We’re happy to report that as bikepacking’s popularity has increased, so has the technology of related gear, with the latest trend being rackless lightweight touring. The benefits include improved handling, better weight distribution, and less weight on your back. It is now possible to go long and go light. Here are three new pieces of gear that make the magic happen.

Frame Bag
These bags evolved in a basement in Anchorage in 2007 to meet demand for storage space while cycling the 1,100-mile Alaskan Iditarod Trail Invitational. The idea is to utilize the entire triangle of your bike frame to hold a triangle-shaped bag. Previously empty space between your knees becomes the perfect place to stow clothing, food, and gear.

As an added bonus, the location of a frame bag automatically distributes the weight between your wheels, and has a low center of gravity, which makes for easier handling. Each bag is made to order, custom fit to your bike and your physique. Have narrow hips? No problem, the bag will be made thin. Want your water bottle to still fit, or use the bag on a full suspension mountain bike? An area will be cut away from the bag to allow room.

The bags are typically made from 400-600 denier Cordura, a bombproof nylon. A denier being defined as a unit of measurement for the density of fibers: 1 denier = 1-gram per 9,000-meters. For waterproofing, the nylon is laminated in a five-ply sandwich with a polyester grid for added stability. Expect to pay between $90 and $175 depending on your requirements, from custom companies like Epic Designs. Smaller, mass-produced frame bags can be had for as little as $20 from companies like Axiom Cascade.

Seat Bag
While not a new concept, seat bags have come a long way. The best option is designed to hold a dry bag, with the intention of just leaving the seat bag on the bike, and pulling the dry bag in and out as needed. Besides that convenience, the combination of a waterproof seat bag and a dry bag ensures your clothing and sleeping bag will survive even a torrential downpour. Made from nylon or polyester Cordura with water-resistant zippers, seat bags will weigh about 13-ounces and hold up to 14-liters. The Super Twinkie seat bag by Epic Designs can hold up to 18-liters. (Translation: all your clothes, a three-season sleeping bag, a down jacket, wind pants, and more). You’ll pay about $150 for the privilege of being to carry everything but the kitchen sink.

Handlebar Bag
Another option for sleeping bag storage is in a handlebar bag, also used to pack tents. The best option is a handlebar “harness” made from Cordura which will support any sized stuff sack, whether it be a small dry pack containing a lightweight sleeping bag, or a three-man tent, or heck, an inflatable raft. Handlebar harnesses typically come with a detachable front pocket for odds and ends, with the ability to tighten down the harness behind it. The only downside with handlebar bags is cable interference. If that’s the case, you’ll need to get longer cables to reduce the strain.

One ending thought, if using all three of these storage systems at the same time, pay attention to the total added weight on your bike. The old adage, anything worth doing is worth overdoing, shouldn’t apply. Just because you have the space, doesn’t mean you should fill it. And if you have to fill it, be sure to make the necessary adjustments to your bike. At the very least, you may need to increase tire pressure. At the worst, you could overload your frame. Remember, major mechanical failure in the heart of Tanzania isn’t exactly fun.

Happy bikepacking!