Best bike saddlebags for cycling essentials 2024

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

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

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

Best bike saddlebags

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

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

Read more: Lezyne M-Caddy QR Saddlebag full review

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

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

Read more: Evoc saddlebag full review

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

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

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

Read more: Arundel Dual Saddlebag full review

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

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

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

Read more: Scicon Phantom 230 seat pack full review

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

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

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

Read more: Topeak Aero Wedge saddle bag full review

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

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

Read more: Pro Medi Strap saddlebag full review

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

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

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

Read more: Radial Cycles Porter saddlebag full review

Buyer's guide to the best bike saddlebags

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

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

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

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

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

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