Brompton set up for Bikepacking

Looking for alternatives to the oversized and very expensive T, or C-Bags for my bikepacking trips, I came up with the following solution for my M6R Brompton.

I bought just the 'S' bag frame itself and some easily available (and cheap) luggage straps, meaning I could strap just what I need to the frame, add a couple of Fabric Handlebar Bottle Cages (I also have one permanently attached to the handlebars of the bike for everyday use).

The following shows my set up, though you'll have to work out or experiment the routing of the straps, but hopefully the following will give you a headstart, and yes, other colours are available, I bought red but I'm sure you'll be able to find any colour you prefer.

Maybe one day I'll find the perfect (and cheaper) front Bag, but this has seen me on loads of trips and my sleep system and tent live on this permanently hung in the garage ready to clip on and head out for a mini adventure.

The Backpack
On the rear rack I use a 30l Arpenaz 100 Hiking Backpacking Rucksack from Decathlon, 3 features this rucksack has are the chest-clip, hip-belt and the 'rollmat' loops on the bottom, these are essential for attaching the back to the rack of the bike - I'm not sure how good it is an actual rucksack as this is only used on the rack of the bike - you'll need to buy a rain cover for it as it doesn't come with one.

I originally used a 65l backpack for my trips, but I've learned to trim my stuff down to just the essentials and as we all discover, the more space you have, the more stuff you take with you.

Saddle/Rack Attachment
The 'Bar' that attaches to the saddle bag loops under the seat in the 'classic' wooden pole, cut-off mike-stand, bit-of-dowel method - was made from a part of a (metal) Microfibre Mop Handle, one of the sections was the perfect length and I added a small drawer knob to each end - glued and screwed in place, then sprayed black.

There are a few methods of attaching these things to the saddlebag seat loops, but I just use a long bootlace, which is both strong and has a bit of give/flexibility at the same time, it also seems to spread the weight across the plastic saddlebag loops. It's easy to remove but I leave this attached all the time as its unobtrusive and allows me to quickly attach other daypacks to the rack.

Comments and questions always welcome.


Fabric Handlebar Bottle Cages: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/fabric-...

ICE Flame Down Quilt - See a full review here: A Shropshire Lad -    • Quilt Review | In depth review of Ice...