Outdoor Evolution Bikepacking Buyer’s Guide
As we head into Fall, we’re getting excited for all our favorite Autumn treats and pastimes. Foliage comes out and we gradually make the transition from cold beers and lemonades to hot coffees and ciders. As that hot summer sun becomes a more mild version of itself, the weather change is perfect for getting out on two wheels.
That’s right, it’s bikepacking season once again!
Outdoor Evolution has put together our first Bikepacking Buyer’s Guide to make your ability to Explore by Wheel a little easier.
A Quick Guide to Our Buyer’s Guide
What to buy and knowing your price range can be overwhelming for beginning bikepackers. When gearing up, it’s important to consider functionality, durability, bike frame, and purpose of use. The right gear choices will depend on your intended adventure style. Knowing the specific type of equipment to buy for your next adventure is the place to start. The best part of adventure cycling today is that you have more options than ever on how you want to ride and what gear to take!
Our thoughts that went into this buyer's guide came down to three main categories:
Versatility and customization of the bag, durability of the product, and maintaining an affordable option for buyers.
We have also categorized each product into one of two experience classfications. Keep in mind these are just suggestions - you may be a beginner who finds a product classified as ‘advanced’ that works perfectly for you!
Beginners: Converting your ride to a bikepacking set-up does not have to be a financially crippling endeavor. With so many options out there, a part of our recommendations list is for the budget-conscious and adventure cycling beginner: just the necessities to get one started for a bikepacking or bike touring trip. What we thought about for suggesting a budget option was price, function and versatility, ease of use for beginners, and eliminating over-packing.
Advanced: Our other consideration was for more experienced bikepacking riders or where penny-pinching is not the main focus. Our recommendations for the more advanced bikepacking were based on the amount of storage, ease of use, durability, waterproofing, and customization.
Bikepacking Vs Bike Touring
For a complete breakdown of the differences between both adventure cycling styles, check out Russ Roca's more in-depth Bikepacking vs. Bike Touring Guide. For newcomers, here is a quick reference guide between Bikepacking and Bike Touring to get you started.
Bikepacking
Bikepacking is suited for the exploration of the backcountry, single-tracks, and gravel roads. It could be for the weekend warrior or hardcore adventurist. It is focused on self-supporting, light-loads, and exploration of rough terrain. Bikes typically feature wider tires, fork suspension, and sturdy bikepacking gear (better to deal with rugged terrains than a pannier system). Some popular bike packing trails include the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route and the Baja Divide.
Bike Touring
Bike Touring is suited for the traditional road rides, long-distance hauls, and cross-country rides. Bike touring might be best for traditionalist or endurance riders. Bikes typically are designed for comfort and durability. Usually touring bike equipment includes utilizing a pannier system (deep storage that sits on both sides of the rear and/or front wheels). For those looking for even more storage space on tour, a bike might be pulling a trailer. Popular routes are the TransAmerica Trail and the Underground Railroad Trail.
Now, without further ado…
2020 Outdoor Evolution Bikepacking Buyers Guide
Frame Bags
Custom Rouge Panda Full Frame Pack
Rouge Panda offers a wide variety of frame bags; full-frame, double-deckers, roll tops, and zipper closure. For those looking for a frame bag that is lightweight, very durable, and highly customizable (they specialize in custom-to-order frame packs) - Rouge Panda is the way to go. Their packs are easily attachable via Velcro straps, or a use a traditional lace system depending on your customization choice. The price point starts at $140 for a partial frame pack and adds depending on your choice of pack size and customization options.
Experience: Beginner or Advanced
Classification: Bikepacking
Ortlieb Half or Full Frame Pack
One less expensive option for your upcoming adventure cycling trip is Ortlibeb’s Full or Half Frame Pack. It’s meant for those looking to do the daily commute or a weekend get-away. Storage options for the frame-pack are available in a 4-liter size and a 6-liter size, which depends on the size of your bike frame. To secure the pack to the frame, it utilizes a straightforward Velcro strap mount to the top bike tube and seat tube. The most significant selling point for Ortlieb’s bag is the high-quality waterproofing. This pack can be easily used in all seasons and climates. The price range for the half pack starts at $135.
Experience: Beginner or Advanced
Classification: Bikepacking
Blackburn Outpost Medium Frame Bag
It can be challenging to get a hold of a decent and affordable frame bag. Blackburn’s Outpost Medium Frame Bag meets both of those criteria. With a starting price at $54.94, this frame bag can be adjusted as a half or full storage bag as its Velcro straps make it easily adjustable to fit most bike sizes. Perfect for those looking to pack for the daily commute or keeping it light for a weekend trip.
Experience: Beginner
Classification: Bikepacking or Daily Commute
Handle Bar Bags
Swift Custom Paloma Handlebar Bag
With a start price at $179, Swift’s Paloma has it all - ease of access, premium storage, and a wide range of customization options. The Paloma can be used on a variety of bikes, as it mounts easily to the Klickfix Handlebar Adapter on your handlebars. No need for complicated hardware.
