[Backpack Boss]

Hey everyone! I’ve recently dived headfirst into the world of bikepacking, and let me tell you, it’s like a buffet for adrenaline junkies! But, as any seasoned rider knows, the right gear can make all the difference—especially when it comes to carrying your loot. That’s why I wanted to share my thoughts on some top-notch bikepacking cargo cages that have truly made my adventures more fun (and less like a game of Tetris).

In this post, I’ll be giving you the lowdown on three of my favorite cargo cages that have turned my bike into a trusty steed rather than a wobbly shopping cart. Plus, I’ve thrown in a handy buyer’s guide for those of you who are on the fence. Buckle up, and let’s roll!

• Salsa Anything Cage HD
• Blackburn Outpost Cargo Cage
• Topeak VersaCage

[Backpack Boss]

Salsa Anything Cage HD

So, a little birdie—by which I mean a fellow biker buddy—once convinced me to try the Salsa Anything Cage HD for my bikepacking escapades. Spoiler alert: It’s like duct tape for your bike—holds everything together and you don’t realize how much you needed it until you try it! 🧡

First things first, the installation wasn’t a herculean task. Even for someone like me, who’s known to accidentally install things backward (don’t ask me about the IKEA lamp incident), I managed to get this mounted in under 20 minutes. **Pro-tip:** Tighten the straps like you’re securing prized loot on a pirate ship; you don’t want your gear taking unscheduled trips into the wild blue yonder.

Now, let’s talk function. This thing holds up like a champ. On one trail ride, I managed to pack it silly with an oversized water bottle, my rain jacket, and a bunch of snacks stashed like I was preparing for an apocalypse. And guess what? It didn’t bat an eye. Or, you know, the biking equivalent of not batting an eye—like not wobbling or dropping my stuff onto the muddy trails.

Here’s an unexpected bonus: it actually inspired some serious street cred. I was rolling with my fresh setup, and other bikers were like, “Whoa, what’s that contraption?!” Who knew bicycle accessory envy was a thing?

As for durability, I’m impressed. It’s made of high-strength nylon and reinforced with fibers that could probably endure a wrestling match with a bear. (Not scientifically tested, folks. Please don’t wrestle bears.) Last week, I took a spill down a slippery slope—details of my minor bruises are irrelevant—and the cage remained unfazed. My water bottle, though, wasn’t as lucky. RIP.

If you’re eyeing some adventurous bikepacking, or you’re just sick of lugging everything in an overstuffed backpack, you might want to give the Salsa Anything Cage HD a whirl. I’ve even used it around town to carry a baguette and a bottle of fancy olive oil, because I’m fancy like that.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just don’t tell my backpack, it’s starting to get a little jealous with all this newfound freedom.

So, ready to strap in and roll out? Check it out here!

[Backpack Boss]

Blackburn Outpost Cargo Cage

Hey fellow adventurers!

So, I finally got my hands on the Blackburn Outpost Cargo Cage, and let me tell you, it’s like finding a sidekick as committed to your journey as you are. This little contraption has taken my bikepacking game to a whole new level, making it feel like I’ve got a miniature Sherpa strapped to my frame.

First off, if you’ve ever tried stuffing your sleeping bag, tent poles, and the ever-essential portable coffee kit into one impossibly small space, you’ll understand the utter joy of discovering the cargo cage. It’s super versatile, letting you toss on anything from water bottles to those weirdly shaped, yet completely necessary, luxury items. Like, who knew having a second (or third) water bottle in those summer scorchers can literally save your ride?

Installation was a breeze, akin to convincing a squirrel to give you that last cashew. Seriously, it was just a few twists and pops and voila! The cage was ready to support whatever I threw at it. The build quality is solid—I had my doubts about riding over some serious bumps and roots, but I swear, that thing is like a magnet that refuses to let go.

Speaking of magnetism, can we talk about how ultra-convenient it is? I strapped my inflatable pillow onto it during an overnight trail ride, expecting to hear a flapping mess. But nope, it stuck there perfectly, like it had its own personal vendetta against gravity.

And the size compatibility? Praise the bike gods! The adjustable straps make fitting odd-sized items into it a drama-free process. I’ve even tested it out with my raccoon-sized burrito during a break (don’t judge me), and it held up beautifully, save for the few teeth marks at the end. Check it out here if you want the specifics.

So, in summary, if you’ve got the wanderlust itch and frequently find yourself telling inanimate objects, “There’s got to be a way to make you fit,” I highly recommend testing out the Blackburn Outpost Cargo Cage. Just remember not to overdo it on the burritos.

Catch you on the trails,
[Your username]

[Backpack Boss]

Topeak VersaCage

Alright folks, gather ’round! Let me tell you about my latest biking companion, the Topeak VersaCage, which recently joined my bikepacking brigade. This nifty tool has become such a staple in my kit that I might start referring to it as “Little Bestie.” Why, you ask? Well, allow me to expand.

First off, installing the VersaCage is easier than convincing my dog to go for a walk—seriously, it’s that simple! Armed with just a few screws and a bit of enthusiasm, you can secure this versatile piece to almost any part of your bike frame. And when I say versatile, I mean it. I’ve attached mine to forks, downtubes, and even my poor neglected rear triangle that usually stands empty and sad.

