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Bags/Panniers/Racks Bike Touring Equipment Bikepacking Frame Bags Touring Bike Accessories

The Best Bikepacking Bike Part II: Luggage

Author’s Note:  This post has been revised and updated as of January 9, 2017.  It was published in its original format on March 20, 2015.

By now, hopefully you’ve had time to digest our introductory post and are ready to start equipping your mountain bike for bikepacking!  The best bike in the world won’t do you much good if you can’t carry the things you need to survive and thrive when you’re out on the trail for days at a time, so lets dig into the world of luggage for carrying those essentials.  In this post, we’ll go over the various brands and styles of bikepacking bags we carry at Bike Touring News and help you decide which will fit your bike and needs.

Photo by Howard Draper
A full complement of Revelate Designs bikepacking gear fitted to a Salsa 29er on the Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route.
Photo by Howard Draper/@Howrad

Our Brands

Bike Touring News carries bikepacking gear from Revelate Designs, Apidura and Ortlieb, along with a handful of others.  There are many other makers of quality gear out there but most are cottage industries making bags on a small scale for individual customers.  There is a time and place where custom or DIY bags make sense but all three of these brands offer top-quality gear at reasonable prices without a long waiting list.  They each have their own approach and offer products optimized for certain conditions.  We’ll cover the range and help you make sense of it all.

The author's rig near the finish of the Smoke 'n' Fire 400, sporting a rack mounted handlebar bag alongside Revelate's Viscacha seat bag and Mountain FeedBag. Photo by Ryan King
The author’s rig near the finish of the 2014 Smoke ‘n’ Fire 400.
Photo by Ryan King/@Bobby.Buttons

The Bikepacking Triad

The three cornerstones of any bikepacking setup are pretty clearly established.  They are the Frame Bag, Handlebar Pack and Seat Pack.  It is pretty easy to imagine where each one goes, right?  Good.  There are also various add-on or accessory bags to extend carrying capacity.  We’ll go over those as well.  Let’s get into it!

Frame Bags

Revelate Viscacha, Ranger Bag and Sweetroll on a Kona 29er. photo by Jason Britton/Velograph
Revelate Viscacha, Ranger Bag and Sweetroll on a Kona 29er.
photo by Jason Britton/@Velograph

The frame bag takes advantage of the space inside your frame’s front triangle.  Because of its central location, this is an ideal place to carry heavier items like your cookset, food, tools and spares, water transport and filtration supplies, first aid kit, etc.  Most frame bags feature a top zipper located just below the top tube of your frame, so they also are well-suited for carrying items you’ll need easy access to while in motion such as ride food, spare layers, camera, phone, maps, sunglasses, fermented/distilled beverages, etc.  All but the very smallest can accommodate a 2 or 3-liter hydration bladder and have a built-in port for the drinking hose to exit.  Strap one on and leave the hydration pack behind!

How do I know which bag fits my bike? 

The process is easy if you own a Surly!  We carry Revelate’s line of co-branded bags for Surly’s mountain and fat bikes!  Reference the chart on the product page to find your bike and the corresponding frame bag.  Easy enough.  But what about your Cross-Check or Straggler?  We’ve got you covered there also; just pick your frame size.  Even though they have a Surly logo on them, these co-branded bags will fit lots of other frames as well.  Check out the complete dimensional fit charts for the Straggle-Check bags and Mountain bags on Surly’s site.

In addition to the co-branded bags, we stock Revelate’s generic Ranger Bags that fit a wide variety of bikes.  They share features with the Surly-specific bags but come in four standard sizes and carry only Revelate logos.  Reference the fit chart on the product page to find the best fit for your frame.

PRO TIP:  If in doubt or in-between sizes, go for the smaller size!  Most frame bags feature fairly long straps to accommodate a range of frame shapes.  You’d rather have a tightly drawn bag than a saggy, floppy one.

