If, like me, you prefer to ride your own road bike on trips to iconic riding destinations like the Alps, Mallorca or the Dolomites rather than hiring one, then the thorny issue of how to protect your bike in transit will rear its head.

As road bikes have become more expensive, it has also become more justifiable to spend a not inconsiderable amount of money on safeguarding the carbon frame from potential damage whilst travelling. Evoc offers a number of options for air travel with a bike, but their latest is the Road Bike Bag Pro.

As someone who has used both the ubiquitous original and the newer Aero Easyfit Bike Box Alan products extensively, these will be my benchmark, so comparisons are inevitable and hopefully helpful.

Construction

Perhaps the most important aspect of it, compared with many boxes, is that it folds down to less than half its expanded size, which, whilst still quite bulky, is significantly easier to store than a hard plastic box. The cardboard box that the bag arrived in measured 142 x 38 x 32cm, so a collapsed bag should fit through an attic trapdoor or even under a bed, perhaps.

The basic design is a zipped clamshell, with removable, colour-coded vertical fibreglass struts that support the structure and enough width that the handlebars don’t need to be removed (ideal for modern bikes with internal cabling). The top and bottom sections of the bag are made from tough polycarbonate, giving the bag rigidity and adding impact and crush protection. There are three wheels, the front one of which is removable for transit, and handles dotted about the exterior for manoeuvrability.

Inside the bag is an aluminium and plastic frame (Evoc’s Bike Stand Pro) onto which the wheel-less and pedal-less bike is fastened, which is then secured with straps. The maximum wheelbase which will fit the frame is given as 112cm, which is enough for the vast majority of road bikes, whilst the handlebar section is just under 50cm wide, so might be tricky for flared gravel bars. A couple of horizontal struts add further strength, and there are Velcro patches onto which an adjustable post can be fastened for more lateral crush resistance.

A couple of zipped pockets can be used for pedals or tools, and there are a few internal Velcro straps for securing things. A TSA combination lock secures the double zipper.

As well as the bag, struts, supports and the internal frame, the Road Bike Bag Pro also comes with two basic wheel bags, a lightly padded handlebar protector and an assortment of axle adapters to mount the bike to the frame.

The ride

Building up the bag from scratch took about 30 minutes with occasional glances at the diagrammatic instructions, although it didn’t get off to a good start as the fibreglass struts generously imparted a bunch of irritating micro splinters into my hands during fitting. On the plus side, the colour coding made it simple to get the right length strut in the correct slot.

With all the accoutrements needed to carry a bike, the Evoc bag weighed in at 11.5kg, which is heavier than an original BBA, but 2kg lighter than the more comparable Aero Easyfit box. If you are taking it as part of your standard 23kg luggage allowance with a carrier like British Airways or Emirates, then those 2kg might be important. Less so with airlines like Ryanair and Jet2 with their paid-for 30kg+ sports allowance.

Once built, and the frame’s dropout supports set for my bike’s dimensions, it was undeniably straightforward to get the bike locked in place, with a couple of caveats; although the instructions and website pictures all show a packed bike with saddle in place, there was no way that my 56cm bike with saddle set for me at 186cm, could remain intact. Due to my bike’s frame design, I couldn’t even push my seatpost down inside the seat tube (and nor would I want to, as it would get scratched), so it had to be removed and stored separately inside the bag using a vacant Velcro strap.

This is the same as with both BBA boxes, so no big drama, but it seems a little disingenuous for Evoc to claim that the bag is “Bike Fitting Proof - the bike can be packed without having to remove or readjust the cockpit or saddle”, when this is only true for smaller bikes and riders.

I’d also suggest that it would be better to use padded wheel bags than the basic ones supplied, as they aren’t secured within the bag and might benefit from greater protection.

It was a little bit fiddly to set the spacing of the plastic frame mounts and axle adaptors on my own - definitely a job where an extra pair of hands would be beneficial - but once set, I marked the correct position on the aluminium bars with a Sharpie pen so it would be a lot simpler in the future. This would also be very handy if the bag were to be used for different bikes.

To actually put the bike frame and mount in the bag, you need to partially remove all five vertical struts on one side to allow the bag to fall open fully. I found these struts awkward to wrestle back into place once the bag was packed. The bike and frame can then be secured in place using a couple of straps that are attached to the inside of the bag.

Just like the BBA Easyfit Aero, the inevitable penalty for not having to remove your handlebars is a bulky and wide box. Whilst many mid to large-sized estate cars might fit one box OK with the seats down, to carry two boxes, your car would need to be very large indeed, with lots of vertical space, or van-shaped.

Maybe I’m too used to BBA boxes, but I found that the handles on the Road Bike Bag Pro were never quite where I wanted them to be, whether that was when loading it into my car or slaloming it through the departures hall. I usually push our two BBA boxes, but the Evoc bag definitely handles better if pulled.

However, one very impressive element was the smoothness of the wheels. Not only did the large wheels deal better with car park tarmac, but the bearings were so good that the bag seemed to have a mind of its own at times. Left alone during check-in for a moment, and it made a bid for departures all on its own, for instance - even the slightest incline and it was off! Pushing/pulling it along was definitely far easier than the BBA with its tiny wheels.

Value and conclusion

Ultimately, the Evoc Road Bike Bag Pro did its job, since my bike survived the baggage handlers unscathed.

In many respects, it is a more polished and slick-looking product than the BBA offerings, with their slightly Heath Robinson, man-in-a-shed design, and it does a fantastic job of combining the opposing requirements of protection and storability.

If you have an expensive road bike that you like to travel with but have limited storage space at home, then the Evoc bag is an excellent option. However, I do have some misgivings about the longevity (and field repairability) of things like the zip and the TSA combination lock. Equally, the lightweight aluminium frame and stand didn’t feel as sturdy as perhaps I would have liked, and one of the plastic rivets between the soft shell and the base has already come loose.

Whether it is good value or not is a matter of perspective. £950 to protect a £2,000 bike for one holiday is poor value, but if you take multiple trips a year with a £10,000 bike, then you might well consider it a fair investment. The alternatives aren’t cheap either, though - the Aero Easyfit is £650, and even the basic, handlebars-off Bike Box Alan is £440.

As a bag that can be compressed for storage, yet still provides decent protection whilst travelling, the Road Bike Bag Pro is very good. However, my concerns over the vulnerability of some aspects of the bag, such as the zip, the front wheel and the frame, combined with the high £950 asking price, mean that I feel that 4.5 stars is appropriate after a couple of trips with it. If it, and my bike, survive lots more trips, then perhaps I might feel like I short-changed it a bit.

The German brand Deuter has been around for well over 100 years, and offers a huge portfolio of hiking, camping and outdoor products. Here in the UK, though, they are best known for their rucksacks.

They have specific packs for almost every sport and occasion, and so, of course, have a variety of bags for use on a bike. The Compact 14+3 sits roughly in the middle of the range in terms of size and is aimed at mountain bikers, gravel riders and commuters, with enough capacity for a decent day out but probably not quite enough room for overnight trips.

The question as to whether a backpack or on-bike luggage is better is a personal one, and depends very much on the type of riding and specific use case. A backpack might be preferred for more technical riding, where weight on the bike (especially a large, ponderous saddlebag) can have a detrimental effect on the bike’s handling, whereas bikepacking-style bags are probably better for longer rides on easier terrain when a pack might become uncomfortable. Smaller riders might also need to use a backpack if their frame doesn’t have room for a frame bag, and some commuters will value the versatility and convenience of a backpack, especially if their journey involves some walking or public transport as well.

Construction

As you’d hope with their long history, the Compact 14+3 is clearly well-made and carefully thought out, with plenty of useful touches.

Firstly, as the name implies, the bag has a capacity of 14 litres, with the potential to expand the main compartment by an additional 3 litres by undoing the 360° zip. This means that smaller loads can be carried close to the back for better stability, whilst there is still the potential to add extra kit should the need arise.

The Deuter Airstripes back system is comprised of soft, open mesh over firm foam with ventilation grooves on either side of the spine and a large, open channel down the centre for airflow. The inside of the straps also uses the same soft, padded mesh, whilst the outside of the straps features a small tab for holding a pair of sunglasses. As well as a chest strap with a built-in whistle, there is a padded waist belt with a zipped pocket on either side.

The outside of the bag is pretty simple. There are two reasonably deep stretch mesh water bottle pockets, a zipped lumbar pocket and two compression straps. These straps can be used to attach a helmet (full-face or normal) as well as for stabilising the load. There is also a hi-viz rain cover stashed in a zipped pocket at the bottom of the backpack.

A long, U-shaped zip gives access to the main compartment, which has a water bladder sleeve inside it (and is the compartment that can be expanded by 3 litres). There is a printed panel inside this section that details a few safety and first aid procedures, which is quite a nice idea, although I’d probably rather not be relying on my bag for medical advice!

The smaller compartment contains a zipped pocket with a key clip, two wallet or phone-sized pockets and two deeper mesh pockets.

All very nicely executed with good build quality.

The claimed weight is 860g, although my scales registered 915g, and there is only one back length available, which is normal with packs of this size. It is available in three colours: Ink-Ashrose, Graphite-Shale and Savanna-Dune.

The ride

Carrying kit on a bike is always a bit of a compromise, and I’ve seen fashions cycle through rucksacks, bum bags, saddlebags and back to backpacks again. At 13 / 17 litres, the Deuter Compact is aimed at adventurous day trips rather than quick local loops or multi-day epics, although clearly that depends on whether you pack light or heavy.

I used it on a few gravel and mountain bike rides in the Peak District as well as some urban errands; it was pretty faultless throughout. I guess deuter doesn’t market it as a commuter pack because it doesn’t have a laptop sleeve, but other than that, it would be fine for carrying a few tools, spares, work clothes and a sandwich to the office as well.

In use, it was pretty unobtrusive, comfortable and close-fitting (unlike the Thule Paramount). The straps did a decent job of keeping it stable and preventing it from banging into the back of my helmet on steeper descents, whilst the back panel was as breathable as could be expected. Which is to say, nowhere near as good as not wearing a pack, but reasonable enough that it wasn’t unpleasantly sweaty.

It was nice not to ration the amount of gear I was taking with me, especially on changeable days when getting wet or cold was a concern, and the internal pockets did a good job of allowing me to organise my kit and keep the grubby tools away from my clean extra layers. I didn’t need to use the expansion zip at all, but the potential for extra capacity was nice to have.

I also used the pack as a more general bag for travelling, and the design and carrying system were versatile enough that it was still very comfortable and didn’t look out of place on the train or in a city centre.

Value and conclusion

In fact, it is this versatility that is the Compact 14+3’s strongest point; many bike bags look and feel a bit strange off the bike, but the deuter is perfectly good to use anywhere. Its RRP is £110, so it's very reasonable when you consider that many similarly sized bikepacking bags cost more for less versatility.

For me, though, a rucksack of this size is not something I’d want to ride with regularly, but it is a great option when you need to carry a few more layers or extra provisions on rides and a jersey pocket or small saddlebag just won’t cut it. Whether it's better to use a rucksack or a large bikepacking bag on these occasions is up to you, but you won’t be able to pop to the gym carrying the bikepacking bag!

I'm giving it full marks because it does what it says on the tin very well and at a sensible price. Whether you should have one for your gravel riding is up to you.

Let’s get one thing straight from the start: the Aero System from bikepacking experts Apidura is not made for carrying all your belongings on a multi-day epic. It might look like a frame bag and a top tube bag, but its raison d’être is not cargo hauling.

Instead, as the name rather strongly suggests, the bags are designed to give an aerodynamic advantage to your gravel bike. If this sounds slightly unnecessary for a genre of cycling that is more about enjoying the scenery and exploring traffic-free trails, then you haven’t been keeping abreast of the latest trends and results.

Gravel riding has a distinct split in it between the aforementioned recreational riders and the more serious gravel racers. With pro riders and some very serious machinery now involved, gravel races are completed in mind-bending times and at warp speed. Cameron Jones completed the 200km 2025 Unbound course at an average of 37.8kph (23.5mph). At those kinds of speeds, aero matters, and Apidura claims a 5W saving from using their system.

Whether it is relevant to you or me is a different matter.

Construction

The combination of frame bag and top tube bag together can only carry 2.2 litres or 3.2 litres of cargo, so not a whole lot. And you purchase the bag that is the right size for your frame, NOT the capacity you would like. There is an online Frame Pack Sizing Tool on Apidura’s website to help you get the right size; it suggested that for my size 56cm Cannondale Topstone, I would need the smaller system.

Or, as Apidura puts it: ‘The Aero System is designed to integrate with your bike to deliver an aerodynamic benefit. As such, the available sizes relate not to the capacity, but to the size of bike that is best suited to deliver this benefit.’

The small top tub bag is a mere 6cm tall and 22cm long, although 3 of those centimetres make up the ‘fairing’. These connected flaps are designed to be pushed forward snug against the headset to smooth out the airflow behind the stem, but don’t attach to the stem in any way.

Access and closure are via a lengthwise magnetic slot designed to be opened with one hand. The bottom of the bag is made from a bright yellow material so that the contents are more visible.

The underside has a silicone gripper pattern on it, as do the two Hypalon straps, for greater security on the frame.

The larger frame bag has the same style of straps with silicone grippers and more silicone on the bag’s top side, where it contacts the underside of the top tube. A small lip smooths this junction with the top tube whilst two larger flanges wrap around the sides of the head tube and are secured with two elastic bands - hence the need for an exact fit. These flanges extend down the junction with the down tube, where there is a Velcro strap.

A single waterproof zip on the right-hand side gives access to the bag’s contents, whilst a small, front-facing slot allows a cable to be run out of the bag to a light or computer. Inside, there is a Velcro strap at the front of the bag, which I think is for securing a charging bank, as it's situated under the egress slot.

Both bags are made from the same, very tough-looking black, ripstop fabric supported by an internal ‘HDPE thermoplastic frame’. The upshot of this is that the bags are very rigid, whether full or empty.

Apidura claims that the S/M system weighs 305 grams and the L/XL 335g. My S/M weighed in at 301g.

The ride

On the inside of the box, there are quite detailed instructions as to how to fit the bags, so that they integrate with each other and the frame in the best possible way, and once secured, they do look pretty sleek. However, they work best on bikes with internal cabling; my Cannondale Topstone has cables which enter the frame near the top of the down tube, and this interfered with the flush fit of the bags. They worked much better on the Standert Pfadfinder and Giant Revolt that I also used them on.

Clearly, the aim is to circumvent the UCI regulations regarding frame and tube dimensions by effectively filling in the gaps behind the stem and head tube to reduce drag. At this point, I, and most other recreational gravel riders, should put our hands up and say ‘fair enough, but that is not something I need or want’.

However, having spent some time with the bags, I think that they have other worthwhile benefits too, so even if you are not all about the watts, the Aero System might still be for you.

The primary advantage of the system over many other top tube and frame bags is their stability. Considering that the top tube bag isn’t attached to the stem, it was absolutely rock solid and didn’t sag to either side. Similarly, the down tube bag didn’t sway or bulge either, meaning that there was no danger of my catching my knees on them.

In part, this is due to the rigidity of the construction, and in part due to the excellent grip of the silicone coating on the straps and contact points.

The downside to this construction is that, coupled with their diminutive capacity, they were not particularly easy to pack. The combination of stiffness, short, waterproof zip and small size made the frame bag a little awkward to use fully.

I used the bags on a two-day trip around the Yorkshire Wolds, carrying minimal kit in the bags and a larger saddle bag. They were fine, but I just carried a few snacks in the top tube bag and put my waterproof, arm warmers, gilet and multi-tool in the frame bag, leaving the saddle bag to do most of the heavy lifting.

