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Hey everyone! As a fellow bikepacking enthusiast, I know how essential it is to have the right gear, especially when it comes to our trusty bike bags. After countless trips and a few too many reminiscences of “why did I pack that?”, I’ve zeroed in on my top three favorite bikepacking bags that have truly elevated my adventures. Whether you’re going for a weekend getaway or a multi-day trek, I’ve got some insights to share. Spoiler alert: you’ll want to assemble your gear accordingly!
In this post, I’ll be giving you three mini reviews of my go-to bags, along with a little buyer’s guide to help you find the perfect fit for your next ride. Let’s get to it!
- Ortlieb Seat-Pack
- Revelate Designs Terrapin
- Apidura Expedition Full Frame Pack
Ortlieb Seat-Pack
So, let’s talk about the Ortlieb Seat-Pack, because frankly, my biking buddies, this bad boy deserves some high-fives and maybe a fist bump or two. After way too many muddy trail rides and a couple of overnight bikepacking trips, I feel like we’re practically best friends at this point.
First Impressions: The first time I saw it, I thought, “Whoa, is this thing going to launch me into space?” It looks kinda like a tiny rocket strapped to your bike. But once I got over its imposing size, I realized it was basically a Mary Poppins bag for cyclists.
Storage: Boy, does this thing have space! Officially, it’s got around 16.5 liters of storage for the large version, but I’m convinced that it operates on some kind of advanced bikepacking sorcery because I can pack my tent, sleeping bag, backup socks, and a cheese sandwich all in there.
- Tent? Check.
- Socks? Check.
- Emergency cheese sandwich? Double check.
Installation: Setting it up was easier than getting my kid to eat his broccoli. Just strap, click, and roll. After my first ride, I was pleasantly surprised to find it hadn’t fallen off or anything, which is more than I can say for some of my past attempts at securing gear (RIP first-elastic-bungee-cord-experiment).
Performance on the Trail: Here comes the bit that I was most worried about—the wobbling. I feared it would waggle behind my saddle like an overly excited puppy, but nope, it was solid as a rock. Even during some serious downhill whooshing and slightly-wobbly-but-very-exciting-almost-crashes, it stayed put.
“Remember Dave’s story about that time his bag fell into the river? Not with the Ortlieb, no sir!”
Water Resistance: It laughed in the face of rain (not literally, but you know what I mean). Nothing got wet. Not even that bit of chocolate I forgot about. An unexpected bonus: turns out the Ortlieb Seat-Pack doubles as an impromptu water pillow during a lakeside nap session.
In conclusion, folks: if you have fantasies about disappearing into the wild with just your bike and cheese sandwiches for company, the Ortlieb Seat-Pack should definitely be on your gear list. Trust me, your future self, sitting dry under a tree eating an un-squished sandwich, will thank you!
Revelate Designs Terrapin
So, I recently took the Revelate Designs Terrapin for a spin on my latest bikepacking adventure, and let me tell you, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of seat bags. Seriously, I half expected it to start cooking dinner and pitching my tent by itself!
Here’s the scoop: the Terrapin is a true game changer for those of us who tend to pack everything but the kitchen sink. Picture this: you’re pedaling up a gnarly trail, the sun beating down, sweat dripping everywhere, and you don’t even notice your stuff swaying back and forth like a teenager at a rock concert. Thanks to its rock-solid harness and drybag system, this bag stayed put like it was glued to my bike.
- Stability: It’s got a fantastic compression system that makes sure your pack doesn’t transform into a tail-wagging behemoth on rough terrain. I hit a few bumpy downhills and the bag handled it like a champ.
- Waterproofness: We all know waterproof claims can be hit or miss. Well, not with the Terrapin! I rode through a rainstorm that could’ve filled a small lake, and everything stayed bone dry, from my extra socks to my all-important snack stash.
- Ease of Use: Despite the technical nature of seat bags, this one is as straightforward as assembling a peanut butter sandwich. The detachable drybag is a brilliant feature—no more wrestling with the whole setup to access your stuff.
But here’s the real kicker: as someone who tends to overpack, I somehow managed to fit more in this thing than Mary Poppins’ carpet bag. Always shouldering excessive snacks (don’t judge), I found the Terrapin welcomes my potato chip addiction with open… well, straps.
If you fancy a versatile, durable, and downright nifty companion for your biking escapades, the Revelate Designs Terrapin might just be your new best friend. It’s the Clint Eastwood of bikepacking—tough, reliable, and ready for an adventure. Now, if only it could brew coffee…
Apidura Expedition Full Frame Pack
So, let me share the tale of my wild and emotional escapade with the Apidura Expedition Full Frame Pack. I have to start by saying, this pack is like the Mary Poppins bag of biking gear! It swallows up everything except maybe the kitchen sink—unless you’ve got one of those collapsible ones!
