Many bikepacking newbies ask themselves the same question: Which bikepacking equipment should I buy? Are there any particularly recommendable manufacturers? Which backpacking bag is particularly suitable for handlebars, saddle and frame?
This comprehensive guide answers all your questions about bikepacking bags – and more 🙂
The guide article is structured as follows:
✅ Why actually bikepacking? Three points why bikepacking makes sense. Short and sweet
✅ Bikepacking bags for handlebars, saddle, frame and for many other places: A detailed and descriptive complete overview. What are the mounting options for bikepacking gear? What special features are there to consider? What goes where? Practical tips included
✅ Bikepacking road bike or bikepacking mountain bike? What is the best way to pack for the different bike types (incl. bikepacking bags set suggestions). Included set suggestions from cheap to premium
Bikepacking advantages and why actually bikepacking?
- They fit on almost every bike: attach them easily and off goes the adventure
- Lightweight: A complete set of bikepacking bags usually weighs less than 1 kilo. Typical bicycle panniers for the rear luggage rack already come up to this weight.
- Motivation to pack light: If you use bikepacking bags then you usually have less litre packing volume available than with conventional bike bags. This way you automatically pack less equipment. You will be lighter and faster on the road.
Now the guide starts as the same. As mentioned, you will get a complete overview of the different bikepacking bags. Also, I’ve always conveniently linked you recommended bags.
But what does bikepacking actually mean? In the article “What is Bikepacking” everything important is explained in detail. Let me cut to the chase real quick: A bikepacking set consists of:
- a frame bag
- a saddlebag
- a handlebar bag
- several small pockets for the DeepL access
The bags are attached to the bike in a streamlined manner and distributed on the frame, seat post, handlebars and fork. This results in an even weight distribution on the complete bike.
Now you can find out all the details about the different bags
Different bikepacking equipment: Which bags are available?
What are the different bikepacking bags and what special features are there to consider?
Bikepacking saddle bag – Seatpack
At first glance, a bikepacking saddle bag (or seat pack) looks unusual: Like a small rocket, the bag hangs directly behind the saddle and stands steeply upwards. However, the bikepacking saddlebag is one of the most important bikepacking bags on a bike and very practical to boot.
✅ Large volume: Mostly the saddle bag also consists of a drybag. This usually holds between 5 and 14 litres. A particularly large bikepacking saddlebag like the Ortlieb Seat Pack L also a gigantic 16.5 liters. Bikepacking saddlebags are closed with a roll closure. This allows the size of a Seat Pack to be adjusted very well to the volume of the contents.
✅ Lightweight: Bikepacking saddlebags usually weigh around 500 grams. A traditional combination of rack and saddlebags weighs about 2 kilos, about four times as much.
✅ Aerodynamic: Due to the narrow shape, a bikepacking saddle bag is especially aerodynamic
✅ No bumping: When pedaling, you don’t bump your shoes against a bikepacking saddlebag. How could you? Is the useful bag you very narrow and does not protrude to the left and right.
✅ Almost silent: Even on gravel roads and trails, a bikepacking saddlebag is either completely or almost silent. Traditional saddlebags, on the other hand, rattle and clatter on the luggage rack
✅ Built-in splash guard: Rough rear wheel splashes are conveniently kept out by the Bikepacking saddle bag. In most cases, the splash guard should be sufficient. If not then an additional mudguard can always be fitted.
For these reasons, the bikepacking saddle bag is one of the most sensible purchases when you’re putting together your bikepacking gear set.
Which saddle bag for bikepacking?
The Ortlieb Bikepacking saddle bag I have myself already several years in use and am still very convinced of it. ÏIn my extensive Ortlieb Seat Pack practical test you will learn everything you need to know about the bag. Here is my opinion, short and to the point. The Ortlieb Bikepacking saddle bag is very robust, completely waterproof and holds bombproof on the bike.
The bag is available in different sizes: As bikepacking saddle bag with 11 liters* and also as larger version with 16,5 liters*.
- The small bag is ideal for day trips – small 11 litre version*.
- The larger bag is best suited for multi-day tours – large 16.5 liter variant*.
The larger saddle bag can also be easily rolled up to reduce the volume. Therefore, I always recommend to buy the larger version. A clear buy recommendation.
What goes into the bikepacking saddlebag?
Lightweight items that conform to the shape of the Seat Pack are best. Ideal is, for example, clothing and the sleeping bag. Heavily loaded saddlebags swing back and forth. This effect is intensified during wild rides or in the saddle.
