Cycling and backpacking

It's a bit small... but MEC makes a pannier that converts to a day pack..

http://www.mec.ca/product/5026-247/mec-50fifty-pannier-daypack/?f=10<i>50002</i>50156

Edited by: jibs00

There are panniers that convert into backpacks. Search out the different makes eg Carradice, Karrimor, etc. I don't think they make very good backpacks as they are a bit of a compromise.

I wonder what you mean by backpacking? Do you mean hiking with all your stuff - or what is more commonly called backpacking nowadays ie travelling around on buses and trains, etc carrying a vastly overloaded backpack. If the former, then you need a good backpack, if the latter than a simple shoulder bag will do. A shoulder bag is much cheaper and easier to carry folded up on a bike. In fact almost certainly available where you will be leaving your bike so you don't even need to carry it with you.

Many years ago, I used to travel off bike a lot and would only carry a backpack if I knew I would be hiking. A shoulder bag is a much better option as you don't look like a 'backpacker' (gringo). Also a shoulder bag will probaly be safer from theft, etc when on buses, etc..

Thanks for all the advice, guys. Lots to think about.

@Simon re the backpacking: a bit of both kinds. I definitely need a decent pack for the backpacking. Thinking maybe the first suggestion, to strap the backpack to bike with bungees, may be my best option.

The difference between misery and ecstacy on a biking trip is how you choose your route, your gear and how you treat your body.

front paniers, with front and back paniers as low as possible, give maximum stability which makes riding much safer and takes less energy. Huge difference.

Way better to do a well-equipped bike trip than try to combine and not be happy with either because you compromised too much on gear.

BTW, I rode through Nicaragua and Costa Rica in the late 90s and found Nicaragua excellent, hardly any cars (mainly bikes, lorries and mules), the PanAM well-paved, and people generally respectful. Able to buy bannas and chicken/rice meals everywhere. Petty crime common however, so be very careful. I wonder how it's changed now.

I found Mexican mail to be very reliable. A little slow, but reliable.

Cheers for the advice guys,

Just found out that a friend of a friend knows someone in Cancun (where I land) so may be able to leave the backpack with them. Problem sorted if so.

Once again thanks. Great to know there are people out there like you.