Pack It Up, Pack It In
A beginner’s guide to bike bags
This is the guide I wished I’d read when I naively hopped on my bike in May 2022, handlebars turned west, about to embark on my first ever 3-day adventure perched atop my bike. Instead, I spent the best part of 3 weeks frantically trawling through every blog, article, and YouTube video that had the word ‘bikepacking’ somewhere in the title to try and supercharge my knowledge from zero to hero in the time it takes to say ‘total amateur’.
Thankfully all of that frantic trawling paid off and the majority of the kit I bought back then is still the kit I use to this day. So, for anyone feeling inspired to pack up their bike and head out on their first adventure but is feeling a little apprehensive about what, how, or where the ‘packing’ part happens, this is for you: a comprehensive guide to all the gear you need to get started, along with some personal recommendations for brands and products that I particularly love.
Bike Bags
Aka “how to carry all your shit”. Probably one of the most crucial elements of bikepacking, aside from figuring out what you’re going to pack, is where you’re going to pack it. Enter bikepacking bags: an exceptionally niche division of kit designed specifically to lug all your gear in the most unobtrusive way possible.
Bike bags come in all shapes and sizes but a combination of the following should provide plenty of space to carry all the essentials.
Saddle bags
Saddle bags, as the name suggests, attach to the back of your saddle. They are usually the bag that provides the most space and are used to carry the bulk of your kit: things like clothes or heavier items are great contenders here. If you’ve only got the budget for one bike bag, this is where you probably want to start.
A few things to keep in mind when buying a saddle bag:
Stability is key! There’s nothing worse than a swinging saddle bag to really drain those mental reserves. Make sure to check that it fits flush against your seatpost and that there’s some form of fastening mechanism to pull everything nice and tight. You can thank me later.
Weatherproofing. Do you expect to be riding through rain or shine, or will your adventures be of the fair-weather variety? The majority of saddle bags will be waterproofed to protect your gear from any unanticipated showers, but do check the level of protection to avoid any unwanted damp; there’s nothing worse than getting to camp and pulling out a pair of soggy pants!
Size. Saddle bags come in a huge variety of sizes – from a tiny 0.3L to store a spare inner-tube and a couple of tyre levers, to a much larger 17L for camping gear or multi-day trips – but do be warned that you will-100%-without-a-doubt fill the space you have available, so if keeping things light is important to you then you might want to think about sizing down. For reference, I use a 14L saddle bag and it fits everything I need for a few days on the road. You can always add extra bags to your setup to increase capacity if need be.
Recommendations
Here are some brands that you can plug into your preferred search engine to read up on the nitty gritty before spending your hard-earned cash:
Apidura – often considered the king (or queen) of bikepacking gear, Apidura specialise in super durable, lightweight, and waterproof bags ideal for any adventure. They offer racing, expedition, or backcountry versions depending on terrain, and range from 3 to 17 litres in capacity. They fasten directly to the saddle and seatpost and allow you to pull the straps tight to eliminate any potential swing, which is a godsend – especially when climbing out of the saddle – and webbing on top provides a handy space to dry any wet kit or recently laundered clothes whilst whipping down those descents! Whilst they may be a little on the pricey side, you can be sure that these bags will be a worthwhile investment and won’t let you down on even the most demanding of trips.
Restrap – another brand who focus on designing durable and sustainable equipment for travelling by bike, Restrap offer saddle bags ranging from 4.5 to 18 litres. The unique selling point here is that the bag is made of two parts: the ‘holster’ that attaches to the bike’s seatpost, and the ‘dry bag’ that slots inside, making it easier and more efficient to remove the bag at the end of a long day and carry it straight into your tent (or Airbnb!). A word of warning: a poorly packed bag and loose holster could result in unwanted sway so make sure everything is stuffed tight!
Decathlon – whilst not technically a brand that specialises in bikepacking gear in itself, Decathlon stocks some fantastic budget-conscious saddle bags from brands such as Riverside, Topeak, Lomo, and Roswheel. They range in size, material, and durability – but if you’re not yet ready to take the full financial plunge, these bags are a great place to start and can help you figure out what works for you and, more importantly, what doesn’t. For reference, I still use my 7L Riverside saddle bag for shorter day trips when I want to take a few extra layers and it hasn’t let me down yet!