Preventing vibration with bikepacking saddlebags
As described, a saddlebag should be loaded rather lightly. Then it also does not vibrate or only barely. Good saddlebags minimize swinging almost completely through thoughtful design. These seat packs are then either reinforced directly on the saddle or are firmly connected to the saddle with an included mini luggage carrier.
Saddle Pack easy to load
Loading a bikepacking saddlebag can be quite fiddly at first. Meanwhile, there are also very clever solutions here: With a so-called harness solution (harness or holster), the drybag can be removed from the harness, loaded and reinserted. Such a solution makes packing faster and more pleasant.
Really waterproof?
Water repellent is different from waterproof. Earlier saddle bags were often only water repellent. The fabrics used are almost always waterproof, but the seams are often the weak points. Water can sometimes penetrate here. By now, most bikepacking saddlebags are waterproof. Either the seams were sealed and welded right at the beginning. Or the luggage is stored in a removable drybag anyway and is protected in it.
Bikepacking Saddlebags Products
Keine Produkte gefunden.
- Nussholster mit Tasche (wasserdicht) 14 L schwarz
- Das Holster kann um den Rand gelegt werden und der Rucksack kann leicht entfernt werden.
- Magnetsystem für sicheren Halt und einfache Handhabung
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Bikepacking handlebar bag
Bags have always been attached to the bicycle handlebars. This has mainly practical reasons: You can easily stow items that you want to reach during the ride, e.g. energy bars and snacks. In addition, the handlebars offer a lot of space to the left and right. Objects such as tent poles therefore fit ideally on the handlebars. The bars are often too long and bulky for other bike bags.
A bikepacking handlebar bag usually consists of a drybag (roll closure bag) that can be opened on both sides. Opening on both sides makes it easier to access the contents. The drybags are fastened either directly with usually two straps or with a harness system. In the next section, I explain the two mounting options simply and in detail.
A modern bikepacking handlebar bag offers a number of extras: special spacers so that the brake cables and shift cables are not pinched. Practical accessory bags can be attached to many swivel castors. These are small handlebar bags to clip on or hook securely. Additional small items can be stowed in it. Something important you need during the trip always 😉
What goes into the bikepacking handlebar bag?
The weight in the bikepacking handlebar bag should be kept as light as possible. Otherwise the steering behaviour will change negatively and the steering process will become sluggish. In addition, the handlebars offer a lot of space to the right and left. Especially on mountain bikes with straight handlebars and on gravel bikes with outwardly curved road handlebars (flare dropbar), the space available on or between the handlebars is very large.
So a bikepacking handlebar bag is best for carrying:
- Tent incl. Tent poles: The tent poles are particularly long and bulky. The handlebar castor is often the only place on the bike and is ideal for transport.
- Clothing: It is light and fits ideally to the shape of the handlebar roller
- Rainwear, arm warmers and leg warmers: For quick access.
- Food
- Camping mat
Harness system or attach directly to the handlebar?
There are two main systems for fastening:
- Fixing by means of straps directly on the handlebar: The widespread variant. The Drybag holds bombproof on the handlebar and the system has proven itself over the years. Can be a bit fiddly when loading and unloading though, as the drybag can’t be easily removed from the handlebars.
- Fixing by means of a harness system: The drybag is clamped into a kind of harness. Also holds bombproof and has proven itself. However, is not yet so widespread. The Drybg can be easily removed from the harness for loading and unloading. The manufacturers supply original drybags. However, almost any drybag can be used, as long as the diameter fits into the harness. With this system, several small drybags can be clamped into the harness.
Bikepaking handlebar bag for the road bike handlebar?
Between the road bike handlebars, the space can be tight with a handlebar roller. If your bike has an outwardly curved road handlebar (flare drop bar) then you have a little more space here. The good news: In practice, it turns out that even with a normal road bike handlebar, you can still fit plenty of luggage into a handlebar roll. Even a tent usually still fits in the handlebar roll. However, some grip positions are then no longer possible.
There are also some bikepacking bags that are specifically designed for road bike handlebars. The drybag then usually has a large diameter and is not as long.
A popular example is the Orlieb Handlebar-Pack 9L
Different drybag diameters
When buying, you should pay attention to the diameter of the drybag and the maximum length. Different drbags fit better or worse on certain bikes. It is best to note the following points:
- Handlebar: On a straight MTB handlebar fits a longer drybag than between a road handlebars
- Frame size: A large frame can accommodate drybags with a larger diameter.
- Wheel size: The smaller the wheel diameter, the larger the drybag diameter can be.
- Suspension: The further the suspension fork compresses, the smaller the diameter of the drybag should be.
