What Bike-packing Bag Brands?

[joshkingsbury]

Hi everyone,


I’m planning a 10-14 day bikepacking trip through the Alps in June/July time and would really appreciate some advice on choosing the right bags. My setup will be for lightweight touring, with a focus on climbing, so I’m looking for gear that’s durable, weatherproof, and doesn’t compromise the bike’s handling too much.


What I’m unsure about:
• Should I go with a full frame bag or stick to a smaller frame bag + top tube bag combo?
• Recommendations for saddle bags that don’t sway on steep climbs or descents?
• Any must-have accessories for dealing with alpine weather (June time)?
• Specific brands or models you’d recommend for trips like this? Or brands to avoid?


I’m riding a road bike (giant TCR) so I’ll have to balance storage capacity with bike geometry. Would love to hear your experiences or tips, especially if you’ve done a similar trip!

Thanks in advance!
Josh

 

[chriswoody]

There's a lot to think about here and a lot will depend on your bike as well, particularly the size of it. With smaller framed bikes there's a lot less room for bags and seatpost packs in particular can be very problematic. In general you'll need over 15cm of seatpost visible to accommodate the majority of seat packs available. I only have 12 cm's which has caused a few issues in selecting a suitable bag. I currently use a Topeak bag on my Gravel bike, but the problem is the outer bag is not waterproof and the inner drybag that they provide isn't shaped to fit the entirety of the bag leaving gaps which makes it a pig to pack properly. I have a Restrap bag on the MTB and that is much better, it's a holster style bag, whereby there's an outer harness and a single drybag that slots into it. This is a great bag, really well built, easy to use and is rock steady.

With regards frame bags, you really need to think about water and water storage. It can get very hot in the Aps in Summer and high twenties/low thirties are not unheard of. I tend to go for over 2 litres of water and with the gravel bike I like to carry that in the main triangle. I have room then for a half frame bag, which currently is the Excellent Apidura one. I originally owned a cheaper Topeak one, but the attachment system was flawed and a lot of weight was placed on the zip, which ended up breaking. This Apidura one has multiple attachment points and is generally much better constructed. I also have the Apidura water bladder which sits inside the frame bag and a drinking tube can be attached which works really well.

On the Mountain bike, I use an Ortlieb bag which is completely waterproof and I deliberately have the roll top one so I have no zips to worry about breaking.

If you don't want to use the main triangle or frame bags for water, then an alternative is to use feed bags which mount either side of the stem. I use this method on the mountain bike because it keeps the bottles up out of the way of mud and poo. With feedbags there really is only one manufacturer to consider and that's Revelate Designs feedbags, no other design comes close, these bags are fantastic. They have the ingenious one hand opening closing system and lots of other genius design features.

Front roll can also be problematic with a drop bar bike, you really don't get much space between the drops on modern bikes. I actually have 500mm wide bars so can squeeze a 8 litre dry bag in there in a Topeak front loader harness. Narrower bars though lose some of those litres.

I also have a Revelate Designs Mag Tank on the top tube, again a brilliant bit of kit with a fantastic opening system, no zips to break or worry about. The only downside is that this is not completely waterproof, but as long as you are aware of this, then that's fine.

The only other bags I use are the fork bags on my gravel bike. I use the Apidura fork bags attached to Blackburn cargo cages. Brilliant little bags that are fully waterproof, easy to attach and detach and don't budge an inch on the roughest of trails.

If you look for my posts in the Travelogue section, you'll see the numerous trips I've ridden in Alpine regions. I don't really worry about any special kit, I actually carried more cold weather/wet weather gear this summer in Scotland. In the Alps I just carry mostly hot weather kit, shorts etc and a lightweight rain jacket. The biggest issue can be water, depending on where you are going. Some parts of the Alps are Limestone/Karst landscapes and natural water sources can be scarce, meaning you need to carry more water. I've also started to use High Five hydration tablets, which have had a real positive impact on my riding and recovery.

Here's my Gravel bike set up for the Swiss Alps with full camping gear, one man tent, lightweight sleeping bag, clothes, cooking kit food etc..

Here's the Mountain Bike in Scotland this year with a slightly fuller set up than I would use in the Aps.

 

[Ajax Bay]

I use the same Apidura frame bag (there are slightly larger sizes for a larger frame than Chris' and I have a horizontal top tube).
I have to compromise with only 500ml bottles though (to fit).
The volume from a top (of the) tube 'bag' is minimal but such easy access (and keeps stuff out of back pockets).
Consider not taking cooking stuff.

 

[Emanresu]

I found this article very useful. Lots of things I'd like to have bought but didn't. Good magazine though.

https://bikepacking.com/bikes/2024-atlas-mountain-race-rigs-breakdown/

and

https://bikepacking.com/?s=race+rigs

PS. I'm an avid Ortleib fan.

