Best Bicycle Saddle Bags
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Saddle bags are an important and convenient bike accessory for riders who want to carry gear but prefer not to use a bike backpack.
When you ride a bicycle – it is necessary to carry a number of essential tools and gear, such as spare tubes, a repair kit, tire levers, a pump, a multi-tool, and more. This is where having extra space is helpful. With a saddle bag, you don’t have to stuff everything awkwardly into your pockets.
Bike saddle bags allow you to save that space for snacks and other items you may need while moving. Another convenience is that you can permanently store your ride essentials in them. This makes getting ready to leave for your ride straightforward, you know you will never forget your important tools.
The bags themselves come in varying shapes and sizes. Larger bags can be used to store extra equipment that you may need for longer journeys, such as a rain jacket, food, or a bike lock.
Attachment mechanisms also vary. Some models use simple Velcro to attach to your saddle rails, while others use clip-on attachments. Almost all bike bags are easily accessible with one zip to access from the top of the bag.
Related:
Best Bike Frame Bags | A Buyer’s Guide for Bikepackers & Commuters
Best Medium & Large Saddle Bags
Mountain & Touring Bike Seat & Saddle Bags
Taking various items with you on each ride can become confusing and disorganized if you do not have a system for managing everything. Using a bike pouch under your seat will help you stay organized and remove the need to remember to take all of the essentials every time you head out.
Store your key roadside repair tools, snacks for the trip, or any items that you don’t need to access immediately while you ride. Each time you cycle, you can be assured that your essentials are stored neatly in your saddle bag in case you (or a friend) need them.
REI Co-op – Junction Seat Bag
4 Liters is more than enough for a saddle bag
MSRP: $50
- Weight: 6.5 oz
- Dimensions: 5 x 10 x 5 inches
- Connection: Velcro strap
Rated 4.4/5 on REI, the Junction Seat Bag is an excellent choice for cyclists who value durability and functionality.
This spacious 4-liter bag is made with tough, water-resistant nylon and then coated with water repellent to further protect your cargo from tire spray and rain.
The bag is easy to access with its large zippered opening. There are also 2 pockets inside to help you organize your items. The bag is a joy to ride with too as it has compression straps to keep even a full load stable on rough trails.
To help keep you safe, the bag has a reflective loop for attaching a light, as well as a reflective logo.
Ortlieb – Seat-Pack Saddle Bag – Large
8- 16.5L thanks to the roll-top closure
MSRP: $175
- Weight: 15.2 oz
- Dimensions: 25 x 11.8 x 8.7 inches
- Weight capacity: 11lbs
- Connection: Velcro
- Inner stiffener holds the bag’s shape
- Elastic cord for light gear & rear light to be fixed
Ortlieb is the leader in bike bags. With this seat pack, they integrate a fully waterproof design into a bag that holds the same shape and position on the bike, no matter what the terrain.
Due to its size, this seat pack is perfect for long trips including touring and bikepacking. The volume can be adjusted between 8 and 16.5 liters because of its roll-top closing feature.
This durable bag is made with lightweight, ripstop nylon with a reflective exterior. Another handy feature is the air-release valve which allows for tighter compression of your load.
Sturdy straps with a grippy surface allow a slip-free attachment to your seat post. Buyers should note that the bag is not compatible with carbon fiber saddle rails and some Brooks Saddles
Revelate Designs – Spinelock 10L Seat Bag
MSRP: $179
- Weight: 1lb 6.6oz
- Dimensions: 16 x 6 x 5 inches
- Connection: Clip mount / Velcro strap
- Weight limit: 10 lbs
- Carbon seatpost compatible. Compatible only with traditional saddle rails
- Minimum 8.5 in. tire clearance from saddle rails / 6.5 in. minimum from exposed seat post
Revelate Designs’ Spinelock seat pack is a feature-rich, premium bag that is perfect for use in any weather or terrain.
With the Spinelock pack, the company has built an innovative stability system to create an unbeatable stable loading. The bag mounts neatly with 2 connections. One is a durable aluminum connector with a quick-release pin for easy removal, paired with a Velcro strap for extra stability.
The bag material is fully waterproof and includes a protective external plastic bottom frame sheet to protect from tire spray. External webbing and bungee cords also allow for additional storage capacity to the 10 liters.
In addition, the bag has a convenient mount for a rear light, as well as an air release valve so users can compress the bag.
Topeak – Wedge DryBag
MSRP: $47
- Weight: 8.2 oz
- Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.1 x 4.3 inches
- Connection: Clip mount
- Capacity: 1.5L
The Topeak Wedge saddle bag is another highly-rated bag for any cyclist that needs to keep their essentials safe from the elements.
This drybag-style saddle bag features a quick-release mounting system that can be attached to your bike easily without the need for tools.
The bag’s material is a coated nylon with welded, sealed seams and roll closure to ensure complete, waterproof protection.
The bag has a rear-facing hooking point that allows users to attach rear blinky light if needed. This, combined with reflective detailing, helps to increase your visibility while riding in low light.
