Best handlebar bag for cycle touring and bikepacking. 9 awesome options

Handlebar bags are one of the most favoured pieces of equipment for many tourers and backpackers. Usually, handlebars allow us quick access to some items that we will be needing whilst on tour.

Choosing a good handlebar bag is never easy, as there are many options in the market to consider, but we will be answering some of the most asked questions so the choice is easier. 

Also, the choice will be different depending on what you wish to use, and options usually will range from compact and light bags for a weekend out to big, cavernous and heavier ones for a longer trip, where you can carry from clothes to a DSLR camera, wallet, phone, etc.

A quick look at the best handlebar bag

• Best handlebar bag for Cycle Touring: Ortlieb Ultimate 6 plus
• Runner up bag for Cycle Touring: Arkel Handlebar bag
• Best handlebar bag for Cycle Touring on a budget: Topeak Tourguide Handlebar Bag
• Best handlebar bag for Bikepacking: Revelate Designs Harness & Saltyroll
• Runner up for Bikepacking: Ortlieb pack handlebar 15l
• Best large bag for bikepacking: Road Runner Bags Jumbo Jammer
• Best budget handlebar bag for bikepacking: Topeak Frontloader
• Best small handlebar bag: Ortlieb Accessory-Pack
• Best handlebar bag for road cycling: Apidura Expedition Handlebar Pack

A more extended look into different handlebar bags

A handlebar bag can be used for a wide number of purposes. If you are touring you can store the items you most commonly use, such as snacks, keys for your lock, your wallet, maps, a book, a photo camera…I take my DSLR camera there with a padded insert and I even have space for an extra lens, batteries, and more!

Handlebar bags can be quite different in shape and form, so the design and purpose will vary. For example, the ones designed for bikepacking are mainly designed to fit your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and some other small objects. 

Also, the system they have to attach to the handlebar is different in a bag design for touring and for bikepacking. Modern bikepacking bags use a harness to attach to the handlebar and consist of a waterproof roller bag. 

Touring bags are usually pouches that attach to the handlebar using a click fix system, where you can take off the bag easily whenever you want and carry it with you using a shoulder strap. 

We will review some of the nicest handlebar bags we have come across:

Cycle Touring Handlebar Bag

Ortlieb Ultimate 6 plus

If you are travelling with panniers, no matter if through road, gravel, or a mix of both, the Ortlieb Ultimate 6 Plus is one of the best handlebar bags that your money can buy. 

What I particularly love about this bag is the mounting system. It consists of a wire that will attach the bracket to your handlebar. When installed, you can attach and detach the bag in 2 seconds. Because it’s a wire, the system is virtually impossible to break when installed, which is one of the things you want. Also, Ortlieb sells replacements in case you need another one for another bike, so you can transfer the bag from one into another without the need to dismantle the whole system. It is the quickest and easiest bag to attach or detach from the bars.

Also, Ortlieb sells an extension in case you need to increase the space between the handlebar and the bag. This is useful if you have a drop handlebar bag with cross levers, in addition to normal brakes, which is Dace´s case. She is quite happy with this solution!

When you check the bag, you can see that it has a very good build quality, is durable, and is very convenient. This bag is made of waterproof Cordura fabric. It has a main compartment and a mesh pocket, but depending on the model and capacity, will have some differences. 

Depending on the model, has a payload of 5.7, 7 or 8.5 litres. 

The smallest of the Ultimate Six Plus models have a transparent, user-friendly and rainproof flap compartment with a 21 x 12-cm interior that enables you to secure your smartphone, GPS device and roadmap. You can naturally operate your touchscreen device through the transparent cover, which I find quite useful, especially if you are going to use this bag as a commuter and short trips. I have tried it and the phone is responsive! 

The two larger models enable the use of different inserts in case you want to stow any special gear such as your camera while you’re underway.   

All the models are fully waterproof and dustproof, meeting the standards IP54 (5=protected against dust, 4=protected against splash water coming from all directions)

You can open the flap with a single hand, thanks to its magnetic closure, and closing it again is virtually automatic. This is, in my opinion, a very good improvement concerning the previous models, which they would secure the lid with clasps that could break within the years of use (as it happened to me with an old Ortlieb Classic handlebar bag), or respect other models that operate with zips. 

All the models come with a detachable shoulder strap, which makes the bag very convenient to carry when you are not on your bike and want to carry your valuables with you.