Apidura Bikepacking Kit
Apidura Bikepacking Kit on a Cyclocross bike.  Photo by @NiclasKrake

We also carry frame bags from Apidura.  Their offerings are best suited to road or cyclocross bikes with slightly sloping top tubes rather than the ultra-compact frames found on most mountain bikes.  Their frame bag comes in three sizes and features a more minimalist, low-profile design with some nice details and high-quality materials.  They are a great choice for those looking to travel light and fast.

Half-frame bags can be a good alternative for riders looking to retain the use of one or more water bottle cages on their frame.  These smaller bags will also fit a wider variety of frames, including many full-suspension models.  Revelate’s Tangle Bag is our pick in this category.  Three sizes, burly construction, cut and sewn in the USA.  What more do you want?

All of the frame bags we have discussed are considered water resistant.  They are all constructed with materials that will not absorb water but moisture can still enter through the sewn seams in seriously wet conditions.  These bags have been proven to shrug off anything short of a monsoon but we still recommend that you use waterproof dry bags inside your frame bag for anything that must be kept absolutely dry.  They are also useful for organization!

NOTE:  Ortlieb plans to release their fully waterproof frame bag line in February of 2017.  We’ll update this post when they arrive.  Keep an eye on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the most current information.

Seat Packs

We carry a few different flavors of seat packs but they are all perfect for carrying compressible items like sleeping bags, shelters, spare layers, etc.  Most also have external shock cords or lash points for overflow storage.  They vary in size, construction and water resistance.

Revelate Viscacha on a #BikeFishing day ride. Photo by Ryan King/@Bobby.Buttons
Revelate Viscacha on a #BikeFishing day ride. Photo by Ryan King/@Bobby.Buttons

How do I choose a Seat Pack?

I’m glad you asked!  Seat packs are great because the fit is nearly universal, making them easy to move from bike to bike.  There are a few limiting factors.  The big one is tire clearance.  If there isn’t enough space between your saddle rails and rear tire (a common problem on bikes with big wheels and small frames) the bag can bump and rub on the tire.  You’d be amazed how fast you’ll wear a hole right through your bag and its contents in this situation!  Give yourself some breathing room so that your bag will never contact the tire, even if overloaded or sagging.  Riding full-suspension?  Make sure you measure your clearance with the suspension fully compressed!

The second consideration is the length of exposed seatpost.  This is less critical and can be fudged a bit within reason.  For example, Revelate recommends at least 5″ of exposed seatpost for their Viscacha.  I only have about 4″ of exposed post on the bike pictured above and it still fits fine.  If in doubt, stick to the maker’s recommendations.  Fit considerations aside, let’s take a look at the various seat packs we carry.

Revelate’s Viscacha was the first widely-available bikepacking seat pack.  A few improvements have been made to the design over the years but the essentials remain.  This pack will always be hard to beat if you have the 9.5″ of clearance required.   It carries up to 14L but easily compresses down to less than half that volume for smaller loads.

Revelate Viscacha in digital camo with matching Spocket. Photo by the Bike Hermit
Revelate Viscacha in digital camo with matching Spocket.
Photo by the Bike Hermit

The Pika is nearly identical to the Viscacha but is smaller in girth, requiring only 8″ of clearance.  However, it only sacrifices 2L of capacity.  This makes it ideal for minimalist packers or for smaller frames with slightly less tire clearance and exposed seatpost.

Apidura’s Seat Pack shares many features with the Viscacha and Pika but has a couple of features that set it apart.  One nice addition is the series of taillight loops on the rear of the pack.  A loop should be available at any point in the range of compression.  Apidura’s offering is also available in three sizes: 17L, 14L and 11L so riders can choose the bag appropriate for their bike and needs.  Minimum clearances are listed on the product page.

Apidura Saddle Pack
Apidura Saddle Pack.  Photo by @NiclasKrake.

So far all of the seatpacks we’ve covered fall into the “water-resistant” category.  We also carry a couple of designs that are fully waterproof.  A waterproof seat pack is great in wet climates or for extra insurance in changeable conditions.  Down jackets and sleeping bags especially benefit from this extra level of protection.

