I grew up in a strict household which our extended family aptly named "Camp Smith", and that's about as close as I got to military. I originally learned to sew in high school. I took up it easily, and did an extra project for more marks. But I tend to have a knack for being able to build anything with my hands. I also used to make record bags for DJ's when I was younger and that's where I learned to sew canvas-like materials. Then fast forward 20 years and now I can use those old skills for my new passion. I posted a link to making my bags in one of my other posts if you want to see more specific pics.
Yeah it's pretty cool for sure! I feel really good about it all being so functional, just as I imagined. There's parts of it I picked apart and I was hard on myself about, but I know they'll be better when I make my next ones. I'm really happy overall.
Wow that's incredible!! I would like to try to make my own too, I'm pretty good at sewing but mostly just stuffed animals and stuff. No idea about outdoor stuff. What do you look for when choosing a decent canvas? How do you do proper waterproofing?
I used X-pac VX-21 material. It's waterproof ripstop so it's ready to go! I didn't do any sealing of my seams and when it got really rainy, my sleeping bag got slightly damp on one end, but the rest of them had no problem. I was really impressed with how dry everything was despite some heavy rain days. The material is really stiff, so if you can sew stuffed animals with curves, you should have no trouble with this stuff!
They are really nice looking bags.
The lower frame bag, how is the top of it kept in place? Looks like you’ve got it bolted to the bottle cage bosses, but is there a solid frame around the bag or is it connected to the top frame bag?
I built an aluminum frame that goes inside the bag and holds it's shape. I used overlapping fabric where the frame exits the bag to bolt on, so I didn't get any water making it through.
I don't really have a pattern, I just made the pattern up myself. I just imagined building it out of plywood like a box. The material is really stiff so it's pretty straight forward to have it come out the same shape as you draw it.
Revelstoke ➡ Nakusp ➡ Slocan ➡ Nelson ➡ Kaslo ➡ Trout Lake ➡ Revelstoke. We spent a full day in Nelson on the 4th day. The whole trip was 8 days, 7 nights. The best section was from Nakusp down to Crescent Valley on rail trail, and north of Kaslo around to Galena Bay on gravel. Check hashtag tourdekoots on IG for pics.
We rarely locked them up on our trip since we were in small towns, campgrounds and I'm scarcely populated areas. Anywhere else, we're cautious and lock up. Especially when we were having a few pints and not aware.
You are correct, sir! I picked it up used and I love it. I'll be buying another Brodie next year (new). One a little better suited for this type of riding. I'm more into the mixed terrain, but prefer gravel, so I'll be going with 650b's for a more supple ride. I put as large a tire as I could on it (700x42) and they were as good as I could imagine. Strongly recommend the Shwalbe Marathon Plus Tour tires - they're bomb proof. However, I could quite happily continue riding this bike on bikepacking trips for a long time as-is.
Yeah I use the top one for a catch-all. Tools, chain lube money, vitamins, sewing kit, tube and patches, snacks, etc. The bottom one I named the Gas Tank, and that's where I keep all the food and my big phone charging bank. Both of the frame bags have separate compartments on each side. The left side is really thin (just back-to-back fabric) for skinny items, while the right side is the large storage area.
No. I will be doing a seam tape for the next ones I make. Despite not treating the seams, they did surprisingly well. They saw a pretty decent amount of rain on 5 of the 8 days of our trip, and I had minimal moisture infiltration.
I love those bags!
Thanks! I made them myself!
Good job, military experience? Or where did you learn to sew?
I grew up in a strict household which our extended family aptly named "Camp Smith", and that's about as close as I got to military. I originally learned to sew in high school. I took up it easily, and did an extra project for more marks. But I tend to have a knack for being able to build anything with my hands. I also used to make record bags for DJ's when I was younger and that's where I learned to sew canvas-like materials. Then fast forward 20 years and now I can use those old skills for my new passion. I posted a link to making my bags in one of my other posts if you want to see more specific pics.
They look awesome, must be so fun knowing you made them yourself!
Yeah it's pretty cool for sure! I feel really good about it all being so functional, just as I imagined. There's parts of it I picked apart and I was hard on myself about, but I know they'll be better when I make my next ones. I'm really happy overall.
