Talk to me oh Singletrack of bikepacking bags

How big should I go for on the front and rear?

First question is 'how much gear will I actually be taking, and do I need all of it?' . It's easy to buy (and then fill up bigger bags), and then be annoyed because the end product isn't very stable and it kills the fun of actually riding. But if you want to take a bit more, might be worth considering a rear rack.

So I'd start with a few different sized drybags and straps and actually do a test pack, which might save you money when it comes to buying the actual equipment.

As an above, start with a pile of stuff and see how much space it takes up. I think my set up is 30 liters on the rack, then around 5 liters on the bar and frame. I see that as mid pack. Quite a small down summer bag, cheapish Alpkit mat with some insulation, and soloist xl. But my old bag and tent alone would add 10 liters. Proper posh stuff take a fair bit off.

As you have a rack you might as well use it. Either strap a dry bag to it or buy a specific rack top bag

Perhaps look at Topeak? Worked for me, but I wasn't camping.

Do you already have a rear rack fitted if you have panniers?

My plan is to buy some small panniers that are very secure, in addition to my frame bag, bar bags and a drybag on the rack top.

I've slowly upgraded to full restrap. Not least cos my frame is the one they used for the restrap photoshoot so I know they will fit, and look pimp! Tbh not too expensive as I found them all at a decent discount. Not really used them in anger but seems very good.

Thanks for the rapid responses. This is going to be something of a bulk response.

I'll go away and have a look at what I'm thinking of taking. In all honesty, I'm likely to be booking accommodation to begin with, so I can get away with fairly light. But I'm also a terrible packer...so maybe not.

I've got Ortlieb rear bags for work. They're great, for commuting, shopping and other errands.  I did the Cantii way 18 months ago, and the rattle of the bag on my rack during the off road sections was deafening!  I'd like to move into more adventurous terrain and I'm not sure they're up to it. That, and I want to make sure I don't destroy the bags I use to get to work on a weekend adventure.

Additionally, they won't go on the full-bouncer if I choose to take that on a longer trip.

If I am buying bags, what features should I be looking for? Are there things I should avoid?

I would avoid barbags with an integrated harness. A harness that stays on the bike and a separate dry bag is way better. Ditto for saddlebags tho I can't really think of any. Esp if your staying places you'll want to get your luggage off easily.

I would avoid barbags with an integrated harness. A harness that stays on the bike and a separate dry bag is way better. Ditto for saddlebags tho I can’t really think of any.

Blackburn do one which I upgraded to from Rockbros, who do decent stuff to get you started. Think they have a bad rep for ripping off established brands mind.

Ortlieb Cityrollers have been great for me, since you already have a pannier rack. Don't wobble. Don't scratch the frame. One single place for all my gear and it's a nice big hole so you can put things in and take them out easily.

I started off with the Podsacs stuff from Planet X and then as I've learned and/or damaged stuff I've now got a full-custom framebag from Alpkit and front rear harness/dri-bags from Blackburn.

And learned about the little accessories the likes of Wolftooth do that are really useful, like the Valais for droppers.

I’ve got Ortlieb rear bags for work. They’re great, for commuting, shopping and other errands. I did the Cantii way 18 months ago, and the rattle of the bag on my rack during the off road sections was deafening! I’d like to move into more adventurous terrain and I’m not sure they’re up to it. That, and I want to make sure I don’t destroy the bags I use to get to work on a weekend adventure.

https://bikepacking.com/index/panniers-for-bikepacking/

In my bikepacking phase, I used a combination of different stuff but always ended up back at the same set up: Apidura 17l 'Backcountry' seatpack, some kind of half frame bag, and some kind of bar bag. Tried top tube bags for a while too but they don't play nice with my knees while out of the saddle.