I realised afterwards that I had been thinking about the Aero System in the wrong way. It isn’t designed for load hauling; instead, for us mortals anyway, it makes a great replacement for a saddlebag on day rides. If you like to keep your pockets free and/or don’t like the feel of a saddle bag, then the Aero System has just enough space to replace both of these, with the added benefit that access is much easier.

The magnetic opening on the top tube bag was simple and secure, and easy to use one-handed on the move, making it the ideal place to stash gels or a bag of Haribo. There isn’t enough room for a phone, though.

Equally, the frame bag is probably easier to stuff a gilet or arm warmers into whilst riding than fiddling with a rear pocket, and clearly more straightforward than using a saddle bag without stopping. So, using them for a little bit of storage on shorter rides makes much more sense.

Thus, on day rides, I used them to store my usual array of tools, spares and snacks with the added advantage that on particularly iffy weather days I could carry a gilet and a waterproof and arm warmers without having to choose between them. For fast and light local rides, I’ll probably stick to my tool tub, but when I want to have a few more clothing options, then I’ll be strapping on the Aero system rather than a large, ponderous saddlebag.

Value and conclusion

If you are in the market for saving 5W and carrying a bit of kit, then I’m not aware of any alternatives, but £188 for 2.2 litres (or 3.2 litres for the larger size) is quite a chunk of money.

If saving energy is not a concern, then Apidura’s own 3 litre Racing Saddle Pack is £115, whilst their 1 litre Expedition Top Tube Bag is £49 and their Backcountry Frame Pack adds another 2 litres for £79. Of course, there are many less expensive options from other brands, too.

However, I dislike saggy, wobbly bags, and the Apidura Aero System is remarkably stable and neat-looking, making it a pleasure to use.

Good value? Probably not for the majority of us if looked at objectively, but desirable? Sure. And who doesn’t like a few extra watts, too?

The simple design of a roll top bag is one of the most reliable ways of keeping your kit dry, which is why they're a common site on the decks of dive boats the world over. Apidura have used this roll closure design for their fork bags, saddle pack and their bar bag too.

With just one hole at the top of the bag that is sealed by rolling the top over on itself before clipping it together with a quick release buckle, there is no way for water from above or below to get in.

To make sure no water sneaks in elsewhere Apidura's Fork pack uses waterproof materials and has glued seams with no stitching anywhere to puncture the material. At 116 grams the bag is lightweight and fixes securely in place with two velcro straps.

The bags side panels, which face front and back when in position are made of a highly reflective material for extra visibility.

Attaching the straps

Each bag comes with two, two foot velcro straps. Loop these through any two of the four hoops on the front of the bag - depending on what you're attaching it too - and you're ready to attach the bag to your bike. The straps are thick, non stretchy and the velcro is very strong.

Packing and fastening

With a bit of careful folding and then stuffing of kit down as far as it will go, you can fit a surprising amount into a 3L bag. I comfortably got a whole set of kit in one, that's bib shorts, undervest, short sleeve jersey, socks, gilet and armwarmers; and there was plenty of room to spare. I've also packed a lightwieight down jacket into one, and on another occassion a few tins of food. Although I'd recommend carrying lighter items (ie clothing) at the front so as not to make steering too heavy.

One advantage of a roll top bag is that you can keep rolling the top over to compact it down as much as you need. The upper velcro fastening is the only limiter here.

Bags like this do benefit from being stuffed full as this is how they keep their shape and sit snuggly in the cage. If you loosely shove stuff in and don't make an effort to fill all the gaps the bag will sag, it will be harder to properly secure the straps and it
won't sit squarely on the base of the cage. It won't go anywhere, as the velcro straps will hold it in place, but it is better to fill it. A good reason to pack in an extra top and pair of socks, perhaps.

Be sure to squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible before rolling it down. Once you have, bring the buckle together and fasten. I looped the fastening buckles over the top of the bag, although Apidura's website shows the buckle brought around the front of the bag. This method does give it a lower profile (if you're worried about the bottom of your handlebars catching them) but both methods make for secure and waterproof fastening.

When packing, remember a top loading bag means you'll want to put the things you're most likely to need right at the top. So pack things in order with the items you're least likely to need at the bottom.

Attaching to the bike

We tested the £46 fork pack with a £40 Apidura cargo cage that fits securely to the fork arm with a two or three bolt system. Made of two sections the cage extends by 42mm to accommodate either fixing.

Sit the bag on the small shelf and then loop the velcro straps through the slots in the cage, pull back round and fasten. It's simple and very secure, although the bottom of the bag isn't flat and so doesn't sit perfectly on the cage's shelf. A flat bottom to the bag and even a loop or strap to secure it to the shelf would hold the system in place a little better.

There is a loop at the bottom of the bag, but it's not positioned to to hook over the shelf and instead looks designed to hold a small light.

These bags aren't cheap, but they're rugged and well made and will keep their contents dry in all weathers. Just make sure you pack them out as much as you can as they don't hold their shape if partially empty and are then likely to dangle off the cage, although there is no risk of them slipping off.

It's been seven years since Tailfin launched its iconic AeroPack rack ’n pack system. During this time, it has developed an abundance of additional storage options that rival even the best bikepacking bags. Panniers, fork bags, frame bags, downtube bags, bar bags, and top tube bags – there's now enough product available from the Bristol brand to smother a bike entirely for any amount of bike packing.

None of these products has been quite as revolutionary as the original Tailfin AeroPack. Still, all are masterclasses in building dependable on-bike storage that also happens to look pretty cool. Such devotion to product excellence has garnered Tailfin a loyal following, and deservedly so.

Its Long Top Tube Bag, launched at the tail end of 2024, is an intriguing concept because most of us, I'm sure, consider a top tube bag to be a small bento box affair from which to grab a few snacks and other essentials during a ride.

Does anyone really need a 'long' top tube bag? Wouldn't a frame bag be a more suitable place to stow such a volume of gear? Do you need both?

Well, Tailfin hasn't invented an entirely new type of product; similar, lengthy bags from brands like Restrap, Apidura, and others already exist. I'll discuss who should consider one, and why, shortly.

Construction

Tailfin's Long Top Tube Bag is available in three sizes: 1.6 litres, 2.2 litres, and 3.0 litres. Total length is 370mm, 470mm, and 500mm, respectively, making them all substantially longer and more capacious than the brand's largest regular top tube bag, which has a volume of 1.5 litres and a length of 272mm.

As one would expect, these larger bags significantly draw on the design and construction of their petite siblings, a range launched by Tailfin back in 2023. The smaller bags are available in both zip and flip-top versions, but for obvious reasons, the long bags come with a zip closure only. I was provided with a 2.2 litre sample for this review.

Tailfin favours a combination of Hypalon and diamond-patterned ripstop nylon for its high-frequency-welded bags, a blend that provides a healthy balance of weather resistance, durability, and non-abrasiveness. It describes the long, double-entry zip, which runs nearly the entire length of the bag, as 'highly water resistant', adding that the bag as a whole is 'functionally waterproof'.

In reality, zips will always represent a potential weak point, primarily due to human error, namely, forgetting to fasten them securely. As long as the slider is pulled snugly home and the bag is not overloaded, the zip should maintain an excellent seal.

However, Tailfin does recommend placing valuable electronic gear and the like in a secondary waterproof bag, just in case. To the brand's credit, in an attempt to make this bag as waterproof as possible, it has developed a unique 'rain gutter' channel to drain excess water away from the rear zip end stop. The cable port at the front of the bag is also well-protected, with a shroud that's deep enough to shield it from a deluge of rain and road spray.

Tailfin is particularly proud of the V-mount system it uses to attach its frame bags, downtube packs and top tube bags. For these long bags, three sizeable, V-profiled aluminium feet are permanently affixed to the base, each with a slot for a TPU cargo strap (similar to a Voile ski tie) and wearing a rubberised foot.

Tailfin includes four straps with the bag, three 190mm straps, and a single, longer 470mm strap for use on smaller frames where the ends of the top tube and downtube are conjoined in a bulky junction.

Mounting is simply a matter of placing the feet on your bike's top tube, threading the straps and fastening. If you're also rocking a Tailfin frame bag, the feet on both products align, allowing you to use a single set of straps. The two forward feet are also pre-drilled for standard top-tube bolts, so if your frame has the mounts, you can choose to go strapless.

Tailfin says the V-shaped profile of the feet will conform to any tube shape – round, flat, oval, etc – and that the system is so secure, there's no requirement for a stem strap. It also promises that your bike will remain scratch-free, thanks to the rock-solid rubber feet, which prevent rubbing.

Internally, the bag features a soft, plush inner liner with a padded base, reinforced along the sides with a nylon exoskeleton and carbon rods. These provide ample structure to prevent the bag from leaning or bulging, thereby avoiding knee rub and reducing the stress exerted on the zip.

Only one internal divider is included, which seems mean-spirited. Considering the cost of these bags, I believe Tailfin should include the optional Accessory Pack for free rather than charging an exorbitant £20 for a few small pieces of fabric.

It includes an additional divider, two accessory pockets, and two elasticated loops for securing tools. All are positioned with hook and loop fasteners, enabling you to segment the interior as needed.

On a more positive note, the bag is beautifully made, with impeccable welding and neat stitching throughout. It feels durable enough to last many seasons, partly due to its 'real-world' weight of 340g (including three straps and accessory pack dividers/pockets).

The reflective Tailfin logo on each flank is an elegant touch

The Ride

Why consider adding a long top tube bag to your bikepacking setup? On the face of it, these bags are potentially less stable than a frame bag, and they raise your bike's centre of gravity. Standover height can also be compromised.

A greater concern is the opportunity they provide for stowing gear you'll probably never need – in my experience, bikepacking gear will invariably expand to fill any available space!

On the plus side, their central placement makes them less likely to impair bike handling in the way that bar bags, seat bags, and panniers can. A long top tube bag can also prove essential for cyclists riding smaller frame sizes, as the main triangle may be too small to accommodate a frame bag.

Like standard top tube bags, they provide an excellent space for storing items you might need quickly during a ride. However, the extra capacity means you're no longer restricted to just a few snacks, your phone, and a multitool. There's plenty of room for wet-weather gear, warm layers, a spare pair of riding glasses with lighter lenses, and so forth.

Finally, with the massive rise in the popularity of bike-related content creation and vlogging, long top tube bags offer a very convenient place to stow spare batteries, leads, memory cards, and even lenses. So, despite initially being a long top tube bag sceptic, I'm now won over. Although I'm no longer riding with bare minimal kit, I am arguably more comfortable between ride legs, making me more inclined to bikepack more often.

I chose my Wilier Jena as a test rig for this review. It’s a bike built for fast gravel, but its numerous frame and fork mounts make it a worthy choice for bikepacking.

Somewhat unusually, the top tube is kinked a few inches before it meets the head tube, which improves stand-over clearance. Worried that this would make mounting the Tailfin bag problematic, I was pleased to find that there is just enough flex in the bag's base and reinforced sidewalls for it to conform to the Jena's frame. If anything, this frame design quirk works in my favour, reducing the jeopardy of grounding out on the bag's long zipper.

As described previously, mounting the bag is a breeze. Its length makes it a little more unwieldy than regular-sized bags, but nevertheless, I found the whole process takes less than a minute.

True to Tailfin's claims, I found the bag remained impressively planted over all kinds of road surfaces and some light gravel. So far, my Jena's top tube is holding up well too, with no signs of wear and tear.

Frame bags and large top tube bags get a bad rap for causing knee and thigh rub, a reputation that's largely undeserved – overpacking is usually the culprit.

Both the 1.6 litre and 2.2 litre bags are quite narrow, measuring 65mm at the nose, tapering down to a very slender 39mm at the tail. The svelte dimensions of my bag, combined with the reinforced sides that all but eliminate bulging, meant that I was never even close to coming into contact with the bag.

The 3 litre bag is considerably wider at 85mm max width, which is why Tailfin only recommends it for MTBs, as they tend to have a much wider Q Factor.

Beyond preserving the bag's structure, the reinforced sides ensure that the zip remains perfectly aligned at all times, making it a pleasure to open and close with one hand, even while on the move. Having battled in vain with the zips on other similar bags, I found this to be a significant benefit, enough to sway me towards recommending this bag over much of the competition. Kudos to Tailfin.

On the downside, this rigidity encourages the bag to remain closed even when the zipper is fully open, making it pretty hard to peer inside the bag unless you part the sides with both hands.

A quick fumble in the dark is as good as I could hope for while riding, which is why I believe the Accessory Pack is a must. Organising the contents of this bag pays dividends if you need to find specific items in a hurry.

I've been using a Tailfin AeroPack for a couple of years now, in all kinds of weather. I've never had problems with rain or spray entering the bag, so I'm pretty confident that Tailfin's weather-resistant zips do a fine job of keeping water out.

So far, so good with the Long Top Tube Bag too. We've had an unseasonably dry spring here in the Cotswolds, but the bag shrugged off the showers that I have ridden through, some quite heavy. I've also hosed the bag down on a couple of occasions, and it's experienced zero water ingress.

Value and conclusions

At £100 / $120, plus a further £20/ $20 for the accessory pack, which I believe is a must-have, the 2.2 litre Tailfin Top Tube Bag is quite the investment. If you don't need the capacity, the 1.6-litre model will save you £ 15/$5. If you run an MTB, the 3.0-litre version will cost you an additional £ 15/$5.

But ask yourself this: Do you need a long top tube bag? I'm convinced that many riders are better off with a regular top tube bag for snacks and so on, while using other bags elsewhere on the bike to stow the majority of their kit. Tailfin makes an excellent 1.1 litre zipped top tube bag for just £55/ $85.

However, for those with smaller frames or a genuine need to carry additional gear that needs to be accessed quickly, a larger top tube bag is a sensible purchase. Tailfin's version overcomes many of the obvious drawbacks. It is ultra-stable, unshakably secure, and easy to open with one hand while pedalling. It's also durable, beautifully made and convincingly weatherproof.

Alternatives include the 2 litre Apidura Racing Long Top Tube Pack, which at £74 / $136 and 200g is both lighter on the pocket and on the bike. The spec is similar to the Tailfin bag, but it lacks the reinforced sides.

Restrap's 2.0 litre Race Top Tube Bag – Long does have a reinforced inner to ensure structural integrity. It also comes with handy mesh side pockets for storing used gel packets and other ride detritus. At £74.99/ $104, it is priced similarly to the Apidura bag.

The prices of both these bags make the Tailfin seem expensive for what it is; however, neither features its impressively secure mounting system, instead relying on more conventional hook-and-loop or fabric buckle straps. Additionally, if you've already invested in a Tailfin frame bag, being able to utilise the same straps is a neat solution. Lastly, if you're a devotee of the Tailfin ecosystem, you'll probably want to remain loyal to the brand for the sake of appearance, if nothing else.

Specs

• Available sizes: 1.6-litre, 2.2-litre (reviewed) and 3.0-litre
• Max width: 65mm for the smaller bags. 85mm for the 3.0l (recommended for MTBs only)
• Fabrics: 210D Hypalon & 210D Diamond RipStop
• Zipper: Dual entry, weather resistant
• Inner: Plush fabric liner with cushioned base. Sides reinforced with nylon shell and carbon rods.
• Waterproof: Tailfin claims the bag to be ‘functionally waterproof’.
• Weight (2.2-litre, as reviewed): 340g

Small bar bags left me cold until, when kitting up for a tour of northern Spain and Mallorca in the summer of 2023, it dawned on me that I needed somewhere accessible to carry my passport, phone, multitool and a rain jacket both on and off the bike.

