Outer bag to put 2 panniers and tent in for air travel?

[oxford_guy]

Hi - could anyone recommend a lightweight outer bag that will fit two packed Ortlieb panniers and some other gear (e.g. a small tent), so that I can check it into BA as one piece of luggage? I had my eye on this (http://www.decathlon.co.uk/iliader-100-l-bag-id_8173870.html) 100L Quecha bag, but it's out of stock at Decathlon, and I can't find it anywhere else online.

They do a 120L bag, but that might be overkill, is more than twice the price and looks bulkier:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/120l-expedition-bag-black-id_8128951.html

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

had you considered a large cheap rucksack off ebay or similar?

 

[oxford_guy]

had you considered a large cheap rucksack off ebay or similar?

The problem is not knowing if the panniers will fit inside, also how would I carry the bag on my bike once I arrive, if I can't leave it in a locker at the airport?

BTW I did find this thread about carrying panniers in an aeroplane, which has some tips, but not sure I like the cardboard box idea, too awkward to carry that *and* a bike bag!:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/606167-Panniers-on-an-airplane

 

[Sara_H]

I think you can just stick it all together and wrap it up using the cling film carousel and then it counts as one piece of luggage.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

The problem is not knowing if the panniers will fit inside, also how would I carry the bag on my bike once I arrive, if I can't leave it in a locker at the airport?

BTW I did find this thread about carrying panniers in an aeroplane, which has some tips, but not sure I like the cardboard box idea, too awkward to carry that *and* a bike bag!:
[URL='http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/606167-Panniers-on-an-airplane[/quote']http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/606167-Panniers-on-an-airplane[/URL]

some of the rucksacks don't have backboards or a frame so would simply fold up and at least one I looked at on ebay that did not weighed only 1kg, and cost £15.99 so simply strap it to the top of the pannier rack.

 

[oxford_guy]

I think you can just stick it all together and wrap it up using the cling film carousel and then it counts as one piece of luggage.

Yes, that's one solution I was considering, would work at Heathrow (which we're flying out of), but not sure if Prague airport has one of these machines (I've been through it before, but don't remember seeing one), it's a pretty small airport.

 

[oxford_guy]

some of the rucksacks don't have backboards or a frame so would simply fold up and at least one I looked at on ebay that did not weighed only 1kg, and cost £15.99 so simply strap it to the top of the pannier rack.

Thanks for the tip, might go for this if I can't find an alternative solution, especially if I manage to find out if there are left luggage lockers at the airport, though am not sure if it's wide enough for our panniers.

 

[Sara_H]

One of those massive cheapo nylon bags would probably fit it all in, I'd probably still stick everything together with gaffa tape in case the zip broke though. Or alternatively one of those massive platsic laundry bags.

 

[doog]

I use these with a bungee or two...if you are not near an IKEA store they are a couple of quid online. Be prepared for it (by its nature), to be opened and inspected, hence a bungee cord or two rather than taping it. then at least they can put it back together. They are very strong and durable.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

One of those massive cheapo nylon bags would probably fit it all in, I'd probably still stick everything together with gaffa tape in case the zip broke though. Or alternatively one of those massive platsic laundry bags.

^this

 

[oxford_guy]

I use these with a bungee or two...if you are not near an IKEA store they are a couple of quid online. Be prepared for it (by its nature), to be opened and inspected, hence a bungee cord or two rather than taping it. then at least they can put it back together. They are very strong and durable.

I'm liking this idea, my Vaude Panniers are pretty wide at the top and have a rigid plastic back, so think would not fit into a lot of "normal" bags. We're not near an Ikea store, but assume you can order online and get them delivered?

 

[MarkF]

Get them on Ebay if an Ikea is not local, they are what I always use, they weigh practically nothing and pack down really small in the base of your pannier, super useful!

 

[andrew_s]

I used to fasten my 2 rear ortliebs together back to back using zip ties threaded through the corners on the lower reinforcements and the ends of the hook slots. The tens and an empty front pannier went inside, and the other front pannier was hand luggage. You just need to carry 4 spare zip ties for the return.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

I know it's not what you asked but why not stuff all your gear into th ebike box and check it all in? Thats what I did.

 

[oxford_guy]

I know it's not what you asked but why not stuff all your gear into th ebike box and check it all in? Thats what I did.

BA only allow bikes on for free as "Sporting Goods" if total package the bike is in weighs 23Kg or less