Bikepacking is an adventure that combines the thrill of cycling with the excitement of outdoor exploration. It involves packing your gear onto your bike and setting out for an extended adventure, often through rugged terrain and remote areas. One of the essential elements of bikepacking is the gear that you take with you, and the bags you choose to pack it in can make all the difference.
Bikepacking bags are specially designed to fit onto your bike frame and hold all of your gear. They come in various shapes and sizes and are made from durable, lightweight materials that can withstand the rigors of cycling in rough terrain. In this article, we will take a closer look at the different types of bikepacking bags and what you should consider when choosing them.
Frame Bags
Frame bags are designed to fit inside the triangle of your bike frame, maximizing the use of space and keeping the weight of your gear centered and balanced. They come in various sizes and configurations to fit different bike frames, and some even have compartments or pockets to help you stay organized. Frame bags are perfect for storing heavy items, like water bottles or tools, and they provide easy access to your gear while you’re on the move.
Handlebar Bags
Handlebar bags attach to the front of your bike and are ideal for storing items that you need to access quickly, such as snacks or a camera. They come in various shapes and sizes and are often expandable, giving you extra space for larger items. Some handlebar bags are also designed to be waterproof, which is essential if you’re traveling through wet or rainy environments.
Seat Bags
Seat bags attach to the back of your bike seat and are perfect for storing bulky items like sleeping bags or tents. They come in various sizes and can be expanded to fit more gear, making them a versatile option for longer trips. Seat bags are often waterproof, keeping your gear dry even in the wettest of conditions.
Top Tube Bags
Top tube bags attach to the top tube of your bike frame and are perfect for storing small items like your phone or wallet. They provide easy access to your gear while you’re riding and are an excellent option if you don’t want to carry a backpack. Some top tube bags are also designed to hold a water bottle, which is a convenient way to stay hydrated while you’re on the move.
Choosing the Right Bikepacking Bags
When choosing bikepacking bags, there are a few things you should consider:
- Capacity: How much gear do you need to carry, and what type of gear is it? Consider the size and weight of your gear when choosing bags.
- Compatibility: Not all bags will fit all bikes. Check the compatibility of the bags you’re interested in with your bike frame.
- Material: Look for bags made from durable, lightweight materials that can withstand the rigors of cycling in rough terrain.
- Waterproofing: If you’re traveling through wet or rainy environments, consider bags that are waterproof to keep your gear dry.
- Ease of Access: Think about how easy it is to access your gear while you’re riding. Bags with multiple compartments or pockets can help keep you organized.
Conclusion
Bikepacking bags are an essential element of any bikepacking adventure. They provide a convenient and efficient way to carry your gear while you’re on the move. When choosing bikepacking bags, consider the capacity, compatibility, material, waterproofing, and ease of access. With the right bags, you can enjoy a comfortable and successful bikepacking adventure.
When it comes to bikepacking bags, there are several reputable brands to choose from. Here are some of the most popular brands in the market:
Ortlieb: Ortlieb bikepacking bags are a popular choice for cyclists who enjoy off-road adventures and long-distance touring. These bags are designed to be waterproof, durable, and lightweight, making them ideal for the demands of bikepacking.
Ortlieb offers a variety of bikepacking bags, including handlebar bags, frame bags, seat bags, and accessory bags. Each bag is made from high-quality materials and features a waterproof construction to protect your gear from the elements.
One of the standout features of Ortlieb bikepacking bags is their ease of use. The bags are designed to be quickly and easily mounted to your bike, with secure attachment points that keep the bags in place while you ride. This means you can spend less time fiddling with your gear and more time enjoying your ride.
Overall, Ortlieb bikepacking bags are a great choice for anyone looking for reliable, high-quality gear for their next bikepacking adventure. Whether you’re planning a multi-day tour or just heading out for a day ride, Ortlieb bags have you covered.
