Which handlebar bag for touring

It is extremely useful for transporting your bike when travelling on pavements and streets. You can easily attach it onto your bike with the help of bike strap. Here, I will describe some of the bike handlebar bag benefits that you should consider to ensure you get the best deal.

You can use a regular bicycle chain ring, bungee straps, bike rack hooks or other specialized racks. These bags have an extensive variety of attachment points that allow you to easily secure your cycling bicycle to a number of different places. You can purchase a single day rain cover, a dual rain cover or a front and rear rain cover. With this, you will be able to enjoy fresh air and dry weather with ease. They come with multiple pockets and a spacious main compartment where you can store everything, regardless of the mode of transport you are using.

This is very useful especially for storing essential things such as water, accessories, and food. This bag has a very high storage capacity which means you can always stay prepared for your next tour or trip. The spacious main compartment can even accommodate your laptop or other accessories without taking up much room. In addition to this, it also has side draw latches and zippers to ensure that your things are securely stored.

This will help you avoid having to tie down your handlebars. This will prevent your hands from getting dirty when carrying the bag over rough surfaces or exposed to the elements. The KlickFix module plate is already installed at the factory. The lid is equipped with magnets that prevent it from being opened accidentally, even when your bag is fully stuffed. This is a positive and durable element you would want in every bag for touring.

It also has the possibility of using a padded shoulder strap when you want to take your most precious belongings with you. Although the KlickFix mounting is solid and allows you to carry up to 8kg in the front bag, I prefer the mounting system of the Ortlieb. As it is made of a wire, it gives me the impression that it will absorb more vibrations caused by the rough terrain.

Saying that this system is very solid, and I have met some tourists using it and are quite happy with their choice. I have also had the chance to try one myself, but for a shorter period. To summarize, this is a good alternative to the Ortlieb Ultimate 6 handlebar bag, as it has quite similar characteristics. Also on the pricey side, but this one, like the 2 previous ones, are considered premium bags.

The downside, apart from the price, can be the heavy feeling when loaded, and the rattling when going through gravel, but this is more associated with the kind of bag and what we compare them with.

The Tourguide is a full-featured handlebar bag with a QuickClick quick-release bracket and shoulder strap that makes it easy to take it with you. For extended touring, day trips, and commuting, this bag features a special space to mount your cycle computer, a divider, two side pockets, a clear map cover, a 3M reflective strip and a safety light mount for increased low-light visibility.

The compartments are divided main compartment, front zip pocket, two side zip pockets, and a Clear map pocket. A simple slide and click and the bag is secure. To remove, a simple push of a button unlocks the system for easy removal. Fast, easy, and secure. The main consequence that I see on these bags is the lack of waterproofness.

It indeed comes with a rain cover that will do the job, but you will have to stop every time it starts downpouring, a fact that can be a bit annoying in some areas of the world.

Also, the QuickClick system is of less quality than any of the mentioned above. We will find another kind of handlebar bags in this category. The difference with the previous ones strides mainly on the usage and the way they are attached to the handlebars.

We have found bags that are attached first with a harness structure that brace a dry bag, and bags that attach themselves to the handlebar in one piece. The bag analyzed is the Sweetroll, and together with the Harness, a versatile system capable of carrying up to 6,8 kg, pretty cheap if compared to other similar products, allows to hook and unhook quickly the bag not included in the package.

Also, we recommend complementing it with another product, which is the Saltyroll, to carry up to 15 litres, waterproof and double roll closure…. It can even hold multiple separate items. The Harness is first secured to the bars, and then dry bags or other objects can, in turn, be secured within the Harness.

The Harness is Compatible with any Revelate Designs front pocket bag, which are sold separately. Its 3-strap system allows for balanced and easy bag mounting; simply centre the load and fasten the middle strap first, and then the outer two. The Fiberglass crossbar provides lateral stiffness across the 3 straps.

It also features a moulded rubber spacer blocks that provide an offset from the handlebars to reduce interference with levers and cables. The harness is made of 3-layer, compression-moulded EVA composite material, which features a grippy inner surface to keep your load in place. Note: With drop bars, you are limited in the width of the main bag; the harness is not compatible with cantilever or road style front brakes that have a vertical exposed cable.

Materials Saltyroll : denier nylon with TPU coating. This is one of the best handlebars bag we have tried, together with the previous one. The difference with this one is that the attachment and the bag come all in one. The handlebar drybag has 9 litres capacity. Also, there is another version, the Slate, with a massive 15 litres volume that is enough to adjust your sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and other small accessories.