 

[chriswoody]

On the subject of Apidura actually, I forgot to mention they have a frame sizing tool. So you can upload a photo of your bike and then through some witchcraft you can take an image of one of their packs and see if it fits your bike. I actually sized up my half frame bag using this tool and found it really accurate.

Apidura also have really excellent customer service if you should happen to break your bag or loose a part of your hydration bladder!

 

[joshkingsbury]

There's a lot to think about here and a lot will depend on your bike as well, particularly the size of it. With smaller framed bikes there's a lot less room for bags and seatpost packs in particular can be very problematic. In general you'll need over 15cm of seatpost visible to accommodate the majority of seat packs available. I only have 12 cm's which has caused a few issues in selecting a suitable bag. I currently use a Topeak bag on my Gravel bike, but the problem is the outer bag is not waterproof and the inner drybag that they provide isn't shaped to fit the entirety of the bag leaving gaps which makes it a pig to pack properly. I have a Restrap bag on the MTB and that is much better, it's a holster style bag, whereby there's an outer harness and a single drybag that slots into it. This is a great bag, really well built, easy to use and is rock steady.

With regards frame bags, you really need to think about water and water storage. It can get very hot in the Aps in Summer and high twenties/low thirties are not unheard of. I tend to go for over 2 litres of water and with the gravel bike I like to carry that in the main triangle. I have room then for a half frame bag, which currently is the Excellent Apidura one. I originally owned a cheaper Topeak one, but the attachment system was flawed and a lot of weight was placed on the zip, which ended up breaking. This Apidura one has multiple attachment points and is generally much better constructed. I also have the Apidura water bladder which sits inside the frame bag and a drinking tube can be attached which works really well.

On the Mountain bike, I use an Ortlieb bag which is completely waterproof and I deliberately have the roll top one so I have no zips to worry about breaking.

If you don't want to use the main triangle or frame bags for water, then an alternative is to use feed bags which mount either side of the stem. I use this method on the mountain bike because it keeps the bottles up out of the way of mud and poo. With feedbags there really is only one manufacturer to consider and that's Revelate Designs feedbags, no other design comes close, these bags are fantastic. They have the ingenious one hand opening closing system and lots of other genius design features.

Front roll can also be problematic with a drop bar bike, you really don't get much space between the drops on modern bikes. I actually have 500mm wide bars so can squeeze a 8 litre dry bag in there in a Topeak front loader harness. Narrower bars though lose some of those litres.

I also have a Revelate Designs Mag Tank on the top tube, again a brilliant bit of kit with a fantastic opening system, no zips to break or worry about. The only downside is that this is not completely waterproof, but as long as you are aware of this, then that's fine.

The only other bags I use are the fork bags on my gravel bike. I use the Apidura fork bags attached to Blackburn cargo cages. Brilliant little bags that are fully waterproof, easy to attach and detach and don't budge an inch on the roughest of trails.

If you look for my posts in the Travelogue section, you'll see the numerous trips I've ridden in Alpine regions. I don't really worry about any special kit, I actually carried more cold weather/wet weather gear this summer in Scotland. In the Alps I just carry mostly hot weather kit, shorts etc and a lightweight rain jacket. The biggest issue can be water, depending on where you are going. Some parts of the Alps are Limestone/Karst landscapes and natural water sources can be scarce, meaning you need to carry more water. I've also started to use High Five hydration tablets, which have had a real positive impact on my riding and recovery.

Here's my Gravel bike set up for the Swiss Alps with full camping gear, one man tent, lightweight sleeping bag, clothes, cooking kit food etc..

View attachment 754106

Here's the Mountain Bike in Scotland this year with a slightly fuller set up than I would use in the Aps.

View attachment 754108

This is all super useful thanks. My bike as a bit small for me (Giant TCR Large) so saddle space won't be an issue. I had a look at those Apidura ones, the sizing tool is super helpful. What size is that one on your gravel bike? Seems like a 5L Long might be the best fit for my bike.

Since you've done a lot of bike packing in the Alps already it seems, how is it camping out there? I was unsure on the accommodation side of things too. Is it safe to camp? Did you find wild camp spots or camping sights?

The route I plan to do spans the length of the Alps, 1600km Treste to Monaco so i'll be coving a pretty large proportion of the mountain range.

 

[matticus]

Can't comment much on specific bags,
but I've been consistently impressed with Alpkit products. And they seem an ethical (and UK) company 👍

 

[Jameshow]

I couldn't use a long seat bag climbing all day unless the climbs were really steady and the chances of riding out the saddle was low?

I'd travel really light unless your wanting to cycle camp..