Yes, I could have gone down the traditional route of stuffing my rear pockets, but frankly, I’d rather have my eyeballs extracted without anaesthetic. What is it about cycling? No other pastime I can think of requires participants to tuck away the stuff they’re likely to need fast and frequently in a spot that’s both unreachable and unseeable. Yep, I’m no fan of largely inaccessible, small, sweaty rear jersey pockets, particularly on long rides.

My Explore Bar Bag purchase, on the other hand, paid off handsomely. It carries more style kudos than bulging pockets and doubles up as a shoulder bag, making it super versatile, especially for travel. Hence the ‘explore’ moniker. It's not a feature that many of the best handlebar bags have, either.

Unfortunately, it’s not all great news. Read on to discover whether your ride essentials are better off ‘in the bag’ or, despite my prejudice, ‘in the pocket’.

Construction

Measuring approximately 75mm x 120mm x 245mm, the Explore Bar Bag is relatively modest in size, yet it’s capacious enough to carry essentials for a day ride without overwhelming your handlebar real estate. Rapha doesn’t publish the bag’s capacity, but it’s about 2.3 litres by my back-of-the-envelope calculations.

The primary material is rugged ripstop nylon, which, with its pronounced texture and matt finish, could pass for a tightly woven canvas. It certainly feels both hard-wearing and robust. It’s PU coated on its inside face, and all major seams are taped, making it reliably water resistant.

There are two zipped pockets: a main compartment that accounts for most of the bag’s capacity and a slim, no-frills pouch built into the front panel. The chunky plastic zippers are heavy-duty, but they’re not waterproof. However, each is concealed behind a storm flap to keep the worst of the weather at bay, and both have extended rubberised pull cords to ensure the sliders are easy to grab hold of.

The main compartment is quite spartan, with only a band of elasticated webbing to help organise its contents. The slim front pocket is completely featureless internally, but it boasts a small webbing strip on its outside face to hold a light or reflector. Additionally, the storm flap that conceals the front pocket is coated with a thin synthetic rubber strip to resist wear and add a touch of visual interest. On my black sample bag, the Rapha logo is neatly embroidered in white stitching in the lower right corner. Other colourways feature self-coloured embroidery for a more subtle look.

The Explore Bar Bag features three straps plus a short length of elasticated shock cord. A pair of narrow (200mm x 20mm) straps and corresponding plastic loops are securely stitched into the back of the bag, one top right and the other top left. It’s these straps, which are backed with self-engaging hook and loop, that fasten the bag to the bars. The shock cord then wraps around the head tube or headset spacers to reduce any unwanted movement.

The shoulder strap, which is much longer and slightly broader (1200mm x 25mm), converts the Explore Bar Bag into a cross-body bag or waist bag for off-bike use. It emerges from each side and fastens with a robust, adjustable, quick-release plastic clasp.

A sleek, soft Hypalon (synthetic rubber) rear panel elegantly conceals the stitching that permanently anchors all three straps to the bag and, in theory, protects your bike’s headtube from scratches. Vitally, the straps are supposed to be stowed behind the Hypalon panel when not in use.

The ride

Attaching the Explore Bar Bag is child’s play, and I say that after trying it on a wide variety of bikes and bars. The process is so quick and easy that it elevates this bag above much of its competition. Hook and loop (commonly known as Velcro) makes for such a simple system that attaching or removing the bag takes me 30 seconds, if that. To hook up the bag, loosely secure one strap by threading it around the bar, through the plastic loop and back on itself, then repeat with the other strap. If necessary, adjust the bag’s final position before tightening both. Lastly, tie the shock cord around the stem or head tube. To remove the bag, simply reverse the process.

In my experience, the straps are long enough to mount this bag on most flat-topped aero road bars, as sacrilegious as that may sound to some. It will even piggyback on top of much larger bikepacking bags. Once in place, the bag is very secure, and the straps are low profile enough not to be too irksome. On my 42cm bars, it’s also small enough not to interfere much with my hands when riding on the tops.

Converting the bag from a bar bag to a shoulder bag is a little fiddly because it can take a while to stuff the two smaller straps behind the large Hypalon panel. Once the process is complete though, the result is both tidy and convincing. In shoulder bag mode, there’s little visual clue that this could be a bar bag and vice versa.

Loading it up is straightforward enough because it doesn’t present many options. The main compartment is my default place for kit - I rarely use the front pocket unless I’m carrying something slim, such as a passport, a Hiplok Z Lok or an additional pair of riding glasses for changing conditions. Talking of which, I’ve ridden with my Explore Bar Bag through everything from light showers to brief but heavy rainstorms, and the contents have remained dry. That said, I wouldn’t trust it to take a proper dunking or weather a prolonged deluge.

Why would anyone want a bar bag that readily doubles as a shoulder bag? Well, this bag is in its element during bike-packing breaks or off-road adventures. During my Spanish trip, it enabled me to stop at grocery shops, cafés and restaurants, safe in the knowledge that I could quickly grab my prized possessions to take with me. My passport, cash, cards, phone and more were always to hand, saving me having to rummage through my Tailfinn Aeropack or my frame bag. Small, accessible and contained – everywhere I went, on-bike or off, this modest bag and its valuable little payload went too.

It is, of course, suitable for more than just extended travel trips. I’ll rarely take it on very short rides, but if I plan to be out for a couple of hours or more it gets stuffed with a packable rain jacket, multitool, mini pump, spare tube, levers, phone and snacks. Its modest size and near instant deployment make it the perfect day pack. Well, almost.

Unfortunately, there is, quite literally, a snag. The zip for the main compartment can be a devil to open or close if you fail to get the two sides – tape or teeth – aligned. It seems to be luck of the draw, one day it will close with ease, the next it can take a good minute or two. Consequently, this is not a bag you’ll want to unzip during an active part of a ride, which will limit its use for some cyclists.

A more minor irritation is the shoulder strap length, which may be on the short side for taller cyclists. I’m 191cm tall and it’s just about OK as a cross-body bag.

Value and Conclusions

Bar bags will always be ‘Marmite’ products because, despite their positive attributes, they negatively influence a bike’s aerodynamics. What’s more, they spoil the lines of any drop-bar road bike.

If, however, you’re more concerned by practicalities than aesthetics, or value everyday functionality over out-and-out speed, then a small bag like this makes a lot of sense. Certainly, they’re a no-brainer for gravel riding and bike-packing.

Ortlieb's 3-litre waterproof Velo-Sling is possibly the Explore Bar Bag’s closest competitor. It’s slightly larger, which may or may not be a good thing, fully waterproof and has a wide, removable strap that repurposes it as a shoulder bag. The closure system is magnetic too, making it much easier to open than the Explore Bar Bag. It is more expensive at £81/$95.

Apidura offers a similarly sized bag, the 2-litre Racing Handlebar Pack, for a fraction more at £70/$93. It doesn’t convert to a shoulder bag, but it is fully waterproof. Restrap’s characterful little 1.5-litre Cannister Bag shares some similarities with the Explore Bar Bag, but it doesn’t convert into a shoulder bag either. It is, however, waterproof and provides a cheaper alternative at £49.99/$74.99.

Zefal’s option, the 2.5-litre Z Adventure F2, is neither a shoulder bag nor is it fully waterproof, but it’s very affordable at €39.95.

To sum up, the Rapha Explore Bar Bag may carry a premium price, but its versatile, well-thought-out design offers an additional layer of functionality that few other bags can match. In my opinion, it’s also one of the more attractive small bags on the market. It’s such a shame the main zip lets it down.

Specs

• Material: Ripstop Nylon
• Dimensions (approx.): 75mm x 120mm x 245mm
• Capacity (approx.): 2.3 litres
• Weight: 165g

Better known for its fantastic roof racks and bike carrying systems, Swedish brand Thule also has a very comprehensive collection of bags, panniers and luggage. For cyclists, they have bum bags, hydration packs and rucksacks for commuting, including the 27 litre Paramount Commuter Rucksack, which is available in black or olivine.

There are lots of other bags in the Paramount range, including the similar-sounding Paramount Laptop BackPack 27L, with the key difference being the inclusion of a helmet-carrying pouch on the Commuter version.

Construction

There are two main compartments, both accessed via a U-shaped zip. The one closest to the wearer’s back has a zipped mesh pocket with two smaller open pockets within it and a fleece-lined laptop sleeve. The slot fits laptops up to 16”, according to Thule. The odd thing is that Thule’s website describes the sleeve as ‘floating’, which is what you would expect (this means the sleeve doesn’t extend to the bottom of the pack, keeping the device from impacting the floor when the bag is put down), however, it is not a floating sleeve. Both compartments are the full height of the bag.

Open up the second zip, and there is a more voluminous compartment with a single, shallow mesh pocket.

On the outside, there are two elasticated water bottle-style pockets on either side of the bag, along with a large, deep panel that can be opened out using the two zips. This is clearly meant for a bike helmet or D-lock, although it would also be good for stashing a bulky waterproof jacket, especially as there are a couple of drain holes at the bottom (next to a bike light loop). Above the stash panel, there is a strange magnetic flap that covers a small zipped pocket with a key clip and another mesh pocket. Thule suggests that a mobile phone can be stored in the small, fleecy pocket on the pack’s side.

The zip underneath the bag houses a reversible waterproof cover, with one highly reflective side.

The back panel is made up of stiff, mesh-covered, corrugated foam with a channel running down the spine, all of which are intended to help with breathability, whilst I eventually figured out that the strap across the pack can be used to attach it to the handle of wheeled luggage. The shoulder straps themselves are wide and well-padded with soft edging, and although there is a sternum strap, there is no hip belt, nor is there any facility to attach one.

The materials used look and feel impressively durable, and the rucksack as a whole is extremely substantial with all stitching neatly covered and a generally high-quality construction. The materials are waterproof and the zips are rubberised so will be pretty water-resistant. I weighed the bag at a not-insubstantial 1.5kg, close enough to Thule’s claimed weight of 1.43kg.

The ride

Working from home, I don’t have much need for a bag on my arduous journey to my study, but I did use the Paramount Commuter Rucksack on a rare train journey to London, some rides to the shops and various other outings that required a rucksack.

For a single-size rucksack, the Paramount Commuter is quite long. Some brands offer a couple of different back lengths, or if they are only available in one size, then the back length is a little bit shorter. At 186cm tall, the pack was just about OK for me, but it wouldn’t work very well for shorter men or women.

Furthermore, the shoulder straps are quite widely spaced and very stiff, so they sat far apart on my shoulders, even with the sternum strap tightened. Again, this would make the rucksack difficult and uncomfortable for smaller users. Maybe Thule based the fit on Swedish size statistics, which Google suggests is a couple of inches taller than UK averages.

As mentioned above, the rucksack has no waist belt, Thule says that it doesn’t need one, but I would disagree; I have spent many years climbing, skiing and riding with rucksacks of all shapes and sizes, and for all but the most casual use a hip belt is very useful to stabilise and load bear. Every time I rode with the Paramount Commuter, I missed the waist strap. It seems a very odd omission on such a comprehensively featured bag.

There was another issue when riding - the top of the bag hampered my over-the-shoulder view. Its boxy shape meant that the corners of the pack were in my eye line when I glanced back looking for cars. Perhaps with a waist strap, I could have worn the bag a bit lower and still felt that it was secure and stable.

The helmet/lock/waterproof jacket pouch worked fine with a secure fit, but the large flap over the top pocket seemed pretty pointless, especially given that the two tiny magnets which secure it in place were hard to locate and fiddly to use - I am not at all sure what this adds to the rucksack. Equally, I found the cosy phone pocket pretty hard to use and a bit pointless.

On the plus side, there are pockets, compartments and loops galore - the biggest problem would probably be remembering exactly where you had put your wallet or train ticket.

The inside of the bag is a classy deep maroon colour, with the large laptop compartment lined with a soft touch material. On that subject, although Thule says that it fits a 16” laptop, my 13” device slotted in sideways, so I’d imagine that it would happily accommodate the very largest laptop with ease. The two side pockets were equally voluminous, swallowing one litre water bottles without breaking a sweat.

Value and conclusion

On paper, the Paramount Commuter is well-featured, with all the pockets, compartments and zips you could wish for. There is also no doubt that it is very well-made and durable with a high-quality finish and construction, although it does strike me that 27 litres is quite a lot of cargo capacity for something intended for just travelling to work and back.

However, it is let down by shoulder straps that are too wide, the lack of a hip belt and its back length. As such, it is impossible to recommend it unequivocally. The straps and back length will, no doubt, suit some larger folk, but for me, the lack of a hip belt relegates it to very casual use only, at which point its cost becomes hard to justify. I’d much rather have one fewer pocket or zip and have a simple waist strap instead as this would add stability and fit options, especially when on a bike.

It is a hard product to rate because some elements, like its construction, are very good indeed, but other aspects are pretty poor, such as the fit. Given that it costs £150, I would really expect a lot better. It’s probably a 4 star product if it fits you but a 2 star if it doesn’t, thus I’ll settle on 50% - 2.5 stars.

Roll-top bags dominate the world of commuter backpacks as they offer better water-resistance compared to bags with zips. Because no one wants to arrive at work with soggy clothes to change into.

Made from a thin but tough waterproof material (without any harmful PFAs) and with taped and sealed seams, the Amager will have no problem keeping its contents dry. The kit on the inside that is. There are straps and loops on the outside to hold your helmet, two velcro loops for a lock and some fixed straps that you could hook smaller items too.

There’s enough space in the bag - 30 litres - to carry everything you need for a day at the office, and a removable padded laptop pocket that comfortably holds a 17-inch machine. The pocket itself has a couple of compartments on the front to hold pens, chargers, notepads or whatever. Take it out and you’ll have a little more space inside.

The roll top design allows you to expand the bag a little if it’s full to bursting, and clamp it down the required amount with the adjustable strap over the top.

There are two padded strips down the back of the bag for comfort, with a gap in between for a bit of airflow to keep your back cool. The padding in the shoulder straps also has some holes cut into it to allow for airflow.

Although they would make minimum difference. I tested my bag through the winter and could only dream of using it on hot sunny days, so while I can’t vouch for any cooling airflow, I can at least vouch for its comfort.

The bag has plenty of nice little features, including a magnet to hold the top together which makes it easier to roll up, and a velcro fastener on the adjustment strap so it can be neatly tucked away rather than have it flapping around. And there’s a stash pocket to hide the waist straps when you’re not using them.

The smaller chest strap slides up and down on a 14cm runner, giving good adjustability and next to it is a small loop to stash sunglasses.

The back of the bag is rigid so it holds its shape when sitting on the floor, which makes it easier to pack as you don’t have to hold the bag with one hand and pack with the other.

There’s one small zipped pocket at the bottom of the bag on the right-hand side, just big enough for a phone, wallet and keys. Those smaller items you might want to grab quickly.

The helmet straps would hold your lid a little more securely if they were elasticated and had a bit of grip. Not that it’s unsecure, it just needs some adjustment to get it just so.

But if you’re looking for something to double up as a day bag, then it might not be right for you. This is the one drawback of rolltop bags as the single opening at the top means it can be hard to find or get to items at the bottom. The worst case scenario is something at the top falling out of the bag as you’re rummaging for something lower down, as happened to me.

The Castelli Gear Backpack has been designed to be a commuting backpack option, while also having the right dimensions so it can be used as carry-on luggage on flights for a cycling getaway.

Construction

To fend off the elements as well as provide durability, Castelli's Gear Backpack uses a water and stain resistant exterior material. Water resistant zippers aim to boost the weather resistance. Maximum volume is claimed to be 26 litres capacity, while the dimensions of the pack are 56 x 35 x 15cm.