Handlebar bags
Another popular bag that can add significant capacity to the bike is the handlebar bag – and there’s no prizes for guessing where this one attaches. Again, coming in a range of sizes, the handlebar bag is super versatile and great for carrying anything from extra clothes, to camping gear, to a week’s supply of Harribo. Some handlebar bags are designed for longer bikepacking trips, whereas others are intended for commuting or smaller day rides, so try to think about how you want to use the bag before making a decision as this could impact things such as durability, waterproofing, fastening attachments, and how the bag opens and closes.
Take a look at some of my recommendations below and feel free to explore those that pique your interest:
Apidura – Here they are again, and with good reason. Apidura stock a wide variety of handlebar bags to suit different purposes; my favourite being the Expedition Handlebar Pack, a fully-waterproof bag with roll closures on either side and webbing on the top. It comes in 9 or 14 litre capacity which is perfect for carrying your sleep system (sleeping bag, sleep mat, bivvy) or extra clothes – essentially anything that can be ‘stuffed’ inside to make the most of the space. What’s more, Apidura also sell an ‘Accessory Pocket’ that clips directly onto the handlebar pack, creating an additional 4.5 litres of storage space suited for miscellaneous items like cables, toiletries, or more snacks! The only thing to be aware of is that this combination of bags may not work as well on smaller frames where the clearance between the handlebars and the wheel is limited and can result in unwanted rubbing (although there are workarounds to this if needed!)
Rapha – Whilst not necessarily known for their bikepacking prowess, Rapha do stock a mean bar bag that’s perfect for smaller trips or when you’re just looking for that little bit of extra storage space. At only 2 litres capacity it’s not going to carry your sleep system (unless it’s a survival bivvy bag), but it can easily fit an extra layer, power bank, or filming equipment such as a go pro or digital camera. It’s also fully waterproof, has a quick access front pocket, and can double up as an off-the-bike shoulder bag – fancy! I tend to use this bag mainly on Audaxes or bikepacking trips where I won’t be camping or sleeping outside.
Restrap – Once again, Restrap offer a wide variety of handlebar bags of differing shapes and sizes, leaning on their unique holster system that stays attached to your bars whilst the bag itself can be quickly removed. This clever system even carries through to their 7 litre Race Aero Bar Bag which is designed specifically for attaching to your clip-on aerobars – smart!
Tailfin – Hot off the press, Tailfin have just launched their very own handlebar bag and, whilst I haven’t personally given it a test run, the features look brilliant. Aside from a super secure clasping mechanism to attach it to your handlebars, the bag also comes with my favourite accessory – pockets! That’s right, a cordura pocket allows a huge amount of stretch, whilst remaining durable, giving you instant access to things you don’t necessarily want hidden away inside.
Frame bags
Sometimes referred to as the heart of your bikepacking set-up, frame bags can offer a huge amount of additional space whilst keeping things as aero as possible. Unfortunately not all frames are created equal and if you own a smaller-framed bike it may be tricky finding a bag that fits without restricting access to your water bottles. Thankfully brands are starting to develop products with this in mind and there’s an increasing assortment of frame bags hitting the market on what feels like a monthly basis.
A few things to keep in mind when looking for (and packing!) a frame bag:
Leg rub. Sure, frame bags have a tonne of empty space which makes it super inviting to stuff them with every last item on your packing list, but be careful not to overpack; some bags are made with material that allows them to expand outwards – great for packing that extra Snickers bar, but not great for avoiding friction burn on every pedal stroke. Other bags have tried to avoid this problem by using a more structured material that prevents overpacking – and the need for Sudocrem.
Access to water. Being able to easily reach and remove your water bottles is pretty essential when cycling, however, as mentioned above, some bags may be too large for your frame, trapping your water bottles beneath them and resulting in inevitable dehydration. Make sure you measure before you buy!
And now for a few recommendations:
Tailfin – Tailfin consider the frame bag the integral companion to every adventure, which is probably why they offer more sizes than any other brand and emphasise serving the majority of riders regardless of frame size. Fully waterproof and designed to maximise volume whilst minimising knee-rub, these are a great place to start!
