I’m looking for a saddlebag at the moment for some trips but unsure what size to go for.

I’ll be travelling fairly light with probably some trainers, bib shorts, jersey, shorts and a t shirt going in the bag along with some other odds and ends.
Would this be likely to fit in an 11 litre saddle bag?
I’ve no idea what’s a realistic amount to be able to carry in these bags.

grmtylr wrote:I’m looking for a saddlebag at the moment for some trips but unsure what size to go for.

I’ll be travelling fairly light with probably some trainers, bib shorts, jersey, shorts and a t shirt going in the bag along with some other odds and ends.
Would this be likely to fit in an 11 litre saddle bag?
I’ve no idea what’s a realistic amount to be able to carry in these bags.

[Not being funny but...] it may depend on what size feet you have if you are taking trainers! Measure the length of your trainers and that will probably dictate the size of bag (remember, if it's a roll top bag it will need enough length to be closed). Everything else should push in either inside or alongside the trainers.

psling wrote:

grmtylr wrote:I’m looking for a saddlebag at the moment for some trips but unsure what size to go for.

I’ll be travelling fairly light with probably some trainers, bib shorts, jersey, shorts and a t shirt going in the bag along with some other odds and ends.
Would this be likely to fit in an 11 litre saddle bag?
I’ve no idea what’s a realistic amount to be able to carry in these bags.

[Not being funny but...] it may depend on what size feet you have if you are taking trainers! Measure the length of your trainers and that will probably dictate the size of bag (remember, if it's a roll top bag it will need enough length to be closed). Everything else should push in either inside or alongside the trainers.

That's a bloody good point, I never thought of doing that

Trainers? Pair of flip-flops / lightweight sandals strapped to the sides?

13 litres seems a pretty popular size. Start to go much bigger and sway and wobble become an ever increasing problem (not that it's really a problem, no one's going to die or starve if your bag sways a bit under spirited climbing). I think my concern about trainers rather than size, is the fact they're surprisingly heavy - which again makes the sway issue worse.

In answer to your question - I'd be very surprised if what you describe doesn't fit fine in a 11 litre pack.

Inov8 shoes and other such bare foot technology shoes are great for this sort of thing, leave the traditional running shoes at home

voodoo_simon wrote:Inov8 shoes and other such bare foot technology shoes are great for this sort of thing, leave the traditional running shoes at home

Barefoot shoes are great for this sort of thing, otherwise wear the same shoes for riding and casual.

Pirahna wrote:

voodoo_simon wrote:Inov8 shoes and other such bare foot technology shoes are great for this sort of thing, leave the traditional running shoes at home

Barefoot shoes are great for this sort of thing, otherwise wear the same shoes for riding and casual.

Same shoes for riding and casual won't work as I'll be riding in road shoes so don't much fancy walking around in them off the bike!
Flip flops might work as hopefully it'll be decent weather for the trip.

The main trip I'm planning is a week through France credit card touring so no need for tents and sleeping bags etc. After that I'll be meeting up with friends so I'll have fresh kit which I won't be needing to carry around day to day.

I bought a pair of these as tent and river crossing shoes for Iceland.
Work well
Light weight
Quick drying
Cheap
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/50-aquashoe ... 30684.html

I use these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Birkenstock-Cl ... th=1&psc=1

Plastic Birkenstocks. Light, cheap, and well, spotty dog IMHO..