Carrying stuff with you on long rides

[skywalkerbeth]

What is this bento box many have mentioned? I've heard. It in the context of food...

[ny biker]

Well this is the one I'm using these days:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodLG_1493734.html

I like it because it has a rain cover and you can never have enough reflective stripes on your bike.

But many manufacturers make them now, with differences in style and size. Like this for example:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodFB_840200.html.

[skywalkerbeth]

Thanks! Can you get a cell phone and keys in there? Along with the food... I'm going to have to take my fanny pack off, I think. But when I ride longer rides, twill be tough to carry all I need.

[ny biker]

I keep my phone, inhaler and a pocket pack of tissues in it, plus a pair of lighter lenses for my sunglasses. I can also fit a couple of packets of gu.

I use my seat bag for keys, jimi wallet, teeny bottle of hand sanitizer, tampon, spare tube, tire levers, band aids, mini tool, and more gu. Plus my cleat covers if I need them.

I hate having things in my pockets when it's hot, so I generally only keep the chapstick there, and maybe more gu if I need it for a long ride. My pump is on my frame next to the water bottle.

[azfiddle]

I'm a pretty light packer. I have 3 seat bags, but usually use the medium one. I carry a tube, sometimes 2, and the rest of the kit (CO2 cartridges, etc). I keep a couple of bandaids, sometimes a single-use sunscreen packet.

In my jersey pockets: cell phone, a few bucks, debit card, a few sticks of gum, and some snacks: usually shot blocks, Luna bar. Sometimes a Nuun tablet wrapped in foil, or a plastic baggie with powdered electrolyte mix.

I sometimes use a Bento bag, but have had some bad experiences with getting my shorts damaged from the velcro. On my longer rides, I have carried extra energy bars, a bag of fruit and nuts, GU in the Bento bag or in my pockets. I sometimes carry a small camera or mini-binoculars in the bag or in my pockets. If I need more food than that, I'll buy it on the way (a banana, a gatorade, etc)

Rarely do I need a lot of extra layers even in the winter, but I am able to pack arm warmers in jersey pockets. I can usually get away with wearing a pair of running knickers over my shorts and if I need to, can roll them up and put them into my larger seat bag.

[WindingRoad]

Those Fuel Belt (size large) Bento box will fit lots of stuff. They are super useful. The other thing that is perfect for phones are snack bags! Just the right size to fit an iPhone and you can still use it through the bag

[Hi Ho Silver]

Okay, here is the ultimate way to carry all the crap you need for a long ride: http://pictureisunrelated.memebase.c...s-seems-heavy/

Jean

[skywalkerbeth]

Hi

I went to the LBS last night and looked at the Bento boxes. The ones they had looked REALLY small. I could maybe get my phone and keys in there, possibly a contact lens case with sunscreen. No banana, maybe a gel pack.

I bought a bigger saddle pack. The one that came with the flat kit is fine for the kit but not a lot else. "Aero wedge pack large". By Topeak.

I am going to try just that, this wkd, and, if I still need room for more I'll get the Bento and just keep food and nothing else in it. That might be the best.