Internally there are three main compartments. The main body houses a padded laptop sleeve and mesh zip up mesh pocket. Compartment two uses another zip up interior pocket and a lanyard hook. The final compartment uses a side entrance for easier access to essentials. There is also a water bottle holder on the side externally. All of the interior materials are easy to wipe clean.

Additional features include external loops to attach lights or clip on a helmet. The large rear straps are designed to offer support across the shoulders while perforated rear panels aim to boost breathability. These main straps also feature attachment points for lights. There are both chest and waist clip straps for added security and improved weight distribution as well as small reflective details on the straps and front of the backpack.

The ride

For me, the key to a good backpack is just how much you can actually fit inside it. And 26 litres of storage is a good amount for a bag this size, if not class leading. However, it’s also about how accessible that space is and what you are packing. The main large body of the bag is the right size to be able to put a pair of cycling shoes right at the bottom while still piling up kit and clothing items on top of that for a long weekend away. The padded laptop bag is a great addition, which doesn’t add excessive bulk but does provide essential protection for an expensive item. It can however be a little hard to access if you really pack the bag fully.

The other main compartments are not as spacious, but the placement of zipped internal pockets help make valuables more easily accessible. For commuting to work, the size is easily spacious enough to put office shoes and clothes in the bag. The easy to wipe down interior is also great, ensuring that even if it does gets dirty, it’s easy to clean.

None of the pockets are easily accessible while wearing the backpack, save for the bottle holder. I do like how the zips all have tabs to make them straightforward to open and close even with gloves on.

I haven’t tested it in the rain to see how dry it keeps the contents, but I’ve used Castelli saddlebags with the same zip structure, and they are not fully waterproof. The water resistance and shower proofing is very good though.

Another important element is how comfortable a backpack is to wear. This is where the Castelli Backpack absolutely shines. Even when fully packed to over 20kg / 44lbs, the wide straps with their padded and perforated material are incredibly comfortable and spread the weight nicely over the shoulders and back. The sternum and hip straps aim to add further stability, but in practice I never found that I needed them, so comfortable and secure were the standard straps. I also found in warmer temperatures the perforated elements of the backpack did seem to help avoid excessive heat buildup.

I appreciate the amount of additional features this backpack has, helping make it suitable for commuting. On the straps and the face of the backpack it has attachment points for lights to be fitted. This is especially useful given the relative lack of reflective detailing on the bag. These clips can also be used to hang a helmet from when the commute turns from cycling to walking.

As mentioned previously, the internal zip pockets being positioned at the top of the compartments does make access to valuables nice and easy for the user. Something that is missing though is more of a 'clamshell' opening system. I found that when items were packed at the bottom of the bag, the rest of the contents needed to be removed to access them. With a clamshell design the bag can be opened out to grab specific contents and pack more effectively in my experience.

A huge plus point, especially with UK airlines cracking down on bag size and giving on the spot charges for bags that are too large, is that it fits within RyanAir and EasyJet carry-on bag size allowance. Indeed, I was slightly surprised that it fitted within the airline's size restrictions given how much I had packed for a flight to Spain.

Value & conclusion

In terms of price, £170 is certainly towards the more premium end for a cycling specific backpack. However, when assessing value for money, the Castelli bag performs pretty well. The 26-litre storage is a fair bit more than many of the backpacks featured in our best backpacks for cycling buyers guide, while the price is not much higher.

The CamelBak and Rapha options do feature either a clamshell design or larger opening for the main compartments, but availability nowadays for those models is scarce. Most competitors use a roll-top design which is even less practical for accessing contents at the bottom of the bag.

All told, the Castelli Gear Backpack is a very effective travel backpack that’s perfect for commuting or flying. Comfort and overall storage are the key highlights, while attachment points for lights are greatly appreciated along with its protection against showers. It does lack reflective detailing, and a clamshell design is better for access and packing, but it’s still a great option.

If your dog, like mine, gives you a guilt-inducing look every time you kit up with lycra and head for the door without them, the Thule Bexey Dog Trailer may allow you to feel good about yourself again.

I always feel bad leaving my dog at home to enjoy a few hours of riding without them. Over the years, I’ve tried a few solutions, including dog-specific rucksacks, so I was very keen to see how the Bexey stacks up. For many owners, a rucksack isn’t viable because the dog is just too heavy. In the past, I’ve seen people convert child trailers for their dogs, but this is the first time I’ve seen or used a dog-specific trailer.

The trailer is intended for use on gravel, fire roads, simple trails and on the road. I decided to test mine on all of those surfaces and I wanted to use it in everyday life to see if it would fit in with my real-life riding. Of course, it also has to fit in with my pooch's life and make her feel safe and happy. So I set it up on my Æight Bike Fifty One Assassin and took it for a spin.

Construction

Thule sent me the Medium size trailer to try, which is suitable for dogs up to 35kg, and included the optional Rain Cover (£44.99) and Strolling Kit (£79.99). There’s a fair bit of assembly involved, but it's relatively simple, and there's a very good video on the Thule website. Unpacking the parts, it’s clear that the trailer is made from premium parts and materials, as you expect for the price. Lots of brushed aluminium which is tough and light, and some strong-looking, tear-resistant fabric - all the fixtures are well made and most of the parts are toolless, once the trailer is built. Choosing the correct rear axle for your bike can be tricky, but a good retailer will be able to help with that.

Once you’ve built your trailer it’s worth spending a bit of time getting your dog introduced to their new wheels. Again Thule has some great advice on its website. The wheels are easily removed, which leaves you with a nice stable dog crate. I recommend putting the trailer in your home and introducing your dog to it in their own environment - let them play or sleep in it, so it becomes a safe/fun place for them to be. I made the mistake of putting my normally chilled-out pup straight in and heading out for a ride, which she wasn’t completely sold on! Once they get used to it, they love it because it becomes a way for them to join you in the fun. A couple of rides in and we’d both got used to it.

The Ride

Surprisingly, the trailer has very little effect on the way my bike rides. I used a cargo trailer years ago to carry extra gear and water when I was touring, and it made the bike handle “like a dog” (pun intended). But, Thule have done an outstanding job with the coupling on the Bexey, which allows the bike and trailer to move in almost every direction possible. This means it’s in no way restricted in where it can go - I wouldn’t take it on techy single-track, but it can handle a surprising array of surfaces and trails, on and off-road.

The floor of the trailer is very well padded, but I was surprised that there is no real form of suspension. Even some wider tyres would help smooth out the ride for your doggo, but I suppose this is where you have to be slightly sensible in planning a trail/route to ride and being honest with yourself about whether it's suitable for your trailer, or more importantly your dog. Because my dog is small I added some extra cushioning to help stop her being thrown around, and changed my riding style a little with her in mind. When I started using the dog rucksack, someone told me to ride as if I had a dozen eggs in the bag, smooth and careful all the way. I applied the same thinking to picking my lines with the trailer!

The trailer is built with robust materials that have stood up to all the mud and grime our English winter threw at it. The exterior is easily hosed off (best done whilst it’s still wet from use), the optional rain cover works very well and fits perfectly, and the frame still looks like new. From a dog's point of view, the inside is well-padded and the floor is removable for washing. Most dog owners dread this time of year (January/February) because every walk is a mudfest, but I’ve been using the trailer all the way through the winter and my dog has stayed warm and dry throughout!

There’s a large rear door which the dog can easily walk in and out of. Especially in the beginning, I’d chuck a couple of treats in there for the dog to search out while I got kitted up, so they’d be happy and ready to go. If it’s warm and dry you can open up the front flap to varying degrees to help with airflow/ventilation and to allow your dog to keep an eye on what’s happening. Initially, my dog decided she’d have a go hitting the eject button before we’d fully stopped, so I looped a lead inside and clipped her in via her normal harness to keep her on board until I’d decided it was time to exit! I was surprised that there isn’t a specific place inside the trailer for this purpose or even an inbuilt lead. At least there’s plenty of exposed framework available to improvise your own setup.

Taking the trailer on and off your bike is pretty simple. Once you’ve fitted the correct axle you can leave it in place, using the locking quick release to remove/attach the trailer. The fixture is fairly bulky, but unless you’re racing, it’s not an issue. For most users on most bikes, it’s function over form, and the hitch is so good that a bit of extra bulk is a trade-off worth taking.

The lock is a nice feature on such an expensive piece of kit, and whilst I wouldn’t leave this locked up for any serious amount of time, it’s certainly a source of reassurance during quick trips to the shops or whilst at the café.

Accessories

I tested my trailer with the optional rain cover, which I believe is almost essential in winter. In wet, muddy conditions, the bike’s rear wheel generates a lot of spray, which quickly covers the mesh front of the trailer. This means that everything inside, including the dog will get muddy - the rain cover fits snugly, is very well made and doesn’t affect the ventilation.

I also tested the stroller kit - personally, I rarely found it useful because my dog is always excited to get out and about on or off the lead. However when my last dog was older, he wasn't a fan of walking too far, but he still wanted to be a part of family outings. If we’d had the trailer at the time he would have loved it, and we’d have used the stroller kit a lot. If you’ve got an older dog, it’s a great addition.

Value and conclusions

At £800 plus accessories, the Bexey commands a hefty price tag, so it’s definitely a considered purchase. But, look at it this way - over the lifetime of your furry friend, it could mean that they’ll be with you on all your adventures for as little as £50 a year. Even at £100 a year, I think it’s worth it. It also means that you’re not limited on ride time - previously I’d limit my rides to a few hours, but now I can ride all day long, and stop and start where I like. All the time knowing that my dog is comfy, safe and with us. That’s priceless.

I’ve added a couple of lights to mine, in addition to the factory reflectors, for when we were on the road. Thule includes a big tall flag to make drivers aware, but in all honesty, I avoid roads as much as possible these days, especially with a dog on board. Where the trailer is most at home is on American-style gravel, UK forestry fire roads, canal towpaths and non-technical trails. I tried it on some single track without the dog on board and it was slightly out of its depth, but that’s to be expected.

My dog was initially sceptical about the idea of the trailer, but if you introduce them to it with care, they’ll take to it. After a couple of rides, she was loving life in her little chariot. My dog needed a fair bit of extra cushioning because she’s so small but any dog owner will be used to solving these kinds of issues. I would recommend the medium for most terriers and medium dogs like spaniels - you’ll need a large for breeds like a Labrador. We put our friend's Lab in the medium trailer and it wasn’t really big enough.

Specs

• Weight: 15kg
• Dimensions fully built: 79cm high, 70cm wide, 90cm long (140cm including arm and fittings).
• Dimensions for storage: 35cm high, 66cm wide, 90cm long.
• Dog Space: 61cm high, 43cm wide, 84cm long.

The Blackburn Central Seatpost Rear Rack enables just about any bike, regardless of size or type, to carry a load, provided there's enough seat post showing. Its flexible design boasts two different height settings plus fore and aft adjustment, so your load shouldn't interfere with your riding position or other kit. The ability to alter the height also means it can fit a wide selection of bikes.

It weighs in at 763g and has a 10kg/22lb carrying capacity, which should be plenty for most people.

It costs $65.00, £59.99 or €69.99, and is available in one size and one colour (black).

The construction

The rack is sturdily constructed using aircraft grade 6061 aluminum tubing, and it attaches to any seat post diameter from 22mm to 32mm via a four-bolt clamp. The clamp is 50mm tall, so you'll need at least that amount of seatpost available to use the rack. This neat approach does enable frames without conventional braze-on rack attachment points to still carry a load. There is a fixing plate at the rear to which a light can be attached - invaluable if the load will obscure your regular mounting point.

It measures 517mm/20.375" long, 120mm/4.75" wide and 120mm/4.75" deep and is finished in matt black.

I found fitting the rack to be straightforward, although trying to hold the rack, faceplate and shim in place while bolting the parts together required one hand more than the two I already possess. It wasn't too difficult, it just required some patience. In the end, I loosely bolted the non-shim side, slid the shim in and screwed the other two bolts finger tight. I then made sure that the rack was straight before torquing the bolts up (6.5-9Nm recommended).

To accommodate a dry bag secured with a bungee cord, I fixed the rack in the downward position, with the load section slid back as far as it would go. It needed to be kept well back so that the bag wouldn't catch the back of my legs. I also wanted to keep the load as low as possible so that the center of gravity wasn't too high.

Before fitting, I decided to drill a couple of 5mm holes so that I could fit my Cateye rear light rack bracket. Two vertical holes are already pre-drilled, but I needed two horizontal ones for my bracket. Being aluminium it was easy to drill, and I was pleased with the outcome. My light could sit beneath the dry bag load and still remain visible.

The ride

Once out riding with a load the rack felt stable and secure and my bike remained well balanced. There were no noises, flex or other detectable movements. My inner leg rubbed occasionally on the four-bolt faceplate, but a longer seat post and smaller frame would have enabled the rack to be bolted further down, curing this interference. It was more a quirk of my setup than a design issue. 

There was a small amount of vertical movement at the join between the seat post clamp stub and the main beam. Here there is a single bolt that enables you to set the beam in an upward or downward position. It didn't make a noise or rattle, and it was weighted down by my bag, which kept it stable. I tightened the bolt to a reasonable torque of 5Nm but couldn't eliminate the small movement. However, it never became a problem. 

In the downward configuration I favoured there was 35mm of fore and aft adjustment. When used the other way up there was circa 45mm of adjustment available.

Blackburn suggests using a rack-top bag, which seems to be a sensible idea. I was unable to test the rack in this configuration as I no longer own a top bag, but my dry bag and bungee cord setup worked well enough and felt totally secure.

Verdict

I found the Blackburn Central Seatpost Rack to be well made, versatile in setup and secure in use. I liked that it had a rear light plate, which once modified to suit my Cateye bracket meant that I was more visible. It felt secure on the bike and it carried my load easily. Although it will fit most bikes with ease, it really comes into its own with bikes that don't have frame eyelets for racks/fenders. It's pretty straightforward to fit and remove, but not so easy that I'd want to do it often.

Overall it's a good option if you need to carry a bag but can't fit a conventional rack. It's even worth considering even if you can!

The Specialized/Fjallraven S/F Handlebar Pocket is marketed as ‘a small, burrito-sized alternative to a regular sized handlebar bag’. This is an excellent and highly accurate description for what is essentially a small sausage of a bar bag that is held in an out-front, upright position on bikes with external cabling, and it also tucks nicely under the aero bars of my Cannondale SuperSix.

With a smaller capacity than some of the best handlebar bags, I had to be more selective about what I carried, but its 1.5 liter capacity was space enough for a tube, tire lever, power bank, spare rear light and my keys – sufficient for weekend rides rather than longer range touring trips, perhaps.

Specialized/Fjallraven S/F Handlebar Pocket: Attachment

The main fixing is two ‘velcro’ straps that hold the bag on the handlebars, while a bungy cord wraps around the headtube or stem spacers to keep the bar bag in place. Its size – and therefore finite limit to carrying capacity and weight – means that it would be difficult to load it up heavily enough to be able to swing out and back against the cord’s ability to keep it in place.

However, it can be a bit fiddly to get the straps tight enough on bikes with internal cabling to ensure it doesn't move. Less of a problem with cables holding it forward.

The springiness of the cord adds to its versatility as it can be stretched and wrapped around different shapes and arrangements of bars and stems, rather than a strap and buckle system that can only be affixed in one direct position behind the bar bag.

With an out-front computer mount in situ, the bar bag hangs under the handlebars rather than front on. This didn't matter to me, it just further showed the versatility of the bungy cord system for affixing the bar bag to the bike. The ony downside of mounting the bag in this position is that it doesn't give you the same easy access to the contents inside while riding.

