Seat Bag Contents

For me this is a constantly changing, seasonal pack and repack.
Currently I am just going from my winter load: tools, tubes, yak trax, extra balaclava, 2 pair dry socks, extra fleece top, leather chopper mitts with heavy wool mittens, spare liner gloves, ski googles, chemical hand and toe warmers, scissors to open their packages, food, and cellphone. I just took out the extra fleece, leather mitts, yak trax, goggles and heaviest pair of socks. That made room for my camera. I'll add the artificial tears soon (they won't be frozen) I find them very helpful on long windy rides, but they are useless in the winter. By summer, all the gloves will be gone. The free space gets used up by maps, camera, sunscreen, bug repellent, etc. The weight is replaced by the extra water I carry.

I have a teeny tiny under the saddle bag from target that I stuff an extra tube, a multi tool (w/ allen), patch kit, and sometimes a luna bar into. i have a mini pump that mounts on my frame by the water bottle cage. i used to not carry anything, but most of the open roads around here are really deserted (ie: farmland) and the only people to call to rescue me don't have cars or bikes!

I used to make fun of my friend who carried a camelbak on our short little rides on the rails-to-trails around where i grew up, but i tried one at my first mountain race and am hooked! i wear it for road riding too (which is all i've been doing lately). irulan is right, i don't even notice it after the first mile, and it has a handy pocket that fits a cell, ID, and some $$. i still tend to carry a bottle, "just in case," and since i go through a lot of water (helps with the asthma).

one question: what's a balaclava? i thought you were talking about a pastry at first! ;) i'm trying to learn more about bike maintainance, but so far all i can do is lube a chain and change a tire :p

thanks!

Check it out at this site on TE......... Balaclavas are great for cold temps! I use mine all winter when it's below freezing.

http://www.teamestrogen.com/search.asp

Those little greek pastries are good, too........

Just a little clarification... A "balaclava" is the little hood thing that covers your head and neck and leaves your face open. The little pastries are "baklava" and they are yummy!!:D

Auto racers wear balaclavas, too (theirs are fire-proof). I was with some auto racing folks one time and I called it a baklava. They thought it was soooo funny...:rolleyes: