Cargo recomendation for short tent camping trip?

[sebwiers]

Looking at heading to a small bike fest, tent camping in a sponsors yard.  Is maybe 4-5 days on the road, a couple in the tent.  Suspect some saddlebags with the gear lashed on top would do (although bike seems lacking in good lashing / bungee points).  Would like to keep cost under $100.

Any recommendations for saddle bags?  Other suggestions?

Current leader is Nelson-Rigg Adventure Dry Saddlebag - have seen similar setups for bicycling, seems the best possible rain protection.  Amd a bit worried about them hanging low enough to reach pipes, figure I could put cargo on the rear then lay them over cargo if the need to be raised up.

[FJmonkey]

The straps that go over the seat and tail tend to be adjustable. When I have used soft bags I adjust them too short and then pull them into position with the lower straps. This keeps them from hitting pipes and from bouncing around and touching the rear tire. I also recommend covering the tail section with a soft cloth to protect the paint. And one of these days I will make another batch of the Monkey Made bag brackets. If you want a picture of how to set your soft bags just reply and I will toss on the soft set and post up.

[edit]
If you already have soft bags, they can be made waterproof. Just pack your gear in heavy duty trash bags. The bags may get wet but your gear will stay dry. My first year on my '86 included a lot of long distance rides with a lot of rain. This trick works really well with thick plastic bags.

[Arnie]

Those look pretty big and long to me. 
I'd say you have reason to worry about them sitting on the mufflers. 
You may also have problems with them getting into the spinning wheel.
I'd look for some bags that are wider but not as long. 

FJMonkey has some bag stand-offs he's made. 
Don't know if he still has some available, or if there's time for you to get them.
You can make some simple stand-offs from 'fencing wire' run the wire from the heel protectors of the passenger pegs to the stalks of the rear turn indicators.

Don't believe the claims of waterproof bags !!  Frequently even hard cases will leak if you're caught in a monsoon or the gasket is slightly worn.
Best way to keep your clothes and electronics dry is to put them in heavy plastic bags inside your "waterproof" bags.  I speak from sad experience here.
Carry your sleeping bag (in plastic bag) inside your foam or blow-up matress and your tent across the seat strapped to the subframe tubes and the passenger grips.

Reduce the amount of stuff you're carrying!  4-5 days gear can be carried in a small backpack plus your camping stuff.

Arnie

[FeralRdr]

I agree with Arnie on the size of those saddle bags being a potential issue.  Having said that, they may work just fine if you can fab up some sort of support brackets to keep them off your mufflers. 

As for myself, I've been using a more expensive option:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001C3IAS8/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1944687662&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000ONZQF2&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=13Q0805YS55SC26JDCKS

Though in my case, I have the older version with colored accent panels.


Combined with a 65 Ltr Kayaking Dry Sack for my sleeping roll (tent, sleeping bag, and air mattress):

http://www.amazon.com/Sea-Summit-Big-River-Dry/dp/B001Q3KL18



I was all set for camping.

[novaraptor]

If you aren't riding with a passenger, I like the saddleman ts3200. $104.00. It sits on the passenger seat and the sides hang over. Comes with lots of nice tensioning straps to tie it down, then I bungee my sleeping bag on top..
http://www.jpcycles.com/product/831-535?utm_source=none&utm_term=%5B74946833290%3Aproduct_type_l1%3D%3Dvehicles%2520%26%2520parts%26%2520product_type_l2%3D%3Dland%2520vehicles%26%2520product_type_l3%3D%3Dmot&cid=Google+SEARCH+NON-BRAND+PLA+-+Shopping+Campaign&adpos=1o1&creative=42616808770&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CjwKEAjwluetBRD98L639p35p0QSJACC8BlKcTBclvFcernUhTcn84Q5zuL_Mc3h_h7IiY802VtwWxoCherw_wcB

[sebwiers]

If you aren't riding with a passenger, I like the saddleman ts3200. $104.00. It sits on the passenger seat and the sides hang over. Comes with lots of nice tensioning straps to tie it down, then I bungee my sleeping bag on top..

I like that design, seems a good option for me.

[novaraptor]

i paid a little more for mine last year. one side carries my astro binoculars, the other my solar charger panels. In the center I fit an air mattress and inflator. Lots of interior space. The quick clip straps work very well. Don't think you would be disappointed.  Have an excellent trip..