Blackburn – Outpost Seatpack with Drybag
Capacity: 10.5L
MSRP: $130
- Weight: 8.2 oz
- Connection: Clip mount / Velcro strap
- Weight capacity – 10.5lb
The Blackburn Outpost is a top-quality seat pack designed to be effective in any condition, featuring a fully removable drybag.
This unique system is especially useful for bicycle touring in situations where the bag needs to be removed while you are not riding.
Due to its 2-part system consisting of an aluminum frame that holds the dry bag, the Outpost offers a uniquely sway-free riding experience. This system also works on rigid and dropper posts, making it perfect for most styles of biking.
Be assured of the Outpost’s effectiveness as the drybag is secured with welded seams. The bag also has a scuba-style air valve making maximum compression easy whether on or off the bike.
Topeak – Backloader
Three different capacities: 6L / 10L / 15L
MSRP: $85
- Weight: 6L: 15.70 oz / 10L: 16.93 oz / 15L: 19.93 oz
- Dimensions: 6L: 19.7” x 6.3” x 5.9” / 10L 23.6” x 7.9” x 7.1” / 15L: 26.4” x 11” x 7.1”
- Connection: Hook & Loop
- Weight capacity: 11lbs
- Air release button
- Safety light clip
The Topeak Backloader is a three-size bag suitable for bikepackers or bicycle touring. When you use it in conjunction with other bike bags, it provides a streamlined alternative to a rear pannier rack setup.
The bag’s mounting system is very stable under load and when used with the compression straps, reduces the pendulum effect that is typical with large rear loads. This makes the Backloader very comfortable to ride with no matter the distance.
Made with lightweight and durable materials, the bag is water-resistant and used in conjunction with a waterproof inner bag for extra protection. You can secure and remove it in seconds with a quick-release mounting system.
Best Small & Medium Bike Saddle Bags
Hybrid & Road Bike Saddle Bags
Medium and small saddle bags for bikes are suitable primarily for day-to-day riding. This could be for exercise, commuting, leisure, or any other trip that doesn’t require large loads and extra storage.
The best road bike saddle bags are small, light, and non-intrusive. These bags should be stable when full, provide some water resistance to protect the contents and be easy to attach and remove.
A saddle bag on a road bike or hybrid bike is the perfect way to carry the basic essentials for roadside repairs. Depending on the size, this can include four to five items that stay in the bag each time you go out. You should immediately replace these items (like inner tubes) once used.
Let’s take a look at some of the best saddle bags for road bikes and hybrid bikes.
Silca – Seat Capsule Premio
MSRP: $46
- Capacity: 0.6L
- Connection: Boa closure
- Rail Guard protects and grips saddle rails
- Internal pocket dividers
The Silca Seat Capsule Premio is a sleek saddle bag with ample space for all the necessities, securely drafting behind your saddle.
The Seat Capsule Premio is suitable for many types of cyclists and rides due to its carrying capacity. The capsule can fit one 29.2.35” or two 700x30mm spare tubes.
The internal pocket design helps you organize everything neatly. The dividers easily hold tire levers, your multitool, CO2 regulator, and three CO2 cartridges.
The Boa closure system secures the bag tightly to the saddle rails to maximize aerodynamics, and the thermoformed shell offers an unbeatable structure once you load it. The low positioning of the zipper also makes it easier to access the bag without removing it from the saddle.
Blackburn – Grid Road (Small)
MSRP: $25
- Weight: 2 oz
- Connection: Hook & loop
- Capacity: 0.45L
The Blackburn Grid is a budget-friendly yet durable road bike seat bag, big enough for your ride essentials.
This no-frills bag is made from tough, abrasion-resistant material and water-resistant zippers, making it perfect for usage in any riding conditions. The Grid has ergonomic zippers for easy use while attaching and removing in seconds with its simple hook and loop system.
A reflective coating and taillight loop help to keep you safe on the road. The bag is also available in medium (0.8L) or large (1.4L), providing options for all types of riders.
Two Wheel Gear Commute Seat Pack Large
MSRP: $65
- Capacity: 1.5L
- Connection: Velcro Straps
Two Wheel Gear’s Commute bike saddle bag is an inexpensive and tidy saddle bag designed specifically for practicality.
Despite its neat look, the bag has ample storage space, comfortably fitting one tube, along with your other repair tools like tire levers and multitool.
The bag mounts neatly to your saddle rails with a single strap, sitting tightly even when full. For convenience, the Two Wheel Gear also uses a handy side pocket to store items that you will need to access easily during your trips such as keys, credit card, or cash.
The bag is also made of thermoplastic elastomer, waterproof-backed 600-denier polyester for all-weather commuting.
Salsa – EXP Series Small Seatpack
Capacity: 3L
MSRP $70
- Weight: 6.5oz
- Capacity: 3L
- Connection: Velcro straps
The EXP Seat Pack is a highly functional, premium bag designed by experts in bikepacking and touring, Salsa.
