Are you looking for ways to carry more gear on a gravel or overnight ride? Or maybe even on a work commute? Finding the right bag for the adventure can be challenging, but here are a few options depending on your needs.
State Bicycle Co. recently released two types of frame bags and a handlebar bag.
Top Tube Frame Bag
Price: $69.99
Size: 46 W x 12 H x 6 D cm
Capacity: 3 Liters
Material: Waterproof shell
Colors: Black, Olive, Tan
How obtained: Company sample
Availability: Online and retail
RBR advertiser: No
State’s 3-liter capacity Top Tube Frame Bag is well constructed, and the waterproof shell makes it ideal for commuting, gravel, or backpacking adventure. Available in three colors and fits most standard frames (consult the company’s website). Separated pockets and inside zipper pouch help keep items organized; however, the dark fabric makes it hard to find darker items (except for the tan version). One zipper has the easy pull tab making access with gloves no problem.
Wedge Frame Bag
Price: $59.99
Size: 38 cm (top) x 24 cm (sides) x 8 cm (width)
Capacity: 3 Liters
Material: Waterproof shell
Colors: Black, Olive, Tan
If you prefer a wedge-style frame bag, State Bicycle offers a waterproof version in three colors, like the Top Tube bag. However, the capacity is a bit smaller at 2.5 liters. It will hold up to a 2-liter water bladder with an exit sleeve to route a hose. Zipper pockets on both sides of the bag have easy pull zippers allowing you to access items while on the bike or with gloves. Like the Top Tube bag, the inside lining is dark, making it difficult to find dark items.
Handlebar Bag
Price: $39.99
Size: 21 cm L x 9 cm diameter
Capacity: 1.7 liter
Material: Waterproof shell
Colors: Olive
State’s Handlebar bag fits on virtually any flat or drop bar. It has a 1.7-liter capacity, ideal for a phone, tools, and wallet. The waterproof shell keeps items dry no matter the weather. Unfortunately, like the Top Tube bag, the inside lining is black, making it difficult to find dark items inside. There are two zipper pockets, the main compartment and a tiny opening on the endcap. For the life of me, I don’t know what could fit in the endcap except for a few coins, but it’s there if you need it.
Restrap Bar Bags – Large and Small versions
Restrap is a UK family-run company in Yorkshire that prides itself on offering handmade outdoor accessories. I’ll be honest, before receiving the company samples, I had never heard of them, but I’m incredibly impressed with their quality and workmanship. The hangtag even has a QR code to register your product for a lifetime guarantee which shows the company stands behind its products.
Price: $163.99 (small); $194.99(large)
Capacity: 14 liter (small bag); 17 liter total (14L + 3L food pouch large bag)
Weight: 385g (small bag); 550g without food pouch, 656g with pouch (large)
Dry bag: Included
Color: Black w/orange shock cord or all black
How obtained: Company sample
Availability: Online
RBR advertiser: No
Both size bar bags utilize a holster to hold a dry bag that can be filled with whatever you need to carry without needing a rack or mount. The bag attaches to the bars using bar straps with foam spacers and two lower straps that wrap around the fork crown to provide added stability.
The double roll dry bag has taped seams and waterproof coated nylon fabric that lets you store your gear without fear of it getting wet. An elasticized cord on the front of the holster (available in orange or black) provides additional storage for items you might want to access quickly while on the go.
The large bar bag comes with an attachable food pouch so you can grab nutrition on the go. A magnetic system attaches the pouch to the bar bag for added security on rough terrain. The waterproof lining and zipper keep items dry, and quickly find items with a large zipper pull cord and bright orange lining.
Bottom Line
Find the right bag for your next adventure from either State Bicycle Co. or Restrap. Knowing your gear is dry and secure lets you concentrate on other things, like enjoying the ride.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
Sheri, given the huge range of other bikepacking setups/companies, care to say why you highlighted these companies’ products?
Hi Dave,
I’ve reviewed several different manufacturers over the years.. These were the bags I received most recently. If you do a site search you’ll find others. If there’s a brand you’d like us to cover please share.
Sheri
Hi all,
I sort of get the Bike Packing thing but have to wonder what is wrong with Racks and Panniers. It seems that most of the “Gravel” bikes have mounts….lots of mounts. My understanding is that Gravel riding is mostly on Gravel roads not single track where you may want the narrower profile. I recently completed the Dempster Highway and the ITH Inuvik Tuktoyuktuk highway to the Arctic ocean 880 K of gravel riding carrying about 65 lbs of gear in Panniers front and rear. Im not sure that frame bags would provide the capacity required.
Peter,
Frame bags give you options. For instance, many of my bikes do not have a way to attach a rack or paniers, so frame bags are my only option. Also, when doing a one day gravel ride, it’s nice to have additional storage for when you remove clothing layers or nutrition. Some rides you don’t have access to gas stations along the route and need a place for storage. I wouldn’t want the added weight of a rack and paniers.
It’s all about choices and preference.
Sheri