Apidura Expedition Top Tube Pack

The Expedition Top Tube Pack is a top tube bag from Apidura. It comes in 0.5‑ and 1‑liter versions. In this review we’ll look only at the larger one. It weighs just 90 grams. It’s even lighter than the Racing variant, likely because it mounts to the bike with only two Velcro straps. There’s also a cable port, so you can easily charge, for example, your navigation device while riding.

Assessment

The bag is indeed waterproof—but as with the Long version, the critical spot is the zipper. While the Expedition’s zipper is more robust, my issue is with cinching it closed. I often see zipper ends covered so water can’t get in through the gap, but for reasons unknown this bag doesn’t have that. Over time, a piece of plastic at that termination got damaged, so fully closing the bag is a chore—and even then it’s not perfect. On a new bag the system would probably work better.

As mentioned, the bag attaches with two Velcro straps. One is fixed to the bag and the other you can choose to your preference. In general it’s better if the Velcro straps aren’t permanently part of the bag, because then they can be replaced when worn. It sits well on the frame.

The bag is reinforced with a plastic structure to hold its shape. There are no internal pockets, but you can stash small items behind the stiffener. After a few years of use, one spot—where the frame and bag touch—has abraded. It still seals for now, but you can already see light through it.

Summary

The usefulness of this top tube bag is unfortunately marred by the poorly executed zipper waterproofing. I really don’t understand why they chose not to cover the zipper end. If rain hits the bag directly from above, it becomes hard for me to use. I get that on a new piece the closing would likely work better—but how long will it last? With a price tag around 50 EUR, I expected more.