When it comes to recommendations, I liked that Apidura seatpack so much I bought it twice (have tried a Restrap with a removable bag but it didn't stay put as well for me on my set up, and I value quiet and sway-free over easy removal), so I'd say that's a recommendation. Have had quite a bit of Revelate stuff over the years, and it's been super reliable and strong. I'd be going for something like their bar harness (Prong Horn?) and a Saltyroll. I had a large Sweetroll but would suggest a harness for the bars now I think. Framebag-wise I've really liked the Revelate Hopper, fitment will depend on your bike (fits perfectly on my Stooge MK4), but the best have been custom jobs from Straight Cut up in Scotland. Had an off-the-shelf half frame pack from him (Ross) on my Pugsley, and a custom full frame bag on my Pipedream ALICE, both were excellent. For the frame, I'd rather have something that's a perfect fit, than a compromise.

Ortlieb stuff is quality and very waterproof

Re: bar harness, Wildcat do front and rear ones called Lion which are great. The front one goes around the fork so holds itself away from the headtube, my wife has a restrap front harness which isn't as good, easier to attach but rests on the frame.

I have a real mix now, Wildcat front harness which takes one of three Alpkit dry bags depending on if I'm on narrower drops or more spacious flat bars, a rear Tailfin (I could sing its praises but let's just say I love it, especially with mini panniers to stuff a wet tent into) a Restrap top tube bag (not used in anger yet)

I have two custom Alpkit frame bags, one is probably over 10 years old for an old 26" bike and the other is for my gravel bike which has a bladder pocket in it, but I tend to prefer the convenience of bottles so rarely use it now.

Tried and seen many brands, my favourite are Wildcat. The harness stays on the bike and it's really secure once loaded, plus they're made locally.

I'd add Lomo to the list. My seatpack is a solid piece of kit and a great price.

Another vote for the harness/drybag type. Whether staying in a hotel, or packing up under a tarp/tent, it's much easier to do so when you can fill the bag then strap it in easily rather than fiddling about trying to strap a heavy bag onto your bar/seatpost.

I'm still using Revelate bags that I bought an age ago so I must recommend them.

I also have a Lomo frame bag that lives permanently on my Fatbike. It stands up to all abuse.

Thanks again for all the responses. I've learned a load already.

Now for more questions:

While I'm thinking about frame, seat and bar bags; if I'm taking less stuff, which do I take off first? I'm thinking in terms of which bags to buy first.

Are all dry bags much of a muchness? ie  double-ended bags for the bars, is there any point going with more expensive ones? I assume that for seat bags, there's an advantage in buying a set so the shapes match?

Wilcat stuff looks really nice, will the straps on the Lion play OK with full mudguards?

The equivalent Alpkit, the Kanga, is cheaper and looks similar. What advantages are there to the wildcat? Would the kanga fit drop bars? I didn't see a measurement anywhere.

On half frame bags the Wildcat has elasticated straps for the top tube? Anyone have experience of that setup vs velcro?

Also, should I be focussing on frame bags that are waterproof, or is "weatherproof" enough?

There will probably be more questions. But this will do for now.

On one have a decent range

[i]Wilcat stuff looks really nice, will the straps on the Lion play OK with full mudguards?[/i]

I have Kinesis Fend-offs and if I want to attach the front harness I have to loosen the bolt on the front of the forks.  However, thats because I drilled a hole below the normal slot to maximise the mud clearance, if I ovalised it I could easily run the guard a couple of mm lower to allow the straps to pass through.

I only have to do this at the start and end of the trip as the harness doesn't need to come off the bike during a multi-day trip

While I’m thinking about frame, seat and bar bags; if I’m taking less stuff, which do I take off first?

I would say seat, on the principle of weight lower on the bike being better, and they tend to be the least stable, plus you might want to use a dropper on a MTB. But you may prefer taking all the bags, and just having the freedom of equalising weight across the bike.

Your kit needs to be waterproof at some point. If you're going 'weatherproof' (what does that mean?) then you'll have to have it inside a dry bag anyway.

I had a Kanga initially, needed extra straps to make it as stable as I wanted, and you need to be careful that it doesn't rub the headtube or fork legs. I now have a slightly bulkier harness but it cinches down much better, and is designed to minimise rubbing. I'd assume that the wildcat would be a slightly more stable design, but I haven't used one. Either way, might be worth budgeting for a couple of Voile straps or similar to get the bag where you want it. Unless you've got a massive bag up front, wouldn't have thought it would interfere with mudguards. If it does, chances are it could hit the tyre, which isn't much fun.