Apidura: Apidura is a company that specializes in designing and manufacturing high-quality bikepacking bags that are specifically made for adventure racing. These bags are made from durable materials and are designed to withstand the rigors of rough terrain and harsh weather conditions.
One of the things that sets Apidura apart from other bikepacking bag manufacturers is their focus on lightweight and streamlined designs. This is especially important for adventure racing, where riders need to carry all of their gear with them while still being able to ride at a fast pace. In addition to their quality and versatility, Apidura bags are also known for their sleek and stylish design.
Apidura’s product line includes a variety of bags, including handlebar bags, frame bags, saddle bags, and top tube bags. Each bag is designed to fit securely and comfortably on a bike and to provide easy access to the contents inside.
Overall, Apidura is a great choice for anyone who is looking for high-quality bikepacking bags that are specifically designed for adventure racing. With their lightweight and durable designs, these bags are sure to help riders stay comfortable and well-equipped on even the toughest rides.
Revelate Designs: Revelate Designs is a well-known brand in the bikepacking community, renowned for their high-quality and durable bags that are designed to withstand the rigors of bikepacking adventures. From handlebar bags to frame bags and seat bags, Revelate offers a wide range of bikepacking bags that are designed to fit different types of bikes and rider preferences.
One of the key features of Revelate bags is their ruggedness. These bags are made from high-quality materials that can withstand the elements and keep your gear protected from water, dust, and other elements. The bags are also designed to fit snugly on your bike, so they won’t rattle or move around when you’re riding over rough terrain.
Another great thing about Revelate bags is their versatility. The bags are designed to be modular, so you can mix and match them depending on your needs. For example, you can use a handlebar bag and seat bag for a shorter trip, or add a frame bag and top tube bag for a longer journey.
Finally, Revelate bags are also known for their attention to detail. The bags have features like internal pockets and compression straps that make it easy to organize your gear and keep everything secure.
Overall, if you’re looking for high-quality, durable, and versatile bikepacking bags, Revelate Designs is definitely a brand to consider.
Blackburn: Blackburn is a company that specializes in creating high-quality bikepacking bags for cyclists who enjoy long-distance rides and overnight trips. Blackburn’s bikepacking bags are designed to be durable, lightweight, and functional, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to travel light and efficiently on their bike.
The Blackburn bikepacking bag collection includes everything from handlebar bags and frame bags to seat bags and top tube bags, allowing cyclists to easily carry all the gear they need for their adventure. The bags are made from tough materials like ballistic nylon and waterproof zippers to withstand the elements and rough terrain.
One of the standout features of Blackburn’s bikepacking bags is their easy-to-use mounting system. The bags are designed to be quickly and securely attached to your bike, so you can get on the road faster and with confidence. The bags also have reflective detailing to improve visibility in low-light conditions, which is essential for safe cycling.
Overall, Blackburn bikepacking bags are a great choice for cyclists who are looking for high-quality, functional, and durable bags to carry their gear on long-distance rides and overnight trips. With their excellent construction, easy mounting system, and thoughtful design features, Blackburn’s bikepacking bags are an investment that will last for many adventures to come.
Topeak: Topeak bikepacking bags are a great option for anyone looking to embark on a bikepacking adventure. These bags are designed to be durable, lightweight, and easy to use, making them ideal for long rides on rough terrain.
Topeak offers a range of bikepacking bags, including frame bags, seat bags, handlebar bags, and top tube bags. Each bag is made from high-quality materials and features thoughtful design elements like water-resistant zippers, reflective detailing, and adjustable straps.
One of the great things about Topeak bikepacking bags is their compatibility with a wide range of bikes. Whether you’re riding a road bike, a mountain bike, or something in between, there’s likely a Topeak bag that will fit your bike and your gear.
If you’re planning a bikepacking trip, investing in quality bags like those from Topeak can make all the difference. With their durable construction, easy-to-use features, and versatile design, these bags will help you carry your gear in comfort and style, no matter where your adventure takes you.
