The last test and recent rides have been useful in the sense that I realized I simply can't have a backpack on my back for three weeks while trying to do long daily rides. I already occasionally suffer from shoulders being tense due to weight on the backpack while riding, so probably not a good idea for longs rides over many weeks.
So, new plan, don't buy a frame pack and instead buy a rear rack and a pannier which converts into a backpack, thus allowing leaving the backpack at home. Due to time being limited, options were limited to local shops, which basically meant a combo of Ortlieb's Quick Rack + Vario PS QL2.1 26L. The Quick Rack is simply amazing, literally can be attached and detached in seconds. The Vario PS is very functional. It does the job of being both a pannier and also a backpack. This is a difficult thing to achieve and given that Ortlieb have done a good job. However, it's somewhat ugly and uncomfortable actually wearing as a backpack. But hey, we're going riding, not walking, right?
This ride told me I do need another pannier, if I'm going to skip the frame pack and backpack, otherwise the single pannier is just going to have too much weight in it. Basic model panniers are available second hand quite well luckily so hopefully wont need to buy that one new.
Setting up the tent was really easy! At least without rain pouring down 😅 I do love the functionality of the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2. Also got to test my Klymit inflatable sleeping pad and the super awesome FLEXTAILGEAR mini-pump, which also functions as a light for the tent. Really nice find.
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