First Impressions: Upon unpacking the Full Frame Pack, I felt like I was unwrapping a gift from a secret admirer who really knew my penchant for stylishly functional gear. The material seemed durable and, indeed, very “expeditiony.” Yes, that’s a word now.
Installation Adventures: Attaching it to my frame was about as smooth as a well-oiled chain. The adjustable straps made it pretty much a cinch, leaving me with plenty of time for a patrol to the local caffeine station. My advice? Secure those straps tight, unless you fancy unintentional musical accompaniment from things jingling around!
- Space: With an interior so vast, I half expected to find a small family of marsupials living inside. It easily fit my snacks, tools, extra layers, and even a book for those overnight camping stops.
- Water Resistance: Day three of my biking adventure, the heavens opened up, and, folks, it was wetter than a mermaid’s front porch. The bag kept all my gear dry as a bone, making it one less thing to worry about while I tried to remember the lyrics to “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.”
- Balance: I was concerned about the pack affecting my bike’s center of gravity, but turns out, it’s more balanced than a cat on a fence.
Tips and Tricks:
Insight #1: Use dry bags to keep things organized inside; otherwise, you might end up playing ‘find the banana’ at break time.
Insight #2: Test ride fully loaded before your actual trip. It’s always fun to weave around like you’re avoiding a swarm of bees a few times when you’re just on a test run!On the downside, it doesn’t come with an app to help you remember where you stashed the chapstick deep within its cavernous interior. But hey, that just adds to the mystery!
In conclusion, this pack has become a constant companion on my biking adventures. It’s proven its worth in gold a thousand times over and, honestly, I think it might be more reliable than I am. If you’re serious about bikepacking or just want to stow more snacks, the Apidura Expedition Full Frame Pack is a seriously strong contender. Happy trails!
Best Bikepacking Bags Buyer’s Guide
As someone who’s spent more nights under the stars with my bike than I’d like to admit, let’s dive into the magical world of bikepacking bags. First things first, a bikepacking bag is not just a bag; it’s your best buddy on those endless trails. Overpacking? That’s your bag whispering, “Don’t worry, I got you!” Underpacking? Well, that’s another story.
1. The Frame Bag:
You know that awkward triangle in the middle of your bike? That’s not just a space for spiders to set up camp. Frame bags are perfect for heavier items because the weight distribution is smack in the middle, keeping your ride smooth. Personal pro tip: I once crammed a sandwich in there, forgot about it, and now my friends call me the “Crumb Cruiser.”
2. Handlebar Bags:
Ready for the bike equivalent of a kangaroo pouch? Handlebar bags are great for lightweight but essential items. Map, snacks, a tiny jacket—it all goes here. Bonus—these are super accessible during rides. Quick advice: Don’t store anything you’ll need immediately after eating a spicy trail snack. Trust me.
3. Saddle Bags:
Hanging right below your butt (elegant, I know), saddle bags are perfect for sleeping bags or those items you won’t need until camp. Be careful about overpacking though, unless you want to perfect the art of unplanned wheelies.
4. Top Tube Bags:
Convenient for those must-grab-n-now items like energy gels, a multi-tool, or your phone. It’s like the fanny pack of your bike—a fashion statement you won’t regret.
5. Panniers:
If you’re carrying more gear than a Bedouin camel caravan, panniers are your go-to. They offer the most space and are lifesavers for longer trips. However, say goodbye to that sleek, aerodynamic look. Not that it matters, when you’re more focused on which terrain won’t make you eat dirt.
- Material: Waterproof is a no-brainer, unless you fancy soggy cereal. Look for robust, tear-resistant fabric. I once wrestled my bike through a thorny bush. My bag survived; can’t say the same for my legs.
- Attachment System: You really don’t want to leave a trail of your gear behind you, like some two-wheeled Hansel. Secure clips, strong Velcro—make sure they hold up through bumps and jumps.
- Weight: It’s a fine line between sturdy and weighing yourself down like a tortoise on a quest to find its shell. Lightweight materials that don’t sacrifice durability win the day.
Remember, the perfect bikepacking bag doesn’t exist… until you try tons and find the one that fits both your bike and your quirky personality. And remember, no matter how much it costs or how it looks, it only matters if it’s ready for your next adventure epic—and that it doesn’t get too upset when covered in mud.
Feel free to share your bike-bag adventures with me or ask questions. Let’s keep the wheels rolling!
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