When it comes to bikepacking, a very big part of a successful trip is having the correct equipment. Many ultra cyclists and bikepackers underestimate the importance of having the correct bags and making sure to carry the correct gear in the right place. 

As an expert bikepacker and ultra cyclist, I have been lucky enough to use a lot of different equipment and perfect my setup over the years. I have even helped in design for companies and been a product tester for some brands when it comes to bikepacking bags. 

Something I notice at events is that many people make it very challenging for themselves by using the wrong bags and just not understanding where’s the best place to pack their essentials. In this article, I’m going to be teaching you everything you need to know by discussing:

• What Are Bikepacking Bags?
• What Are The Different Types Of Bikepacking Bags And Accessories? 
• What Should You Pack In Different Bikepacking Bags?
• Bikepacking Bags Tips And Tricks For Adventure Cyclists

What Are Bikepacking Bags?

Bikepacking bags are made for adventure cycling. They come in all different shapes and sizes and help you carry essentials while going on cycling trips or even on long days out. They are an ideal solution for carrying goods, and many people also use them for commuting. 

One of the first companies to start producing bikepacking bags was Apidura. They were shortly followed by brands such as Restrap, Blackburn, and Tailfin. The options you now have are amazing, and some of these bags are incredibly functional, even with hydration bladder options.

The design of a bikepacking bag is more complex than a rucksack or a handbag. With bikes coming in all different styles and the bags having to endure all kinds of conditions, it’s not as simple as a few bits of fabric just sewn together.

What Are The Different Types Of Bikepacking Bags? 

As mentioned, bikepacking bags come in all different shapes and sizes. When it comes to finding the right bags, it’s good to look into the different types of bags to ensure you make the most of your available space on the bike. Here are the different types:

Handlebar Bikepacking Bags

• Capacity 4L – 14L 
• Weight 200g – 400g
• Accessibility – Average
• Cost – Cheap

Handlebar bags, also known as roll bags, are an excellent place to start. They sit on the front of the bike and strap to drop bars or flat bars. They have huge luggage of 4L to 20L and are generally cheaper than other bikepacking bags. 

Weighing in at between 200 – 400g grams, they are very lightweight and typically attach with small straps around the handlebars and also one on the headtube. Another great advantage of a handlebar bag is the fact they fit pretty much any bike.

Handlebar bags, although you would think would offer the best accessibility, are often very difficult to use and open when riding and do take some time to get mounted because to unpack them, you typically have to release them completely.

Top Tube Bikepacking Bags

• Capacity 2L – 6L 
• Weight 120g – 200g
• Accessibility – Excellent
• Cost – Very Cheap

Next, we have top tube bags. These sit on the back of the bike just before the handlebars on the top tube. Not just used on bikepacking bikes, but the majority of cyclists tend to use them for day-to-day riding. 

They have a small capacity of around 2L to 6L, and they attach with velcro straps to the top tube and also the fork steerer tube. They are very accessible, and you can open them while riding, they are fantastic for items such as energy gels or your mobile. 

As far as cost goes, they are very cheap and come in various sizes. One disadvantage of a top tube bag is if they are a little too big, they can knock your knees while riding, which can be incredibly annoying. 

Frame Bikepacking Bags

• Capacity 5L – 15L 
• Weight 200g – 450g
• Accessibility – Very Good
• Cost – Average

Then we have frame bags that sit on the inside of the frame itself and are fantastic as they are a great mix between a large and but very accessible bag. They come in different shapes and sizes and attach to the seat, top, or down tubes.

Some will be very small and work around the bike bottles, and others will be what you call a full-frame bag and be very large and completely fill the frame. They can be used while you’re riding and are perfect for items such as rain jackets or food. 

Although an ideal solution for many frame bags, they have disadvantages. Firstly they don’t easily work with all bikes, such as full-suspension mountain bikes. You will also run the risk of losing bottle space too if it’s too big. They are not the cheapest bags, but they are very useful if you find the right one. 

Saddle Bags Bikepacking Bags

• Capacity 8L – 20L 
• Weight 250g – 650g
• Accessibility – poor
• Cost – Cheap

Finally, we have saddle bags, also known as seat pack. These are what sit on the back of the bike and generally attach to the seat post and the saddle rails. They are very easy to use and ideal for packing large-capacity items such as sleeping bags. 

Seat packs are great for not only being very high in storage capacity but also keeping the weight off the handlebars and in a place where it doesn’t affect the handling too much. Seat bags are very cheap, and you have many size options. 

Bike saddle bags are not always the best option for some bikepackers. Budget saddlebags tend to sway from side to side, they are not very accessible, You also can block a space where you might need a light. Overall though, bikepacking saddle bags are a great option.

