Reddit reviews Blackburn Outpost Cargo Water Bottle Cage (Outpost Pewter, One Size)

Blackburn Outpost Cargo Bottle Cage https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NT4KXBA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_pRt7AbRKBQ98T

A cargo bottle cage is better than a regular bottle holder, IMO. Offers more range in the types of things you can carry. For a basket, I used to have a hard case mounted to the back which was pretty awesome but I opted for a larger seat versus the storage.

*Edited to add image.

Yeah, I got 2 of these https://www.amazon.com/Blackburn-Outpost-Cargo-Bottle-Cage/dp/B00NT4KXBA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496944539&sr=8-1&keywords=blackburn+cages

I did not have to do any tweaking, they fit perfectly on the existing holes, and as long as you have the stock tires, there is an 1"-1.5" gap between the bottom of the water bottle holder, and the tire.

1: I have no idea, I just had an extra set of "mount anywhere" braze ons, so I stuck it there, I have 2 more cages coming for the traditional mounts. I won't know if the top tube option will work until I can test it out once all the snow melts.


2: With these, I've also seen a lot of people use them to mount other gear like sleeping bags and tents. The straps are pretty accommodating, those are half gallon jugs and I still have about 6 inches of strap left.
Edit: They mount like a normal water bottle cage would, I have a single braze on for each arm of the forks, so I just used one braze on and then zip tied the bottom to keep it from swinging, if you don't have a braze on, you can get those "mount anywhere" ones (like I have for the top tube bottle cage).


3: I'll have a U-lock with a ~6ft cable in one of my panniers, those things are huuuuuge, they're the Pro model of Ortliebs Back Roller Classics. In just one bag I can pack my tent/rainfly, sleeping bag, sleeping pad and pillow with room to spare.

Welcome! First off, I don't have a lot of experience touring, but I've some, and a lot of thinking!

The tent itself looks fine. I have a North Face Stormbreak 2, which is actually on sale right now!. I've been really happy with it, and North Face has great customer support. It weighs about the same (5-6 lbs). Some people are really picky about weight, and some don't care that much (I'm in the latter category); it's really up to personal preference. Lighter tents can get very expensive, especially 2 person (nice to have even when touring solo).

As far as packing goes, the most obvious and pretty simple way is as you described: simply strap it to the top of a rack. However, I've actually packed mine by separating the fly and tent itself in different front panniers, and strapped the tent poles to my top tube (exhibit A). This method worked well. If you don't want a full front rack, you could always buy 2 Cargo Cages, electrical/gaft tape them to your fork, and strap in some smaller dry bags (I do this on my Pugsley set-up, but without the tape because I have mounts). Easily fit your tent + some other goodies in there.

I don't have much experience with handlebar space, but I've gotten some stuff to try. You could always look into some cheap straps to just buckle your stuff to the handlebar, but I'm not sure how well this would work. Dedicated handlebar bags are expensive, so your best bet would be to MacGuyver something.

I hope it was helpful. I just like to talk about touring :)

EDIT: The north face doesn't include a footprint, but as a lot of people will tell you, some Tyvek works great as a tent footprint, and it's super cheap. Amazon.

I just happen to have another trip planned this weekend, so here's my current train of thought. I have a few options. There happens to be a cold spring where I camp, but it requires a canoe ride to get there. There are always derelict canoes and paddles available, but I have to get to the site early enough to setup camp and make the trip to collect water before it gets too dark.

My other option is to pack in the water. I'll probably just throw a hydration pack on my back this weekend. I have an Osprey Syncro 12 pack with a 2.5L Camelblak bladder inside. I tried like crazy to make room on my bike for the Camelbak bladder, so I didn't have to use the backpack, but I just plain ran out of room. I really need to upgrade my half frame pack to a full frame pack, to get around the bladder issue.

I'd go the water filtration route, but I don't have a filter yet. I'm hoping one turns out to be a Christmas present this year.

I do have Blackburn Outpost Cargo cages electrical taped to my fork, which could be used to hold very large water bottles. But with the autumn temperatures and rain, the cages are holding an extra blanket and a tarp for this rain trip. I'm also not a fan of having too much weight up front. I'm trying very hard to keep the heavy stuff either on my back or in the main triangle.

Autumn definitely has its bikepacking challenges. Colder weather means more gear. Tarps and blankets. Thermal clothing, wool socks and hoodie. So much more to pack with a very limited amount of space.

Another option is to throw heavy stuff into a cargo trailer. It looks ghetto, but I've done it many times when camping with my daughter. I made my trailer from an old bicycle kid carrier. Here's a link to a comment detailing the build.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NT4KXBA

A much less expensive iteration. Neither solution is really well suited for situations where you're hydrating while riding. Better suited for packing in water.