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.
These nylon daypacks are widely available for about $20. 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 Borough or Borough Waterproof 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, you can free up extra space in the back by fastening 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.