Bikepacking Bag Accessories 

It’s also important to mention some of the bikepacking bag accessories you might come across. Here are some other bikepacking accessories you might want to consider that tend not to be classified under the above categories. 

Feed Pouches

Feed pouches are small circular containers that sit on the handlebars of your bike. They are like a can holder and you can use them to store food and drink. They are the most accessible piece of kit and great if you struggle for space for food and drink.

Bottle Storage

Then we have storage bottles. You replace water bottles with these, and you can fill them with tools and spares in case you run into any problems. They are very strong and sturdy but can detract from valuable water storage. 

Cargo Cage Bags

Cargo cage bags, or fork bags, as some cyclists call them, sit on the bike’s forks. They are fantastic for storing extra goods, but you require special forks with mounts to use these, they can affect handling and are not very aerodynamic, but they are ideal for long tours.

Bikepacking Rucksack

Finally we have bikepacking rucksacks. These are small packable rucksacks that you would generally use for a hydration bladder or restocking food you might need more space on the bike.

What Should You Pack In Different Bikepacking Bags?

Bikepacking is very personal, and how you pack your bags is ultimately unique to you and the trip you’re going on. Over the years, this has been the best route for efficiency when I have been racing.

Top Tube Bag

Very Accessible

• Mobile Phone 
• Cards And Money
• Tubeless Plug Kit

Frame Bag

Accessible

• Rain Jacket
• Light Gloves
• Spares And Tools (Pump, Inner Tubes, etc.)
• Chain Lube
• Charging Leads And Electronics
• Small Power Bank
• Food

Handlebar Bag

Inaccessible

• Down Jacket
• Arm And Leg Warmers
• Overshoes 
• Heavy Gloves

Saddle Bag

Very Inaccessible

• Sleeping Bag
• Down Mat
• Bivvy Bag
• Change Of Clothes (If Required)

This is my go-to way to pack my bikepacking bike, and I found that it works, and I have had a lot of success going down this route. Where you pack your goods is going to be different for everyone. 

Bikepacking Bags Tips And Tricks For Adventure Cyclists

Now what about some top tips for using bikepacking bags? Here’s everything I wish I had been told when I first started adventure cycling. 

Prioritize Essentials

You can waste so much time on an adventure if you don’t have the essentials in the right place. Kit that you are going to be using all the time, such as a mobile phone or charging cable, you’re going to want this easy to get while you’re riding. 

Waterproofing

Not all bikepacking bags are waterproof, the majority are, but some are just standard fabric. If your bikepacking bags are not water resistant, you must find a way to waterproof them. Many people put their goods in plastic bags before putting them in to make the a dry bag.

Don’t Need It? Don’t Take It?

Over the time I have been bikepacking, I have gone from taking a huge amount of kit to really just essentials. I used to take a lot of things that never got used, and they take up lots of room and weigh you down. I recommend seriously looking at your kit to ensure you have enough, but not too much.

A Packable Bag

One of the most useful tools that bikepackers can have but generally don’t seem to take often is a packable bag. A small folding drawstring rucksack is one of the most incredible tools to help you carry lots of food, water, and valuables when you find yourself off the bike. I always kept one in my bike saddle bag.

A Final Note 

Bikepacking bags are such a handy tool when it comes to adventure riding. The right bags can be the difference between a great time away or a challenging unorganized one. We hope you enjoyed our article and now know all about bikepacking bags and what to put in them.

Questions And Answers

Now let’s answer some questions we commonly get asked by fellow bikepackers!

Are bike seat bags easy to fit on a bike?

Bike seat bags are very easy to fit. It is important you tighten them up as much as possible to avoid sway and also remove all the air from inside. 

Who makes the best bike saddle bag?

The best bike saddle bag in my opinion either comes from Apidura, Restrap, or the Blackburn version is excellent. 

What’s the best bikepacking high capacity bag? 

I personally prefer a handlebar bag over a saddle bag. They just seem a little easier to use but it comes down to personal preference. 

What bags do I need for bike touring?

You can use bikepacking bags but for a tour which typically lasts longer you might consider panniers instead. 

How many liters do you need for bikepacking?

It depends on the person, the adventure, and also the conditions. There’s a lot of factors but I personally try to aim for above 30 liters.

If you enjoyed this article you might like Do I Need A Bike Fit For Bikepacking?, When Cycling What Muscles Are Used?, and Long Distance Cycling Benefits.

Author

Authored by Robbie Ferri, a distinguished Ultra Cyclist hailing from the United Kingdom. With profound expertise not only in cycling but also in the art of bike construction and collaboration with prominent industry-leading brands.

www.ridingwithrobbie.com
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