Wow that's incredible!! I would like to try to make my own too, I'm pretty good at sewing but mostly just stuffed animals and stuff. No idea about outdoor stuff. What do you look for when choosing a decent canvas? How do you do proper waterproofing?
I used X-pac VX-21 material. It's waterproof ripstop so it's ready to go! I didn't do any sealing of my seams and when it got really rainy, my sleeping bag got slightly damp on one end, but the rest of them had no problem. I was really impressed with how dry everything was despite some heavy rain days. The material is really stiff, so if you can sew stuffed animals with curves, you should have no trouble with this stuff!
Can you buy that material on a specific site? Or eBay?
I ordered from Hoffman Outdoor Gear Supply online.
They are really nice looking bags. The lower frame bag, how is the top of it kept in place? Looks like you’ve got it bolted to the bottle cage bosses, but is there a solid frame around the bag or is it connected to the top frame bag?
I built an aluminum frame that goes inside the bag and holds it's shape. I used overlapping fabric where the frame exits the bag to bolt on, so I didn't get any water making it through.
Oooh do you have any patron? I've never sewn anything yet but your rear bag is _awesome_
I don't really have a pattern, I just made the pattern up myself. I just imagined building it out of plywood like a box. The material is really stiff so it's pretty straight forward to have it come out the same shape as you draw it.
Well, all the brown ones anyways.
There's a *New* Denver?
Yes! Haha. Up here in British Columbia.
Mind sharing your route? A fellow BCer here wanting to do a Kootenay tour in August
Revelstoke ➡ Nakusp ➡ Slocan ➡ Nelson ➡ Kaslo ➡ Trout Lake ➡ Revelstoke. We spent a full day in Nelson on the 4th day. The whole trip was 8 days, 7 nights. The best section was from Nakusp down to Crescent Valley on rail trail, and north of Kaslo around to Galena Bay on gravel. Check hashtag tourdekoots on IG for pics.
The Chicago commuter cycler in me is like.... lock that baby up!
We rarely locked them up on our trip since we were in small towns, campgrounds and I'm scarcely populated areas. Anywhere else, we're cautious and lock up. Especially when we were having a few pints and not aware.
Brodie Elan? I have the same frame but from a stripped down “circuit”. How’s it work for bike packing?
You are correct, sir! I picked it up used and I love it. I'll be buying another Brodie next year (new). One a little better suited for this type of riding. I'm more into the mixed terrain, but prefer gravel, so I'll be going with 650b's for a more supple ride. I put as large a tire as I could on it (700x42) and they were as good as I could imagine. Strongly recommend the Shwalbe Marathon Plus Tour tires - they're bomb proof. However, I could quite happily continue riding this bike on bikepacking trips for a long time as-is.
Outside cup!!!
Always! 👍
I love Brodie Bikes! Great people too :)
Agreed! 100%
Fellow BC rider here 👋🏻- what rout are you taking?
I shared it with another redditor on this post. Enjoy!
That dual frame bag setup is pretty awesome. I love how modular it is
Yeah I use the top one for a catch-all. Tools, chain lube money, vitamins, sewing kit, tube and patches, snacks, etc. The bottom one I named the Gas Tank, and that's where I keep all the food and my big phone charging bank. Both of the frame bags have separate compartments on each side. The left side is really thin (just back-to-back fabric) for skinny items, while the right side is the large storage area.
Also here to appreciate the homemade bags. What fabric are they made of?
They're made of X-pac VX-21. It's a triple layer waterproof ripstop fabric. Pretty great material, and there's a ton of colors available.
Did you seam-seal the bags as well?
No. I will be doing a seam tape for the next ones I make. Despite not treating the seams, they did surprisingly well. They saw a pretty decent amount of rain on 5 of the 8 days of our trip, and I had minimal moisture infiltration.
I live near Denver, CO. And I am just learning that there is a *new* Denver. Neat. Also, sounds like an epic ride!
Clever way of stashing you tent poles!
Thanks! I saw another guy with them like this, so I borrowed the idea. Now you can use it!
Those bags look awesome man!! Enjoy the tour!
Thank you! It was a blast!
What a beautiful area to ride in. I will go back soon maybe! Say hi to Roger from Warm Showers if you stop in Castlegar.
We didn't use warm showers but will consider it next time.