Specialized/Fjallraven S/F Handlebar Pocket: Weatherproofing

The Specialized/Fjallraven S/F Handlebar Pocket is listed as being made from 210D recycled nylon ripstop that has been given a claimed 10,000mm PU coating. Most rides I’ve done have been in the dry, but a recent ride during which there was thick drizzle throughout meant rider, bike and bar bag all got a good soaking.

Water could be seen to collect on the outer of the bar bag and so I hoped/assumed that any moisture was being kept at bay. However, upon closer inspection after the end of the ride, I found that the contents were slightly damp – although by no means soaking wet.

For example, the cardboard box of my spare inner tube was damp and had been softened by the moisture. There was a hint of moisture on the exterior of my power bank, too.

This would make me reluctant to store anything prone to moisture damage in there during a heavier downpour, especially on a multi-day trip when drying anything out could be more difficult.

Specialized/Fjallraven S/F Handlebar Pocket: Capacity

As mentioned, the capacity of the Specialized/Fjallraven S/F Handlebar Pocket is modest, but it never claimed to be anything but. The full width zip allows for easy access to the contents and makes it simple to add what you need before a ride, maximising what capacity there is.

For weekend rides it can hold anything I’d need – that is up to a point where my willingness to conduct roadside repairs would be eclipsed by the ease with which I could request a lift home from a willing relative.

When going further afield, you might choose this handlebar bag to hold a power bank – for on-the-fly computer and light charging – and easily accessible energy bars or gels. Other equipment can be stored elsewhere in pannier bags or frame bags, obviously. However, a larger bar bag would suit those looking to maximise every luggage point.

Specialized/Fjallraven S/F Handlebar Pocket: Value and conclusion

If this ‘burrito’ bar bag had been completely waterproof, it would be looking at a potential 5* rating. It’s compact, well made and attaches easily. However, the first wet ride saw some dampness reach its contents, so I’d wonder about its capabilities in much more adverse conditions far from home. For dry rides on my best road bike it’ll become a permanent fixture, but I don’t think it’ll be moving across to my gravel bike for any adventure riding.

At $60 / £50 it appears to be about market average, but arguably that’s still a lot of money to part with for somewhere to store your snacks and a multi-tool. It’s good, it does the job, most people will be satisfied. 

Vaude has introduced a new line to their already extensive catalogue of touring panniers and handebar bags. This new series called the Aqua Light range includes front and rear pannier bags as well as the Aqua Box Light being reviewed here. As you'd expect from the name, it is a watertight bag featuring a rolltop closure to keep your kit dry, or dust free, whatever the weather throws at you.

It is also light, weighing in at 170 grams including the shoulder strap or 143g if you decide that you don't need the strap for that journey! Its 4 liter capacity is plenty enough space to carry a few essential tools, an inner tube, a rain jacket, and sundry snacks...

It attaches using two robust and slightly stretchy straps, which can be moved within the light grey attachment points to allow you optimum placing of the buckle for you setup. The loose ends can be tucked away into the attachment point too.

Vaude Aqua Box Light Bar Bag: construction

Along with the other Aqua series bags, the Aqua Box Light uses Econyl, which is a 100% recycled material made in Germany, and keeps its environmental footprint lower by not having to transport materials too far. Econyl is a PVC-free material, which keeps the bag more environmentally friendly too.

The waterproof seams use a 2D technology to weld the material together, which makes for a strong join. A simple rolltop design should make for a long lasting and robust closure. There is a 5 year warranty offered too, which is reassuring.

The bag comes with a strap which clips into the two roll top clips to allow you to carry it as a shoulder bag, should you need. However this does mean that the bag is carried open in this configuration. The alternative is that you use the roll top loop as a handle which can be carried in the hand. This means the bag will remain sealed to the elements.

Vaude Aqua Box Light Bar Bag: the ride

The fitting of the bag is very straightforward, you loop the strap around your bars and then secure it using a hole over the buckle, much like a belt with your jeans! However one thing to be mindful of, is that the attachment points are 25cm apart (at their widest) and because of this it wouldn't fit on my wife's flat barred road hybrid bike. There just wasn't enough room. The Topeak BarLoader did fit in this instance as it has narrower attachment points. Luckily, it fitted every other bike that I tried it with. The usual issue with older Shimano brake/shifters cabling clashing with a bag wasn't a problem, and in fact it sat very nicely between the bars and external cables (see photos below). It also fitted very nicely on a straight bar mountain bike. 

It took quite a selection of tools, a tube, phone, wallet, a couple of rain jackets easily, and I weighed the bag at 1,300 grams. Although Vaude give a volume of 4 liters they don't specify a max capacity weight. My day ride kit selection meant that I didn't need to carry anything other than water on the bike or in my pockets, which I liked. I did wonder whether the weight would cause the bag to roll under the bars, but it held firm, even when riding rough cross country trails. You have the option to use the rolltop section as an extra securing function by clicking it shut under your stem. I didn't do this as I wanted to see how well the two attachment points worked unaided. Very well it turned out!

Something to bearing in mind however is when using it with drop bars and bar tape. You get an indentation on the bar tape from the attachment block (see photo below). It still stays very secure and doesn't roll around even when, in this case, it was on the narrow edge of an aero bar. The tape 'recovers' after a while and, in this case, the dent wasn't permanent.

One thing that is a perennial problem with bar bags is the conflict between fitting a bag and wanting other kit on your bars. I found that a bike computer (so that I could still run a rear radar such as the Garmin Varia or Bryton Gardia) fitted well on my stem, but there is often a problem with using a front bike light. However as the bag is quite shallow I was able, in some cases, to rotate the bag underneath the bars, which allowed a clear line of sight for a light to show the way or be seen by oncoming cars. The picture below shows this positioning. The cable routing will determine whether or not you can do this however. 

Vaude Aqua Box Light Bar Bag: value and conclusion

The Vaude Aqua Box Light turned out to be a surprisingly versatile little bag, both in bikes that it would fit as well as its compact yet spacious capacity. It held solidly onto the bars, without rotating, over rough terrain, even with a decent weight of tools, clutter and a jacket. If you have a suitable cable setup it can even allow a front light to be used when it's rolled partially under the bars. 

Value-wise it is good, being priced at $60.00 / £55.00. It is $26.99 / £12.00 cheaper than the Topeak BarLoader bar bag. However the BarLoader may be used in conjunction with a drybag bar system or as a standalone bar bag. If you only need a small bar bag and you have the required width to accommodate the wider buckles, then the Vaude is an excellent little bag. Both bags are broadly similar but have different shapes and buckle attachment spacing, so one may suit your bar and cable routing setup better than the other. The Vaude seemed more versatile in regard to the cabling types that it could accommodate. This was due mainly to its shallower profile. A 5 year warranty should allay any fears about the quality or durability of such a light bag, and it felt robust in the hand.

Overall, recommended.

Specs

• Capacity: 4 liters
• Bag weight: 143g or 170g including strap
• Dimensions: 15 x 26 x 14 cm (H W D)
• Colors: Black or Bright Green
• Max weight (carrying): Not specified

The Topeak BarLoader is an easily mountable handlebar drybag that can be used alone or mounted as an accessory bag in combination with Topoek's FrontLoader Bar Bag system. Featuring sonically welded seams, a roll top closure which uses Velcro, the BarLoader protects your kit from dry dusty trails or from rain when riding in wet conditions.

Topeak BarLoader: construction

The BarLoader measures 25cm wide by 25cm high, and it has a depth of 8cm. The bar bag has a maximum capacity of 6.5L/395ci, and is capable of carrying a load of up to 3kg/6.6lbs. The bag itself weighs in at 368g on our scales, including all of the straps that it comes with.

Included, along with the main and inner bags, are two bar mounting straps, a head tube strap, a shoulder strap and three 3M protective strips to save your paintwork from abrasion. The straps mentioned above are all removable, should you wish to fit the bag over a FrontLoader system. To do this you would use the integrated straps, which clip over the dry bag roll used with that system. If the bag is to be used on its own, then the longer integrated straps can be left hanging down or neatly folded away using the strap tidy. A photo of this is shown below.

The inner bag uses a bright yellow fabric to help illuminate the inside of the otherwise dark main bag. Helpfully it is removable, should you need to locate a small item from one of its zipped side pockets.

Topeak BarLoader: fitting and the ride

The first job is to fit the bag to your bars, and this is where your gear cables will make or break the fitting... If you have the older style of Shimano road brake/shifter levers, where the cable outer emerges from the side of the lever and arcs to the frame, then you may have an issue with fitment. I didn't have enough depth between the bars and the cable routing (just in front of the head tube) to fit the bag. This is because the bag hangs down about 16cm beneath the bars. For most other systems (down tube levers, flat bar bikes or drop bar bikes with the cables routing under the bar tape) you should be fine. This is the case when you fit the BarLoader directly to the bars. If you are using it in conjunction with the Topeak Frontloader (or similar system), which I will discuss later, then the cabling issues will be different! As the FrontLoader fitted the bike just mentioned it meant that the BarLoader could also be used, just not on its own.

It fitted the Vitus Venon EVO-RS' bars really nicely. The velcro straps held the bag tightly to the bars. I loaded it up with a few tools, a pump, wallet, phone, snacks and a rain jacket and set off for Boxhill (in Surrey). The bag has an optional strap that can be used to hold the base of the bag close to the head tube to reduce its swinging movement when heavily loaded. I opted not to use it on this ride. There was a small amount of rocking back and forth from the bag, and it would swing more if you came out of the saddle for a steeper section. However the velcro straps held tightly and didn't rotate on the bars. The bags movement wasn't a distraction to me either. At the top of the zigzag ascent I needed to remove a layer, as I was quite warm now, and the bag accommodated the extra garment easily. I thought that it looked good and was perfect for carrying my gear on this ride.

The single front clip holds the rolltop opening closed and can easily be adjusted to keep the pack smaller, or opened up when more capacity is required. The rolltop opening is sealed with velcro, which helps keep water or dust out, but can catch onto certain clothing. Generally cycling type garments are fine but I was wearing a jumper when loading the bag and the velcro kept sticking to my sleeve! Talking of loading the bag, it's worth mentioning that there is a removable inner bag (shown below - yellow) which has three zipped sections to keep things safe or separate. It helps that it is a light colour as it would otherwise be difficult to see much in the bag as it is a long dark tube when unrolled and open!

Topeak BarLoader: value and conclusion

The BarLoader can be used by itself or in addition to a FrontLoader. The FrontLoader is a great bag for carrying bulky items such as a sleeping bag or down jacket, etc. when you're bikepacking, but it is not easily accessed mid-ride. So the BarLoader can be strapped over the FrontLoader to add some useful functionality, allowing you to access items needed during a ride. You may need to be careful about how you load your bike up as too much weight on the bars can affect the handling. I particularly liked using the bag on its own as a day ride bag, where it could hold my clutter and spare clothing. Being able to remove your valuables and keep everything in one place when off the bike is really useful too.

The Brooks Scape Handlebar Pouch ($80.00 / £59.99) and Roll ($150.00 / £124.99) system ($230.00 / £184.98 total) is similar to Topeak's combined Barloader and Frontloader system ($191.94 / £139.98 total) in its modular approach, and whilst the Brooks Pouch is a similar price to Topeak's BarLoader ($86.99 / £64.99), the Brooks Roll is about twice the price of the Topeak Frontloader ($104.95 / £74.99). The Pouch looks like it'd work with my bike mentioned above (with the gear cable fouling) but it is half the capacity of the BarLoader. On that basis I'd say that the Topeak BarLoader is good value and it is a good load carrier, as long as it fits your bar setup. My advice is to check before you buy.

Topeak BarLoader: specs

• Bag weight: 368g (tester's measurement) including all straps
• Dimensions: 25cm x 25cm x 8cm (WxHxD)
• Capacity: 6.5L/395ci
• Maximum load: 3kg/6.6lbs

The Topeak Frontloader Bar Bag is designed to carry light but bulky items on your handlebars. It provides a useful storage area to help you spread your kit across your bike when you next go on an adventure.

The best handlebar bags can be split into two categories, those that add extra capacity on bikepacking trips, and others that give easy access to essentials on local loops or commuting. 

Topeak's Frontloader slots into the first, and is great for carrying a decent amount of kit on the bars thanks to its eight litre capacity and sturdy design. It isn't really the sort of bag that you'd keep dipping into on a ride, though, as it doesn't have easy access pockets unlike some others on the market.

Topeak Frontloader: construction

The bag set is comprised of a harness, which attaches to the bars, and a removable dry bag. This allows the harness to remain attached to the bike without having to remove it each time. The harness itself is made from a stiff but flexible 'board' which is attached to the handlebars using two straps and spacers, and there is a third strap lower down which can go around the head tube of the frame to offer additional support. There are two additional straps to hold the dry bag in place where the 'board' curves around the dry bag and the straps are tightened up.

The dry bag is double ended to allow easy access from either side, and is sealed by folding over the opening and clicking closed with clips. There is an air valve to purge excess air from the bag which keeps it more compact. The dry bag is waterproof rated to 10,000mm - which is similar to some hill-walking rain coats - and so should keep your kit nice and dry.

The harness weighed 387g and the dry bag was 113g on my scales, so a total of 500g. There is an eight litre capacity and five kilo max load, says Topeak.

Fitting

In brief, I tried the harness on several different bikes with as many different bar types and cable routing as I could - to try and get a feel for how simple or awkward each might be. I have used a WildCat Lion harness in the past and, although they are similar, there are differences too. Namely that the Topeak uses spacers for the bar section and that it is secondarily secured via the head tube.

To start with, I used a flat bar bike (photos one and two in the gallery above) and it was easy to fit. The spacer blocks (three per side) allow fine tuning of the mounting and you can use as many, or few, as your application requires. I tended to use all three for each fitting. The threading of the straps can be a bit fiddly however, but once threaded they stayed in place. I generally opted not to use the head tube strap, but I would for really heavy loads. It is supplied with some clear 3M frame protector strips to keep your paint intact. Nice touch. 

I loaded up with a sleeping bag and a down jacket which came in at 1.7kg including the harness and then rode off-road. The handling was barely affected, which pleased me, as when I've ridden with 2.5kg on the bars (using the Swytch bike battery) I felt the weight affect handling. The load was stable and the straps held tight. A good start. The dry bag was able to sit wider under the flat bars and not interfere with the controls too.

I then attached the bag to a Genesis gravel bike (see photo three above) and this surprised me as the fitting was really awkward due to the cable paths. In the end I had to place the cables between the bar straps and blocks to get a good placement. Once fitted it rode nicely, but if I was going to use it with the harness regularly I would consider recabling the bike (it had both brake and gear cable routing under the bar tape). It did surprise me that this bike was the most difficult to achieve a good fit. 

Then I fitted the bag to a drop bar bike with under tape brake cables but with external gear cables (see photo four in the above gallery). Prior to fitting I thought that this setup would be the most awkward as it often is when using bar bags. However I was surprised that it was really straight forward to fit and that the cables just sat over the top of the harness and bag.

Apart from the fitting to drop bar bikes, the other consideration is that you can't load the bag as fully as you would with a flat bar bike, as you need to leave room to access the brake/gear levers.

The ride

Overall, I found that Topeak's bar bag system was well made and performed well.

I particularly liked the strap locks on the dry bag section straps and this was repeated on the head tube strap. It would've been nice if they'd been on the harness bar straps too, but as they held tight maybe that would've been unnecessary. 

I also liked the quick removal aspect of the design, with the ability to take the dry bag off with you and leave the harness in situ. You can ride with the harness empty, just click the straps up - this is helpful too.

