Bikepacking bags explained: what you need for a bikepacking trip

Bicycle Bags are typically strapped to the bike and offer a lightweight, modular and versatile approach to carrying the kit.

One of the key differences between traditional cycle touring and bike packing is how you carry your kit on the bike.

• Handlebar bag

A Bicycle Handlebar Bag (sometimes referred to as a handlebar pack) sits between the brake/gear levers and is fixed to the handlebar. While they’re great for bike packing, smaller handlebar packs are also gaining popularity for day-long rides.

When choosing a handlebar pack, look for something waterproof because you don’t want to be setting up camp into a soggy sleeping bag. Some Bicycle Smartphone Bags also have storage straps or nets on the outside which are handy for stuffing that raincoat you have just taken off.

Finally, if you are on the fence about whether this might be your thing, a good quality dry bag lashed to your bike’s handlebar with a tie-down strap also works.

• Frame pack

Bicycle Frame Bags are designed for the triangle between the top tube, down tube and seat tube of your bike frame.

Offering well-balanced, aerodynamic carriage, these are a favorite for ultra-distance racing. Storing heavier items, such as tools or food, in the frame bag is a good idea because this helps to maintain a low center of gravity.

One key advantage of a Bicycle Saddle Bag is the relatively easy access to your belongings during a ride. You will need to stop before you can access anything, of course, but it is easy to open the bag and grab what you need – providing you pack smartly (we will come on to this).

Most bags are designed with a roll-top closure, allowing the bag to become smaller or larger – another advantage – and keeping the contents secure and firmly attached to the bike.

• Small pack away bag

At some point during a bike packing trip, you’ll inevitably need a bit more space. Enter the pack away bag.

The ideal pack away Waterproof Bag is a tiny foldable rucksack or musette, designed to be small and light. They are not for wearing all day but are helpful if the weather has warmed, and you have got more layers to carry, or for when you have just restocked with supplies for the night. You can also use it as a shopping bag for picking up those supplies.

The Advantages of Handlebar Bag

1. More Volume

A Waterproof Bicycle Handlebar Bag can be filled with fairly enormous items (e.g., a jacket…etc.) Conversely, the shape and position of a frame bag restrict its volume considerably. If you load a frame bag with voluminous cargo, it may tear or come in contact with your shins and calves while pedaling – an annoying outcome, especially on a long trip.

2. Protected From Dust and Road Spray

The Advantages of Frame Bag

1. Do Not Affect Steering

A Waterproof Bicycle Frame Bag is part of the frame and subsequently does not affect the bike’s steering, unlike handlebar bags.

2. Discreteness