Are you planning your next bike adventure and looking for the perfect gear to take with you? A frame bag is an essential piece of equipment that can help you stay organized and prepared for whatever the road throws your way.
Not only do frame bags provide extra storage space for all of your riding essentials, but they also help to distribute the weight of your gear more evenly across your bike, improving handling and stability. In this article, we will be discussing the best frame bags for your next bike adventure, based on factors such as durability, capacity, and overall design. No matter what type of rider you are or where you’re headed, these frame bags will help you make the most out of every ride.
Revelate Designs Hopper Frame Bag
The perfect frame bag for full-suspension frames with vertically mounted shocks. It can be tricky to find a frame bag that fits full-suspension bikes. But this Hopper frame bag by Revalte Designs gives you the option to go on the most epic bikepacking adventures on your full suspension setup.
The bag offers easy single-handed access with a magnetic closure, a truly universal fit. Hydration tubes or battery wires can exit through the main panel opening. 4L gear capacity, weighing 6 ounces (170 grams). Also works well as a frame bag for small frames.
Ideal for keeping tools, a spare tube, riding food, and a trail first aid kit, with some extra room to spare. Even though this does not zip closed, you won’t have a problem with anything falling out. Once you cinch the magnetic closure tight to the bag, there is no room for anything to fall out under normal riding conditions.
Ortlieb Frame-Pack RC
Ortlieb has been making some of the best bike bags since the beginning. Their new minimalist frame pack is designed with roll-closure to securely close the bag, with three silicone rings, and offers protection from the elements. Meeting the IP64 standard for waterproofness. With a maximum load of 6 lbs. 10 oz (3 kg) and gear capacity of 6L. Weighing 8.8 ounces or 249 grams. The specific positioning of the Velcro straps (that attach to the frame) along the circumference of the bag enables individual adjustment to the dimensions of your bike.
Apidura Expedition Frame Bag
I personally have been using this bag for the last few years. Made of durable, waterproof material and has a capacity of 14 liters. With an internal divider to help you keep your gear organized. The frame bag securely fastens to the top tube with velcro straps and is useful for storing heavier items as part of a larger bikepacking setup.
Constructed from a lightweight fabric, custom milled to Apidura’s specifications and welded together at the seams to create a watertight seal. Zippers with protected closures ensure that your kit stays dry. However, I must say after a few years of complete abuse to this bag the main zipper stopped sealing.
Available in a half-frame bag or full-sized frame bag options. From 3L to 6.5 L for half and up to 14L for their largest full-frame bag.
Salsa EXP Series Frame Bag
The perfect frame back for the Salsa Fargo adventure gravel bike. The main compartment on the right has a Velcro partition in the center if you want to separate a water bladder from your food or electronics. You can also pull off the Velcro if you want to store long or bulky items. The left side is a great size for quick-access items like tire plugs and Co2 cartridges.
Also fits most other salsa bikes like the Cutthroat. The sizing is easy and a perfect fit. Simple to install and yet holds everything you need for your next bike adventure and then some.
Blackburn Outpost Frame Bag
If you are looking for affordable frame bags that are still rather good quality, then you should check out Blackburn. I personally have the Outpost frame bag and it’s great. Allows for adjustability to set up as a half-frame bag or extend the bottom to almost a full-sized frame bag. These bags are universal and not custom-made.
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “vegancodey-20”; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “manual”; amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”; amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”; amzn_assoc_region = “US”; amzn_assoc_design = “enhanced_links”; amzn_assoc_asins = “B013VQ1E9K”; amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit”; amzn_assoc_linkid = “be20a2cefaca87c1fc48488d1272f419”;It has the capacity for 5.25L or 6.95L expanded. Fastens to the frame with hook and loop straps and weighs 402 grams. If you’re after a full-frame bag solution you might want to check out their Elite model
Rogue Panda Designs Frame Bags
Rogue Panda makes some quality, lightweight bike bags for bike adventures! They believe that the backcountry should feel like home. So they make products that work so well that you hardly notice they’re there. From frame bags that fit your bike perfectly, to incredibly comfortable backpacks, they make gear with you in mind. Inspired by the landscapes of Northern Arizona. Their home base is in Flagstaff.
They make custom frame bags to fit your bike perfectly! They also make other universal bags but none of which are frame bags. They have five different frame bag styles to choose from. Starting from $140 to $220 or more. They even have an added touch, offering a fully custom State Flag Frame Bag. Their current lead time is 2 to 4 weeks.
Restrap Frame Bag
Restrap makes some really nice-looking frame bags. They are probably my favorite bike bag brand. They offer three different-sized frame bags and a custom option. Handmade in Yorkshire, the ‘Cary Anything’ frame bags allow you to easily increase the load you carry for comfortable bike packing and touring. With no mounts or screws, the bags come in three different sizes to suit any frame. With fully waterproof zips, a 1000D cordura outer and VX21 fabrics, all our frame bags will keep your things safe and dry.
They even offer a small frame bag option if you need something to hold small personal items on your commute.
DIY Bikepacking Bags
You could make your own frame bag or any type of bikepacking bag for that matter. It is my goal for 2020 to let the creative juices run wild and create my own bike bags. It is much more affordable and you learn a new skill. You can find videos on YouTube showing you step-by-step how to master the process. I am even thinking about starting my own bike bag brand!
Are Frame Bags Useful?
They can be useful for carrying small items such as tools, spare tubes, and snacks while riding. Frame bags are particularly useful for bike touring or long rides, where you may need to carry more supplies and equipment. They can also be useful for commuters who need to carry their lunch, work essentials, or other items on their bike.
Frame bags can be an alternative to traditional saddle bags or panniers, which attach to the rear or front of the bike, and may not be suitable for all types of bicycles or riding situations. Overall, frame bags can be a useful accessory for riders who need additional storage space and want to keep their hands free while riding.
What do you put inside a bike frame bag?
A frame bag is typically used for carrying small items such as tools, spare tubes, and snacks. Here are some common items that people might put in a bike frame bag:
- Tools: A small multi-tool, tire levers, and a patch kit are essential items to carry in case of a flat tire or other mechanical issues while riding.
- Spare tubes: Carrying a spare inner tube can be helpful in case of a puncture.
- Snacks: Energy bars, gels, or other snacks can provide a quick energy boost while riding.
- First aid kit: A small first aid kit can be useful in case of minor injuries.
- Money and identification: It can be helpful to carry a small amount of cash and identification in case of an emergency.
- Phone and charger: Carrying a phone can be useful for navigation or in case of an emergency. A phone charger can be helpful if you plan on being out for a long time.
- Keys: If you need to lock your bike while you’re out, it’s a good idea to carry your keys in your frame bag.
Overall, the items you choose to carry in your bike frame bag will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It’s a good idea to keep the bag organized and only carry items that you know you’ll need while riding.
Do frame bags fit all bikes?
While they can be used on many types of bikes, they may not be suitable for all types of bicycles or riding situations.
Frame bags are typically designed to fit a specific size range of bike frames, so it’s important to choose a bag that is appropriate for the size and shape of your frame. Some frame bags are designed to fit a specific type of bike frame, such as a road bike or mountain bike, while others are more universal and can be used on a variety of frame types.
It’s a good idea to measure the dimensions of your bike frame and compare them to the dimensions of the frame bag you are considering to ensure that it will fit properly.
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