Best bike saddlebags for cycling essentials 2024

Looking for the best bike saddlebag to carry your cycling essentials? We round up some of the best on test and explain what to look for

Image shows a cyclist riding with one of the best saddle bags.
(Image credit: Future)

The choice of the best bike saddlebag is one of those items in cycling that really didn't need to become controversial - but has somehow managed to do so.

Like sock length, and the orientation of a cycling cap, everyone has an opinion and there are some individuals that will tell you that you shouldn't have a saddlebag for cycling. That same individual will probably be the one asking you for a chain tool at the crucial moment.

Thoroughbred roadies will, more often than not, forgo the saddlebag, instead using the three rear pockets provided in most cycling jerseys. For many riders, this is indeed more than sufficient - but if you're heading out for a long day on the bike, you might wish for more space and less kit bouncing around on your back when you hit a climb. That's where the saddlebag comes in.

Best bike saddlebags

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Image shows the Lezyne M-Caddy QR saddlebag

(Image credit: Lezyne)
Best for aero profile

Specifications

Storage capacity: 0.5 litres
Weight: 115g
Dimensions: 130 x 50 x 80mm

Reasons to buy

+
Simple, no rub fitting
+
Allows quick access to your multitool
+
Durable and weatherproof materials

Reasons to avoid

-
Zip and seams are not 100% waterproof
-
Saddle rail attachment needs careful tightening

Available in a range of sizes, the Lezyne QR Caddy mounts to the saddle rails, holding the bag solidly in place, with no rattling or rubbing of frame or clothing. The base material is a durable nylon, and water-resistant zippers help to keep the rain out, alongside a neoprene pocket in the Medium size.

An aero shape will please those concerned with counting seconds and drag; though 'QR' does not appear to stand for 'Quick Release' and you'll need time to remove and refit this bag properly if swapping between bikes. Storage capacity is 0.5 litres, with a weight of 115 grams.

Read more: Lezyne M-Caddy QR Saddlebag full review

Image shows the Evoc saddlebag.

(Image credit: Evoc)
Best for looks

Specifications

Storage capacity: 0.65 litres
Weight: 48g
Dimensions: 120 x 80 x 75mm

Reasons to buy

+
Looks great
+
Perfect size
+
Secure fastening
+
Easy to fit

Reasons to avoid

-
Not waterproof

Evoc also offers a 'Race' and 'Tour' model, but with a capacity of 0.65 litres, the simple 'Evoc Saddlebag' is the middle of the road choice that can hold the basic essentials with ease. We filled it with two inner tubes, a set of tyre levers, a multi-tool, and a chain tool.

Velcro loops keep this one in place, with a further attachment at the seat post to prevent any wobbling. Our only quibble was with the lack of waterproofing.

Read more: Evoc saddlebag full review

Image shows the Arundel Dual saddlebag.

(Image credit: Arundel)
Best for retro style

Specifications

Storage capacity: 0.44 litres
Weight: 62g
Dimensions: Not specified

Reasons to buy

+
Easily swallows two tubes and tools
+
Narrow design doesn’t interfere with pedalling
+
Colour options allow you to match your bike

Reasons to avoid

-
Lets water in easily through the zip
-
Single strap can cause more rub on delicate seatposts

The 'Dual' sits in the centre of Arundel's offerings - the 'Uno' being the smallest and the 'Tubi' the largest.

Sitting nearly beneath the saddle using Velcro fastenings, this option promises space for two inner tubes and CO2 canisters - though of course, you could opt for one tube and a handy couple of tools. The capacity is 0.4 litres, at a weight of 62 grams.

The oval retro styling is attractive, but we thought a little more waterproofing would take this saddlebag closer to perfection.

Read more: Arundel Dual Saddlebag full review

Image shows the Scicon Phantom 230 seat pack

(Image credit: Scicon)
Best for quick release

Specifications

Storage capacity: 0.23 litres
Weight: 124g
Dimensions: 115 x 65 x 45mm

Reasons to buy

+
Very compact and unobtrusive
+
Secure fit to saddle rails, but easy to remove
+
Bonus tyre levers

Reasons to avoid

-
Too small for much more than a tube

The incredibly tiny Scicon Phantom seat pack has 230ml of space, just enough for an inner tube and the included tyre levers.

It sits unobtrusively on the saddle rails and its small size means it's not going to get in your way as you ride. We really liked its easy on/off mounting system but found Scicon's suggestion that you could also fit in a CO2 cartridge and a patch kit ambitious.

Great option if you really do want to carry only the absolute basics in a neat little saddlebag.

Read more: Scicon Phantom 230 seat pack full review

Image shows the Topeak Aero Wedge saddlebag

(Image credit: Topeak)
Best saddlebag for flexible capacity

Specifications

Storage capacity: 0.96 - 1.3 litres
Weight: 130g
Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 11 cm

Reasons to buy

+
Expandable capacity
+
Easy on/off
+
Four size options available

Reasons to avoid

-
iGlow model tested wouldn't replace a proper tail light

This aero-shaped saddle bag is a very practical option with its built-in pump holder and tail light strap. With a 1.3l capacity, you won't struggle to fit in the essentials you need and the reflective strip on the back provides a touch of reassuring visibility.

