The Best Bags for All Types of Cyclists (2024)

Bike bags come in every conceivable shape and size. From tiny roll-ups that hold your flat-fix essentials to huge panniers for carrying days of groceries home for your family to bar bags to bring extra gear for a century and virtually anything else you can imagine.

Whether it's a bar bag or backpack, figuring out how to merge your equipment-carrying needs and lifestyle is a crucial part of the puzzle. And even knowing which brands create bags specifically for cyclists is part of the equation.

Cycling bags are more than just a passing interest for me. Before working for Bicycling, I spent over a decade as a professional product designer, sewer, and manufacturer of shoes, bags, and apparel for several companies. With my experience in materials, sewing, and fabrication, I earned a Master of Science in textile design.

Bar Bags

Many companies make great bags in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Some are square, some cylindrical, and one is even a half-donut shape. There is no shortage of great bar bags whether for your solo century, the local group ride, or a big gravel event.

The mark of a great bar bag starts with the materials used and ends with the ease of user experience. Although many exist, the bar bag adds more to your rides than takes away (ok, they will rob a few watts). Bar bags are a convenient and easy-to-access way to add more storage and keep the extra weight off your back. Whether switching from your local group rides or races and then the quick overnighter, getting a bar bag on and off a bike (or switching between different sizes) is a breeze.

Best Bar Bag

The Drawcord is my favorite bar bag for several reasons. In addition to the bag‘s tons of pockets (internal and external) to stash your gear, it leads the pack in flair. Outershell selects the best patterns for adding style and accessorizing your bike. I love the brand’s use of cow and camo prints across its product lineup. Next is the size—whether you have narrow or wide bars, this bar bag fits perfectly on every drop bar I tried it on (though I don’t recommend putting this on your aero bike with one-piece handlebars, as it might not be the easiest to access). The feature that makes this bar bag next to perfect is the easy one-hand opening and closure. Another big plus for the Drawcord, Outershell uses fully internal and external weather-resistant fabric on this bag. It provides the rider with dry and secure accessories or snacks.

Bar Bag Runner-Up

Orucase uses a new vinyl-lined grided material introduced across the range of on-bike accessories called Glacious that resembles the material used for billboard signage. I like how Orucase secures this bag to the bar. Many brands use nylon webbing or rubber straps to attach their bags, so the provided mini-Voile straps are a great addition. The exterior pockets could be rotated approximately 45 degrees upwards to prevent snacks or tools from falling out. The extra mollie strap across the front was an awesome addition for carrying extra knick-knacks or tools. The Smuggler HC is perfect for 30- to 60-mile rides where you are out with the homies smashing miles and having smiles.

Frame Bags

These bags sit directly in the middle of your bicycle (the bike’s main triangle). Frame bags are great because they offer additional storage possibilities and capacity. Many frame bag users customize their bags to match their needs and personalities, whether they’re doing day rides or ultra-distance events.

With so many different makers in the market, knowing all of the materials brands use, the storage capacity, and their design is tough. An unfortunate downside of some frame bags—depending on whether you go for a half or full-frame bag—is interference with the space for your water bottles, especially if you’re on the smaller size rider like me. If you are a shorter-height rider, getting creative about your water storage or frame options may require you to go down the custom route. Thankfully many bag makers already incorporate this as a service in their business.

Best Frame Bag

Created by Evan Gross, Nitanny Mountain Works makes these bags using solar-powered energy in its Pennsylvania factory. Nittany uses a mix of materials in its designs, each serving a functional purpose to ensure whatever you're carrying stays with you and dry. Arriving with five mini-Voile straps, and multiple attachment points, fitting the Fastpack 1/2 to a bike is a breeze. The only hang-up is for riders of smaller-size bikes (like me) who may need the Fastpack Lite frame bag to get around frame designs. The bag is pretty standard and uses the standard two-zipper approach, but the mini-frame pump holder inside the main compartment is a welcome and thoughtful addition.

Frame Bag Runner-Up

Like the Expedition Frame Bag (which is half of the Full Frame Bag), this bag is trusted by thousands of riders who explore remote landscapes. With four size options, this bag has the same seven attachment points as the Expedition plus one more to keep a hydration bladder in place. Apidura created a custom 3L hydration bladder that in the bag sits near your bottom bracket and crank. The Full Frame Bag differs from the Expedition in construction technique and material choice. Having recently updated the material to a custom three-layer laminated fabric, Apidura moved away from the original X-Pac laminated material. Another new update to the bag is the use of fabric welding. This mechanically bonds pieces via ultrasonic frequencies.

