Bike packing is not my thing as previously reported, but four/ five/ six hour gravel rides are kind of fun. Mellow pace, exploring some back roads, getting lost... all part of the fun.

Unlike a road ride where you can find a convenience store every few miles to grab something to eat, gravel roads aren't as cursed so you end up taking a bunch of stuff to eat and drink. On top of that this time of year the temperature throughout the day might go up or down quite a bit so there's the various clothing and layers to deal with.

Some of the guys I ride with look like they're in the middle of a move with all the bags even if they don't have much in them. I hate that look. Handlebar bags that are enormous, seat packs that look like a basketball hanging down and swaying like a drunk sailor, frame bags that kill the look of a nice frame.

The trend in gravel bike handlebars are these super wide things that reming me of Peter Fonda in Easy Rider. I like my 40cm FSA Compact Pro bars and there's not a lot of real estate to hang some monster bag off the front even if I wanted.

Anyway, I found two things that are the cats pajamas as far as I'm concerned. https://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm/store.catalog/seat-bags/Shrew

Loads of room for a jacket and a bunch of other stuff, and when it's empty it mushes up to a small size.

The other is a handlebar bag 4" diameter and 7" long. Easily fits my bars, enough room to stash some food, phone, cash, some gels, and whatever without messing up the cables or the shifter/ brake action.
The brand is Bueno Bags. Made right here in Springfield, MO
I can't find a website but they show up on Facebook.

Haven't spent many hours with them but so far both get an A.

Enough room for the gear needed on a nice long gravel ride but not so much that you look overloaded or get tempted to pack more stuff than necessary.

Anyway, have fun this weekend. I'm off to race CX in Arkansas.
75 degrees (24 OC degrees) today and yesterday, I think we broke the record both days
That's just not right