The two side roll closures make everything in the bag quite accessible. Moreover, you can easily attach extra equipment with the attached compression belts and drawstrings.

If you require carrying more equipment, you can attach the Ortlieb Accessory-Pack. The mounting system of the pack has spacers and two straps that feature extra-long velcro closures.

These help in attaching the bag to the handlebar while maintaining balance and stability. It is also suitable for carbon handlebars. It also features 4 spacers and a strap with a spacer for mounting around the stem. Note that to meet standard IP64 protection from dust and water, the closure must be rolled 3 to 4 times, so if you think you will be carrying a bigger load, I would go for the slate version of 15l.

You can always roll the edges more times and adjust the load if you have less to carry on a particular trip. Small handlebar bags can contain a surprising amount of useful items and are therefore a remarkably convenient way to bring along essentials. Jersey pockets have limitations and can become uncomfortable when loaded up, so a small handlebar bag is a perfect way to carry everything you might need for a training ride.

This bag can be taken for a ride on your commuter, on a bikepacking or mountain biking trip, or your roadie. It can be used independently as a handlebar bag or fixed to the Handlebar-Pack for additional quick-access storage.

This convenient volume expander for your Handlebar-Pack keeps your things secure, absolutely waterproof and quickly accessible at all times. Use the metal hooks to securely attach the Accessory-Pack to the four points of attachment on the Handlebar-Pack. You can even use the carrying strap to transform the lightweight bag into a shoulder or hip bag. The Jumbo Jammer is a high volume, rackless, universal handlebar and saddlebag. This massive bag is the largest on this list by a mile with its 26 litres!

The weight packs nicely to the bars, and the straps allow for a strong, sturdy placement on the bike. It never moves around or loosens up, even after a gnarly day on singletrack. There are two external expanding front pockets with a flap lid.

This bag was made for either front for dirt or rear for the road use and will accommodate various bikes, handlebars, and different riding styles. One of the things that I like about this bag is the closure straps, which give adjustable positions for the optimal weight to tension ratio. You can load this pup up and cinch it down to create a stiff and compact bag with minimal sway or sag when mounted appropriately. Their idea was to create a bag with an easy-access main compartment, three internal pockets, and an additional waterproof pocket on the main flap.

The Toaster Bag comes with two removable side pouches, and Molle-style webbing across the sides and front of the bag provide plenty of attachment points for lights, dangle mugs, and trailside finds. Hidden under the main flap is a section of elastic that provides yet another spot to lash down a light jacket or to dry socks out. Dyed in The Wool also let us know that it can be mounted to a rear rack as well.

The Toaster Bag is made to order in Warsaw, Poland, and can be sewn in X-Pac, Cordura, or Dyneema in a wide range of colours and is offered with or without the two pouches. The Ellum Ursa Minor is a smaller version of the Ursa Major, but still offers plenty of capacity at around The bag is made from a mix of burly D and D Cordura, has a bright nylon liner, and high-vis reflective accents.

The two exterior pockets can flatten when not in use, there are two smaller mesh pockets inside for keeping things organized, and includes six d-rings for lashing gear or for use of a shoulder strap.

Big enough for all but the coldest tours. With a modicum of care, this bag will outlast you. Made by Framework Designs in Australia, The Overlander is a flap-style bag that can be mounted to a saddle, handlebar, or even a rack. It has plenty of different daisy chain attachment points, including two different heights on the back and several lengths along the base as well. It uses a large flap closure with side release buckles, covering a roll-top closure underneath for a waterproof construction.

There is one larger exterior front pocket and two smaller side pockets with drainage holes for quick-access items and two concealed pieces of dowel for structure and stability.

Custom colours are also available. Duluth, Minnesota based Frost River specializes in handmade packs, bags, and accessories made from the highest quality materials and components. It has two external pockets, d-rings for a shoulder strap, and storm flaps over all pockets. It uses a HDPE liner to keep the bags shape, two daisy chains for multiple attachment points, two exterior pockets, and a large flap closure with side release buckles.

The Slugger can carry 13L but can expand up to 21L for when extra carrying capacity is needed. Looking for something a little smaller? Makeshifter is a small-scale maker from Portland, Oregon.

Each bag is made to order. Handmade in Chile, the Plasmo Senderito is a mid-sized long flap style bag that is designed to be mounted on a handlebar, but can be used as a saddle bag as well. It secures to your bar using two large velcro straps, has an internal plastic stabilizer, two exterior pockets, and a roll-top closure covered by a large flap-style lid. Plasmo sells a Voile Strap kit with foam spacers designed to be used with flat bars, to leave room for cables up front. It has an internal stiffener to help keep its shape and foam spacers with spring-loaded cam locks provide a stable and reliable attachment to your handlebars.

