Two Quilt Cozy

...or how custom panniers elevated my experience.

I reached out to Andrew at Dispersed Bikepacking to see if they would be willing to build me a custom pair of panniers. Panniers are not (as of this date) among their standard products. I researched currently available options but didn't see what I was looking for. Most were too large or didn't appear to work well with the rack set up I have.  I already have the Dispersed handlebar bag (which I love) and I figured something similar in size and functionality, with only a couple of changes, would be ideal for me. Andrew listened to my ideas, agreed to make them, and they arrived just in time for a trip I had planned.

This isn't intended to be a detailed review of the panniers (but Andrew saw my vision and delivered perfectly). Instead, this is intended to tell the story of how they elevated my experience.

This trip was a perfect example scenario. There were two reasons I wanted to carry more stuff. First, I wanted food that doesn't come in those convenient, but expensive, dehydrated meal bags. Secondly, the forecast low temperature was colder than my usual comfort range. I wanted bulkier food, cook gear, and bedding. I wasn't looking for minimal and fast. I wanted to be comfortable and slow.

I brought two quilts. In the middle of the frosty night, I was what we call two-quilt-cozy. Especially after a delicious meal prepared over a warming campfire. It was an overnight at Hobbs State Park, east of Rogers, Arkansas. It was comfortable and slow. The series of photos below give more of a visual telling of the trip overall.