It also has an expanding design which means it's possible to open up the space inside for longer ventures with the zip in the middle or keep this zip closed and the saddlebag compact on shorter rides when you bring less; this saves having to swap out saddlebags depending on the length of your ride.

We tested the now discontinued iGlow variant, but the basic Aero Wedge is a better option anyway. There are four sizes available with the larger two offering expanding capacity.

Read more: Topeak Aero Wedge saddle bag full review

Image shows the PRO Medi Strap saddlebag

(Image credit: PRO)
Best no frills option

Specifications

Storage capacity: 0.6 litres
Weight: Not specified
Dimensions: Not specified

Reasons to buy

+
No frills design
+
Decent capacity
+
Sturdy straps

Reasons to avoid

-
Not fully waterproof

Three velcro attachment points to your saddle and seatpost ensure that the PRO Medi strap stays put well. There's decent capacity for all your extras, although there's also a Mini, a Maxi and a Maxi Plus size if you want a different carrying option. 

There's plenty of room for two tubes, tyre levers and gas canister in the Medi. It's very sleek and unobtrusive once fitted, but not completely waterproof so watch out if you want to carry a multitool or other metal object.

Read more: Pro Medi Strap saddlebag full review

Image shows the Radial Cycles Porter Saddlebag

(Image credit: Radial)
Best for compact dimensions at a budget price

Specifications

Storage capacity: Not specified
Weight: Not specified
Dimensions: Not specified

Reasons to buy

+
Very compact
+
Sturdy construction
+
Multiple pockets

Reasons to avoid

-
A little awkward to access

A super compact saddle pack that mounts onto the saddle rails using two Velcro straps, and has a zipped front and two internal compartments.

The narrow shape of the bag meant that the Velcro wasn't in danger of interfering with the pedal stroke (or vice versa), which can be a negative to this design style.

In our small (there's also a medium option) saddlebag, we could fit an inner tube, tyre levers, and multi-tool into the main compartment, using the other pocket for keys and loose change. There's also a 'pro' version, with a twist-lock mount, if you don't fancy Velcro.

Read more: Radial Cycles Porter saddlebag full review

Buyer's guide to the best bike saddlebags

What goes into a cycling saddlebag?

Common items found nestled within a saddlebag include: an inner tube (un-used, unless you've been unlucky), inner tube patch kit, two tyre levers, CO2 inflator and canisters (at least two) and a multi-tool. There are among our recommendations for the seven essentials to take on every ride.

Those using larger saddlebags will also be able to cram in their phone, some cash and keys, and super-sized versions can manage arm warmers and other light layers such as a vest.

What's the best saddlebag size and weight?

One of the most crucial elements to come into play when choosing a saddlebag is the size - or in this case, volume. Just like backpacks and other travel bags, saddlebag size is often listed in terms of capacity in litres, though some brands provide dimensions instead.

Those intending to stow away the bare essentials for a short ride around their local roads probably don't need a huge capacity. A small, lightweight saddlebag will fit an inner tube, CO2 canisters and inflator, plus tyre levers and a multi tool.

Best bike saddlebags

Anything else can be chucked into your pockets, and a small saddlebag will maintain the streamlined appearance of your (no doubt otherwise immaculate) bike whilst also being more aerodynamic and lighter.

Best bike saddlebags

At the largest end of the scale are super-sized saddlebags – sometimes called saddlepacks – which are capable of carrying loads in the region of 15 litres, and are used by bikepackers in place of traditional panniers. This is because they're often lighter than a rack and pannier bags, and less obtrusive since they don't increase the width of the bike.

Of course, there are many options in between, each affecting weight, aerodynamics and aesthetic appeal. The right option for you will be the best compromise between space and size.

What are the options for saddlebag attachment and closure?

The size and weight of the saddlebag you opt for will affect the ideal attachment system. Small, lightweight options may simply fasten with a thin strip of Velcro, and this should be more than adequate if kept in good condition.

Heavier options will need more support, and these may have plastic mounts to be attached to the saddle, or hooks that fit to the seat post itself for additional security. These added fixings will, in turn, increase the weight, but if you're travelling with a tent and sleeping bag, a couple of extra grams are probably a minor concern.

Traditional saddlebags use a zip to secure their contents. However, most saddlebags face a hard life in the firing line of road gunk flung off your rear wheel, and zips can fail in time. So some opt for other closures such as roll-up cases, clasps and even buckles. This said, the vast majority of models still feature a zip, which in most cases will outlive the accessory itself.

Are there alternatives to saddlebags?

Of course, the saddlebag is far from the only available option, though it is perhaps the most popular.

For those taking on long-distance events and races, small frame bags designed to carry energy bars and snacks upfront can present a handy solution as the contents are easier to reach. There may be room for a tube in there too.

best saddlebags cycling

For more heavily laden trips, such as touring or bikepacking, you might want to opt instead for the best bikepacking bags. These include larger saddle packs, handlebar bags and frame bags, while panniers and pannier racks also present a handy option.

Handlebar bags mean that items such as maps and cameras can be easily accessible, some coming with see-through plastic cases so you can track your route as you ride. However, they will affect the handling of the bike.

Pannier racks and frame bags are both suitable if you've got a lot of kit and need a high volume option – but again they do change the distribution of weight and handling a bike laden in this way can take getting used to.

Michelle Arthurs-Brennan

Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.