Many manufacturers offer their bikepacking handlebar bags in two or three sizes. Thus the systems are very individually applicable. So there is a suitable guide roller for almost every bike.
Bikepacking handlebar bags products
Keine Produkte gefunden.
- Auch für Carbon-Lenker geeignet
- Gurtbänder mit Klettverschluss als Montagehilfe
- Niedriges Gewicht; Staubdicht, kein Staubeintritt.
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Bikepacking frame bag
With a bikepacking frame bag, the space in the frame triangle can be used. The Bikepacking frame bag is usually securely fastened with a few Velcro straps in the frame triangle. In some cases, the frame bag is also screwed to the bottle cage threads using a combination of Velcro straps and screws. The bag then holds absolutely securely in the frame triangle.
There are different types of bikepacking frame bags: for bikes with rigid forks, for hardtails and for full suspension MTBs. The space available in a bag for a hardtail bike is of course greater than in a bag for fullys. A bikepacking frame bag is in the best case an individual production of a bag manufacture. Then the bag fits perfectly to the individual geometry of a bike. Alternatively, there are now many universal bikepacking bags. These also fit very well in most frame triangles and there are a number of excellent manufacturers here.
The bigger the frame bag, the more storage space you have available. Therefore, full frame bags for hardtail bikes offer the most space. The smaller your bike frame, the smaller the frame bag will be. And there is less space available on a Fully than on a Hardtail bike.
You want to attach a bikepacking frame bag and additionally up to two water bottles? There are special frame bags for this purpose. These then only fill half the frame triangle and leave space for the bottle cages. Below I have explained the concept.
What goes into the bikepacking frame bag?
The frame bag is ideal for heavy objects. A bikepacking frame bag is mounted centrally and with a low centre of gravity in the bike frame. So physics is playing into your hands here.
Half bikepacking frame bag
You can get by with less equipment on the road? Or are you planning a shorter bike tour? Then a bikepacking frame bag may be something for you!
These bags look unimpressive at first sight but there is more in them than first thought. A half bikepacking frame bag usually has the following features:
✅ Space for up to two bottle cages is retained: Especially on bikes with a large frame triangle such as Gravel Bikes, two additional bottle cages can usually be attached.
✅ Low weight: Compared to a full bikepacking frame bag.
✅ Easier to interchange between bikes: Due to fewer mounting points (most bag holders yet bombproof and do not swing).
Weak point zipper – What to watch out for
As is so often the case, zippers are a weak point. This is also the case with a bikepacking frame bag. If the bag is filled to the top then eventually the inevitable will occur: The zipper will fail! So resist the temptation and pack a little less.
Bikepacking frame bags without zippers can also be an alternative. These are filled from the top and reliably closed with several straps. Unfortunately, that’s not quite as practical as a zipper. On long bicycle journeys, reliability is an important factor. Then such a bikepacking frame bag can be an option.
More subjects – More organization possibilities
Many bikepacking frame bags have additional organization options on the inside or outside. There are often additional compartments on the inside. On the outside, bags like the Blackburn Outpost Framebag have mesh. Especially for important documents or keys these inside pockets are very useful. You can easily store accessible snacks and bars in a mesh net.
Some bags also have a second, very shallow compartment. This is then also accessible via a zipper. Some full bikepacking frame bags are completely divided, making them practically a double decker. Such a subdivision is a matter of taste and allows many possibilities in the organization.
Bikepacking Frame Bags Products
- macht sich den ungenutzten Raum im Rahmendreieck zu eigen und hält als idealer Aufbewahrungsort für die schwersten Gegenstände den Schwerpunkt zentral
- leicht, robust und extra abweisend gegen Wasser und Schmutz
- Maße: 37,5 x 12 x 6 cm (3 l) / 46 x 12 x 6 cm (4,5 l)
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- Aktivität: Radreisen
- Gewicht: 205 g
- Marke: Blackburn
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- Klettverschlüsse, wasserdichtes Nylongewebe, Reißverschluss
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Bikepacking accessory bags
It can be quite fiddly to open and close bikepacking bags on the road. Luckily, there are practical accessory bags: Everything you need on the road, you simply bring here. So you have this equipment quickly at hand.
Bikepacking top tube bag
These practical bags can be attached directly to the top tube. Small items can be conveniently stored here and are directly accessible. The bags are mounted directly on the top tube and behind the handlebar stem. This ensures that the aerodynamics of the bike are not affected.