Value and conclusion

At $105 / £76.99 this bag is great value, coming in at less than the lightweight Wildcat Lion Harness (£80 and doesn't include a dry bag) and the Miss Grape Tendril 10.7 Waterproof Handlebar Bag ($135 / £110). These are all bags that you load up at the beginning of your adventure and unpack at the destination, as opposed to an easier access type of bag to carry say food, a camera, phone, a waterproof etc. In that respect Topeak's Frontloader is more of a pure bikepacking bag as opposed to a touring or day ride bar bag.

The Frontloader bag was often easy to fit as well as stable out on the trail. The addition of the air valve on the dry bag meant that you could compact the bag contents smaller and more solidly which in turn meant that the harness held the dry bag securely. It didn't slip or side while I was using the system.

Overall, the Topeak Frontloader Bar Bag is a great addition for those camping/overnight bikepacking trips where a little more kit is required.

Specs

Weight: 500g/1.1 lb (387g for the harness and 113g for the dry bag)

Capacity: 8 litre with a 5kg/11 lb max loading

Size: 33 x 28.7 x 5 cm / 13” x 11.3” x 2” 
        50 x 15 x 15 cm / 19.7” X 5.9” x 5.9” (Waterproof Carry Bag)

Colours: Black or Olive Green

Cost: £76.99 / $105 RRP

Contact: Topeak.com

The LifeLine EVA Bike Pod is, as its name says, made of EVA, which LifeLine says has high impact strength and good tear/abrasion resistance - both properties that are likely to prove useful when travelling with your bike.

The box isn’t enormous, so it’s relatively easy to move around, but still provides plenty of room for a part-disassembled road bike. It’s relatively lightweight at 6.5kg (as against LifeLine’s claimed 8kg).

The two halves of the clamshell case are joined with a fabric hinge that runs the length of the underside of the bike bag. They zip together with a chunky zip; there are three additional nylon straps with riveted metal anchors to hold the two halves together. 

On the bottom there are plastic feet at the front and two rubber rear wheels built into the case, where they’re less prone to being damaged. Two plastic rails help to protect the base and there are two carrying/pulling handles built into the case structure.

Inside, the LifeLine EVA Bike Pod has a fabric coated foam divider to separate the wheels from the bike’s frame. Two straps in the top of the case support the frame so that it moves around less. Another two straps hold the upper side of the case clamshell upright when it’s opened.

Lifeline includes a small combination lock and an address label with a slide-out tag, to add a bit more security, although the lock is unlikely to provide much resistance to attack.

LifeLine EVA Bike Pod: packing

I was pleasantly surprised how little disassembly was required to fit my size 54 bike in the LifeLine EVA Bike Pod. Although I needed to remove the bars from the stem faceplate, there was enough room to fit the saddle, set at 72cm, without needing to remove the seatpost from the frame. Even the right pedal fitted without removal, although I did need to remove the left one.

The wheels sit in two wells at the bottom of the bag, with a deeper one for the cassette and are separated from the frame by a padded layer with extra protection for the axles. There are holes in the outside of the bag, through which LifeLine suggests that you should insert your wheels’ quick release skewers to hold the wheels in place. It’s worth noting that these aren’t wide enough to let you use thru-axles, so disc brake wheels won’t be as securely held.

Once you’ve put your frame in the bag, the straps at its top help hold it in place and away from the base, although you may need to knot them to stop them from slipping. The bike seemed to fit better upside down than right way up, which should also prevent it resting on the chainrings.

When I'd it zipped, the bike seemed relatively well protected with no obvious places where mine was pressing against the bike bag’s shell. The sides of the bag are quite flexible though, so it would be easy for a heavy-handed baggage handler (aren’t they all?) to crush them. The two feet at the front of the bag also look like a weak point for in-transit damage.

Although I didn’t do any additional wrapping of the bike, not being about to fly anywhere, it would be advisable to wrap your frame and wheels, as well as wrapping your bars and chain and securing them to the frame when packing. I’d add some extra padding on the outer side of the wheels and the frame too, to help protect everything that bit more.

Once packed, the long zip makes it easy to close up the bag. I did notice that the zip was under strain in places though, and there were several points where the teeth hadn’t meshed together correctly, with two from one side missing that from the other. It zipped up fine, but longer term this might result in the zip failing.

Manoeuvrability

The LifeLine EVA Bike Pod is relatively easy to move around on its two large rear wheels, which seem sturdy. This does mean lifting the front of the bike bag by its handle, which doesn’t have a space between its two sides, so you can’t wrap your hand through it. 

This is fine for shorter carries, but could get tiring if you’re having to wheel your bike box through an airport. It would be nice to have a shoulder strap to help support the load. At least the box is reasonably stable when you do put it down for a rest. Since it’s relatively lightweight, the 15kg or weight so of a road bike with the box isn’t too hard to lift.

Value and conclusion

The LifeLine EVA Bike Pod ($220.00 / £199.99) provides a competitively priced option and is not too heavy or bulky. It’s large enough to fit your bike without too much spanner-work, making for less hassle when packing and unpacking, making it a lower priced candidate among the best bike bags and boxes.

The bike is reasonably well protected, although the sides of the bike box are quite flexible, so a bike or wheels could be prey to crush damage unless you add extra packaging.

Compared to name brand and fully rigid bike boxes, the LifeLine EVA Bike Pod is inexpensive, although the zip doesn’t work perfectly and looks as if it might fail with more intensive use. But for less frequent use and if you don't want to spend too much on a box, it's a good option.

Specs

Weight: 6.5kg

Size: Length 1200mm, Height (tallest) 907mm, Depth 280mm

Wheels: Two rear

New Loox wasn't a brand familiar to me prior to this test. However, the company has actually been around since 1948, admittedly just a small family affair specialising in leather bike baggage in its infancy. Maybe the Burger family were to the Dutch as Brooks were to the English. 

Companies expand, though, and manufacturing is outsourced. Unsurprisingly, New Loox baggage isn’t made in Holland anymore. But the brand still claims to offer the high quality and impeccable customer service that was originally associated with the company.

Browsing New Loox’s website, it’s clear they are doing everything they can to meet the varied demands of cyclists; they have no less than 17 collections featuring 117 different pieces of luggage. I was keen to see if the New Loox Varo Backpack did all the things it claimed, both on and off the bike - and how it compared to the best commuter backpacks for cycling and the best bike panniers.

New Loox Varo: construction

The main body is a waterproof 420D polyester with welded seams, a roll-top closure and single, central buckle. Hooks mounted on a Racktime rail system attach to pannier rails with a spring mounted lever and lower Velcro strap holding it in place. New Loox claims it fits tubes with diameters measuring between 10 and 16mm (using supplied adaptors).

The 29 x 50 x 15cm bag offers a 22 litre capacity and weighs 1.3kg. Inside, there’s a detachable neoprene sleeve designed for a tablet/laptop, plus a small zip pocket on the sleeve and a key hook.

Padded adjustable shoulder straps, together with chest and waist straps, can be used to carry the pannier as a rucksack when it's removed from the bike. A large cushioned flap folds down to cover the hooks, providing protection for the upper back. All straps are fully detachable.

Externally there are two elasticated side pockets and reflective detailing. It's possible to attach a light to the front or sides of the bag thanks to the dedicated mounting slips.

The ride

Mounting the rack is simple and adjustment is tool-free. Two hooks sit snugly on the rack’s rail and slide into the required position. A central locking clasp then holds the pannier on the rail. Since I’ve only been testing for six weeks, I can’t really say if this tool-free system will stand the test of time. 

The hooks sit reassuringly snug on the rail but this could go either way; they could become loose resulting in play, or grit and grim could work its way and hinder movement. Regular cleaning and occasional movement here may avoid the latter.

A long Velcro strap sits on the lower section of the pannier to hold it against the rack. It's placed considerately to fit most styles of rack (I've used it on every one I own). That said, it's not as user friendly as an arm; getting a snug closure is fiddly, especially if you have a fender / mudguard mounted. 

Even so, it falls in-line with the panniers' second function as a rucksack; no one wants a plastic arm digging into their lower back. Again, I’ve got personal reservations about the long term performance of a strip of Velcro here; in time, dirt and grime could affect grip.

In the six weeks of testing, I’ve had no reason to question or fault the attachment set-up in terms of performance. The pannier has been primarily used on my e-bike for commuting and it’s remained securely in place without rattling or excess movement, the back side is rigid and hasn’t sagged towards the wheel.

Despite being secure, the pannier is far from 'niggle-free' when mounted; there are several things that aren't ideal, though some can be overcome...

Depending upon your bike’s geometry and rack positioning, the pannier has the potential to interfere with rear mech cabling. It touched the cable on mine but didn’t affect shifting. Mounting on the non-drive side will get around this issue.

New Loox’s Railtime system requires you to press the central clasp to release the pannier from the rack and simultaneously lift it - it’s a two handed job. In addition to this, reaching between the wheel and pannier to undo the Velcro strap is a faff, particularly with cold hands and fender / mudguard stays.

If you opt to leave the shoulder straps on the pannier while it’s mounted, they need to be secured around the front side to prevent them flailing about. With plenty of spare strap, you’ll want to be cutting them down or doubling them back on themselves too. 

Leaving them attached makes things quick and easy for bike-walk transitions. On the downside, it means they’re exposed to dust, dirt and the elements, rain being the worst case scenario. Their waffle like construction means they act like a sponge when sprayed with water.  

The roll-top closure works as it should but, in my opinion, there needs to be a couple of extra inches the top edge, or additional lateral clasps. As it is, only two rolls are possible, and that’s a struggle when the pannier is full. This leaves the edges a little exposed making water ingress a possibility. I’d say the single closure strap makes things convenient in terms of access but works against water-tight properties. 

Indeed, New Loox only claim an IP3 rating despite also claiming the Varo to be 'made from 100% waterproof nylon'. IP3 means it can 'withstand water sprays up to 60º from vertical', so the potential of ingress at the opening during heavy rain is realistic. I've had it out in the rain without issues, I've also taken in the shower and directed the shower head straight at the roll-top for 5 minutes... it withstood this too. 

The Varo Backpack has heaps of space inside. For me, it’s length is particularly appealing; it accommodates a rather large laptop case that no other pannier I've tested can handle. The stiff plastic insert protects contents from vibrations and the neoprene sleeve is further protection should you chose to use that. It fits my 15“ laptop perfectly. Being able to pull the sleeve out of the pannier when you pop into a shop or cafe is really handy, avoiding taking the pannier off completely.

Even with a laptop in situ, there’s plenty of place for more gear: clothing, food, spare lights, etc. If it's not fully loaded, the pannier holds it shape well; the fabric doesn’t sag or flap about. The rigid plastic back and base insert help with this. The latter isn't removeable but will fold up.

Exterior pockets are handy, though top edge lacks elasticity, so they're not overly secure. I tended to stuff gloves and lights into them while faffing about near the bike, or in transit from bike to destination. Depth here is a bonus.

Loops for extra lights, plus a small amount of reflective detailing, make the exterior look sleek and add functionality. Bolder reflective patches wouldn’t go amiss in my opinion.

As a backpack, the Varo is refreshingly comfortable; the padding at the rear does a great job of cushioning your back. Wandering around with it for anything between 20 minutes and an hour was absolutely fine. The straps are well-padded and shaped considerately with an adjustable chest strap. I never really felt the need to use the waist strap. That said, it’s worth having it stowed away in the pannier though; it’s great for securing shoulder straps when the pannier is on the bike.

Value and conclusion

A well-made pannier and rucksack for £100.00 isn't extortionate. Craft Cadence’s $108.99 / £89.99 Metro Backpack Pannier is a good comparison that potentially gets around the ‘straps-exposed-to-elements issue’, providing the zip is water tight. 

Ortlieb has a more expensive offering with its £140.00 Vario PS Pannier Backpack which Cycling Weekly's Tech Features Editor Stefan Abram used for his two-week urban and gravel adventure from Budapest to the mountains of Slovakia.

There aren't a huge number of manufacturer's offering dual-function luggage, perhaps for the reason that there are inevitable compromises so demand isn't actually that big.

In the past, I've popped a quality, comfy rucksack into a pannier and simply pulled it out at my destination... this means, despite potential capacity compromises, there are no compromises on performance of either.

The Varo Backpack doesn't come without niggles, admittedly some are surmountable. It's certainly well-made and does a decent job of being both a pannier and a rucksack, just not an outstanding job of either.

Specs

• Material: Waterproof Nylon
• Capacity: 22 litres
• Colours: Black, Grey
• Weight: 1,33 kg
• Dimension: 29 x 50 x 15 cm
• Fixer: Racktime rail system

Ortlieb knows a thing or two about how to carry kit on a bike - the company has been doing it for the last 40 years. But does the pannier wizardry translate into rucksacks? We packed our sarnies, pants and laptop into the Commuter Daypack Urban Line and headed off work to find out.

For lots of other ways to put your stuff on your back, head over to see some of our other best cycling backpacks.

Ortlieb Commuter Daypack: construction

The Daypack has a casual woven fabric look (think city hipster style) but is made from fully waterproof Cordura fabric. To help keep the water out, the bag closes via a roll top and a metal hook across the strap. The muted colours help with the chic commuter look with just a little reflective detail on the stitching and logo for visibility (there's a grey, navy or rose version).

There’s a toughened non-fabric base on which the bag stands. Other features include loops for lights and a lock; a padded internal compartment for electronic devices; and an outside zipped pocket which is plenty big enough for a phone. 

The Urban Line version of the Commuter Daypack comes in two sizes, 21 or 27 litres,. We tested the 27 litre version. There are a couple of other versions of the bag if grey tones aren't your thing: "High Visibility" (black with reflective weave, 21 litres only) and "City" in a range of colours from black to vibrant yellow in 21 or 27 litres.

Ortlieb Commuter Daypack: packing up

Inside the Daypack, there is a removable padded sleeve with several pockets for a laptop / tablet / other gubbins. This easily accommodated my laptop, phone, snacks and bike spares without getting ridiculously bulky. The rest of the bag is one big space, so it’s easy to pack in clothes and everything else you need for the day. On a general day in the office, the 27 litres gave more than plenty of volume but it didn’t feel stupidly big.

As the Daypack doesn’t have much structure of its own, it benefits from being packed up neatly. In fact, having a laptop in the padded sleeve actually seems to make it fit better, rather than feel cumbersome.

Whilst you do need to pack sensibly, a benefit of the unstructured design is there’s a lot of flexibility to carry different loads. Volume-wise the 27 litre Daypack can accommodate a very full supermarket basket’s worth of food including cereal boxes and milk containers of varying dimensions. Very useful for grabbing your dinner on the way home from work.

Ortlieb Commuter Daypack: the ride

The Commuter Daypack is much more comfortable and vented than it initially appears. It’s quite a flat shape so sits onto your back rather than wraps around as some others do. This means it suits a more forward posture on the bike rather than a sit-up-and-beg position when there’s more weight through the shoulder straps.

Despite their lack of padding, the shoulder straps are also very comfortable. Their contoured shape sits nicely around your shoulders and chest and easily holds the bag in position. The waist and chest straps help keep the bag secure, but you can easily not bother clipping them up. 

The TPU back padding does a great job of cushioning the load on your back, but I was pretty sceptical how it would fare on the ventilation front, given its rather basic shape. Surprisingly, it does a good job. Granted, we tested in the British winter so we didn’t get a feel for how well it would vent in hotter weather. However, lots of layers can actually be a good test as they can hold lots of moisture, so we could still get a good feel for its performance.

The small outside pocket was useful, as were the various light loops, but the addition of a key clip in the pocket and a second pocket would add a bit more convenience and security.

