Michal Ozogan

Reviews of bikepacking bags

Reviews of bikepacking bags. There are a lot of possibilities on how to strap gears to your bike and avoid wearing a backpack.

A close-up, eye-level shot of the front of a red bikepacking mountain bike. A dark grey frame bag is attached to the top tube and head tube, secured by yellow elastic cords and black straps. A black device, possibly a GPS or light, is mounted on the handlebars to the right of the bag. The right handlebar grip is visible, with a textured surface. The front tire, with knobby treads and a tan sidewall, is partially visible at the bottom right. The background is a lush green lawn with scattered white clover and some apple trees with reddish fruit.

Apidura Expedition Stem Pack

The Expedition Stem Pack from Apidura is fully waterproof and easy access is ensured by a Fidlock magnetic closure. It also stands out from typical stem bags with its boxy shape. Does it make sense to get one?... Read more

An overhead close-up shot of a red and silver mountain bike with a black Ortlieb top tube bag attached. The bike is outdoors on a sunny day with green grass in the blurred background. A black bike computer is mounted on the handlebars. The number "136" is visible on a sticker on the bike's head tube.

Ortlieb Fuel-Pack

Fuel-Pack is a top tube bag from Ortlieb. You don’t have to fear a broken zipper, because it closes with magnets. It protects its contents from rain, mounts either with bolts or rubber straps, and offers a volume of one litre… Read more

A close-up shot of a red mountain bike with a large black frame bag on a sunny winter day, parked on an asphalt road with snow on the verges. The bike's handlebars, front fork, top tube, down tube, and seat post are visible. A smartphone is mounted on the handlebars, and the black frame bag, labeled "RESTRAP," fills much of the main triangle of the bike frame. The seat post has "RITCHEY" written vertically. In the background, out of focus, are houses with brown roofs, bare trees, and some green shrubs, suggesting a rural or suburban setting.

Restrap Race Top Tube Bag

This long frame bag from Restrap holds a lot of stuff that’s quickly accessible during your ride. There are also a couple of side pockets for frequently used small items. But how did it hold up in the field?… Read more

A low-angle shot shows a red mountain bike with knobby tires, likely muddy from a ride, positioned against a brightly spray-painted wall. The rear wheel, chain, and chainring are visible on the left, while the front wheel with a "ROCKET RON" tire and fender is partially visible on the right. A black, roll-top dry bag is secured to the bike's frame near the bottom bracket.

Tailfin Downtube Pack 3 Litres

Finally, a frame bag that you can ride with even when it’s empty. Tailfin came up with an interesting concept, especially suitable for smaller but heavier items. However, you need to be mindful of the space between the frame and the tire—especially when the fork is fully compressed. Read more

A close-up shot of a black bicycle saddle and a grey bikepacking seat bag with orange straps, set against a vibrant, multi-colored graffiti wall. The seat bag, which is branded "ORTLIEB Waterproof," appears to be packed full. A portion of the rear tire is visible at the bottom of the frame.

Ortlieb Seat-Pack 11 litres

Since I’ve owned this Ortlieb bag for five years, I can describe my experience with truly long-term use. And I must say that the test of time has kept it waterproof. It has decent capacity of 11 litres and excellent craftsmanship. Read more

A light-colored bikepacking saddle bag with the word "CYCLITE" printed on it is attached to the seat post of a red bicycle, set against a vibrant, multi-colored graffiti wall featuring pink, blue, yellow, and green geometric shapes. The bike has a black saddle and a "SCHWALBE" tire with brown sidewalls.

Cyclite Saddle Bag Small

Cyclite is not yet as well-known among bikepacking bag manufacturers, but their Saddle Bag stands out with its high-quality craftsmanship and unique features. For example, a plastic loop for a cup 🙂 I was testing this stuff on Tour Divide. Read more

A bicycle is parked in front of a vibrant graffiti-covered wall. The bike features a black saddle bag strapped to the seat post, with the white "Apidura" logo and a bee graphic visible. The bike's frame is a dark red, and a brown-walled Schwalbe tire is visible at the bottom. The graffiti behind the bike is a mix of bright colors, including pink, light blue, yellow, orange, and green, forming abstract shapes and lines.

Apidura Racing Saddle Pack

A review of a set of two saddle bags from Apidura in the racing variant. These are intended primarily for minimalists and racers. However, they may also interest anyone who rides more off-road and needs to carry just a few extra items. Read more