The cage offers a solid carry. You’ll find it holds up to 3 kg, so whether you’re lugging a tent, a dry bag of supplies, or that secret snack stash you told nobody about, it’s got you covered. And folks, don’t tell my hydration pack, but sometimes I stuff my trusty water bottle into it for easy access. The straps that come with it are as secure as a burrito in a taco joint—nothing’s sliding out of there.

Now, let me share a pro tip that only experience can teach you: make sure you distribute the weight evenly if you’re going on rougher trails. I learned this the hard way when my bike started tilting more than a bad hairstyle on a particularly bumpy ride. Once you’ve got it balanced, though, the VersaCage remains steadfast.

One personal anecdote: I was waddling through some tricky terrains in my recent bikepacking trip when I realized I had forgotten the s’mores supplies (a cardinal sin, as you all know). The VersaCage, gods bless it, had kept everything intact so that I could retrieve the snacks without a hitch at the next stop. My friends were grateful—because the only thing worse than an unexpected ascent is making it without chocolate as a reward.

Finally, if you’re a fan of multifunctionality—or just like pretending your bike is Inspector Gadget—you might get a kick out of the fact that Topeak has designed it to be compatible with additional gear. I’m dreaming of attaching a coffee machine next (kidding, but a cyclist can dream).

In summary, if you’re on the hunt for reliability, versatility, and enough durability to withstand my mythical snack pack, the Topeak VersaCage is worth considering. So go on, add it to your gear list and make it your biking BFF!

[Backpack Boss]

Best Bikepacking Cargo Cages Buyer’s Guide

Alright folks, gather ’round! Whether you’re gearing up for a week-long adventure into the wild unknown or just a cheeky overnight trip, having the best bikepacking cargo cages is as crucial as that unquenchable thirst for trail snacks. Let me dive in and spill all my secrets and mishaps, along with some genuine advice on choosing the right cargo cage for your two-wheeled wanderlust.

• Material and Durability: First things first, you want a cage that’s tough as nails but doesn’t weigh you down like a guilty conscience. Look for cages made from aluminum or stainless steel—they’re robust and can take a beating when your bike decides to play fetch with the ground without you. Trust me, I’ve been there…a couple of times.
• Compatibility: Ensure the cage you choose is best buds with your frame. Some cages are choosy and only fit on specific mounting points, so check your bike’s friendliness before committing. An adaptable cage is like a trusty Swiss Army knife, ready for anything! My old bike once ended up looking like a baby porcupine from all the added mounts—a rookie mistake!
• Ease of Access: When you’re craving that mid-trail energy bar, you don’t want to be wrestling with your gear. Opt for cages that allow easy access to stored items—quick release mechanisms are your friend here. I once made the mistake of storing my rain jacket in an overly complicated cage and, well, let’s just say I got to know the rain more intimately than I wanted.
• Weight Capacity: It’s easy to get carried away packing everything including the kitchen sink (seriously, someone asked if they could). Always check the weight limit of your cage—most are built to carry between 4.5 kg to 6.8 kg. Keep it within range to avoid a wonky ride or, worse, scattering your possessions down the trail like breadcrumbs. And if you see a trail of mismatched socks, you know whose they are…
• Brand and Budget: While some brands have built a name for themselves thanks to their adventure-proof gear, others might surprise you with quality at a friendlier price point. Brands like King Cage, Blackburn, and Salsa have made a mark in the community. But remember, even a budget-friendly cage can do wonders if you know how to patch it with duct tape—wait, maybe don’t follow my DIYs too closely!

“Get a great bikepacking cargo cage, because being unprepared on a trail is the fastest way to meet your match with a very judgmental squirrel.” – Just me, honestly.

So there you have it, a not-so-smooth ride through the maze of cargo cages. Remember, preparation is key, but adaptability is your secret weapon. Happy trails and may your cargo cages never rattle!

[Outdoorsman Toolkit]

Hey fellow bikepackers! 🚴‍♂️ Adventure time is calling, and wouldn’t it be great if we had a personal wizard to charm our gear to float beside us? Until then, I’ve got some tips to help keep your two-wheeled chariot organized like a boss without any tetris-like squishing!

Here are a few pro tips for maximizing your cargo cage game:

• Double Them Up: Why stop at one cage? Double the power by attaching cages to both your fork and downtube. More space for trail snacks! 🍫
• Embrace the Dry Bags: Use waterproof dry bags for stashing gear in the cages. Rain or shine, they’ll keep your gear as dry as a joke at a desert comedy club (I promise mine are better! 😉).
• DIY Straps: If the budget’s tighter than your bike shorts after a pasta binge, use bungee cords or an old inner tube to lash stuff to the cages. Surprisingly effective and eco-friendly!
• Weight Balance: Make sure to distribute weight evenly. A lopsided load spells disaster — or at least an embarrassing topple in front of onlookers. 😂

Happy trails and may your bike adventures be as smooth as your pedal stroke! Feel free to share your own hacks or tell us if you’ve become one with your cargo cages. 🚵‍♀️

[Author]

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