This saddle bag keeps your gear dry and tucked securely behind at all times. It does so using a water-resistant construction, waterproof fabrics, and a secure Velcro loop attachment.
The EXP is durable and lightweight. This makes it suitable for light bikepacking trips or day-long adventures. To make its use even more diverse, Salsa designed the size of the pack to be adjustable, compressing and expanding easily using a roll-top closure.
Specialized – Mini Wedgie
MSRP: $25
- Capacity: 0.8L
- Connection: Velcro Straps
The Specialized Mini Wedgie is built narrow, tucking perfectly into the seat to create an aerodynamical saddle bag that is perfect for road cyclists.
The Mini Wedgie uses durable nylon fabric with a water-resistant coating and zipper, keeping your gear dry in the wettest conditions. Inside the bag, there is also a neoprene sleeve that holds your tools securely in order to protect spare tubes from any damage.
To maintain its shape, Specialized use a synthetic leather base that also helps to repel dirt and debris from the road.
Fizik – 00
MSRP: $50
Fizik is a manufacturer of top-quality bike products, and their 00 saddle bag is no different.
This premium bag is built with a thermoformed hard case that is both tough and lightweight. It is completely weatherproof, keeping any valuables perfectly safe no matter what conditions arise.
The 00 is compact while also being sufficiently spacious, comfortably fitting a spare inner tube, tire levers, CO2 canister, and a CO2 regulator. It keeps these items safe from damage while inside using a padded inside lining.
- Connection: Welded rubber Velcro strap
Bicycle Saddle Bag Buying Guide
What’s the difference between a saddle bag and a seat pack?
Seat packs are similar types of products. Saddle bags are generally smaller and used for common ride items such as tubes, multitools, repair kits, etc.
Seat packs are much larger than saddle bags and are commonly used for bikepacking. Bikepacking is a form of bicycle touring where you take all of the gear that you need and attach it to your frame in an assortment of bike packs.
What to expect from a good bicycle saddle bag?
Bicycle saddle bags are a relatively simple accessory, however, poor quality bags can be more inconvenient than helpful. These bags may hang loosely, have poor zippers, and be heavy. Here are a few things to look out for when you choose, depending on what type of riding you do (off-road/road):
- Weather Resistance – As the ‘saddle pouch’ resides above the rear wheel that sprays up the wet matter from the ground – a good seat bag should be weather or water-resistant
- Reflective Exterior – This can be a bonus when traveling in low-light conditions
- Durable – To withstand the test of time
- Adjustable – So that the bag wouldn’t bounce around when biking
- Separated Compartments – To organize the belongings
- Stable Fit – With reduced bouncing and chattery feel
What to carry in your bike saddle bag?
As we mention above, saddle bags are the perfect place to store the essentials you need to take on every ride. These essentials should be in your pack regardless of the type of ride you’re doing that day. You should always replace them after use, they include:
- Spare inner tubes
- Puncture repair kit
- A multitool
- Tire levers
- CO2 canisters
When is it useful to use a bike seat bag?
Bike seat bags are useful for any cyclist. No matter the type of ride, bike saddle packs can be used to carry some of the items you will need along the way.
Bikepacking, alp crossing, touring and everyday cycling are all examples of times where it is useful to have a seat bag. The length and type of journey you plan on taking will dictate the size you should purchase.
FAQ
How to put a saddle bag on a bike?
There are a number of ways to attach your bike bag, depending on the specific bag design.
Most bags use one or two Velcro straps, looped around the saddle rails and seat post. Some bags use a strap combined with a mount that attaches to your saddle, allowing the saddle bag to clip onto it tightly.
Can a saddle bag somehow interfere with riding?
In general, a well-made bag should not interfere with riding.
However, if the straps become loose due to poor quality or over a long period of time, the bag may hang too low and interfere with your back wheel. Some larger bags also require a minimum tire clearance or else they will not fit, possibly interfering with your wheel if incorrectly fitted.
Where to find the best selection of bicycle seat bags online?
Any online retailer of bicycle equipment and accessories should have a number of bags available. In this article, we have chosen the best bags from four reputable websites:
- REI.com
- JensonUSA.com
- Evo.com
What are the best bike saddle bag brands?
These are the most popular brands we’ve come across on multiple websites online
- Salsa
- Lezyne
- Blackburn
- REI Co-op
- Topeak
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Rhinowalk is also a great bike bag. Bought this for my bikepacking trip. It is lightweight, large volume, and waterproof, a must-have for a cyclist.
I like this ROCKBROS Bike Saddle Bag better. It is made of PU quality fabric, diamond mesh rubber fabric is scratch resistant, its stylish design looks great on any mountain bike. One thing that I like about this product, in addition to the high-quality materials, is the large capacity. It can hold up to 1.5 liters of essentials. It is also easy to set up this bag due to its simple strap system. Since the traps are adjustable, they give me space to customize the bag to a comfortable position.