Strapping tent/rollmatt/sleeping bag to a bike which doesn't have a rack? Is it do-able?

[Paul the 6th]

Hedging my bets here because I highly doubt renntec will get a proper fitting rack to me in time for GM5 on friday (see other thread, accidentally put it in idle banter).

So is it possible to strap a tent & sleeping bag and rollmat to a bike without the use of a rack?? I *think* I might have the grab rail for the bike somewhere so that might help a tiny bit if I can find it, but even then it's only bolted to the bike using 2 mounting points instead of 4..

All tips greatly appreciated

[Paul the 6th]

Hedging my bets here because I highly doubt renntec will get a proper fitting rack to me in time for GM5 on friday (see other thread, accidentally put it in idle banter).

So is it possible to strap a tent & sleeping bag and rollmat to a bike without the use of a rack?? I *think* I might have the grab rail for the bike somewhere so that might help a tiny bit if I can find it, but even then it's only bolted to the bike using 2 mounting points instead of 4..

All tips greatly appreciated

[timwilky]

don't use a single big strap wrapped round a few times.

If it breaks, your sleeping bag can get stuck between the wheel and frame/swinging arm at silly speeds causing to lock up, you think something has happened and instinctively pull in clutch to go into a massive uncontrolled skid and require new tyre and underpants.

I have a Mountain Equipment 80ltr roll bag you can borrow if you like. My tent (a Vaude T2) fits in, the poles wrap inside the Thermarest mat and they all fit easily inside with room for loads of other stuff. I'm between Harrogate and Knaresborough.

[Paul the 6th]

Are you about tonight Clanger? Drop me a pm with your number & I'll give you a call mate

I do have my oxford sports panniers which will carry some of the bits but the big rolled up stuff I usually just ratchet strap onto the renntec rack, but it turns out it is the wrong rack and renntec don't make them to fit the SRAD anymore. Phuc mai lyfe.

On bike.

[Luckypants]

Definitely.... ignore the panniers and look at the bags strapped to rear seat.



Dry bag stuff sack that has tent, sleep mat and sleeping bag in it and kept dry. Bungied to pillion pegs and bungy hook points. If you have no bungy hook points then hook the bungies together under the tail piece. Then I put a cargo net around eveything to take things like water-proofs.

[Jayneflakes]

Pack it carefully and use good tie downs.

I strap stuff to the pillion seat and use the pillion peg mounts too when I am just going local or just have to carry the owl. To be honest though, I use Oxford panniers and can carry pretty much everything I need, because if it does not go inside, they have external strapping points too.

[Bri w]

As others have said, strap it to the pillion seat. I've done it loads of times without any bother - hadn't had a rack on a bike for xx years.

Easy paul. Did it for AR last year with only grab handle and pillion pegs on the pointy as anchor points.

I just bought a shed load of bungees, couple of ratchet straps, and those massive cargo net bungee jobbies.

Have a play around with the configuration of all your bits and bats & double-up on strappage to avoid nasty surprises.