The exterior shell is made from a burly D Cordura, with a high denier, seam taped, Rip-Stop nylon liner. Looking for something larger? Although the Road Runner Bags Middle Earth Jammer is designed for the everyday commuter, it offers a generous capacity that is maxed out at a whopping 19L, thanks to its roll top design.

It has two external expanding front pockets, webbing compressions straps, adjustable mounting straps, and can be used on your handlebars or attached to a saddle with appropriate saddle loops or mounting hardware.

The roll-top closure can be folded down inside the bag, and a one-handed magnetic snap can be used instead of the two side release buckles for easy access while on the move.

There are two expandable side pockets, a bright yellow liner, and there are several different daisy chain webbing attachment points for mounting on saddles or handlebars. It features a large main flap, a folding interior closure, two side pockets, and a front sleeve for smaller items. The 5. Ruthworks is a one-person custom cycling luggage company located in the Mission District of San Francisco, California.

Two massive side pockets, big enough to fit a Nalgene bottle, add some significant packing space, and the main opening uses a leather strap and buckle that can be substituted for a standard side-release buckle if requested. Each Waxwing Longflap Saddlebag is made to order, so you have your choice of colour, size, and fabric type. For something smaller, without the expandable flap, check out their standard Waxwing Saddlebag.

When used on the handlebars, different mounting systems are available. Some bags still use leather straps and metal buckles, for that classic look. Others feature velcro straps that can be cinched in super tight, or nylon webbing and buckles, offering good long-term durability. When used with foam blocks — as shown in the image below — you can space the bag out to allow more hand positions on the tops of your drop handlebars. Just note that some handlebars work better than others, depending on the sweep of the bar and the position of the brake levers, or its style, so some experimentation may be required.

In our experience, saddlebag designs that feature mounting points on the underside of the bag work best for burly dirt road touring; a well-placed strap or two will prevent the bag from bouncing up and down or side to side, destabilising the bike. Be sure to check every once in a while to make sure there are no stress points. This kind of secondary attachment system is less important for gravel road bikepacking, where a single attachment behind the saddle is usually just fine.

Options abound as to exactly how to set your bag up, depending on criteria that includes trail conditions and the physical distance from your tire to your handlebars — the minimum distances required are listed for each bag above. Many riders will likely choose to run saddlebags behind the saddle, which offers the most capacity, given that the lids can be expanded upwards, or D-rings loaded with extra gear when needed. The traditional option is to use a saddlebag in conjunction with a saddle that features integrated loops, like the classic Brooks B17 or one of the models in the Brooks Cambium range.

Whilst some riders are happy running their saddlebags without a rear support, we find the bags tend to rub too much against the thighs for this to be a recommended solution, though a few foam spacers can sometimes be enough to make a difference.

To support your rear saddlebag and distance it from the seatpost, there are two kinds of options to choose from — either a saddlebag support that hangs off the saddle rails or a rear rack, assuming your frame has provision for one.

The former is lighter and suited to gravel roads, while the latter is preferred for heavier loads and rougher conditions. For dedicated off-road use, a lightweight, minimal rear rack is a great way of supporting a saddlebag, especially if you intend to really load it up on a long trip. Depending on the bag and rack combination, experimentation is generally required for the right setup, especially when it comes to the height between your saddle and the rack platform.

Take note of the minimum clearances required, as listed above. If you like working with your hands and have access to a good sewing machine, making your own bikepacking bags can be quite rewarding. Typically, some heavyweight cotton duck cloth, webbing, grosgrain, a few buckles, and a dowel rod are all you need. However, saddlebag fabric can range from timeless waxed canvas, to more modern and rugged Cordura, to lightweight X-Pac.

Most materials you will need can be found at craft stores, or fabric suppliers such as Rockywoods. So, saddlebag or seatpack? Which is best for you? This said, the modern bikepacking setup also requires a very specific and practised packing style to work at its best. In conclusion, if you need weight savings and ultimate stability — think challenging bikepacking routes like the Colorado Trail — seatbags and rollbags remain our go-to choice.

For some, teaming a top-loading bag off the handlebars — whether it has a lid or a rolltop — with a lightweight seatpack may well prove to offer the best of both worlds. As always, we may have missed a couple of saddlebags or top-openers in this Index. If you have experience with one and would recommend it, please let us know in the comments below! Login user JOIN. What is Bikepacking?