The major downside of the bag is that the roll top sits quite high, which can catch on your helmet when you’re on the drops. We also found the top corners are quite pronounced, which obscures your vision when you’re looking behind and can make negotiating city traffic more difficult. The smaller 21 litre bag is actually the same height as our larger 27 litre version, so we’d expect it to have the same problem.

A less important disadvantage is that the tails of the shoulder and waist straps are very long, and so flap around and drag on the floor when you use the top carry handle. These are removable if you don’t want them at all, but nonetheless could do with being a bit tidier.

Ortlieb Commuter Daypack: value and conclusion

At $230 / £175 the Ortlieb Daypack is not a casual purchase. It’s not out on its own though, Chrome Industries Barrage Cargo backpack ($200 / £165) and Camelbak HAWG Commute ($185 / £150) are similarly priced, although there are many very good backpacks that are a good deal cheaper like the Altura Thunderstorm City ($100 / £80).  

The Ortlieb Commuter Daypack Urban Line is a high quality commuter style backpack. It's simple in structure and comfortable to use and is an excellent option if you want a fully waterproof bag. In keeping it waterproof there are a few downsides, like a lack of pockets, and it comes with a pretty hefty price tag too. 

Ortlieb Commuter Daypack: specs

• Colours - grey, navy, rose
• Weight - 790 g | 27.9 oz
• Height - 50 cm | 19.7 inch
• Width - 32 cm | 12.6 inch
• Depth - 21 cm | 8.3 inch
• Volume - 27 L | 1648 cu inch
• Waterproof rating - IP64

Attaching a bag to bike is as old as the hills but in recent years the rise in popularity of bikepacking has altered the landscape just a little. Not only has it meant that the choice of bags is perhaps wider than ever before but it also has led to modern reinterpretations of classics such as the giant saddle bag and the handlebar bag. 

Evoc's Handlebar Pack is one such bag. It adopts the functional design of larger bikepacking bags but shrinks it down so it becomes adaptable for everyday use with both road and gravel bikes.  

Evoc Handlebar Pack: construction

Evoc’s Handlebar Pack is a small to midsize bar bag, offered in both a 2.5l and 5l capacity. Its smaller size means it’s better suited to day trips rather than bikepacking adventures, unless you’re traveling light or have plenty of other bags strapped to your bike.

Evoc advertises it as waterproof – and both the material and the design would appear to support this claim. The material feels robust and gives the impression of being able to handle much of what’s thrown at it, including some rain. The plain design, with roll top openings at either end, also means there are no zips or closures which could fall foul of water ingress. Equally, there is just a single taped seam, which bodes well with regards to its ability to keep its contents dry.

The central ‘chamber’ of the pack is rigid, thanks to its plastic cylindrical construction. It means it keeps its shape and provides added durability beyond the outer fabric; it also should make it easy to add and remove items.

The roll top closures use a straightforward plastic clip to fasten the two together once they have been velcroed shut and rolled up. It’s a tried-and-tested design that works well and allows the bag to grow or shrink in size based on the cargo it's carrying.

I tested the smaller of the two sizes, with the 2.5l capacity model measuring 12.5 x 12.5 x 20cm. The claimed weight of 200g rose to 220g my home scales.

Evoc Handlebar Pack: the fitting

The bag’s minimal design is heightened further by Evoc's choice of fixings. Rather than Velcro straps or similar, the German brand has opted for a BOA Fit System. A small bracket is fixed to the bag, with a couple of straps. These fit over the handlebars and are secured by two large rubber tabs. Once in place a central BOA dial is then used to tighten the bag until it is secure.

The result is a bar bag that you can fit in less than a minute. Without instructions. It really is that simple. If you’ve used BOA dials on cycling shoes, you’ll understand how it works and how easy it is to ‘dial’ in the correct fit, whether you’re securing the bag against the metal of the bars or against bar tape. 

Evoc Handlebar Pack: the ride

While there’s been a move of late for gravel handlebars to get wider with more flare, I still ride a 42cm width. Despite having the smaller 2.5 litre bag to test, I was a little concerned that the relative narrowness of my bars, when combined with the bag, would lead to a somewhat cramped cockpit.

While the bag did fill the space between the levers, I found that it didn’t adversely impact my riding. I was able to ride on the tops without having to really adjust my usual hand position or have the bag rubbing against my knuckles. To create a little more room I did initially try and set the bag a little higher but inevitably found that after hitting a few lumps and bumps the bag had shifted down to what I assume is the ‘correct’ position. 

Certainly this is no fault of the BOA system. Once in this lower position, the bag stayed in place. And when it came time to stop to remove an item from the bag, the ease of the BOA dial was a real bonus. By slackening off the dial a small amount I was able to move the bag enough to make it easier for me to access the roll-top opening. I’m guessing with wider bars this wouldn’t be an issue but it proved helpful with my set-up.

As for getting items in and out of the bag, the side-rolls are pretty easy – although because the bag is small in size, the opening isn’t that large. 

I have tended to use the bag to stuff extra clothing in; in my experience it’s ideally suited for stashing a jacket, gloves and arm warmers until you need them. It's far less suited to heavier items with rigid structures, such as multi-tools, hand pumps and the like – unless you pack these along with the clothing.

If you’re looking to access items mid-ride, perhaps snacks or a camera, then having the opening at the top of the bag rather than at the sides would be more useful.

I’ve yet to use the bag in sustained or heavy rain, but it handles any showers with aplomb; the rain drops just bead on the surface and either evaporate or roll away. Given the single taped seam I’d expect it to deal with a genuine downpour equally as well.

Evoc Handlebar Pack: value and conclusion

At $130 / £129 the Evoc Handlebar Pack isn’t cheap. That said the quality of materials and construction point to a bag that should be plenty durable. For comparison the Chrome Industries Urban Ex bar bag has a similar capacity, uses a roll top closure positioned at the top of the bag and costs $75 / £75. Likewise the Apidura Racing Mini Pack has comparable storage but uses a lid as the opening and retails at $99 / £72.

When the Evoc Handlebar Pack arrived, I was a little unconvinced due to its size. However, it’s turned out to be ideal for my regular rides. It allows me to carry some extra clothing, or to start my journey with additional layers knowing that I don’t have to worry about trying to stuff them in a jersey pocket when I warm up. The 2.5 litre size makes it unobtrusive on the bike, again a good pairing for everyday use, although too small for a bikepacking trip. 

The pack’s well-made, with a simple design that’s easy to use. The BOA system is a real standout; the ease of fitting means that you can swap it between bikes if needed. All-in-all it’s a great little bag.

Evoc Handlebar Pack: specs

• Weight: 200 g claimes, 220g actual
• Capacity: 2.5 litres
• Size: 12.5 x 12.5 x 30cm
• Contact: evocsports.com

At the heart of any bikepacking trip lies the spirit of adventure; and whether it's an overnight stay close to home or a multi-day trip in some far-flung corner of the world, a good set of bags to carry your kit are essential. While seat, frame and bar bags steal the show, a small top tube bag is often included in the configuration. And with good reason.

Top tube bags are designed to offer easy access to smaller items that you, well, need easy access to while riding. If bikepacking seat, frame and handlebar bags typically hold larger and heavier items - think bivvy bag, sleeping bag, stove and cooking utensils, tools and a down jacket - then the smaller top tube bag or ‘bento box’ becomes the preserve of snacks, valuables and other compact items. This means that of all the bikepacking bags on offer, it’s the one you’re likely to keep on your bike at all times, as useful for a quick spin around the trails as it is on a long-haul journey.

Certainly, it can help shoulder the weight usually carried alone by the sagging rear pockets of your jersey. In fact, especially when combined with some of the other best bikepacking bags, it can allow you to ditch the traditional cycling jersey altogether, should you so wish.

Evoc Top Tube Pack: construction

In this regard the Evoc Top Tube Pack appears to fit the bill in both size and construction. It measures 15.5cm long, 8cm high at its tallest point and is 5.5cm in depth. It features a rigid construction that can handle slightly heavier items, such as a mobile phone, multi tool or charger, without them rattling around or causing the bag to lose shape or move about. Inside the 0.5 litre main compartment is an additional elasticated mesh pocket, presumably so you can organise your items to some degree. 

The outer material - available in carbon grey or loam - has a durable appearance and texture and is listed by Evoc as being ‘water resistant’. It features a cable port, so you can charge your head unit, phone or light via a stored battery pack. The bag’s sturdy construction and choice of materials is encouraging - it looks and feels well made. 

Access to the pack is via a single waterproof zip, which has a toggle attached to help proceedings when you're wearing gloves or have cold hands.

As for securing the bag to your bike frame, it’s a straightforward affair with two adjustable velcro straps, one to attach to the steerer and the other to the top tube. There are three slots on the base of the bag and one at the front, allowing you to move the position of the straps to best fit your bike setup. The slots are on what feels like a hardwearing strip of fabric, so as not to compromise the integrity of the pack’s main material. This strip also adds another layer of protection. Evoc also supplies a few frame protection stickers.

Evoc’s claimed weight for the pack is just 75g and my kitchen scales were in agreement.

Evoc Top Tube Pack - ride

As you’d hope from a bag with just two velcro straps, the Evoc bag was a cinch to attach to the bike. More impressively, it also stayed put.

Given its gravel application my main concern once I’d strapped it to my bike was that it would start to move around and become a distraction. While it appeared to be held firm enough by the velcro there was a small amount of play if I actively moved the bag from side to side with my hand. 

Out on the road and the trails however it remained in place. I hit tree roots, bounced over rocks and got up plenty of speed on several descents and the bag didn’t budge. 

As for the load capacity, I tried the bag with a few different items. Given its rigidity it can’t really be stuffed with too many tools and the like, but it did hold a multi-tool or tyre levers and a spare gravel tube - but not all three together. I also filled it with snacks - a couple of bars and a handful of Haribo - as well as, on separate occasions, my phone and house keys and a wind vest. With regards to the mobile phone, I still use an old - some may say ancient - iphone. Anything more modern is likely to be too large to fit.

Getting items in and out of the bag is fairly straightforward, although its firm structure does mean that you really need to get your hand right into the bag to retrieve smaller items, like a random gummy bear left over from a previous ride. In all seriousness, the structure is generally a plus point because it ensures the bag keeps its shape, although a slight increase in size, say to 0.7l, might make it easier to get your belongings in and out of the pack, especially if you’re doing it while still in motion.

The bag has yet to get wet beyond a few light showers so I can’t attest to its level of water resistance. However, it shook these showers off without issue and, given the zip and fabric choices, I’d imagine that it would do the same with slightly heavier rain as long as it didn’t persist for too long.

Evov Top Tube Pack - value

The Evoc top tube pack retails for $40 / £30, which makes it competitively priced against similar bags. Restrap’s Top Tube bag costs $52.99 / £34.99, while the Brooks Scape top tube bag, which shares a similar rigid construction, is priced at $60 / £50. At the cheaper end of the scale, LifeLine’s Adventure Top Tube Bag features velcro straps, a 0.7 litre capacity and retails for $18.99 / £14.99.

Evoc Top Tube Pack: conclusion

Top tube bags are a handy addition to any bikepacking set-up or simply for anyone who requires a bit of additional storage on a regular ride. The Evoc bag is a solid example of their practical nature, both storing a number of smaller items and offering easy access to them mid-ride. 

I’ve tended to use it for snacks, with my mobile phone stored in the mesh compartment inside, although this won’t be an option for many larger phones, and have resorted back to storing tube, tool and levers in my jersey pockets. This may largely be out of habit but the top tube bags do seem best suited to on-the-go food, or, due to their position on the bike, for storing a charger to connect to devices fitted to the bars or stem. 

All told, it’s a simple bag that does what’s required of it. The quality of the fabrics and construction are all a bonus and lead me to believe that it will stand the test of time. Perhaps the biggest compliment I can give the bag is that it’s still in use. 

Evoc Top Tube Pack: specs

• Weight: 75g
• Dimensions: 5cm x 8cm x 15.5cm (D x H x L)
• Capacity: 0.5 L
• Colours: Carbon Grey, Loam
• Contact: evocsports.com

If something works well, why change it? Ortlieb’s Back Roller panniers are a superb example of this. The rugged design does exactly what a pannier should, protecting hefty loads from the elements and offering a stable and secure attachment to a variety of racks. 

Ortlieb isn't a company to sit back and be complacent where innovation and new technologies are concerned though; its latest Back Roller Free means those upgrading or investing for the first time have a more environmentally friendly choice.

I got my hands on a pair of Ortlieb Back Roller Free panniers just in time for a three-week tour to the UK from northern Spain. I’ve certainly given them a rigorous test. Read on to find out how they fared…

CONSTRUCTION

The overall design of the Back Roller Free is identical to the Back Roller Classic. Once you’ve stuffed it full with (up to) 20 litres of cargo, a hard strip of plastic makes a few rolls of the pannier a breeze. There are options for securing with or without the shoulder strap. How you choose to close it will depend of the just how much you’ve stuffed in and whether or not you want the convenience of the shoulder strap permanently attached.

The Quick-Lock 2.1 system is easy to operate: lift the handle to open the hooks, release it to clamp them to the tubing. 8, 10 and 12mm anti-scratch adapters are included to ensure a snug fit on any rack. Adjustment is tool-free, a refinement that occurred several years ago; previous versions required an Allen key to adjust the positions of the hook and clamps.

The lower hook can slide and rotate to accommodate various rail arrangements, again this is tool-free.

A rigid moulded strip of plastic protects the base of the pannier, and ensures it holds it’s shape when loaded.

Inside there’s a zipped mesh pouch and a deeper sleeve that conveniently sits against the reinforced rear.

Finally, and most significantly, the Back Roller Free panniers are completely PVC-free. Unlike the Back Roller Classic's double coating of PVC, the Free is made with a PU-laminated polyester fabric. Ortlieb claim that the Free is just as robust and perfect for touring, indeed it carries the same IP64 rating as all other Back Roller Panniers.

Each pannier weighs 925g (the Classic weighs 950g). Ortlieb offers three different colours: Black, Lagoon and Rust, each features the bold 3M Scotchlite reflectors associated with Ortlieb. 

The Free comes with Ortlieb's standard five-year warranty.

PERFORMANCE

The material was the first thing that struck me about the Free panniers - it feels more malleable than the Classic, a property that will likely appeal to most; it makes packing out the panniers easier. The seams are brilliantly manufactured and finishing is second to none. Overall there are no flaws or weak points to note.

Throughout the entire tour pannier my kit was reliably protected from dust, rain, hail and heavy dews. The roll-top closure and durable fabric work exactly as they should.

The interior pockets are super for maps, documents or smaller objects; you don’t need to rummage around to locate them and the former are kept in good shape.

The tapered body of the pannier lends itself well to strategic packing; heavier, smaller objects like a gas cannister and cooking equipment fit neatly at the bottom and bulkier, lighter things (like a sleeping bag) fit well in the upper half.

Attachment to the Ortlieb Quick Rack (that I was testing at the same time) was stable and secure. Using the panniers on other racks has been a breeze too; the tool-free adjustment is as good as it gets.

I personally kept the shoulder strap attached at all times. The moveable shoulder ‘pad’ makes carrying the panniers comfortable as well as convenient, particularly if you are carrying other kit at the same time.

Over the last 20 years I’ve done 90% of my touring with a pair of Ortlieb Back Roller Classic panniers and I am utterly convinced that they are built to last; they still work as well as they did when new and show very little sign of wear. After three weeks of being treated rather roughly (in the name of testing) the Free panniers are looking well used. 

