My go to setup ^^ for most rides.
Lower bag holds tools/tube/plugs/pump/etc.. for very occasional access in the event of a mechanical. The upper bag is the frequent access bag that has food/vest/phone in it. Most of the year I can ride ~4hrs with a single bottle. I have bottles from 600ml to 1L that will fit that cage. If needed I can usually attach another 1 or 2 bottles to the frame with a few minutes spent in the garage. With water sources on most bigger summer rides I can refill as I go.
I have a bigger upper top tube bag I can use if needed, but I use it so rarely it mostly just gathers dust.
I like having everything pre-packed on the bike. That way I can just grab it and go.
I mostly use a backpack on my bike riding around town doing errands. It's easy to go grocery shopping or pick up a parcel at the post office that way.
I ride trails with folks that are packless, use backpacks or hip packs. It doesn't matter to me whether folks strap gear/water to their bodies or their bikes.
I hope there is some resurgence in pack wearing. I dug out a couple older hydration packs and I'm going to put them up for sale since they are not going to see any further use.
April 11, 2023, 7:04 a.m. - Vik Banerjee
 My go to setup ^^ for most rides. Lower bag holds tools/tube/plugs/pump/etc.. for very occasional access in the event of a mechanical. The upper bag is the frequent access bag that has food/vest/phone in it. Most of the year I can ride ~4hrs with a single bottle. I have bottles from 600ml to 1L that will fit that cage. If needed I can usually attach another 1 or 2 bottles to the frame with a few minutes spent in the garage. With water sources on most bigger summer rides I can refill as I go. I have a bigger upper top tube bag I can use if needed, but I use it so rarely it mostly just gathers dust. I like having everything pre-packed on the bike. That way I can just grab it and go. I mostly use a backpack on my bike riding around town doing errands. It's easy to go grocery shopping or pick up a parcel at the post office that way. I ride trails with folks that are packless, use backpacks or hip packs. It doesn't matter to me whether folks strap gear/water to their bodies or their bikes. I hope there is some resurgence in pack wearing. I dug out a couple older hydration packs and I'm going to put them up for sale since they are not going to see any further use.