 

[chriswoody]

What size is that one on your gravel bike?

Just checked and it's the 5.3L Expedition Frame Pack.

Since you've done a lot of bike packing in the Alps already it seems, how is it camping out there? I was unsure on the accommodation side of things too. Is it safe to camp? Did you find wild camp spots or camping sights?

With camping you do need to be careful to check the local laws, in parts of Switzerland it's absolutely forbidden to wild camp and if caught you will be fined. I've always had a mix of wild camping where permitted and authorised campsites, I've really never had a problem with either option. With official campgrounds I've just rocked up and been able to find a spot, even in Italy last year where it was dreadfully busy, though in hindsight I wish I'd gone a bit further and wild camped.

The route I plan to do spans the length of the Alps, 1600km Treste to Monaco so i'll be coving a pretty large proportion of the mountain range.

Sounds like a nice route. I'm currently planning a trip from Austria, through to the Slovenian Alps and down to Trieste. Mostly off-road on some great gravel roads and loads of climbing, looks to be really exciting.

I've been consistently impressed with Alpkit products. And they seem an ethical (and UK) company 👍

Alpkit do make some great kit, I own a lot of it myself, but I must admit the look of their bikepacking bags have never impressed me that much, but I don't have personal experience of them.

Like Alpkit, Apidura is an ethical UK company which is B Corp Certified and like Alpkit runs a bag repair/replacement policy.

I couldn't use a long seat bag climbing all day unless the climbs were really steady and the chances of riding out the saddle was low?

I'd travel really light unless your wanting to cycle camp..

I must have travelled over 3000km now with bikepacking bags and must admit I've not really had any issue with the seat packs. They really don't cause any bother with out of the saddle riding. I did weigh some of my kit the other year and all up with food water etc, I'm only looking at about another 14 kg or so of weight over the standard bike weight. That's with full camping gear, so tent, sleeping bag, cooking gear etc..

I can easily lift the whole bike fully packed and have actually had to do so several times to get it over locked gates, fallen trees etc..

 

[Emanresu]

Walked the Alps for a week this July. Cycled it North/South a few years ago. It's .... expensive when out in the sticks but the small local shops usually have something economical e.g. vacuum packed pizza. Menu says £25 for chicken nuggets but you get chips with them ...

Even though you think there is no-one about, there is usually a farmer or a small community around every corner so though wild camping is possible theoretically, it's a risk. Some of the locals there have suggested that if you are stuck, you should ask a farmer if you can use the barn. Oddly you'll see barns underneath/next door to some of the houses in the remoter parts.

 

[PaulSB]

Although I have a number of 8 - 10 day trips under my belt I've never toured for that length of time bikepacking. For the period you're going to be away I would encourage the use of a rack and panniers. There are plenty of bag options to use with a rack. One does not need to use the huge panniers often seen on touring bikes. This set up is far more adaptable "on the road" than bikepacking kit.

I do use bikepacking gear for shorter trips and I'm very happy to recommend Restrap for quality, range, adaptability and service. I also use Restrap products for day to day riding, tool pouch, bar bag etc.

I would not use a frame bag, especially when travelling somewhere hot. Carrying sufficient water is far more important than luggage.

Top tube bags are a no for me. I find they get in my way and my knees brush the sides. I was very disappointed to have to return the excellent one offered by Restrap.

I don't think a lightweight pannier setup would restrict your climbing. In fact I doubt there would be any difference between the two options. For me though carrying sufficient water would be a huge issue. Bikepacking definitely restricts the amount of water one can carry.

 

[chriswoody]

Although I have a number of 8 - 10 day trips under my belt I've never toured for that length of time bikepacking. For the period you're going to be away I would encourage the use of a rack and panniers. There are plenty of bag options to use with a rack. One does not need to use the huge panniers often seen on touring bikes. This set up is far more adaptable "on the road" than bikepacking kit.

This summer I was away in Scotland bikepacking, I planned to be away for 10 - 14 days and in the end I was away for 10 days. The photo of my mountain bike in my first post was taken on this trip. I find the system of soft bags to be very adaptable and more than adequate for long trips.

The OP doesn't actually mention whether they will be riding on ride or off and that for me would be the crucial factor in deciding how to pack. On road like you say, panniers would be a good option to consider, if however, they are riding off road then I would say bikepacking style bags are a good option. Most of my trips are off-road on predominantly rough terrain, sometimes requiring sections of hauling the bike over obstacles or up steep unrideable inclines. For this I am often grateful for not having panniers catching or snaring on obstacles or getting in the way of me whilst I'm pushing.

Another plus is good weight distribution, with soft bags the weight is much higher and in line with the bike frame making for a much more stable load and this makes the bikes handling much more predictable and neutral, important especially on big descents or technical terrain.