I'm inclined to think that the outer surface is more prone to scuffs than the PVC version. That said, a jet black material tends to show abrasions more easily (my Classic panniers are grey). Either way, performance of the Free panniers is completely unaffected and undoubtedly a PVC-free option is better for both consumers and the environment.

VALUE

The Back Roller Free panniers have an RRP of £140/$210, £5/$10 more than the Back Roller Classic. Investing in a single pannier is possible (if you don't want a pair), though much more expensive at £90/$120. 

Considering the five-year warranty, functionality and responsible manufacturing, I’d say £140/$210 is excellent value for money. If they last as long as the Classic panniers I’ve mentioned, it’s outstanding. A comparable option would be Vaude’s Aqua Back rear panniers for £130/$135, they are also PVC-free and come with a two year warranty. I can’t comment on the longevity or performance of these.

It’s not surprising that Ortlieb’s Back Roller panniers are a favourite among tourers; they do what they are designed to exceptionally well and are built to last. The introduction of the Free offers those looking to invest, or replace, the option of making a more responsible purchase without compromising on performance.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Material: D62, PS60
• Adapter: Quick-Lock2.1
• Weight: 2 x 925 g | 32.6 oz
• Height: 42 cm | 16 inch
• Upper width: 32 cm | 12 inch
• Lower width: 23 cm | 9 inch
• Depth: 17 cm | 6 inch
• Volume: 2 x 20 l | 1220.5 cu.inch

Despite the plain and unassuming name, Restrap's Frame Bag is up there with the best bikepacking bags.

Of the three sizes Restrap offers, I tried the biggest - the Restrap Frame Bag Large, which has a capacity of 4.5L and weighs in at 255g. On my 56cm Factor O2 frame, this was a near perfect fit, but for smaller than a 54cm frame it’s definitely worth checking Restrap's medium and small options as this isn’t a short bag at 50cm.

Attachment and setup

Restrap has opted for three wide, rubberised Velcro straps on the top of the bag, along with two narrower clamp straps on the down tube, and a matching one for the seat tube. The result is brilliant - put plainly the bag does not move. Even when fully laden climbing out of the saddle I didn’t notice any instances of the bag moving or swaying underneath me. 

This confidence allowed me to pack heavier items central to the bike which helps with overall handling. Regardless of the soft materials in contact with the bike, I was extra careful using heli tape on my frame where the bag mounts. I would always recommend this to ensure your pride and joy doesn’t end up with scuffed paint.

The way the storage is set out is very astute. The bag has full length zips on both sides with a central divider - a narrow pocket on the left, and a wider pocket on the right featuring mesh pockets on the divider. This really pays dividends when you’re trying to keep gear organised on a longer bikepacking trip. I found having something like a rain cape easily accessible in the left hand pocket great for keeping bulky items to hand but out of pocket.

Construction

Perhaps the main selling point of Restrap as a brand is its commitment to a lifetime warranty on its bags. It’s easy to see this is a quality handmade item and at no point did I feel I was about rip any stitching, even when getting greedy with storage space.

Restrap has developed its own formula of tech materials such as VX21 and 1000D textured nylon to come up with a combination it claims to be waterproof. Amazingly, in an 800km tour, we didn't experience a single drop of rain. So to put these claims to the test I opted for the shower test instead. 

With a prolonged spraying and paper towel inside the bag as an indicator, I can confirm the materials are waterproof, but the cable/hydration port on the top of the bag unavoidably will let some moisture in. However a large material overlap combats this and I feel that in the real world, as this port is tucked away under the top tube, there shouldn’t be any issues. But if it's all-out waterproofing you’re looking for it may be worth a look at Ortlieb's competitor frame bag, which boasts a full IPX67 waterproof rating.

Another common problem Restrap has managed very well is frame bag bulge. The materials and stitching are flexible but firm, meaning when filling the bag, it holds its shape well eliminating the dreaded feeling of your knees scraping the bag. 

And a note on the zips - they’re waterproof too, and even when squeezing every last millilitre out of the bag, I didn’t feel as if I going to break them, so top marks there.

Value and conclusion

The Restrap Frame Bag is certainly at the higher end of frame bags on the market with a retail price of £82.99/$123.99. But even at this price I would say it is good value for money. For reference, Ortlieb's equivalent offering will set you back £115 - but does come with an IPX rating.

I really got on well with the Restrap Frame Bag. Solid frame attachment, and build quality backed up by lifetime warranty make it a great option for those riding a frame size 54cm and up if you can work around the lack of true waterproofing.

Restrap Frame Bag Large - specs

• Weight 255g
• Length 50cm
• Capacity 4.5L
• RRP at time of review £82.99/$123.99
• www.restrap.com

Tailfin's AeroPack S provides a neat solution to luggage storage without reverting to bulky panniers or unstable seatpacks and offers compatibility with even lightweight carbon road frames without traditional frame fixings.

Sometimes a brand comes along that thinks a little outside the box and represents a genuine alternative to the status quo. Tailfin is one such brand and the AeroPack S is one of its products that is helping it to garner a solid reputation for innovative thinking.

In its simplest form the AeroPack S is a luggage carrying alternative to a pannier/rack bag or the more fashionable large capacity bikepacking seatpack. It consists of an internally framed roll-top bag and an articulated dual legged support attached together to form a single unit.

Tailfin produce two AeroPack S versions with the only difference being the material the support rack is made from; either a cheaper but heavier aluminium version or the lighter carbon version I have on test. The AeroPack S is the lightest system Tailfin produce with a one piece design, it also produces the X variation which has extra supports for the fitment of additional panniers.

The complete guide to bikepacking bags and accessories

The genius of the AeroPack S is in its simplicity and ease of use when it comes to fitting, loading and riding. It's important to follow the installation instructions carefully when first putting it together (Tailfin produce a really comprehensive video that will help) but once it's all set it's without doubt the quickest luggage system to fit and remove.

Key to this are the effective quick release mechanisms that hold the rack and bag in place. You can opt for a replacement quick release, thru-axle or Fast Release frame as mounting options - all have additional spurs that act as the mounting point for the rack and are unobtrusive to the point that they can remain on your bike permanently. These are then compatible with the unique wraparound Fast Release drop out, which attaches to the rack: simply release the mechanism by pulling the pin, close the dropout around the mounting pin and push together until it clicks - rapid, secure and pretty fool proof.

Of course if you want to mount the AeroPack in a more permanent way, to prevent theft, then Tailfin has an option to bolt the rack to your bike in the same way a 'normal' rack can be fixed.

Taking care of securing the rack and bag at the front is a cam-lock strap designed to wrap around the seatpost or seattube of your bike. This is simple to adjust for differing diameter tubes and has a security catch to give an extra level of reassurance against accidental release.

The bag itself is made of fully waterproof material and I can confirm that it is good enough that I have never had an issue with water ingress - I normally err on the side of caution and use dry bags inside all packs but I haven't needed to with this. Even when loaded with everything I need for a multi-day trip there is enough roll-over material to provide sufficient sealing against even heavy rain. Two waterproof zips run along each side of the bag, one gives access to a small side pocket suitable for a pump and a few smaller items whilst the other opens into the main compartment allowing you to gain access to essential items without needing to undo the whole bag and expose the contents to the elements. This is really neat and certainly helps - as long as you pack the bag accordingly.

Tailfin list the bag as having a 20 litre capacity and the whole system is rated to carry up to 9kg. The dimensions are capacious enough to swallow larger, bulkier items such as cooking pots and even up to a 13" laptop. The top loading nature enables you to pack in an intelligent and efficient manner but it's always good to pack things tightly as harder objects can rattle against the frame, even with the rubber covering fitted. I normally reserved the pack for carrying cooking kit, food and spare clothing when on trips and it would be more than capable of storing enough for a good few days away from civilisation.

My only gripe with the system came when using it on a particularly wet trip. Over rougher trails the two compression straps would inevitably slide off the top of the pack and end up dangling down around the rear wheel. This continued to occur no matter how hard I tightened them, on one occasion the strap was pulled into the rear wheel and ended up ripping the guide sleeve on the underside of the pack. Ideally the strap needs a locking mechanism for the buckle to stop it working loose and a grippy rubberised bottom to help keep it in place. EDIT - After conversations with Tailfin itis recommending that the straps are crossed over the top to hold everything in place.

Other than the issue with the compression straps the AeroPack S performed flawlessly and the rapid pack and fit it allows has made it the most admired piece of luggage I have ever used. Personally I would opt for the more economical aluminium frame version as it offers more mounting points for a small weight penalty but if fast and light is your thing then the carbon one would be perfect. It is expensive but if you priced up a decent rear rack (something like a Tubus) and top quality rack pack it actually isn't too far off the price and with far more versatility.

Lezyne has a long history in creating luggage options for cyclists who want a bit more than a saddlebag, and the brand's range has expanded steadily alongside the continually growing interest in gravel riding and bikepacking.

The Lezyne Energy Caddy XL is a robust creation designed to sit on the top tube and hold essential items - namely snacks. Its capacity is 0.8 litres, and I typically filled it with much more than gummy bears. On most rides my fully loaded Caddy contained a tube, mini pump, tyre levers, energy bar and my phone.

As well as the primary compartment, there are two small 'sleeve' pockets on the outside. These don't have any sort of fastening system, so would be suitable for small - not particularly valuable - items, if you're travelling on fairly smooth terrain but I tended to stick to using the main, zipped pouch.

The closure system is a zip which runs from front to rear, with a plastic covering over a looped puller. This makes the zipp easy to grab hold of and operate on the move.

The bag attaches via three straps, one to go beneath the stem (it will still fit even if you're riding slammed) and two for the top tube. The Velcro straps are quite long, so it took me a little bit of fiddling to get them tight enough on the slender aluminium tubes of the Kenesis G2 gravel bike I had on test at the time of using the Caddy.

If the straps weren't tight enough, the Caddy would move around, but if I had any overlap, the excess Velcro would rub on the inside of my thigh as I pedalled. Once carefully aligned so that the strap was secure and there was no overlap, I was sorted.  For long term use, I'd probably look at cutting the straps down in length.

For a couple of rides, I decided to try mounting the bag underneath the top tube, using the seat tube as the third loop. This worked very well in terms of limiting movement. However, I later noted that the top tube straps have a soft synthetic leather inner, whilst the steerer strap is made from a much more coarse material. Securing the bag here resulted in scratches on the seat tube. This was a user error - the bag hasn't been designed to be used in this way - but I might as well warn others not to try this at home (or at least to use some helicopter tape to protect your pride and joy).

The bag is made from robust material, and after many off-road adventures, it looks almost as good as new aside from a collection of trail dust. The fabric is water resistant, and having ridden under light rain whilst using it I had no concerns for the contents.

The stated weight is 76g; but using a set of reliable scales I got 119g after multiple 'zero+re-weigh' routines. This was post use but I can't imagine I've picked up 43g of Surrey and Kent's heaviest dust.

Coming in at £28, the price seems reasonable when weighed up against competition, and my experience with Lezyne has led me to associate the brand with good quality kit that will stand the test of time - my Caddy typically contained a Lezyne Alloy Drive pump and CRV multitool, both of which have been go-to ride companions of mine for several years.

The new Motion Lab Active Commute is claimed to be the first rucksack of its kind that aims to take the weight of your pack completely off your shoulders. By doing this the Active Commute should, in theory, allow you to move unencumbered by the usual shoulder strap design of the typical rucksack. Aimed at the commuter (and running) market the Active Commuter's USP is the external aluminium support structure and hard nylon central 'spine' that aim to keep the main pack away from the shoulders and place the weight instead, across your hips.

The best cycling packs for 2019

It has a generous twenty two litres of storage split between two main compartments plus several smaller pockets. The layout is superb and possibly one of the best of any commuter pack I have used. The large main clothing compartment easily takes a change of clothes plus it has a zipped pocket for sundries and pump straps. Behind this is the area for your laptop or tablet. Both of which can be accommodated in protective fleece and/or neoprene alongside several mesh organisers.

At the bottom of the bag is a neat waterproof shoe/towel/wet clothing pocket that expands into the main compartment and keeps the dirty stuff away from your clean clothes. A couple of mesh bottle pockets, a soft lined valuables pocket and two easy to access pockets on the rib straps complete the deal. All in there really is nothing missing with regards to storage; this is a pack that has been very comprehensively thought out.

There has been a long established physiological understanding that the most efficient way of carrying a load is to spread the weight onto the hips and pelvis. Hiking packs have been following this principle for many years but until the Motion Lab Active Commute came along, pretty much every cycling focussed pack only really use hip belts to stabilise sideways movement.

Thus keeping all the load passing through the shoulders. At first glance the pack looks pretty complicated when compared to a standard rucksack and feels pretty uncomfortable when put on. Thanks to the strap arrangement, articulated sections and complicated design you are encouraged to watch the instructional video on the Motion Lab website before using it. This video is thirteen minutes long. Yes, you heard that right, thirteen minutes of instruction. In order to put a rucksack on.

After working out how to adjust the length of the central spine to ensure the hip belt is in the right place (you should feel the top of your hip bone in the gap between the padding) it's then time to sort the shoulders out. For this it takes you through how to adjust the multiple straps in order to get the crossover 'shoulder' straps to sit correctly and to ensure that the solid metal and plastic harness sit proud of your shoulders and collar bones. It's a world away from swinging a rucksack onto your back, tightening a couple of straps and away you go. Once adjusted walking around with the Active Commute on is a very comfortable experience and quite liberating given the range of movement it allows your upper body.

With the pack correctly adjusted I packed my laptop and clothes and prepared to ride home. The hard plastic sternum clip that keeps the straps in place felt a touch uncomfortable but I put this down to my bony physique rather than the design but everything else felt quite comfortable. However as soon as I started riding and assumed my normal riding position the hip belt started to slip causing the hard plastic and metal shoulder supports to sink and dig into my shoulders causing quite a bit of pain. I stopped to check and readjust but despite changing the back length the hip belt just would not stay in place unless it was tightened to the point of restricting breathing. Something I certainly wasn't prepared to do.

Rebalancing and tightening the shoulder straps to alleviate the shoulder issues and the padding on both the sternum clip and back support became totally ineffective causing severe pain across my chest and at the junction between ribs and spine. By the time I got home after an agonising ride I had bruising and marks across my shoulders, chest and back.

Going back to the website and going through the multiple pages of troubleshooting hints and after a couple of days to let my body recover I tried again. To the same results. I pared down my load to just a laptop and associated charger and still the same thing. After another couple of excruciating commutes I gave up and went to a basic rucksack that felt like bliss.

Even loading the pack is a chore due to the extended hip belt and spine. It doesn't sit up steadily allowing you to easily place your items. The Motion Lab website tells you to disconnect the hip belt completely for loading but this quickly becomes tedious and time consuming.

It seems the issue is all down to hip angles. Myself and most people I know ride a drop handlebar road bike to work. This rotates the hips and back to such an extent that the weight of a pack isn't supported by the hip belt and therefore the weight is redistributed throughout the rest of the pack. It also means that the hip belt has nothing to support it or keep it in place (without tightening it to such an extreme that it restricts breathing). So for commuters that adopt a less than totally upright riding position the Motion Lab Active Commute's unique back system is totally ineffective. If however you partake in a sedate commute on a very upright town bike the Active Commute might work for you.

Buy now: Motion Lab Active Commute for £189

There is a set of straps that allow you to use the Active Commute sans metal framework and I would highly recommend using these if you so wish to ride a bike and use this pack. However that converts the pack into a very expensive version of a 'normal' rucksack and at this point you could pick a far better pack for less than half the price of the extraordinarily expensive Active Commute.

Motion Lab are aware of our concerns and issues and have stated that there is a new version due later this year/start of 2020 that addresses many of the fundamental problems for cycle users.