Revelate’s Terrapin is an evolution from the Viscacha that separates the bag from the strapping and compression system.  Basically, it is an underseat harness designed to hold a separate drybag.  This two-part system has a few advantages over the Viscacha or Pika.  First, the drybag is fully sealed and waterproof where the Viscacha/Pika is highly water-resistant but is not seam sealed.  Also, the Terrapin is easier to pack and unpack since the drybag can be removed without unstrapping the harness from your bike.  Daisy chain webbing on the harness provides a perfect place to attach a SPOT tracker or other accessories.  The bridge of webbing between the straps can be used for taillight mounting and the drybag incorporates a one-way valve to purge excess air.  The Terrapin harness and drybag are also available separately.  revelateterripinsystem__23529-1474062287-1280-1280Ortlieb is a relative newcomer to the bikepacking game but they certainly know a thing or two about waterproof gear.  They took their time designing their seat pack and it shows.  This bag is definitely on the large side with a 16.5L capacity.  It also incorporates an internal aluminum frame at the saddle rail and seatpost attachment points for added anti-sway stability.  This is a helpful feature as the bag has a pronounced cone shape, placing more weight farther behind the saddle.  Similar to the Apidura, Ortlieb incorporates a series of light attachment points on the rolling closure, along with reflective patches.  Add in the extra-long section of criss-crossing shock cord and air purge valve and you have the most fully-featured one-piece seat pack we carry.  Ortlieb doesn’t list a minimum tire clearance.  Instead, they ask for 14cm (5.5in) of exposed post.  Given the more rigid nature of this bag, any bike with that much post should have plenty of clearance but it is best to check the fit first.

ortliebseatpack

Handlebar Pack

To balance your load and maintain equilibrium, your handlebar roll is the last key component in your bikepacking setup.  The handlebars are a great place to carry your shelter, sleeping bag, sleep pad, tent poles and other rollable or compressible items.  Most of the handlebar setups that we sell also provide a large amount of flexible strapping space for things like fishing rod tubes, trekking poles, firewood, etc.

How do I choose a Handlebar Pack? 

Similar to the seat packs, the big limiting factor here is tire clearance.  You want to be certain that your front tire will never come into contact with your handlebar pack, especially if you’re using a thin, lightweight dry bag.  Again, be sure to take suspension travel into account!  The best way to be sure you’re getting a proper fit is to test the bag on your bike.  If that isn’t possible, measure from the bottom of your handlebars to the closest point on your tire.  You’ll want a bag at least 2″ smaller in diameter than that measurement.  Don’t forget to account for the thickness of any spacer blocks or pads!  We typically recommend using the smallest handlebar pack you can get away with to reduce handling impact and clearance concerns.  Need more assistance?  Don’t hesitate to give us a call, email or drop a comment below.   Fit concerns aside, let’s look at some gear!

Revelate’s Handlebar Harness is a simple and versatile “soft rack” for carrying a dry bag on your handlebars.  It attaches to the bars using nylon webbing and heavy-duty rubber spacer blocks to space the bag away from the bars and prevent kinking of your brake and shift cables.  Dry bags up to 20 liters can be secured with the three compression straps but Revelate lists a 15-pound weight limit.  For the price, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more versatile handlebar system.

Revelate Handlebar Harness
Revelate Handlebar Harness

The new-and-improved Sweetroll is an evolved version of Revelate’s handlebar harness that integrates the dry bag into the handlebar attachment for added simplicity and reduced weight.   The latest version uses RF-welded seams for long-term waterproofness compared to sewn-and-sealed seams.  The dual-roll design allows easy packing and centering of the load while the compression flap provides additional security and a place to strap extra cargo.  Have a set of Jones Loop H-Bars on your bike?  We have a special Loop Bar buckle kit that creates two additional attachment points to the handlebar for added security and extra spacing away from your bike’s head tube.  The Sweetroll comes in three sizes: small, medium and large.  The length of the dry bag is the same; they only vary in diameter.  Click through to the product page for dimensions.

reelatedesignswaterproofsweetroll__83841-1482882258-1280-1280

Apidura also has solid bar-mounted options.  Like their other products, their handlebar packs are simple, lightweight and thoughfully detailed.  They offer four different handlebar packs, differing on size and construction.  The water-resistant version comes in a Regular 20L size or a “Compact” 9L version.  The 20L size is especially useful on drop bar bikes.  The “Dry” option is available in a Regular 14L or Compact 9L.  The dry versions feature a cleverly hidden air purge valve for easy compression.  All four feature a criss-crossing shock cord for extra storage and reflective details for visibility.

