Over the past decade, bikepacking and ultra cycling. I have been lucky enough to use a lot of different equipment. Some were sponsored and given to me by companies, and much that I have bought myself. One interesting piece of equipment I often get asked about is bikepacking full frame bags. 

Full frame bags are only used by a small percentage of bikepackers, and I have used a few from different brands. I often get asked by bikepackers if they are worth it. In this article, I will explain everything you need to know by discussing bikepacking full frame bags in detail. Here’s what we will be discussing:

• What Are Bikepacking Full Frame Bags?
• The Advantages Of Bikepacking Full Frame Bags
• The Disadvantages Of Bikepacking Full Frame Bags
• Should You Use A Full Frame Bag?
• Who Makes The Best Full Frame Bags?

What Are Bikepacking Full Frame Bags?

Full frame bags are bikepacking bags that go inside the frame’s center and cover the whole area. They offer a huge amount of accessible space, easily accessible on and off the bike. In photo, Yoeleo G21 and Apdiura 12L Full Frame Bag.

They look fantastic and are the perfect solution if you want to carry lots and like to keep it all around the frame. Many cyclists use them for bikepacking or even just day-to-day riding. 

Full-frame bags are especially good if you are riding in changing conditions and might need to add or remove clothing throughout the day. You can also use them to house bladders, which can carry a high capacity of water, much more than the bottles they take up. 

The Advantages Of Bikepacking Full Frame Bags

Full frame bags come with many advantages, and I use them on quite a few of my bikes. Here’s why I rate them so highly:

High Capacity

The first point to mention is full frame bags have a very high capacity compared to your typical half frame bags. Typically half frame bags have around 3 to 6 liters, whereas full frame bags have roughly 7 to 14 liters.

This comes in handy for tools and spares, extra clothing, and even a hydration bladder if that’s the route you want to take. If you are a rider like myself who lives in the UK, then ever-changing weather conditions mean having more spaces goes a long way. 

Excellent For Hydration Bladders

Hydration bladders are very handy for bikepacking, and I prefer them over bottles. They have a huge capacity, much lighter than bottles and cages, it’s often a cleaner way to consume water, and they adapt to the bag’s shape more. 

I have been using the new Apidura bladder and full frame bag and I really like it. Being able to go out with 3 liters of capacity means I don’t have to worry about resupplying half as much compared to 2 x 800ml bottles. 

They Look Amazing

If you get the right size frame bag on a bike and it fits well, then it does make the bike look amazing. It’s an incredibly clean look and makes everything blend on the frame so well, and it looks nearly custom. 

Since I first started bikepacking I have always loved the look of a full frame bag and honestly still to this day when I get new bikes the first piece of kit I look for to equip it with is a full frame bag. I own very few bikes without a bikepacking full frame bag to match. 

Great For Tailwind

Full frame bags in a decent cross/tailwind have a very interesting effect. They act like a sail and push you along very quickly. It blocks the wind, and you can really feel a boost going in the right direction.

This, in certain situations, is absolutely amazing, and for races such as the Race Around The Netherlands, it is a great advantage, providing the wind is behind you. As for the headwind, it might not be so pleasant. 

Keep The Weight Low Down

Although it might not be the biggest consideration for many bikepackers, weight distribution is important. If you load up the handlebar and saddle bag and make the bike top-heavy, it isn’t very nice to ride.

Having more weight in the frame bag low down, such as food and a hydration bladder full of water, does make the bike ride much better, especially over rough terrain. It adds greatly to the stability. 

The Disadvantages Of Bikepacking Full Frame Bags

Although full frame bags on the surface seem ideal, they have some drawbacks. Here’s what I found:

They Can Be Unorganized

Typically, full frame bags are just one big open bag. Although they offer a lot of space it never really feels very organized compared to having a small saddle bag, handlebar bag, and half frame bag. A full frame bag is best combined with other bags in my opinion. 

They Cost A Fortune

You can pick up a half frame bag for $15 to $100. A full frame bag is anywhere from $50 to $200 for a custom up to $350. That’s not cheap, and for that kind of money, you really have to use it well and make the most of it.

The Perfect Fit Can Be Challenging

Another challenging thing about full frame bags is getting the right fit. For an off the shelf full frame bag you need to be very close to ensure it will fit well. Going down the route of custom bags isn’t easy either, as you have to measure in a particular way for the shop to make it. 

Headwinds Are Pretty Awful

Full frame bags are great in tailwinds, in return they are pretty awful in a cross/headwind. You soon know when you’re against it, and the bike doesn’t seem to want to give you much of a break. 

They Stop You Being Able To Use Frame Bottle Cages

If you want to use a full frame bag, you sacrifice the ability to use bottle cages. This means you must relocate them on the seat post or handlebars or have them in the bag themselves. Full frame bags work well with bottles, they’re just harder to get them out. 

Should You Use A Full Frame Bag?

It comes down to personal preference more than anything else. I have found that in my bikepacking and ultra cycling, full frame bags have been a great bikepacking upgrade and fixed many issues I have had with my setup.

If you like using a hydration bladder and have found a full frame bag which will fit well, then 100% go for it. I found the best use of my bag was to have it full of water and food, and I can travel for 10 hours without resupply, which is incredible compared to other setups.

If you prefer drinking from bottles and don’t require a huge amount of space because you’re using a larger handlebar bag or saddle bag then maybe a bikepacking full frame bag won’t be for you. I have seen many bike setups where riders have just said they don’t like a full frame bag. 

Who Makes The Best Full Frame Bags?

If I’m looking for good value for money frame bags or bikepacking gear, I start by going to these companies.

1. Apidura
2. Restrap
3. Blackburn
4. Topeak
5. Ortlieb

They all make solid products that do an excellent job. If you are on a strict budget, I recommend avoiding very cheap full frame bags and going for a half frame bag instead as you get much better cheaper options.

A Final Note: Bikepacking Full Frame Bags

Full frame bags are excellent for bikepacking and ultra cycling but are not for everyone. I recommend if you can borrow or buy it’s well worth trying one as they can be a fantastic tool. Thanks for taking the time to read our article.

If you want to learn more about bikepacking bags check out Bikepacking Bags: The Ultimate Guide, Budget Bikepacking: Our Top Ten Tips, and Best Bikepacking Pedals.