Lately I have been in the market for a smaller handlebar bag for my gravel bike. I normally have bikepacking gear for long across country adventures and this means bigger handlebar bags. However as I plan to ride long or sometimes short days rides and smaller handlebar bag would be perfect for holding snacks and other little personal items.
So in an attempt to find the best handlebar bag that is small for just day riding I searched all over the web to see what I could find. And I thought I might put together this blog article to help any of you looking for a small handlebar bag too.
I was looking for a handlebar bag, nice compacted in size. Enough room to maybe store my phone, keys, wallet and or some extra snacks. I also have a top tube bag and snack bag or feed back on the stem. (Photo above). So in combination with a small handlebar bag it makes the perfect minimalist bag setup for long day rides when refueling is needed, and you need to be self-sufficient. As you can see a small handlebar bag would make a great addition for my setup.
These handlebar bags would also make for a good addition to a super minimalist bikepacking setup. Also I am finding that having less weight near the top of the bike at the handlebars is ideal for better control. Instead if you are bikepacking storing the weight more towards the ground for a better centre of gravity is ideal.
Before I was using the Restrap magnet attached pouch bag on a dry bag mount, but it moved around too much when I had no dry bag on the bike. So here are some small handlebar bags perfect for a little gravel grinding or commuting into town.
State Bicycle Co All-Road Handlebar Bag
Our good friends at State Bicycle Co have given us this sweet bag to test out and it has been holding up extremely well for how affordable it is
The All-Road Handlebar Bag from State Bicycle Co. is a versatile and affordable bag that is loved by many riders.
It is well-built, easy to mount, and has enough space to hold tools, spare tubes, smartphones, snacks, gloves, or any other essentials. It is made from durable 600D polyester, has a waterproof zipper to keep your goods dry, and comes with a zippered side pocket.
The bag has a 1.7 L capacity and measures 21cm (Length) x 9cm (Diameter). Popular among riders who want a simple and reliable bag that can be used on off-road explorations or on everyday rides around town.
Many customers have raved about the bag’s quality, functionality, and affordability, and some have even purchased multiple bags. State Bicycle Co. also offers a risk-free purchase, promising to exchange the bag for free if customers aren’t 100% satisfied.
Restrap Bikepacking Canister Bag
This spacious yet compact bag from Restrap is perfect for day rides, made from textured nylon and with a top YKK zip. With elasticated side pockets and the unique canister shape mean you’ll easily have room for tools, technology and extra clothes. For early mornings or later evenings, the Canister Bag also has a loop to attach a front light. Made in their Yorkshire workshop from vegan-friendly PU. Weighs 116 grams with a total capacity of 1.5 L
Wizard Works Lil Presto Barrel Bag
Keep your most important items close by with no need for overstuffed jersey pockets. This little wee bag mounts on either handlebars or saddles (with saddle loops for Brooks Saddle for example.) Its the perfect little companion for your day out. You can access the bag by one hand while on the bike thanks to its exceptional stability. Featuring daisy chain up front for attaching lights or even dangle a mug from. And two side pockets for stashing used food wrappers.
Dyed In The Wool Bar Roll
This bag is the perfect addition to your day out whether that means on or off the bike. As a small handlebar bag you can use it to stuff all those essentials for your day trip adventures. But when it comes time to locking up the bike adding a long strap to it can double as a cross body bag.
Apidura Racing Aerobar Pack
This is the first streamlined handlebar bag designed specifically for aerobars and the demands of ultra-distance cycling competition and audax. Providing additional storage without slowing you down. The Apidura Aerobar Pack mounts securely underneath aero bars and provides streamlined storage for lightweight and compressible items. The customisable attachment system means it fits all bikepacking aero bars. With a adjustable bungee tie down for storing those items for quick access like your phone.
Rockgeist Nigel Handlebar Bag
A stand-alone waterproof handlebar bag equally suited to hauling snacks on an all-day ride, or as a traditional touring handlebar bag for keeping smaller items, such as jackets, gloves, cameras, shades, etc. at the ready. For this bag to fit your bike it requires a minimum of 6.5″ clearance between handlebar and tire. The semi-rigid back plate makes for quick removal and quiet stability along with the Voilé Nano Straps that come included.
Topo Designs Bike Bag Mini
The Bike Bag Mini provides a place to stash small tools, a tube, sunglasses or an extra snack. Versatile enough to attach to the front bars of most bikes. It’s a unique triangular prism style and design compared to some other small handlebar bags on the market. It is said to be a very resilient little bag that is weatherproof from start to finish with a water resistant zipper and truck tarp inner liner.
Rapha Bar Bag
The Rapha Bar Bag is a rainproof handlebar bag with a stowable cross-body strap. That means it doubles as a handlebar bag and a wearable bag! Can it get any better?
Available in four different adventure tones; dark yellow, dark olive, black and stone. As it is a handlebar bag and cross body bag it can also be used as a small frame bag. I like the little flare of character with the text on the inside of the bag, “Pack light, travel far”.
Made from waterproof material it keeps your gear dry while also offering a firm fit to the bike thanks to the durable straps. The quick release buckles means you can take it off your bike quickly. The outside features attachment points for lights and a reflective webbing which improves visibility at night.
The inside is a bright pink making it easier to see. While having a quick access pocket for smaller necessities and the larger compartment has two internal mesh pockets to keep things neatly organised. For a total of 2L capacity and dimensions are width 23.5cm, height 11cm and depth 8cm.
Some reviews have said, “the quality is what you would expect from Rapha (excellent) and it is just the right size for long day rides. Absolutely love it.” and “the quality and finish are of very good quality and it seems very well made a sturdy”. The bag offers some great value compared to others on the market. Most just focus on storage. While this bag has other features, like, the reflectability, attachment for lights, and the fact that it can be used off the bike with the shoulder strap is a huge bonus.
The only problem that some came across was with the mounting straps with their plastic clamps, as they might scratch your handlebar/frame. Also it is not easy to open whilst moving, it is more of a bag to use when stopped. Priced at €44.00
Apidura Racing Handlebar Pack 5L
If you are after a handlebar bag for bikepacking racing, this is the one! It has loops that attach around your aero bars. Along with mounting attachment points for lights. And you even get a mesh pocket to store the GPS SPOT tracker. Also at night you get that added security when it comes to reflectability. With the high-contrast, reflective graphics. Inside the bag it has removable internal mesh pockets. And a integrated drainage and ventilation port at the bottom. And it even has two ovalised pockets for secure storage and easy access on the move. This means you can store two water bottles in either side. Priced at £95.83
Road Runner Burrito Bag
A great, simple small handlebar bag that has designer looks with industrial strength. And priced decently at $45.00. It is helpful that the bag has the ability to move the mounting strap locations making this bag fit almost any bicycle handlebar.
And it comes in a rainbow of color options to suit almost any style. And they are handmade in USA, so support local companies is also great!
However it is a very small volume bag, weighing in at 2oz and the dimensions are 8″ wide x 3″ diameter which is 0.4L. If you want so more space you might want to opt for their Burrito Supreme Bag which is 2.58L and is priced at $75.00.
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