Seat and Saddle Bags

The line between a seat bag and a saddle bag sometimes overlaps depending on the bag’s use and the riding scenario. Although some brands or riders use the terms interchangeably, I consider a seat bag just the essentials required for a daily ride (tools, CO2, tubes, etc.) while a saddle bag can store much more (a sleeping pad or a change of clothes, for example). A bag with more than 1 liter of capacity is a saddle bag; anything less is just a big seat bag. (However, the top-performing seat bag models in my testing are both called saddle bags by their manufacturer. 🤷)

Best Seat Bag

Orucase created the Saddle Bag HC in two sizes—0.5L and 0.8L—both cost $35. Using a rubber strap to attach the bag to the rear of the saddle the bag’s interior remains weather-resistant to the elements thanks to the weatherproof zipper. The bag opens completely (like a hotdog bun) to access all your essential tools. It’s perfect for road, gravel, and mountain biking and accommodates different sizes of tools, tubes, and extras.

Seat Bag Runner-Up

This Mission Workshop bag is a no-nonsense seat bag with enough storage for one traditional butyl tube, two tire levers, two CO2 cartridges, a pump head, and a multi-tool. (You can fit more than one additional tube with a Tubolito.) Mission Workshop uses standard X-Pac material on all of its color options. The bag features a weather-resistant zipper and a Velcro-style attachment. Over a few months of use, the Seat Bag saw some degradation from normal wear and tear but the sizing is just right.

Best Saddle Bag

The original and updated Expedition received a material, construction, and subtle graphics update. While I tested the original, I can speak to the old and new material (having tested other products built with the updates). It's weatherproof and survived multiple trips in significant downstorms. The bungee allows for a quick stash of a jacket or a stack of bananas. Plus, the two light attachment points are surrounded by reflective graphics. This bag comes in three volume options that allow the rider to hone the kit they bring to fit the needs of the trip or the event.

Saddle Bag Runner-Up

Designed for when seconds count in an ultra-distance race, the bag is also great for a quick overnighter or extremely minimal camping setup. Silca bags come with BOA closures and a recycled PET material that is laminated lined. Three folds of the Roll Top closure inherently prevent moisture, dirt, or contamination from making it to your cargo. The BOA closure helps secure the bag to the seat post and saddle rails and also helps take up any volume not used by compressing the bag.

Top Tube Bags

Top tube bags are handy for carrying quick-access items. Located typically on the top tube fixed to the stem or via top tube bolts, these bags come in many shapes and sizes. They’re perfect for gels, small snacks, or even a camera. Some people use these bags to carry a spare battery bank and charge their devices such as GPS computers or lights on longer rides.

Depending on the brand, some top tube bags use hook and loop-style attachments while others use top tube bolt mounts (if your bike has them). One important feature that should be present in any top tube bag is the option (when sealed) to run cables to charge lights and house sensitive electronics if necessary, this ensures anything and everything is protected from the elements.

Best Top Tube Bag

Apidura Racing Top Tube Bag is the lightest we tested in the segment and uses a magnetic closure to seal the interior away from foul weather. Using a proprietary fabric developed by Apidura, the bag features an ultralight laminate (different from the brand’s typical 3-layer fabric). A benefit of this bag is its ability to open completely for access to the interior. This top tube bag proved its worth by keeping my important batteries and chargers dry from the elements while camping above the tree line at Mount Shasta, California.

Top Tube Bag Runner-Up

Featuring a magnetic closure, 3-point attachment, and the option to run it mounted to top tube bolts it is a very well-designed bag using premium finishing details like a bungee cord with line loc. The easy one-handed access to the interior compartment is due to the magnetic closure that does well at maintaining moisture out of the bag. Yet the interior became saturated when the top reached its saturation point. This was the heaviest bag we tested in this category and features an opening to run cables around your stem.

Panniers

For some, the word “pannier” might conjure up thoughts of cycle touring from decades past with big bulky wax canvas bags attached to rickety racks. But a lot has changed in bag tech in the past several years. Panniers are a great way to carry large amounts of stuff on a bike ride. Many brands make excellent panniers for touring and bags for carrying groceries, commuting, or bikepacking.

A front or rear rack is needed to use panniers but if your bike’s fork has 2- or 3-bolt mounts, it opens another level of other new bag options and accessories. Many gravel and adventure bikes feature fork-carrying capacities. These enable riders to attach extra bottle cages or dry bags directly to the fork. A big thing to remember is the increased likelihood of toe and heel strikes with any fork or rear rack setup. If this happens on your bike, you may want to adjust the setup to lessen the occurrence.

Best Pannier

The Pico Panniers, are a winner based on the extensive range of colors, patterns, and overall flare. These bags are a fun way to show personal style while keeping your belongings dry. Using 1000D Cordura for the exterior and an Ecopax EPLX weatherproof liner, this pannier kept everything we carried dry and secure.