Waterproof Handlebar Pack
14L Dry Handlebar Pack from Apidura

Like their seat pack, Ortlieb’s handlebar pack is thoroughly engineered and especially secure.  Dual straps and adjustable foam spacers secure the bag to your handlebars and a pair of compression straps lock down the load or secure overflow gear.  15L capacity is on the large side and the welded construction is rock solid.  This bag is especially appealing for shoulder season trips where additional gear and weather protection will come in handy.

ortlieb-handlebar-pack

Salsa’s EXP Anything Cradle is a new addition to our offerings and takes a very different approach.  This is a very “rack-like” handlebar packing system designed to carry a separate dry bag.  Two hinged aluminum clamps secure the cradle to your handlebars and provide plenty of standoff to prevent kinking hoses or cables.  The complete kit comes with 15L double-roll dry bag and two webbing straps.

anythingcradle

Conclusions

Hopefully you’re feeling a little more comfortable choosing bikepacking bags for your bike!  Overall, fit is the most important factor here.  If your bags don’t fit your bike well, they won’t perform well!  Feel free to give us a call, email or comment if you have questions about fitting bikepacking bags to your bike!

Stay tuned for the next installment of this series, coming soon!  Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@BikeTouringNews) for all the latest updates!  Thanks for reading!

Categories
Bags/Panniers/Racks Bike Touring Equipment Bikepacking Frame Bags Handlebar Bag Saddlebags

Product Gallery: Apidura Bikepacking Gear

All photos by @niclaskrake.

Cyclocross bike kitted up with Apidura bikepacking gear.
Cyclocross bike kitted up with Apidura bikepacking gear, perfect for light and fast rides.

 

Products pictured: Full Frame Pack (Med.), Handlebar Pack (Dry, 14L), Saddle Pack (Compact)
Products pictured: Full Frame Pack (Med.), Handlebar Pack (Dry, 14L), Saddle Pack (Compact)

 

Apidura Bikepacking Kit
The full-frame bag is tailored to fit bikes with more traditional, level top tubes rather than the ultra-compact front triangles on most mountain bikes.  It is available in three sizes to fit a wide range of bikes.

 

dsc_9133
The Frame Pack has a much slimmer profile than similar bags, improving knee clearance and preventing the pack from bulging.  The internally-divided pockets are accessible via three zippers.

 

Sturdy Velcro and Shielded Zippers
The Frame Pack features sturdy velcro attachment points and shielded, non-waterproof zippers which tend to be more reliable than waterproof models.

 

Hidden Hydration Hose Exit Point
The Frame Bag also integrates a hidden hydration hose exit point.  The upper section of the bag (separated by an internal divider) accommodates an average 3L bladder easily.

 

Apidura Saddle Pack
Apidura’s Saddle Pack is a variation on a tried-and-true design with thoughtful details that set it apart.

 

Quality Hardware and Thoughtful Detailing
Quality hardware and reflective details on the Saddle Pack.

 

The Saddle Pack incorporates a series of taillight attachment loops. One should be accessible no matter how far the bag is rolled.
The Saddle Pack incorporates a series of taillight attachment loops. One should be accessible no matter how far the bag is rolled.

 

Rolling Closure and Shock Cord
Shock Cord is included on the top of the Saddle Pack to secure extra layers or other gear.

 

Waterproof Handlebar Pack
The Waterproof Handlebar Pack incorporates a cleverly-hidden valve for purging of excess air inside the bag.  Shock cord and attachment points for optional accessories add to its versatility.  It is offered in a range of sizes to fit any cockpit.

