Stow it and get rolling

The travel, the adventure, the fitness. Bike touring, currently enjoying a renaissance, is the same body-and-mind journey of discovery it's been since the Jack Kerouac era, with one exception: The gear's a lot better. The top-of-the-line cargo carriers here -- heavy-duty, waterproof, huge -- let you lug along all the creature comforts you can't live without . . . for decades. They even do the job if you're not into touring any farther than the end of your neighborhood. In a time of soaring gas prices, they're handy for commuting or ferrying a couple bags home from the supermarket.

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BOB Ibex Plus: 3 1/2 -foot-long, single-wheel trailer with a built-in suspension.

Sturdy companion

Likes: Stable, maneuverable and efficient for carrying a tent, camp stove, gallon jugs of water, a small TV set -- you name it. Even when packed to its limit of 70 pounds, you barely notice the Ibex on flat or downhill roads or dirt trails (climbing is another story). On the TransGabriel Challenge, a three-day mountain bike camping trip across the Angeles National Forest, we even took BOBs on single-track trails. Very easy set-up; the trailer clips on to the rear dropouts of the bike in a couple of seconds. Fender, flag and Dry Sak included.

Dislikes: Negotiating tight spots in crowded urban areas can be a challenge. And it adds more baggage expense to air travel.

Price: $399. (800) 893-2447; www.bobgear.com.

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Pannier power

Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic: A pair of heavy-duty, waterproof, 40-liter panniers of shiny polyurethane-coated polyester with roll-top closure.

Likes: Built like a tank. I first saw the Back-Roller in Hong Kong on the bike of a German who had pedaled from Dusseldorf to China. This famous decade-old design features welded, overlapping seams with no adhesives to come unglued or thread to unravel or leak. The rain-proof material and roll-up, buckle closure keeps everything dry (unlike most fabric panniers). A large internal pocket and zippered mesh compartment offers quick access to essentials. Shoulder strap included for off-the-bike lugging. Adjustable clips fit on racks of any length, thickness or configuration. Huge and strong, they can accommodate objects 18 inches tall and a large haul of groceries.

Dislikes: Does not have any exterior pockets, which some like for stowing laundry or instant-access repair tools.

Price: $160. (800) 649-1763; www.ortliebusa.

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