There are two different types of top tube bags:
- Backpacking Top Tube Bag Front or “Gas Tank”: This bag sits on the front of the stem. For me, this bag is one of the most practical bags ever thanks to the direct access,
- Bikepacking top tube bag rear: This bag is mounted between the top tube and the seat post. Due to the mounting location, it also fits very well into the profile of the bike and does not hinder the aerodynamics. Some bikes have a small reinforcement triangle at the attachment point. This may prevent the installation of this bag. Also, this bag can make getting on and off the bike more complicated. I therefore consider it an optional extra
Some top tube bags have fixed Velcro fasteners for attachment. Others are bolted directly to the top tube. There are also bags that offer both mounting options. Your bike must of course have the appropriate holes, otherwise the bags can not be screwed.
Bikepacking Top Tube Bag Products
- Gepolstertes und geteiltes Hauptfach
- Polyethylen
- Klettverschlüsse
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Bikepacking handlebar bag – stem bag or stembag
Probably one of the best known types of bikepacking bags. And at the same time one of the most practical. It is attached to the handlebar and stem, i.e. the bag then sits to the left or right of the handlebar. Depending on the stem length, two of these bags can also be attached.
With a practical drawstring the bags are then closed and opened again. Most of the time it works with one hand.
The bags are available in different variants: Padded or unpadded, with mesh on the side and without. Padded bags are ideal for small electronic devices such as compact cameras or camera lenses. The mesh pockets on the side can be used to store snacks or packaging waste.
Please note: The stem bag is rarely waterproof, because it has an opening at the top. However, it has to pour quite a bit for the contents to get really wet.
Bikepacking top tube bag & handlebar bag: What goes in?
A top tube bag is best suited for items that need to be accessible at lightning speed, e.g. power bars, spare parts, small first aid kit, power banks, cables, smartphone, compact camera, cables or small tools.
Waterproof models are also available here.
Bikepacking handlebar bag products
- HauptmerkmaleEINFACHER EINHÄNDIGER ZUGANG - Wird an Ihrem Fahrradlenker und Vorbau befestigt und ermöglicht den schnellen und einfachen Zugang zu Snacks, Wasserflaschen (groß genug für 32 Unzen Nalgene Flaschen und Standard / Large) Fahrradflaschen), Basisschichten, Telefon / Kamera, etc! Der obere Verschluss öffnet und schließt sich schnell mit einer Hand.
- Praktische Aufbewahrungslösung - Groß genug für 32 Unzen Nalgene-Wasserflaschen und Standard- / große Fahrradflaschen! Mesh-Seitentaschen sind perfekt für dieEnergieriegeln, Müll, Telefon, kleinen Werkzeugen usw.
- Aufbewahrung vonSICHERE 3-PUNKT-BEFESTIGUNG - Eine Klettverschlussschlaufe befestigt die Vorbauhülle am Lenker, eine zweite Klettverschlussschlaufe am Vorbau und befestigt den Gurt am Boden der Tasche durch die Fahrradgabel und den Gurt festziehen. Hält Ihre Ausrüstung auch bei rauem Trailride sicher! Abnehmbare und einstellbare Klettverschlüsse ermöglichen es Ihnen, die Tasche an beiden Seiten Ihres Vorbaus zu befestigen. Maximieren Sie Ihre Speicherkapazität, indem Sie EINE AUF JEDER Seite Ihr
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Small handlebar bag
Practical accessory bags can be attached to many bikepacking handlebar bags. They are usually attached with sturdy plastic clips or hooked into attached loops. Both systems work reliably. An accessory bag is best for storing small items that you need while riding. For example snacks, money, cards or even a small camera.
Bikepacking bags for the fork
Would you like some more luggage? Special bikepacking bikes increasingly have triple threaded eyelets on the fork. So-called “cages” can be attached to these. Simply put, these are accessory baskets that you can strap drybags or similar containers to. Typical sizes for drybags are up to 5 liters.
The term “Cages” was coined by the manufacturer Salsa: A few years ago Salsa was the first manufacturer to bring out the Anything Cage. A kind of oversized bottle cage that is attached to the fork by means of said triple thread eyelets.
In the meantime there is a successor with the Anything Cage HD and also other manufacturers have brought reliable cages on the market. A cage that has proven itself for a long time is for example the Blackburn Outpost Cargo Cage.
What’s going in?
Most bikepacking fork bags are suitable for loads of a few kilos. This is also easily sufficient for the intended purpose. Finally, the steering behaviour should not be affected too much.
The Bikepacking fork bags are therefore particularly suitable for the following equipment:
- Clothes and rainwear
- Cooking set
- Sleeping bag
- Drinking bottle
- Food
- Tarp
- Camping mat
Bikepacking bags for the fork
- Hält kühl und bequem
- Bringt Ihnen einen zusätzlichen Komfort
- Hochwertige Material
* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-23, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon
As a bikepacking drybag, the waterproof 5L bag from Decathlon is an affordable and good recommendation.
