophy when it comes to microescape luggage. The more basic, the better.
Daypack
For day hikes, and even for short (2-3 nights) out of town, I use a variety of lightweight, inexpensive nylon backpacks that stow into their own pocket. I find them to be much more versatile and easier to pack than name-brand daypacks that come with unnecessary extras like hip and sternum straps, and excessive articulation.
These nylon daypacks are widely available online for about $20-30. They usually have two exterior zippered pockets for essentials (one of these is the bag stowage pocket), side mesh pockets for drinks, and a large main compartment that can easily fit a compact camp chair such as the Joey, a hammock, rain jacket and some cooking essentials.
Stowable Daypack
A lightweight, simple and inexpensive way to carry everything you need on short outings.
Bike Bags
If you have a standard bike equipped with a rear rack, I recommend waterproof Ortlieb Sport-Roller Classic panniers as the perfect gear carrier for 1-3 day trips. These 25L (combined) roll-top bags offer open, easy to load roll-top compartments that with keep you from over-packing. A tent and sleeping bag can be laid across the rack on top of the loaded panniers. If you require extra volume, the larger Back-Roller panniers have a combined volume of 40L, but I find them too much for short trips.
A half-frame bag can be used to carry a pump, tools, or other items you may want to keep separate from your camping gear.
If your vehicle of choice is a Brompton, you will want to use the large front-mounted roll-top bag. I have successfully packed a tent, sleeping bag and other camping gear for an overnight into this bag, with only a small fanny pack needed for personal essentials. However, if you need extra space in the bag, fasten the tent directly to the rear rack on your Brompton.
Hip Pack
I like to carry things I need to have at hand in a small hip pack. Unlike a handlebar bag, or anything else bike-mounted, it goes with me when I get off the bike. And —unlike a backpack— it doesn’t annoyingly tug on my shoulders when I ride. In a riding position, a hip pack comfortably sits at your hips (not waist), and can hold a wallet, sunscreen and a snack. There are also hip bags that can carry a hydration bladder with a hose that conveniently clips to your clothes, and makes it easy to drink water throughout the ride. It’s a great option for a Brompton, or other bikes where mounting conventional water bottles is tricky.
Hydration Hip Pack
An easy way to combine convenient hydration with handy storage for essential items.