I recently swapped my Salsa El Mariachi Single Speed with a 1x10 drivetrain and a carbon fiber handlebar (Whiskey Bar), and picked up frame/saddle/handlebar packs, so as to allow me to camp off the bike for 'extended' rides in the backcountry. Joey Ernst of Velorution Cycles in Durango facilitated the transition, and offered sound advice on all things bikepacking. He does great work and has a fantastic little store. Check it out if you're in town!
An awesome introductory bike-packing ride in the San Juans, finishing up in Lake City, CO, where a Durango contingent would be running the San Juan Solstice 50 miler. I hope to dial in my setup so I can tour without wearing a backpack, but still carry my running/fastpacking gear.