Apidura – Once again, Apidura frame packs are known for their lightweight and durable design, providing ample storage for snacks, tools, and spare parts while maintaining bike stability. They offer multiple sizes to accommodate different frames, but the full frame pack is worth calling out for its ability to house a hydration bladder, negating the need for water bottles at all! I personally use Apidura’s 1L racing frame pack because it fits neatly onto my bike without blocking my ability to drink, whilst containing enough capacity to carry all of my toiletries.
Restrap – Restrap uses durable fabrics that means their bags are easy to keep clean when riding off-road or in adverse weather. What I love about their full frame bag is the choice to use the full internal capacity or add a velcro divider to create an upper and lower section, each with their own zip opening for easy access. A great way to significantly reduce the amount of time spent rummaging to find what you need!
Top tube bags
Top tube bags are small storage solutions designed to sit atop the top tube (no way!) of your frame, providing easy access to essentials while riding. They are typically mounted using velcro straps or zippers, ensuring a secure fit without interfering with the bike’s performance. Depending on your style of riding or planned distance, you can opt for a shorter or longer version of the top tube bag, both of which are super practical and efficient ways of grabbing essentials without having to stop and rummage through larger bags,
Restrap LOOK – My personal favourite, likely due to the iridescent colour scheme! This top tube bag has been my trusty companion on the vast majority of my long-distance rides, and I’ve only recently moved to Apidura for the extra space. It’s also not 100% waterproof, so do bear that in mind when contemplating how you expect it to be used.
Apidura – Apidura have a really varied range of top tube bags, making them a clear winner for anyone who wants options. Whether you’re looking for bolt-on or velcro fastenings, magnetic or zip openings, or 1 litre capacity or 2, Apidura has you covered.
Revelate – Whilst tailored more towards a MTB audience, Revelate’s ‘Mag Tank’ and ‘Gas Tank’ top tube bags are known for their practical design and versatility. With a wide opening and tapered wedge shape, this bag boasts an impressive volume, whilst giving you easy access to your snacks. The highlight here, however, is not the bag itself but the detachable TPU liner, making sticky food messes a thing of the past!
Down tube bags
Down tube bags are – you guessed it – designed to attach to the down tube of your frame. They are an easy way to add extra capacity to your bike, but may not be the easiest to access. However, by positioning weight low on the bike, down tube bags help maintain balance and stability during rides, which is especially beneficial for maintaining control on technical terrain or during long rides where weight distribution is crucial.
Tailfin – My go-to for when I need to carry a wider selection of tools, usually on multi-day trips where more can go wrong! Made from robust materials, the Tailfin down tube bag is designed to withstand even the worst weather conditions while remaining lightweight. It also uses a straightforward mounting system that allows for quick installation and removal, without needing any fancy extras.
Miscellaneous
Any other miscellaneous items that I rate to help increase carrying capacity whilst on the bike.
Apidura Packable Musette – Something I will never go without when packing for a bike trip. Offering 7 litres of versatile capacity, the musette is perfect for transporting food and other essential items needed at certain points on your ride, but not necessarily for the entire duration. For example, I rely on my musette when making supermarket stops at the end of the day and need to transport a bunch of oddly-shaped items to a nearby campsite or Airbnb. And then when not in use, it conveniently packs down into its own integrated pocket which can then be securely fasted to the bike. What’s not to love?!
Decathlon Snack Pouch – The holy grail of bikepacking bags, the beloved snack pouch. There are a bunch of brands that offer these (they may also be referred to as stem bags), usually at higher price points, but I have never felt the need to upgrade from my trusty £6.99 Decathlon purchase. Attaching to the stem or the handlebars, this bag is cylindrical in design and consist of a giant gaping hole in which to store your snack of choice. Chocolate pretzels and Pom Bears are a personal favourite!
And there we have it, a brief overview of how to carry shit on your bike, as well as a few personal recommendations thrown in for good measure. Of course, there are countless brands who offer a multitude of different storage solutions for bikepacking, catering to different needs and budgets, but hopefully this is a good place to start.
As you embark on your cycling adventures, consider what items you’re likely to need the most and how best to organise them for easy access. Whether you’re planning a multi-day bikepacking trip or a casual ride around town, having the right storage can enhance your experience and make your journey even more enjoyable.
Remember, investing in quality gear can make all the difference. Start with a few essentials that suit your style and gradually build up your collection as you discover what works best for you.
So, get out there, explore the open road, and pack ALL the snacks.
Happy riding!