Price: $125
Dimensions: 9.5” W x 6” D x 7” H
Capacity: 5.3 L
Weight: 14.5 oz (411 g)
Closures: Front pocket Fidlock buckle; Main compartment zipper
Colors: Black, Charcoal, Ecopak Double Black Diamond, Ecopak Bluebird, For the Zin
Options: Sling strap for off-bike carrying – $10
Availability: Online and retail
How Obtained: Company sample
RBR Advertiser: No
Carry More and Stay Organized
The Colorado-based company, Handlestash, recently launched its largest handlebar bag to date. With a 5.3L capacity, there’s plenty of room for storing nutrition, valuables, extra clothing layers, and gear. I used the bag on my recent Katy Trail bikepacking trip, loading it with a bike repair kit, snacks, and a vest.
The Stashsquatch easily attaches to the handlebars using two cam buckles and secures to the top tube with a bungee-style cord. Once installed, the bag is secure and doesn’t shift around, even on the bumpiest of gravel trails.
This bag features a foam liner that provides a semi-rigid shape and minimizes rattling noises. Two mesh exterior side pockets are perfect for stashing quick grab snacks or bottles. The front pocket with a Fidlock buckle provides quick access to items. I found that on my bike setup, I couldn’t access the front pocket while cycling. My GPS computer and light mount obstructed the bag’s ability to open fully. The exterior features also include loops on the top for attaching items with a bungee or rope.
The spacious main interior compartment features mesh and zipper pockets to keep everything organized. Contrasting fabric makes it easy to locate items. Accessing the zipper compartment only requires one hand. The zipper pulls are easy to grab, even when wearing gloves, and the top opens away from you, making it less likely that items will spill out when riding.
Don’t Leave Valuables Behind
The company sells an optional carrying strap for $10, which attaches to D-rings mounted on the bag. The shoulder strap converts the handlebar bag into a sling bag for carrying items when off the bike. Now, there’s no excuse to leave valuables on the bike when running into the store or at a coffee stop.
Eco-Friendly Fabrics
Two of the five Stashsquatch bags are eco-friendly. The exterior and interior fabrics of the Double Black Diamond and Bluebird bags are made from recycled water bottles. All five bag colors are made from water-resistant fabric.
Bottom Line
Suppose your biking adventures require the ability to carry anything from nutrition to extra clothing to a six-pack of your favorite beverage. In that case, the Stashquatch handlebar bag is the perfect choice. With five color ways to choose from, this bag is durable and functional, priced at $125.
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.
Hi Sheri
3 comments on the review. First, a tiny comment on where the pack attaches to the frame; that’s the stem, not what you called the top tube.. Second, I’ve found foam-lined bags do not hold up to any weight, they get misshapen and even sag in the way of cables and such. If you plan to pack the bag to it’s volume limit – and we almost always find some circumstances where we use the whole bag – a bag that hangs from a rigid holder on the handlebar is much more sturday, though weighs a bit more. Arkel makes several good models, my large handlebar bag has held up to 10+ years of heavy use for touring, commuting, etc. Third, water-resistant is not waterproof. If you ride in anything more than a drizzle, you’ll want waterproof. At least a waterproof cover that stretches around the bag. Happy riding!
Shameless plug for my company. Similar in function to a Carradice bag but made in the USA: https://kgear.eogear.com/collections/eogear-seat-bags
I’m an ultradistance roadi/randonneur and these bgs have served me well. Much lighter than a steel rack. The 10-liter r0ll top bag weighs less than a pound.