How to Choose Bikepacking Bags

Bikepacking Bags & Set-Ups Made Simple : this course will help you choose the best bikepacking bags for YOU - so you can head out on your next bikepacking trip with confidence.

Dive into the world of bikepacking bags and set-ups, and learn which styles best suit your route, terrain, and riding style. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to fine-tune your setup, this is a great resource for planning your next big adventure. Let's get into it!

2 - Terrain

When planning your bikepacking adventure, the type of terrain you plan to ride most often can help you decide on the best bike bag setup.

• Off-Road Adventures:
  For rugged trails and technical terrain, streamlined gear is beneficial.Frame bags, handlebar rolls, and top-tube bagskeep weight close to the bike frame, minimizing sway and improving maneuverability.Modern lightweight pannier systems, designed specifically for off-road use, are also a viable option.These panniers feature secure mounts and compact designs that stay stable even on bumpy trails, making them a great addition to a hybrid setup.
• Road and Gravel Touring:
  On smoother surfaces and longer routes,panniers and racks shine.They offer ample storage for gear, making them ideal for trips with less frequent resupply points or when carrying bulkier items like cooking equipment or extra clothing.Pairing these with a frame bag or handlebar roll allows you to balance the load and keep essentials accessible while maintaining a streamlined profile.

3 - Access to Resources

Your choice of bags should also reflect the availability of resources along your route.

A well-balanced gear setup ensures you can carry what you need without sacrificing comfort or efficiency.

• Water Storage:
  On remote routes or desert crossings, water capacity is critical.Consider what set up will give you the flexibility to carry large hydration reservoirs, collapsible water bladders, or oversized water bottles.Feed bags and frame or fork-mounted cages are also great options for storing extra water.
• Food and Fuel:
  For routes with long stretches between resupply points, planning for additional food and cooking fuel is essential.Frame bags and panniers can handle bulky food supplies, while handlebar bags (like the Horton Bag) are perfect for packing lightweight but space-consuming items like freeze-dried meals.
• Emergency Supplies:
  When riding in areas with limited resources, being prepared for the unexpected is wise.Compact universal bags like top-tube or frame bags are perfect for tools, repair kits, and first-aid supplies, while panniers and seat packs can carry extra layers, sleeping gear, or emergency rations.

4 - Weather Considerations

When planning your bikepacking setup, the weather conditions you'll face play a significant role in determining what gear to bring and how to pack it.

• Weather Conditions: Consider the climate and temperature fluctuations along your route. If you're riding through varied conditions, you'll need space to carry multiple layers.
  Lightweight panniers and seat bags are perfect for stashing clothing that isn’t needed immediately, while frame bags or handlebar rolls can hold items you’ll want quick access to, such as rain jackets or windbreakers.
  In warmer or more stable climates, a minimalist setup may suffice, reducing the need for bulkier storage options.
• Waterproofing:
  For wet climates it's wise to look for bags that offer reliable waterproofing to keep your essential gear (think clothes, sleeping quilt, electronics) dry and safe.
  Many modern panniers and bikepacking bags are made with waterproof materials, welded seams, and roll-top closures (like these ones from Rockgeist) for maximum protection.
• For extended rides in rainy conditions, lightweight panniers like the Microwave Panniers are designed to handle consistent exposure to moisture. In drier climates, you could opt for lighter,
  less waterproof options.

Wateproof vs Water-Resistant : 

There is a difference between bags sewn with waterproof fabric (water resistant), and bags welded with waterproof fabric (actually waterproof):

• Sewn Bags: Sewing will always leave holes from the needle and moisture can get in there. Some bags you can seam seal but that isn't all that durable and adds a lot of weight. Tapes can also seal up the holes but again, they are not all that durable and require special fabrics for good adhesion.
• Welded Bags: Welded waterproof bags are sealed together with special machines that make them truly waterproof. It's worth consideringwhich bags you need to be waterproof, and which ones can be water-resistant. From a health and safety standpoint (for you and the environment) it's also worth considering bags that are made from PFC-free fabrics.

5 - Weight Considerations

A well-balanced load is beneficial for maintaining control, comfort, and efficiency on your ride.

