How to Choose the Right Cycling Backpacks and Bags?
For a few hours of mountain biking or a bike tour on the road, bike bags, panniers and packs let you carry all your essentials. Here’s an overview of the various types available on the market.
Why use bike bags?
Bike bags come in many models that all serve the same purpose: carrying everything you need and making it all easy to access. You can select saddle, frame or handlebar bags, hydration packs, and panniers, based on your needs.
To figure out your requirements for bag type and capacity, think about what kind of riding you do (in the mountains? the city? long or short distances? etc.), what you want to carry with you, and how you’ll usually use them.
Bike Bag Uses
- Carrying a flat repair kit
- Storing snacks
- Bringing extra clothes
- Carrying clothing and gear for camping and bike touring
- Staying hydrated while mountain biking
- Shopping by bike
- Carrying equipment on your bike commute
Here are some important features to look for when buying a bike bag:
- If you’ll be camping on your bike trips, make sure the bags are waterproof. You never know what Mother Nature has in store on an expedition.
- Choose the bags’ capacity based on your needs (camping, urban travel, the gear brought on an outing, etc.).
- The system for attaching the bag to the bike
Saddle bags
Saddle bags (aka seat bags) come in various sizes. They are attached to the seat post, or some larger models are attached under the saddle. Seat bags with smaller capacities are perfect for storing a flat repair kit and snacks. Roomier models—those over 10 litres—are designed for camping. Their storage capacity lets you bring clothing or camping gear.
Saddle bags are perfect for
- Road, gravel, hybrid or mountain biking
- Storing small repair accessories and snacks
- Camping, if you choose a larger size
Frame bags
Frame bags are available in different models that can be installed in the front triangle or on the top tube. Top tube bags are smaller and can store snacks, a multi-tool, a flat repair kit and even a cell phone.
Triangle bags have more room. Their storage capacity is perfect for carrying lunch, snacks, tools, a raincoat and more. This type of frame bag is useful for longer road or gravel rides. They’re also a must-have if you plan on camping during your trip.
Frame bags are perfect for
- Road, gravel and mountain biking
- Storing small accessories and snacks
- Camping or longer bike rides (larger sizes)
Handlebar bags
Handlebar bags are installed at the front of the handlebars using straps. There are models for straight and curved handlebars. Handlebar bags come in a variety of capacities, but avoid overloading them to maintain good bike handling. Too much weight at the front of the bike can lead to an imbalance.
Handlebar bags are perfect for
- Road, gravel and mountain biking trips with camping
- Carrying small essentials around town
Panniers
Panniers have the largest carrying capacity. This type of bag is useful for bike commuting and shopping if cycling is one of your means of transportation. Plus, they’re what you need for bike touring. Their large capacity lets them hold a lot of gear. They are sold in pairs or individually. If you choose a model sold as a pair, make sure that the capacity is for each pannier, not for both together.
You attach panniers directly to a rack installed at the back or front of the bike. For bike touring trips, relatively small panniers for the front of the bike are an option. This setup balances the weight you’re carrying so that it doesn’t all just end up at the back of the bike.
Panniers have the advantage of being easy to carry when taken off the rack. Some have a shoulder strap for even more ergonomic carrying.
Bike panniers are perfect for
- Road, gravel, hybrid or mountain bikes
- Bike touring
- Bike commuting
- Urban travel for shopping
Racks
Racks can be installed on the rear or front of the bike as needed. Without one, you can’t install panniers. There are various design materials for racks. If weight is an issue, go with a carbon rack, which will be much lighter.
Hydration packs
Mostly used for mountain biking, a hydration pack is an essential for hitting the trails. Available in various sizes, you can wear them on your back or around your waist. They feature a one- to three-litre water reservoir, which is easy to carry and helps you drink more.
Many models are available for different uses. The most spacious ones allow you to carry tools, a hand pump, your belongings, an inner tube and your water for the day.
Hydration packs are perfect for
- Carrying more water than you can in just bottles
- Mountain biking
- Carrying a flat repair kit, tools, a first aid kit and snacks
All these bags will meet the needs of different types of cyclists. Think about what you want to take with you on your outings. The various bags, panniers and packs can all be used together, depending on your ride length. They’re a riding essential: once you’re geared up, you’ll always be ready to ride!
