Topeak BarLoader bar bag review - useful by itself or together with the FrontLoader bag

A useful and weatherproof bag, but check that you have room around your bars as some cable systems will foul with it

Topeak BarLoader Bar Bag mounted on a bike
(Image credit: Paul Grele)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

A useful and weatherproof bag option for bikepacking or longer day rides. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with its sister FrontLoader bag. Being able to keep - and quickly remove - your valuables in one place is good for safety too. Its capacity is easily adjustable, and it can accommodate clothing changes on variable weather days. Just be careful whether it can fit around your cables though.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Waterproof

  • +

    Durable

  • +

    Useful storage & capacity

  • +

    Versatile

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Can be particular about which bars/cabling it will work with

  • -

    Velcro on rolltop can catch with certain clothing

  • -

    Can be a little dark to see into, when trying to find things

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

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.

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Reviewer

Over 40 years cycling in a variety of disciplines including road riding, commuting, a self-supported Land's End to John o' Groats trip, XC mountain biking and several Polaris Challenge two-day events. Adventure, escape and fun are the motivations for my riding. I also love bike and kit design and have fillet brazed a couple of framesets using Reynolds 853 steel tubing for myself. A very satisfying experience to ride your own bespoke bike!

Height: 180cm

Weight: 66kg