Strategic packing ensures your bike handles well, regardless of the terrain or the amount of gear you're carrying.

Balance:

• Distribute weight evenly across the bike to maintain stability.
• Overloading the back (heavy seat pack or unevenly packed panniers) can make the bike feel unstable, especially on climbs or technical descents.
• A heavy front (handlebar bag or fork-mounted panniers) can impact steering precision, particularly on rough or steep terrain.

Packing Tips for Each Bag Type

• Frame Bag:
  Best for heavier items like tools, food, and water. Centering these items in the bike's frame lowers the center of gravity, improving stability and balance.
• Handlebar Bag or Roll:
  Ideal for lightweight but bulky gear like a sleeping bag, tent, or extra clothing layers. For larger loads, pairing a handlebar roll with front panniers or a front rack can help balance the weight.
• Seat Pack or Rear Panniers:
  Great for storing clothing, spare gear, or items you don’t need to access frequently during the ride.
• Fork-Mount Bags:
  Excellent for medium-weight items like a compact cooking setup, extra water, or additional food supplies. Fork bags keep weight low and forward, helping to stabilize the front end without compromising steering when packed evenly.
• Top Tube/Feed Bags:
  Perfect for small essentials like snacks, a phone, water bottles, or tools you’ll want quick access to while riding.

By carefully distributing your gear across these bag types, you’ll ensure your bike remains comfortable, stable, and agile, no matter where your adventure takes you.

6 - Shakedown Trips

Before setting out on a big bikepacking adventure, taking a few test rides or shorter trips with your fully packed setup is an invaluable step in your preparation.

These shakedown rides give you the chance to experiment with packing your gear - a process that naturally evolves as you travel - and to determine what you truly need versus what can be left behind.

They also provide insights into the comfort and practicality of your setup. You’ll get a feel for how the bags sit on your bike, whether there are any stability or fit issues, and how easily you can access essentials during your ride.

Shakedowns are also an opportunity to fine-tune your load distribution, ensuring your bike stays balanced and handles smoothly.

Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your packing approach should reflect the specific demands of your trip and your personal style.

And remember, it’s all part of the adventure - adjustments and refinements are just part of the process!

Our GNBR Set-Up

This is what we used on the Great Northern Bikepacking Route:

• Front Handlebar Harness and Bag: We use a handlebar harness that holds a waterproof handlebar bag, which is where we store our sleeping quilt.
• Mat's front harness holds the tent.
• The smaller front bag attached to the front is for storing food.
• Feed Bags: Mounted on the handlebars, these are perfect for quick-access items. We use them for tools we might need during the day, a trowel and toilet paper, wallets, and extra snacks.
  They’re incredibly convenient and keep everything you might need at arm’s reach without unpacking other bags.
• Frame Bag: Our waterproof roll-top frame bag is a standout.
  It’s easy to access, eliminates the risk of broken zippers, and keeps weight centered and low for better bike handling.
  Cons: It’s a single large compartment, so you can use pack pods to organize items. For those who prefer built-in organization, some frame bags come with separate compartments.
  We pack heavier items like tools at the bottom.
• Roll tops have the advantage of durability and because you can over stuff those bags you get more usable volume compared to the same size in a zip version. Down side is that it takes longer to get into the bag and need two hands.
• Rear Seat Pack: The seat pack attaches securely to the seatpost and saddle rails.
  Unlike panniers, there’s no sway -- it feels solid, even on rough, technical terrain, to the point where we sometimes forget it’s there.
  Cons: It’s less convenient to access compared to panniers.
  To manage this, we use zippered pack pods and pack strategically.
  We place items we won’t need during the day (e.g., sleeping gear) at the bottom and essentials we might need to access in a hurry – like rain gear – at the top.
• It’s worth noting that Mat and I share gear, so your space requirements may vary depending on your gear choices and the specific needs of your ride.

Final Thoughts

All in all, there are so many great options out there to customize your setup.

It really comes down to your route and gear selection as well as your personal preference - which you’ll refine once you’ve gone on a trip or two.

The good news is, no matter what you choose - you’re not stuck with your initial bag choices forever. You can always adapt and switch things up as you figure out what works best for you.

The key is to just get out there, experiment, and let your adventures guide your decisions!