How to Choose a Stem Bag

Stem bags (also called feed bags or food pouches) are among my favourite cycling accessories. Everything in them is easily accessible and there's enough room that I happily take one not just on bikepacking trips but on regular day rides too. Let's look at what these bags are good for, what to watch out for when choosing one, and which ones I personally rate.

🎒 What is a stem bag good for?

In my view these little bags shine in three core areas:

Food and drink always within reach

On the bike you should eat as frequently as possible, because cycling burns an enormous amount of energy. Keeping food in a stem bag is much better than in a jersey back pocket. A chocolate bar melts quickly against your back, while in a handlebar bag it stays safe — unless it's 30°C out.

These bags hold a surprising amount — volumes range from 0.6 litres up to 1.5 litres. I routinely stuff bars and small snacks in mine. With fully waterproof models you can even pour food directly inside (gummy bears are a classic example) and pick them out while riding, no wrapper fussing required. They also work brilliantly for carrying a standard water bottle or a small PET bottle you've picked up along the way.

Clothing and small items on the go

When I take off my jacket, gloves, or a buff mid-ride and don't want to stop to stuff things into the saddle bag, I just scrunch them into the stem bag. It's far more convenient than a top tube bag, which tends to be narrow and has a zip. A stem bag is wide, you can shove things in easily, and during a longer break you can sort through it properly.

Practical rubbish bin

Hate fishing around in your jersey pockets for empty wrappers? So do I. I often use the stem bag as a dedicated bin. Because it closes properly, no paper escapes into the environment. It also saves you the frustration of hunting for a full bar among empty wrappers.

⚠️ What to watch out for (potential downsides)

As much as I love stem bags, there are a few specifics worth knowing:

• Weight on the handlebars: You have mass close to the steering, so cornering can feel slightly heavier (though for me it's barely noticeable).
• Restricted movement: With a shorter stem the bag can block tight turns. If you like getting out of the saddle frequently, you may find your knees bumping into it.
• Frame paint and cable rub: The bag can press against cables, which then rub the paint off the frame. I strongly recommend applying protective film to contact points. I personally can't be bothered :)
• Fork lockout: On some bikes the bag can accidentally engage or disengage the suspension fork lockout — only relevant if your lockout isn't handlebar-mounted.

🛒 How to choose the right bag

Focus on these key parameters:

Waterproofing: Yes or no?

Be careful here. In 90% of cases I put food in the bag — food that doesn't need perfect protection — so a non-waterproof bag works perfectly well for me.

Watch out for bags sewn from waterproof fabric but with a gap at the top of the drawcord closure. When it rains, water pours in and sits there like a puddle. If you already own one of these, I'd recommend drilling a small hole in the base so water can drain out.

The ideal waterproof option is one with a clever closure (e.g. a magnetic lid) that doesn't let water in from any direction.

One-handed operation (Critical!)

This is an absolute must. While riding you need to be able to open and close the bag with one hand. If tightening the drawcord requires both hands (as it does with some cheaper bags), it's extremely awkward and dangerous on the move. Look for well-designed closure systems or magnetic lids.

Stability and attachment

Always check whether the bag has a lower attachment strap (to the fork or head tube). Without it the bag will bounce and rattle on the handlebars while riding. The more attachment loops around the bag's perimeter, the more precisely you can position it on the bike — or even on an aerobar.

🏆 My favourites and what to avoid

Woho Stem Bag

One of my all-time favourites. It weighs only around 60 grams, one-handed operation is effortless, and it attaches securely from all sides. The size is just right for me. The only blemish is the side mesh pockets, which let everything fall out, so I simply don't use them. Full review of the Woho stem bag.

Apidura Expedition Stem Pack

A fully waterproof bag with a brilliant magnetic closure. It's a bit heavier (just over 100 g) but completely reliable. I can safely store electronics inside, or pour food in directly without any packaging. It survived 300 km with me and a kilo of gummy bears inside! Full review of the Apidura stem pack.

❌ What to avoid: Bags with no proper closure

A typical example is the bag from Cyclite. It has no lid or drawcord whatsoever. Whether I tried it on a mountain bike on trails or on the road over rougher tarmac, things flew out with every bump. Even a light gust of wind was enough to send wrappers flying. Always look for bags that can be properly closed.