The best bikepacking bags for 2023

Nestled discretely in the centre of the bike frame, the Ortlieb Bikepacking Frame Pack adds a surprising amount of carrying volume, and thanks to its slim profile and low centre of gravity, it won’t severely impact bike handling or create clearance issues. As with many Ortlieb bags, the Frame Pack features a highly waterproof fabric, waterproof welded seams and a waterproof zipper, resulting in a pack that will keep your gear dry in the worst deluge. Attachment to the frame is achieved via a series of hook-and-loop straps, ensuring minimal movement even when riding on challenging surfaces.

Best for riders seeking maximum water protection for their gear.
Built with an easily adjustable roll-top closure, the Ortlieb Bikepacking Seat Pack provides the waterproof and expandable carrying capacity required for extended trips. The Seat Pack features the same waterproof fabric and welded seams found on many other Ortlieb bags, ensuring that this pack will protect your kit regardless of how hard it’s raining. Ortlieb has also spec’d a purge valve, which allows excess air to escape as the bag is sealed. This not only simplifies packing (you’re not battling an inflated balloon while you’re closing the bag), but it also significantly helps reduce the pack’s overall size when the air is removed.

Available in two sizes (the smaller size will fit drop bars while the larger size accommodates flat bars), the Handlebar Pack provides all the features you’ve come to expect from Ortlieb. The pack uses the same waterproof fabric and welded construction, ensuring your gear stays dry. Ortlieb also adds a purge valve, which simplifies packing and reduces volume (see Ortlieb Bikepacking Seat Pack above). Two roll-down closures (one on each side) allow you to access your gear without having to empty the bag. Finally, the external compression straps provide additional gear-carrying options, and the metal G-hooks are compatible with a variety of Ortlieb Accessory-Packs.

Consisting of a roll-top drybag with a separate bike-mounted semi-rigid base, the Cabezon Saddle Bag allows riders to easily remove the bag for packing without disrupting the mounting system. It’s a smart design that significantly simplifies trip preparation. Riders will also appreciate the purge valve that allows excess air to escape, reducing packing struggles and overall volume. The bag is constructed from a durable waterproof fabric and features taped seams for increased weather protection.

Being part of the Cabezon product line, it’s not surprising that this handlebar bag also features a roll-top drybag with a separate bike-mounted semi-rigid base. This construction allows riders to easily remove the bag when packing without fumbling and re-adjusting the mounting system. The bag itself is constructed from a durable waterproof fabric with taped seams and has two roll-top closures (one on each side), allowing riders fumble-free access to their kit without having to empty the bag. The addition of a purge valve further simplifies packing and helps reduce the bag’s overall size.

At first glance, the EVOC Handlebar Pack Boa WP looks like many other handlebar packs. It’s built with a durable waterproof fabric with welded seams, has two roll-top closures (one on each side), and features vent ports that allow air to escape. All good stuff. What sets the bag apart from many other handlebar bags is the BOA attachment system. Not only does the BOA dial allow for quick and easy mounting-tension adjustments, but it also employs two quick-release tabs that allow riders to effortlessly remove the bag when it’s not being used.

Like the EVOC handlebar bag discussed above, the Seat Pack Boa WP features the same innovative BOA attachment system. So, it’s not surprising that the Seat Pack Boa WP can also be easily mounted and removed (thanks to its BOA dial), allowing for easier packing. The bag is constructed from a durable waterproof fabric with welded seams, and when combined with the roll-top closure, ensures your gear will stay dry. The addition of a large bungee cargo net on the top of the bags provides additional quick storage for a jacket or other lightweight items.

Riders looking for a different storage solution over the traditional seat post pack should look at the 11-l Aeroe Quick Connect Pod. Designed to be used with the Aeroe Spider rack, the Quick Connect Pod can be quickly and easily mounted to the rack in various positions, ensuring optimal clearance and stability. The Pod features a rigid glass-reinforced nylon back panel with a waterproof welded fabric body. Entry to the Pod is achieved via a robust waterproof zipper, which opens the body in a clamshell style for complete access to all your gear.

OK, I get it; it’s not technically a pack. But this relatively simple piece of kit is incredibly handy when travelling with a large seat pack. When deployed, the strap provides additional support and reduces the bouncing and swaying that often occurs with fully loaded seat packs. While the strap is specifically designed to work with Ortlieb packs, creative cyclists may be able to rig this to work with other saddle bags.

As the product name suggests, this seat-pack offering from Blackburn consists of two components: a waterproof welded fabric roll-top drybag and a separate harness system that mounts to the bike and supports the bag. This innovative construction allows riders to remove the dry bag for packing without constantly struggling to adjust the harness mounting system. As an added bonus, the harness also allows riders to carry oversized items that may not fit perfectly in the dry bag.

Here are some common FAQs (and answers) about bikepacking and bikepacking bags:

How much gear should I carry?

The harsh reality regarding bikepacking is that you need to embrace a minimalist and lightweight approach when deciding what you bring. While this may initially sound daunting, modern camping equipment is surprisingly light and compressible. And you’ll appreciate the reduced weight when grinding up those long hills.

Any packing tips?

You want to make sure that the heaviest items are packed as low as possible and positioned close to the centre of the bike. This is where frame packs really shine. Lighter and bulkier items can be stashed in the seat or handlebar pack. A good rule of thumb is to pack lighter items as you move higher and farther away from the bike’s centre. This approach will ensure that the bike’s handling is not severely compromised.

How waterproof should my bags be?

If you only spend your time riding in desert-like environments, truly waterproof bags may not be necessary. For everyone else, my advice would be to get waterproof bags. At the minimum, you should look for taped seams; depending on the bag’s material, you may find the fabric panels welded together rather than stitched. This type of construction ensures water will not enter the bag from the seams. Keep an eye out for zippers as well. If they are not explicitly labelled as waterproof, your gear will not remain dry.

Products reviewed in this article: