I would like to record my sweet bikepacking memories in a journal. I’ll write about what kind of equipment I used in certain temperatures and that sort of stuff.
Bike : Black Mountain Cycles La Cabra
Date : March 18-19th 2025
Weather : Sunny, then snow
Temperature : 12°C/53°F in day time, 0°C/32°F in the morning and at night.
Campsite : Kawai Campsite
Route : Hachioji Station – Okutama (47㎞, 800m climb)
Main Storage : *FAIRWEATHER* handlebar bag ADV (custom)
I loaded my cooking equipment and camera equipment in the bar bag, then loaded the sleeping bag on top using the Cargo Net.
I loaded my tent and mattress on the fork, using the Voile Straps 20inch(50.8cm) and *KING CAGE* mini thing cage.
I rode a very bumpy trail with this set up, but the Mini Thing Cage held both of the stuff nice and sturdy. I didn’t feel any stress.
However, it looks like the tent has moved a bit. I recommend the *KING CAGE* manything cage for things that are difficult to keep the shape, like the tent.
Saddle bag : Swift Zeitgeist
I put extra clothes and some toiletry stuff in the Zeitgeist. Again, I used the cargo net to put my packable jacket on top of the saddle bag.
That is a *CARRADICE* bagman QR (L) that is supporting the saddle bag.
It attaches on the saddle and can be removed with the bag attached with the quick release, so I put everything I would want in the tent in here. The distance from the saddle rail and rear tire is about 27cm on this bike.
When having this much clearance, the bag will not touch the tire when going up a curb. If the bag is pretty close to the tire when the bike is stopped you may have some issues with the set up.
Frame bag : Fairweather Custom
This is the only bag in my set up with a zip closure, so I can access the stuff in this bag the quickest. I put my repair kit, headlight, small camera equipment and snacks in there.
I had the bag made by Jugg with putting the frame pump in place in mind. I also had to carry a tripod, so I put in on the top tube using Voile Straps. It does make straddling the bike harder and I can’t sit on the top tube to relax, but no issues when riding.
I recommend stem bags when you don’t have the space for a bottle cage from full frame bags. I also put the ABC cage on the downtube cage mount.
Stuff To Improve
I underestimated the weather. I didn’t bring rain gear and I will never forget riding in the freezing cold on the second day. I rushed into a supply store and bought cheap rain gear so I survived, but I highly recommend bringing rain gear regardless of the weather.