Swift designed this bag for the fast-paced day ride and long-distance touring. Making everything needed for your adventure easily accessible on the front of your cockpit.
Experience: Advanced
Classification: Bikepacking or Bike Touring
Ortlieb Handlebar Pack 9L
Ortlieb designs with a focus on affordability, durability, and waterproofing. Their 9L Handlebar Pack has a starting price of $140. For those looking for a little more room at a reasonable price, Ortlieb does offer a 15L version of this bag.
The bag features a lightweight polyurethane-laminated ripstop nylon that protects from both water and dust. Hook-and-loop attachments are used to mount the pack for a more sturdy connection to the cockpit. For external compression, the pack utilizes four adjustable alloy hooks.
Experience: Beginner
Classification: Bikepacking
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Revelate Pronghorn
For those looking for an ultralight option for a handlebar pack, check out Revelate’s Pronghorn. With a price range of $145-$160, the Pronghorn pack sizes include a 7.5L - Small; 11L - Medium; and 23L - Large. Revelate designed this pack for the race-focused and minimalist in mind. The Drybag is built from Dyneema®, which also includes internal fiberglass for extra durability. It is a stripped-down bar-mounted carrying system that includes pack spacers for better adjustability. No bells or whistles with the Pronghorn as this minimalist pack is built for ultra lightweight and modular functionality. Disc or V Brake only - NOT compatible with Cantilever or road style front brakes with a vertical exposed cable.
Experience: Advanced
Classification: Bikepacking
Seat Pack Bags
Ortlieb Bikepacking Seat-Pack
To complete your Ortlieb gear collection, is their very spacious and waterproof Seat-Pack. Like a majority of their products, The Ortlieb Seat-Pack attaches to the bike’s seat post via two easily attachable Velcro straps. If you’re looking for plenty of storage, the pack’s volume range is from 8 to 16.5 liters with the price starting at $140. This bag also acts as a makeshift fender for your bike!
Experience: Beginner or Advanced
Classification: Bikepacking
Revelate TERRAPIN® SYSTEM 14L Seat Pack
The 14L Terrapin® is the redesigned modular and waterproof seat pack by Revelate. Coming in at $155, the Terrapin is for those with functionality in mind. The pack includes a removable dry bag, which allows for a smooth take-off during those future bikepacking trips. Revelate redesigned this pack to improve upon its stability (tail wag), ease of use, and durability.
Experience: Advanced
Classification: Bikepacking
Topeak Backloader 15L
For the budget shopper, Topeak offers the Backloader Pack. The pack’s starting price at $84, with the price decreasing based on the multiple volume sizes: 6L, 10L, & 15L.
The 15L offers a large storage capacity at a lightweight (20oz). Constructed with functionality in mind, it utlizes hook and loop straps. This allows for a quick remove and sturdy connection and reducing the tail wag associated with ample rear storage
Experience: Beginner
Classification: Bikepacking
Panniers
Ortlieb Back Roller Classic
The very durable and waterproof polyester fabric makes this pannier ideal for those long haul tours. With roll closure, Ortlibeb’s Roller Classics are perfect for the storage of your food and equipment. It operates with QL2.1 attachment for quickly mounting on a bike rack. The bike rack Ortlieb recommends for pack compatibility is the Ortolieb Evo Rear Rack. These panniers are ideal for cycling tours or the everyday commuter. A pair of Ortlieb Back Roller Panniers cost $190
Experience: Beginner
Classification: Bike Touring
Ibera Bikebag Pakrake
For budget panniers, Ibera offers the Bikebag Pakrake. For great ease of use, these panniers attach with a hook clip in seconds–no straps required! Ibera recommends pairing the product with its PakRak Touring Carrier Plus+ and the Carrier Attachment PakRak Lever Lock. The bags can be used simultaneously with hand-carry straps.
Its material utilizes 1680D nylon for its two large reinforced compartments and two side pocket. The pair’s carrying capacity comes in at 30 L. Ideal for everyday use.
Experience: Beginner
Classification: Bike Touring
Swift Industries Sonora
Custom made in the US, Swift’s Sonora Pannier has a sleek design. The bag includes four exterior pockets and has a tall, slender profile. The Sonora utilizes three popular and very durable XPac fabrics: the neo-classical X10 Canvas, VX21 XPac in Black (Hinterland) and Port, and Heather Black LS42. Dyneema ripstop reinforcement adds to the strength and durability of the pack. This pack is perfect for its customization options and is ideal for light bike-camping or makes for great daily use.
Packs are sold individually.
Experience: Advanced
Classification: Bikepacking or Daily Commute
Top Tube
Revelate Gas Tank™
For a starting price at $55, Revelate’s Gas Tank™ offers great storage, high volumne, and tough durability. Its substantial storage all included in an easy to access case. The gastank can be attached on the front end (stem) or botton end (seat post) of the top tube.
Experience: Beginner or Advanced
Classification: Bikepacking, Bike Touring, or Daily Commute
Topeak Toploader
Again for the budget-conscious shopper, Topeak offers the Toploader. The Toploader gives riders and bikepackers quick and easy access to essential gear they might need close at hand. Made out of polyethylene and nylon, the pack is lightweight, durable, water repellent and stain resistant according to Toploader.