One of the bag’s unique features is the ultra-tough polycarbonate plates that can be mounted with the provided hardware to two or three-point bottle bosses on your fork. Outershell even developed a nifty solution for suspension forks (though you may want to cover the fork legs with thin padding). With an expanding rolltop design, the bags grow to accommodate a range of gear, including some small pots and pans. The exterior pocket is secured via a clip buckle that doubles as a compression strap. It also has two additional compression straps running across the bag to secure and compress any other items.

Pannier Runner-Up

At 18L, this pannier was the largest volume we tested. It weighs 560 grams and comes with two additional small dry stuff stacks to store any sensitive equipment or items you may bring along. The Link has four hooks and loops with Velcro closures and a single plastic attachment point.

In our testing, the bag could not attach to some racks due to the positioning of the two bottom straps. Otherwise, the bag felt secure and in place, thanks to the plastic honeycomb plate stitched inside. With one exterior pocket (able to accommodate a water bottle, the roll-top closure and volume are managed by nylon webbing and plastic hardware. If you need to attach anything extra bits like blinky lights you can thanks to the additional reflective trim that serves as an attachment point.

Other Types of Cycling Bags

Figuring out what your essentials are will help narrow down the choices of bags. If possible, check out the bag in person at a dealer or from a friend before buying.

Best Cycling Backpack

Having tested this bag’s original version for over a decade (and repaired it to keep it alive), I know firsthand how the Urban Ex stands up to use. The updated design improves on the original. With a minimal approach to design and construction, this bag features a 500D polyurethane coating on the surface and TPU backing. Its 150 recycled polyester liners keep your belongings bone dry. Tested in the 20L version, its open catch-all design accommodates clothing and smaller bags. It also has a dedicated laptop sleeve, pen holder, and other pockets for small items. The loops on the exterior make a great place to throw your U-lock. Overall, this is a great bag for commutes to the office or school, with stops at the grocery store or bodega on the way home.

R6 Arkiv Field Pack 20L

One of Mission Workshop’s flagship bags, the R6 Akriv Field Pack comes in a standard 20L size (with options to grow the system with Mission’s Arkiv-compatible bags). Using a high-quality HT500 D nylon exterior, it is offered in various colors to customize your bag to your personality. With one exterior weatherproof zipper and a dedicated internal laptop sleeve, the bag is very straightforward. With no other options for storage, this bag shines in tandem with its other modular accessories.

Best Fanny Pack/Sling Bag

The Axis modular fanny pack from Mission Workshop punches above its weight. It’s both a fanny pack and an exterior bag attachment for the brand’s Arkiv systems of bags. Using an adjustable and hideable nylon woven waist strap, the Axis can be used independently or as an additional accessory. A Polyant X-Pac fabric lines the interior.

The bag features storage organization and a key leash for keeping everything in its place. I used the Axis to carry two cameras, my keys, small headphones, a wallet, and a few SD cards. It surprised me with its comfort, whether worn on my hip or across my body.

Fanny Pack/Sling Bag Runner-Up

The Kadet series of bags distills the knowledge Chrome gained over the years developing bags for couriers into three distinct sizes—and several durable fabrics—to suit a wide range of riders’ needs. Starting with Chrome’s signature seatbelt buckle closure (also customizable), it is accompanied by an under-the-arm to chest plastic buckle that helps stabilize what you're carrying. The bag uses two standard weatherproof zippers to access your gear.

The five-liter Mini is perfect for carrying a lock and essentials (phone, wallet, sunglasses, and maybe a camera). The standard Kadet is 9L and can handle an iPad, one or two cameras, a beanie, and all your other essential EDC (everyday carry) pieces. The 15L Kadet Max can fit your EDCs, a small laptop, a water bottle, and a light jacket.

Best Mussette

Packable, pocket-able, and made of gridded proprietary Dynema and post-consumer recycled nylon yarn, this bag is strong, light, and extremely abrasion-resistant (thanks to the yarn Outershell uses). When packed away, the bag can be attached via a looped nylon strap, thrown to the back of your jersey, or hung on the back of your saddle. When taken out and fully expanded, the cross-body musette allows room for ample gas station-sourced snacks and drinks (I easily fit a full bundle of bananas in this bag). What makes this mussette worth recognition aside from the material resilience and functional user experience is the second attachment point securing the bag on your back from swinging around.

Best Tote

With its choice of materials and finishing details, Outershell thoughtfully designed and executed this Bag. The Everyday Tote fits perfectly in most 15-inch wide baskets or milk crates. Internally, the tote has a weather-resistant internal liner with four pockets (one is zippered). The exterior has two quick-access pockets and one zipper on the opposite side, finished with a weatherproof coating. The Everyday Tote is perfect for everyday use, to and from work, or out on a quick grocery run, and holds up well to normal wear and tear. The 10L option could be slightly larger (maybe by 1 or 2 liters), but I’m nitpicking.