 

Sunset in the Boise Foothills
Apidura bikepacking gear is perfect for light and fast adventures on a wide variety of terrain and bicycles – especially those with more horizontal top tubes.  These products fill an important void and expand the utility of bikes that may not have been considered appropriate for touring in the past.  So, load up and hit the road!

 

Categories
Frame Bags Touring Bike Accessories

Revelate Designs at Interbike 2014

On Monday September 8 between 4 and 5 inches of rain fell in southern Nevada and wiped out portions of I-15, the main highway between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, and resulted in the worst flooding in over 30 years in the area. We heard about it first from Eric Parsons who was having his booth for Interbike shipped to him from Salt Lake. He finally got it set up around six PM…after the first day of the show.

When we stopped by again on Thursday we had a chance to talk and to get updates on new stuff from Revelate Designs;

They have a prototype for a new Tangle Bag (the original will still be made) which addresses the stress on the zipper to the main compartment. Apparently that side is the one that is most abused with a loaded bag. The prototype (which is close to production) uses a flexible cover shield to keep out the elements and a non-waterproof zipper for durability. The final bag may incorporate a more flexible material on the top of the bag where it attaches to the top tube to further reduce stress on the zipper area.

Revelate Tangle
New zipper cover.
zipper
The new zipper is not waterproof but is more durable.
daisy chain revelate designs
This daisy chain webbing allows for a custom fit when using other top tube bags.

They still make some bags out of the super light Cuben Fibre material but it is so labor intensive that they don’t wholesale the bags yet. There is a mid weight material though that is very tough and durable and is a similar swanky looking white.

backpack
This climbing backpack (not for sale)has seen years of abuse.

bags on a bike

Pika seat bag
The areas subject to stress and abrasion still use the heavier material.

There is a newly designed Pocket as well. This one features a curved zipper which creates sort of a lid, the idea being that it will be easier to access while on the bike. The bag is also reinforced in a way that it retains its shape and there are attachments that will make the bag more stable when used as a standalone piece, without a Harness or Sweet Roll.

inside of bag
The new front Pocket has a redesigned interior too.

top of bag
New smiley face zipper on Revelate Designs Pocket

I’m glad we went back and had a chance to talk with the guys from Revelate Designs because, at first glance, there didn’t appear to be a lot that was new. But they are always thinking and tinkering and improving. We are looking forward to the next generations of bikepacking gear!

Categories
Frame Bags Saddlebags Touring Bike Accessories

Revelate Designs Frame Bags for Bikepacking and Bike Camping

Bike Touring News carries the full line of Revelate Designs products (when we can get them; these things are popular and, since they are all made in the US on a relatively small scale, sometimes they are out of stock). We are also one of four Authorized On-Line Dealers in the U.S.
Revelate Designs “are innovators and builders of the highest quality bikepacking and adventure cycling gear available anywhere. Alaska born and 100% Made in USA“. This is bike gear that is designed for rackless lightweight touring, bikepacking, bike camping and expedition touring. Many customers use individual bags, such as the Mountain Feedbag or the Gas Tank, to complement their traditional pannier setup for touring.
A couple of years ago I wrote this blog post featuring Eric Parson’s trip on the Lost Coast of Alaska in 2008. Eric is the founder of Revelate Designs (which was originally called Epic Designs).
Last year at Interbike in Las Vegas we spoke to Eric and recorded this interview:

In this video I describe some of the features of the bags and talk about how they are designed to fit on the bike. The benefits of the modular concept of this system become apparent when one starts combining bags to create a bikepacking setup; the various bags fit without interfering with one another, plus bags can be removed or added depending in the length and/or duration of the current trip under consideration. And- this is where Eric’s structural engineering background becomes evident- the incorporated stiffeners and straps create a very solid and sway free coupling to the bike.

For people with bikes which are not designed to be fitted with racks, Revelate Designs frame bags can be a good way to increase the bike’s usefulness. Even those with a traditional touring bike and pannier arrangement can always use another place to store food, electronics, jackets, sunglasses, etc.