Experience: Beginner or Advanced
Classification: Bikepacking, Bike Touring, or Daily Commute
Rouge Panda Alamo
The Alamo is our best customizable option for your top tube pack. Its single zipper runs the top length of the bag and allows for easy one-handed access while cycling. The Alamo’s material utilizes stiff HDPE side panels to keep the zipper running smoothly. Durable, customizable, and rather adorable with that little panada logo, the Alamo is ideal for any type of rider.
Experience: Beginner or Advanced
Classification: Bikepacking, Bike Touring, or Daily Commute
Adventure Cycling Accessories
LEZYNE Alloy Drive Hand Pump
The Lezyne Alloy Drive Hand Pump is one of the best, compact hand pumps on the market. Its components are made of custom CNC machined aluminum for precise and lightweight construction. Storage for the Lezyne is relatively easy as it comes in at 8 x 4 x 2 inches and weighs a mere 4.8 ounces.
Those annoying flats while on the trail just got a lot easier to fix.
Experience: Beginner or Advanced
Classification: Bikepacking or Bike Touring
Blackburn Tradesman MULTI-TOOL
Blackburn made the Tradesman with the idea that one could use a portable tool to remove chain links while on a ride. It’s a mobile, mini shop all for $30.
Beyond a chain-link remover, the tool includes a flathead screwdriver, hex and Torx keys, and a disc brake pad spreader.
Star and Hex wrench sizes: [star wrench] T25, T30, [hex wrench] 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm.
Experience: Beginner or Advanced
Classification: Bikepacking or Bike Touring
The Shimano XT PD-T8000 Touring Pedal
The Shimano XT PD-T8000 Touring Pedal is a hybrid pedal built for interchangeable use between flat and clipless shoes. Making your tour ride to commute setting a much easier dilemma.
Its components include a wide alloy platform featuring integrated ridges for increased traction with flat-soled shoes. It also includes a built-in reflector to increase visibility in low light. The reliability of this pedal will keep any of your types of ride spinning smoothly.
Shimano recommends the Shimano SPD cleats for pedal compatibility.
Experience: Advanced
Classification: Bike Touring
Blackburn Outpost Cargo Cage
For a general mount system, Blackburn offers a very flexible and affordable mounting option with its Outpost Cargo Cage. Only for $32, it’s designed with bulky gear in mind. The mount allows for all types of carry-options - bigger water bottle, stuff-sacks, or sleeping pads. For newcomers looking for a simple storage option and versatility, Blackburn’s Outpost Cargo Cage might be the place to start.
Experience: Beginner or Advanced
Classification: Bikepacking or Bike Touring
Garmin Edge 530 Bike Computer
As a consistent leader in bike computer’s, Gramin continues to impress with their products. The Edge 530 is true-to-form and top notch - and a steal right now at only $300. The list of features for this computer is seemingly never ending. Some highlights are VO2 Max insights, cycling safety features, and recovery info to go along with all the regular bells and whistles you’d expect form a cycling computer.
If you are about tracking distance, elevation and cycling stats along with nutrition, hydration and personal fitness stats then it’ll be hard to find a better do-it-all bike computer than the Garmin Edge 530.
Experience: Advanced
Classification: Bikepacking, Bike Touring, or Daily Commute
Revelate Mountain Feedbag
Revelate designed the Mountain Feedbag to be an on-the-go aid station for endurance riding. With its easy to use top drawcord system, the bags makes accessing your much-needed essentials easy to grab while on the go. Revelate also designed this bag to be slightly larger than it's predecessor, allowing you to carry a wide variety of gear in your cockpit.
It is made with a three-layer construction: outer fabric, foam, and a liner. The Mountain Feedbag's foam adds stiffness and insulation. The Mountain cost starts at $49.
Experience: Beginner or Advanced
Classification: Bikepacking, Bike Touring
Our Favorite Bikepacking Companies To Check Out
Revelate Gear is one of the best in the bikepacking game. New Revelate designs are beginning to incorporate their Indie-Rail mounting system into their seat bags, the Terrapin 8L and Vole. The Indie-Rail system attaches to each saddle rail for a stiffened bag structure to eliminate tail-wag. Revelate has always been focused on making high-quality adventure cycling gear by innovating their design and hardware into all-new packs. They are headquartered out of Anchorage, Alaska
Based in Outdoor Evolution’s hometown of Flagstaff, Arizona, Rouge Panda offers a plethora of customization options. They specialize in all types of bags for a variety of adventure bikes. Plus, who can resist their panda logo?
Boasting, “Northwest by Nature,” Swift Industries is a cycling company located in Seattle, Washington. They offer a wide range of products - from the daily commuter setup to the touring or bikepacking adventurer. Their admiration for high-quality craftsmanship can be seen in their product collections with a sincere thought for design, quality, and aesthetics. Also to boot, Swift has some of the best artistic designs for their product logos - their stickers are worth it for the artwork alone!
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