Bikepacking bottom tube bag
When bikepacking, no space on the bike should be left unused 😉 Directly under the down tube, a bottle cage or even a cage can also be attached to some adventure bikes. My Bombtrack Beyond 1 has threaded holes for an extra bottle cage at this point, for example.
If there are no holes at this point, there are also special downtube bags for sale. With this, bottles or a small tool kit can be attached to the down tube just as well.
Bikepacking Backpacks
- Ortlieb Schiefer
- Ortlieb
- 4013051046039
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- Name: Race EXP Air
- Farbe: Petrol-Arctic
- Größe: 46 x 26 x 18 cm, 14 + 3 L
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Bikepacking bags set suggestions
In the article Bikepacking Equipment and Packing List you will learn everything about my tried and tested bikepacking packing list.
There you will find all the details about the bikepacking equipment you need for a bike trip or bikepacking tour. The packing list has proven itself in practice over a long period of time and I have continued to tweak and improve it over time.
Bikepacking manufacturer – the big overview
Tested and proven bikepacking bags. The bikepacking bags from Ortlieb and the bikepacking bags from Topeak I had the last years in use. Both sets of bags have won me over. Each in its own way.
Ortlieb Bikepacking bags
Ortlieb Bikepacking bag set in the long-term test – Ortlieb brings decades of experience in the production of bike bags and this is also noticeable in the Ortlieb Bikepacking bags: complete Made in Germany and of course all-round waterproof. That’s what Ortlieb bags stand for. Made of especially abrasion-resistant and robust material and with a full 5-year warranty.
On many bikepacking adventures and bike trips the Ortlieb bags have proven to be extremely reliable e.g. on the Tuscany Trail in Italy and also on my Laos and Thailand bike trip (there with: Ortlieb Gravel Pack and Frame-Pack frame bag). Especially recommended is the Ortlieb frame bag*. For the Ortlieb Seatpack saddle bag there is a particularly detailed individual test.
Topeak Bikepacking Bags
Topeak Bikepacking bags in a detailed test – The Topeak Bikepacking bags score with an outstanding price-performance ratio. At the same time, the quality is absolutely convincing. The handlebar roll and the saddle bag have a quick release system. This makes loading and unloading particularly quick and easy. The luggage is stowed in a waterproof pack sack. This means that even cycling in the rain is possible without hesitation.
The Topeak Bikepacking bags have proven themselves especially during my tour on the Bikepacking Trans Germany. Thereby it went once across Germany on gravel and trails! Then, on an Iceland bike trip, it became apparent that the Topeak Frontloader* and the Topeak Backloader* are also absolutely waterproof.
You still have questions about this article? Or you want to add something? Please write me your comment.
Not sure if bikepacking is for you? Then the best thing to do is start an overnighter. You’re sure to lick blood and instantly love the ease of bikepacking.
Lixada is also a great bike bag. This bag is made for extended trips. It’s simple to put together and helps you to carry a lot of stuff without putting too much strain on your back. It folds up into itself when not in use, so it doesn’t take up too much room. excellent bargain for money This is a fantastic product. It’s waterproof, so anything you put inside stays dry.
Hi Patrick,
thank you for your recommendation.
Lixada in general is a great brand and they offer a lot of bang for the buck!
Cheers
Michael
I’ve tried a lot of bags and nothing compares to this ROCKBROS Top Tube Bike Bag. This tube bag is spacious enough to store all my essentials. It holds my phone, keys, ID, cash,…. It is 22 cm long and only weighs 90 grams, which is just the right size for me. With the bag’s slim body design, the tube bag does not rub on my knees. It can store several belongings without being bulky. Besides that, the bag guarantees ease of access thanks to the smooth zipper that I can close and open using one hand. In addition, The fabric used for this bag also effectively resists wear and abrasion.
Overall, I can conclude that this road bike top tube bag has excellent craftsmanship. It also fits my bike perfectly.
I bought the ROCKBROS bikepacking bag after hearing advice from a friend. I am pleased with the design and construction of the bag. I haven’t used other seat bags, but the construction seems to be on par with the (much) more expensive bags out there. The material is a nice, waterproof nylon. No zippers on this, which is great. It is quite stable on the ground when packed properly. Even under a heavy downpour, I can rely on this bag. It features a roll-type closure to keep my stuff dry at all times.
For a great weekend getaway, you can depend on this bikepacking bag. With its large storage capacity and easy mount feature, you will surely have a hassle-free biking experience. You can even use it during rainy days.