Durability, I'm again aware of the fact that a lot of my riding is on rough terrain where the bike is getting jostled and vibrating and knocked around, with a seat pack you only have two straps holding it to the bike which proves simple and durable. With panniers and racks there are multiple failure points, screws to loosen etc. I would just much rather have the more simple and robust mounting systems of soft bags.

I would not use a frame bag, especially when travelling somewhere hot. Carrying sufficient water is far more important than luggage.

It's definitely a balance to be struck. In the photo of my gravel bike above I was carrying 2½ litres of water, but I could easily carry 4 litres or more without cutting down on luggage space. I really disagree that bikepacking restricts the water you can carry, you just have to be a little more inventive. That trip to Switzerland was a hot one with temperatures around thirty, but I only had water issues one day when I struggled to find a water source to top back up.

 

[PaulSB]

@chriswoody I would agree with all you say there. The OP said he would be on a road bike. From this I assumed he would be riding on the road! 😀

My off road tours are 3 - 4 days in the UK and for those I use bikepacking gear. Mainly a bar bag and saddle pack very similar to yours. I wouldn't use a frame bag because I like easy access to water plus my time away means it isn't necessary.

How would you get your water to 4 litres? When I'm touring in France, on tarmac, this is the amount I like to start the day with. I have always used panniers and I would have 2 x750ml bottles on the frame plus another 2½ litres in a panniers. I drink a lot and my experience in France is it's easy for me to get caught out.

When I said I wouldn't use a frame bag my thought was of a full frame bag as on your Sonder. Clearly a "half" bag on the Kona works well.

 

[chriswoody]

The OP said he would be on a road bike. From this I assumed he would be riding on the road! 😀

I'm sorry I'd completely failed to pick up on that, don't ask me how, it does clearly state in the first post that it's a road bike. So as you rightly say, if the bike will take a rack then that's also a perfectly good solution for the type of riding proposed, if lightweight is a priority then just be a bit more ruthless about what you pack.

Frame bags as you say do introduce a problem in where to put your water. I have two stem feed bags from Revelate Designs, which will easily take a 1 litre water bottle each or snack and food depending on what you fancy. I don't have them fitted for the Swiss trip with the Kona, there I was just using a 1.5L Apidura bladder that sits in the front of the Apidura haf frame bag along with the frame water bottles.

Not my picture, but it gives a good idea what one looks like on the bike.

One of the great things about the stem bags is that they keep the bottles up high out of the way of any crud being thrown up from the trail so I'll often use them through the winter as well on general day rides. The Revelate Designs ones are fantastic, really well thought out and they have a simple one hand draw cord for closing as well as opening so I find them just as convenient/easy as drawing a bottle from a cage.

I was a tad worried that they would interfere with the steering, but 600km in the Scottish Highlands this summer completely dispelled that worry, yes I can't quite manage full steering lock, but that's all.

 

[joshkingsbury]

Sounds like a nice route. I'm currently planning a trip from Austria, through to the Slovenian Alps and down to Trieste. Mostly off-road on some great gravel roads and loads of climbing, looks to be really exciting.

Sounds amazing. I'm considering joining the Drava Cycle route across into Slovenia after the Zoncolan (around Ovaro area) and then peeling off down towards Lake Bled and down to Trieste. Might be similar roads to what you'll be taking.I'm told crossing through the Friuli region isn't great for the roads. It would add a bit onto the route but also tick off another country!

With camping you do need to be careful to check the local laws, in parts of Switzerland it's absolutely forbidden to wild camp and if caught you will be fined. I've always had a mix of wild camping where permitted and authorised campsites, I've really never had a problem with either option. With official campgrounds I've just rocked up and been able to find a spot, even in Italy last year where it was dreadfully busy, though in hindsight I wish I'd gone a bit further and wild camped.

This is useful thanks. Sounds like it'll take a bit of planning on where and where not to wild camp. I'm still toying with the idea of just jumping between air b&b's to save on weight, but of course it's the expense. It's my first bikepacking trip...so i'm going pretty big already and i'm not sure if camping is one step too far for a rookie.

Although I have a number of 8 - 10 day trips under my belt I've never toured for that length of time bikepacking. For the period you're going to be away I would encourage the use of a rack and panniers. There are plenty of bag options to use with a rack. One does not need to use the huge panniers often seen on touring bikes. This set up is far more adaptable "on the road" than bikepacking kit.

I imagine pannier racks are a bit to heavy for the setup i'm going for - averaging around 2000m elevation for every 100km, so i am really trying to go for as light of a set up as i can get away with. Having said that I don't want to go underprepared, so striking that balance is key.