Tote Runner-Up

This perfect catch-all tote from REI was handy for just about anything—shoes, camping equipment, helmets, knee pads, snacks, and more. The pack-away tote features an open drawstring main compartment design that closes up to prevent all your belongings from spilling out. Doubling as a protective shield from the elements, this bag has a weather-resistant coating. However, it can eventually wet out and become saturated (along with your cargo). With two more exterior pockets and tons of molly loops storing your phone or attaching a carabiner with extras is no problem.

Best Duffle

The Janus duffle bag from Orucase is much more than “another cycling bag” thanks to the material choice and carrying capacity options. It is an extremely versatile bag with four exterior grab handle options, a shoulder strap (that can be used in a two- or one-strap configuration), and two volume choices (40L or 55L),

I loved this bag for going to the gym, the bike park, and weekend trips. And the Janus keeps my equipment, clothes, and extras stored neatly inside. The bag comes with two additional stuff sacks for the interior main compartment (I primarily used them as shoe bags but they can store socks or toiletries). At the bag’s top and bottom are two additional ventilated compartments big enough for a helmet or wet riding kit to dry out. I like this bag so much that I want a larger version—like 80 liters big.

Best Volume for Price

With several size options and a carrying case for off-the-bike storage, this bag is your go-to for full-week trips or even month-long escapes. Using mixed materials, the bag is primarily constructed from recycled 400 D ripstop nylon with a 1680 recycled ballistic nylon bottom (nice to see some sustainability practices in use). The stowable carrying features (including backpack straps and duffel handles) mean your bag won't get caught on the conveyor belt when checked for a flight. The exterior features a daisy chain on either side of the bag to attach any last-minute extras and is finished with an oversized zipper hidden from the elements. The biggest drawback is the duffle’s lack of shoulder straps—otherwise, everyone should own a bag like this for big trips.

Perhaps the most asked question about bags from Bicycling members and riding friends is, “How big of a bag should I buy?” The answer to this depends on several factors.

Figuring out the volume of equipment you have is crucial to understanding what bags will accommodate your gear. First, assess the equipment needed for the rides you do the most (or rides you plan to take). You need to determine if it is as simple as flat-fix supplies and snacks, a laptop and clothes for work, or a sleeping pad, bag, headlamp, cooking equipment, and tools for a multi-day trek.

Then, determine how or where you want to carry your stuff—on your body (like a backpack or fanny pack) or on the bike. There are many bags and manufacturers, each with different approaches and design philosophies for on and off-the-bike bag use. Sifting through what will work for you might be confusing.

Sometimes it’s tough to figure out what you need for day-to-day use. My best advice for determining the best size is to find a store with the bag to check it out in person. You don’t want to research and buy a bag only to get it and find out it won't accommodate your size laptop, sleeping bag, or the hydration bladder you specifically purchased for that bag. Working with a shop knowledgeable in bags is extremely helpful.

Materials

The naming of materials can be confusing. Plus, it is sometimes clouded by marketing terms and jargon from brands.

The basic material is a standard weave (a plain weave or twill in some scenarios) backed with either a laminating layer or a material with a durable weather-repellant finish to help with moisture management. Some of the best materials use synthetic yarns. Good bags have much higher resilience to abrasion as they are made with strong 6/6 nylon. Unlike most twisted yarns, this material is extruded in a monofilament rather than a set of individual fibers plied and twisted together to add strength and resilience.

Fabric

There are a ton of different fabrics out there that bag makers claim have excellent water resistance, premium abrasion resistance, and other seemingly magical properties. However, many manufacturers purchase the same white-label branded fabric (like Cordura or X-Pac). Few companies invest in milling technologies to create proprietary fabric required for the real-world conditions in which their products are used. With that said the fabric makers often build a synthetic heavy denier yarn, that is woven and laminated, into the product. This is different than a Gore-Tex membrane, but based on the same principle: To create a barrier that prevents moisture from saturating the material, contents, or user.

Construction

When bag makers or brands construct a product, their designers balance form versus function while implementing new and existing technologies. Sometimes this is done to improve performance but often it helps mitigate costs. Construction is also the designer's way to flex some of their creative skills. Whether it's a traditional method of sewing panels together or using origami-style folding methods, there are many ways to construct shapes. Designers often use a mix of materials (internal and external fabrics) which add layers. Sometimes they use glues and added seams.

As a bag designer, my biggest tip is to turn the bag inside to inspect its construction. Check if the bags have liners, finished and taped edges, or other details that improve protection, durability, and overall function.

Finish

How a bag is finished can make or break how it is used. Checking how the bag attaches with Velcro, hook-and-loop, or plastic closures is important. Knowing if the seams are taped, exposed, or bound with finishing bias helps determine the bag’s longevity and resilience to the weather and use. Also, check if the bag is treated with a finishing agent such as a durable water repellant (DWR) or an antimicrobial finish. Certain finishes (chemical and physical) add extra function to some performance features, ease of access, colorfastness, or even resistance to specific liquids.