One thing some bar bag/harness designers seem to have forgotten is that folk also ride when it's dark and so might like a light on their bars too. If you're one of them, make sure the bar bag will sit below the bar somewhat, or be prepared for some creative light mounting scenarios.

My recommendations would be the following in order of preference:

1. Borrow the bags from a friend or fellow cycle club member.
2. Buy second hand.
3. Buy cheapish bags from a reputable source like Alpkit, until you're 100% sure that you're sold on bike packing.
4. Buy the best bags you can afford from reputable names like you've mentioned (also include Ortlieb to your list, especially the qr saddle bag), if you're into bike backing, then they'll last a long or if you decide it's not for you, then you'll get a decent return on your bags.

While I’m thinking about frame, seat and bar bags; if I’m taking less stuff, which do I take off first? I’m thinking in terms of which bags to buy first.

I always try to avoid running a bar bag where possible. I find they affect handling more than the other bag locations and cause more fatigue, reduce possible hand positions, can make mounting other accessories awkward or sub-optimal, and are less aero.

My recommendations would be the following in order of preference:

Borrow the bags from a friend or fellow cycle club member.
Buy second hand.
Buy cheapish bags from a reputable source like Alpkit, until you’re 100% sure that you’re sold on bike packing.
Buy the best bags you can afford from reputable names like you’ve mentioned (also include Ortlieb to your list, especially the qr saddle bag), if you’re into bike backing, then they’ll last a long or if you decide it’s not for you, then you’ll get a decent return on your bags.

Sound advice ^

In my experience, you'll be fine with pretty much anything from your list to start with, as the bags are one part of many when it comes to cycling longer distances and camping. As you do more, you can dial in your set up to suit. I bet no-one on here has identical set ups. Youtube has a bazillion vids on this very subject.

For bar bags, I've managed so far with a basic 13L or 20L Alpkit Airlok dual just strapped to bars. I carry sleeping bag, down jacket and possibly additional clothing in it ie. bulky but light stuff. Its a bit faffy at the start of the day but so is camping.. and you need to check for fouling of cables, STI levers and rub. I've tackled light off-road with this without issues. More bouncy stuff would warrant a less baggy set up and if I did more I'd look at a harness thingy to open up hand positions.

Weatherproof means anything more than a light shower and you will need to waterproof anything vulnerable within the bags.

Combination of Alpkit, and Brooks kit here, the bar bag just squeezes in but I'm fine with it  so far:

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Would the kanga fit drop bars?

Yes. I use one with an Alpkit 13 litre double ended dry bag. It's a snug fit with 44cm drops but perfectly usable.

Not-so stealth ad:

I'll be listing some brand new Podsacs bags on the Classifieds later this afternoon. Should be bang on to get you going for little money and then upgrade from there once you know what works.

No mention of tailfin. I have no experience, but I'm sorely tempted because I've never heard a bad word... Except cost

@the00

I mentioned them 🙂

It is expensive but I think its a great product.

The only downside of the easy access top loading aeropack is that it's not as stuffable as a dry bag, so if you decide to put soft lofty items in there, it tends to take up more space.  But on the flip side, part of the appeal is the easy access.

However Tailfin have just released packing cubes which are three stuffable sacks that fit into the Tailfin (they are not cubes though!).  I never impulse buy, but on this occasion, I read the email, clicked the link, and within an hour I'd order a set.

More expense but my current system is various stuff sacks from random airbeds and I never pack it the same way twice so often need to hunt for stuff. And if I can get more in and it means I can leave the camelback behind or run a smaller bar bag that's a win in my book.

This was my overnighter set up + a Camelbak for water, layers, and tools - first thing I'd lose would be the bar bag. As has been said above, it has the biggest impact on handling and I really don't find any issues with a well packed (and cinched down) seatpack.