Tailfin Downtube Pack 3 Litres
The manufacturer Tailfin is known for producing modern rack systems. Recently, they added a few interesting, classic bikepacking bags to their lineup, which don’t require a single screw or hardware to attach to the bike frame. One is the Downtube Pack, which attaches under the downtube.
The bag has only a black version. It comes in two versions: 1.7 litres and 3 litres, and today, we’re focusing on the larger one. It weighs 277 grams, including accessories; the manufacturer claims it can carry up to 3 kilograms. The Downtube Pack is fully waterproof, so your belongings will stay dry.
On the bike
The weight-to-volume ratio isn’t favourable; a seat pack would give you twice the efficiency. However, placing it under the downtube has its perks. The Downtube Pack sits close to the centre of gravity, meaning it doesn’t affect handling, and you barely notice it while riding. It’s ideal for carrying heavy, low-volume items.
Compared to a similar bag from Apidura, the contents aren’t compressed by straps. This means it doesn’t matter if the Downtube Pack is full or empty; if you pack a sandwich it won’t end up as a squashed one.
The bag is relatively large, so it’s worth checking if it fits your frame without rubbing against the tyre at full fork compression. Fortunately, it comes with adjustable mounts with screws, so you can tweak the placement. On my Procaliber Trek M/L frame, I had to position it down to avoid rubbing. Frame geometry plays a big role here.
According to the manufacturer, rolling the bag twice ensures full waterproofing. The bag comes with Tailfin’s attachment straps, but you can use your own. As another space-saving option, you can close the buckles on the sides instead of together, but for me, the bag rubbed against the bottom anyway, so I doubt changing the closure method would help.
Even on the sides, it’s a tight fit, and it just barely avoids touching the chainring (the bag is 7.5 centimetres wide). I had to position it perfectly in the centre. Tailfin says the Downtube Pack can also be mounted on the seat post or top tube, but I think it would get in the way there. I could see the smaller version working better in those spots.
Mounting it under the frame is annoying when you’re riding in mud. Everything sticks to the bag, and it’s easy to get it dirty when opening. Not to mention in races like the Spiral, where so much mud can accumulate that it becomes impossible to open. But that’s a general issue with this type of bag.
Summary
I used this bag on the Tour Divide, and I’m thrilled with it. It’s relatively narrow, and accessing the contents can be tricky—especially if what you need is at the very bottom. But I managed to fit quite a lot of clothing in it, which compressed nicely.
I love that the bag stays close to the bike’s centre of gravity and doesn’t affect aerodynamics. People will just assume you’re riding an e-bike. While the weight-to-volume ratio isn’t the best, those few extra grams won’t matter in the long run. It feels sturdy, and I believe it’ll last for many kilometres.
Advantages
- Doesn’t get in the way while riding
- Can be used full or empty
- Doesn’t bounce around
Disadvantages
- Sensitive to placement between the frame and the bike
- Weight-to-volume ratio isn’t great
Overall rating: 4.7/5
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