| 2005 Possible Luggage Choices: We’ve found a great variety of products that fit the size requirements, and offer them for your perusal (there’s a word we don’t get to use often enough!). The FANY Ride does not endorse bag any in particular, but each seemed to offer something unique or special. This list was created January 2005 and may not be current.
I was lucky enough to find an Eddie Bauer Rolling Bag Duffle on sale in Target early January 2005. It’s 28x12x13 and I can fit a big 2 person tent, inflatable mat, sleeping bag and pillow in the main compartment, while the end compartment has enough extra room for a hatchet to pound in tent stacks, a Frisbee, bug spray and a few other miscellaneous camping supplies. And because it was on sale, I bought another one for my clothes, but it’s honestly impossible to fill it with bike shorts and jerseys! I wish I had bought the smaller size, but it didn’t have wheels. Just because you are allotted 30x15x15 doesn’t mean you want a bag that big. Remember, you’re the one who’s going to have to carry it each day all the way from the truck to your tent site after biking 70 miles! Also consider that if you ever plan to fly with your bag most airlines have a carry on size of only 24x16x10 (check your airline to be sure). Layout what you plan to bring and evaluate if every item is absolutely necessary. Then measure the approximate size of the pile. Is there anyway you can make it smaller? I repacked my sleeping bag into a long skinny stuff bag so that it wouldn’t be so pudgy, and my tent fits better if I separate the poles bag out of the tent bag.
Check this out! “Coleman Space Saver Bags” do wonderful double duty. First, they’re basically huge zip lock bags, so they’ll keep clothes dry. (Unfortunately, it has rained a day or 2 on FANY, so I really appreciate these.) Also, when they roll up, the contents compress, so they help save space. Go to http://www.cabelas.com/ and search for item # F-516884 for $13.99, or the multi-pack #IE-016642 for $19.99
http://www.llbean.com/ (Check out their smaller bags too!) Their bags come in a variety of colors, and can be monogrammed, so it should be easy to spot yours in the pile of luggage. LL Bean also sells tents & sleeping bags.
http://www.campmor.com/ Offers good basic duffels, and lots of “Specials” pricing. But limited color choices – so consider spray paint or ribbons to identify? Campmor also sells tents, sleeping bags, camping supplies & limited bike gear, bike clothing & bike accessories.
- Outdoor Products – Basic Duffle # 60863 – 30x14 – can’t beat this price! - $14.99
- Outdoor Products – Cordura Duffle #60847 – Large 30x14 - $19.97
- Outdoor Products – Large Sportage Travel Duffle – #90427 - 30x13x13 - $19.97
- High Sierra Sport – 30” Wheeled Duffle & backpack! - # 60806 – 30x15x14 - $49.97
http://www.cabelas.com/ A huge variety of duffels and other camping supplies. Even some waterproof bags!
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