I use it to carry a DSLR camera with a couple of lenses, some spare batteries and even have more space for my phone and my kindle. 

The only downside is that it is a bit heavy if you compare it with a soft bag designed for bikepacking, and as it’s a hard shell, it tends to rattle when going through rough terrain, but you will find that with every handlebar bag designed for cycle touring as opposed to bikepacking. 

Characteristics

• Height 21 cm | 8.3 inch                 
• Width 24 cm | 9.4 inch
• Depth 13 cm | 5.1 inch
• Volume 7 L | 427 cu inch
• Weight 600 g | 21.2 oz
• Material PS36C

Arkel Handlebar bag (small)

This is also very good quality and functional handlebar bag with a very good reputation in the touring community, and it’s not for nothing.

The Arkel handlebar bag is one of the most functional and easy to use bar bags. One of the things that I like the most about this bag is its RF welded seams and traditional sewing. It looks like quite a solid mounting system and a very nicely finished bag.

It doesn’t have a roll-top closure, just an easy to open zippered main compartment that’s always dry. 

This bag features a shoulder strap, adjustable aluminium mounting bracket (no plastic parts to break), removable waterproof liner and waterproof map case. 

Will fit bars of 22.2 up to 31.8mm. 

It has Additional handlebar mounting brackets available to swap bar bags from bike to bike.

The zip system is quite practical and secure, especially when it is raining and I need to access the bag and avoid everything getting wet, but for the long run, I prefer the open lid of the Ortlieb, especially now since they are using magnets. 

I have to say though that the zipper allows you to secure the interior more safely if you wish to lock it with a mini lock, although Ortlieb also sells a safety wire to lock the lid.

The disadvantages are the same as in the previous handlebar bag. It is a bit heavy if you compare it with a softer bag, such as one for bikepacking and also rattles if you go through rough terrain, but we will find that with all the bags made for classical touring, but for us, the advantages outweigh these disadvantages. 

Characteristics

• Height 22.8cm / 9 inch                
• Width 9.2cm / 7 ½ inch
• Depth 15.3cm / 6 inch

• Weight   950 g  / 2.1 lbs 
• Volume  7,5 l. / 450 cu. in. 

MSX CLS 55 MX

This revamped version of the MSX-Mainstream Handlebar bag sets itself as one of the best handlebar bags.

This bag is quite similar to the Ortlieb Ultimate 6 classic in terms of its waterproofness and ruggedness. It is reinforced with strong plastic on all sides.

This model is fully waterproof and dustproof, meeting the standards IP54 (5=protected against dust, 4=protected against splash water coming from all directions)

It mounts a hard and strong bomb-proof KlickFix-mounting system, which supports a bag with 8kg of stuff. It is ideal for a camera, a couple of lenses and some other stuff. In my opinion, this system is particularly resilient. They complete a system with 2x clamp modules for handlebars with a tube diameter of up to Ø 26.0mm (C26) + plus 2x clamp modules for tube diameters from Ø 26.1mm to a maximum of Ø 31.8mm (C31.8). The KlickFix module plate is already installed at the factory.

The lid is equipped with magnets that prevent it from being opened accidentally, even when your bag is fully stuffed. This is a positive and durable element you would want in every bag for touring. 

It also has the possibility of using a padded shoulder strap when you want to take your most precious belongings with you. 

Although the KlickFix mounting is solid and allows you to carry up to 8kg in the front bag, I prefer the mounting system of the Ortlieb. As it is made of a wire, it gives me the impression that it will absorb more vibrations caused by the rough terrain.

Saying that this system is very solid, and I have met some tourists using it and are quite happy with their choice. I have also had the chance to try one myself, but for a shorter period. 

To summarize, this is a good alternative to the Ortlieb Ultimate 6 handlebar bag, as it has quite similar characteristics. Also on the pricey side, but this one, like the 2 previous ones, are considered premium bags.

The downside, apart from the price, can be the heavy feeling when loaded, and the rattling when going through gravel, but this is more associated with the kind of bag and what we compare them with

Characteristics

Weight: 760g

Max Load: 8 kg

Height: 25,6 cm

Width: 23,5 cm

Depth: 15,4 cm

Volume: 8,8L

Topeak Tourguide Handlebar bag

The Tourguide is a full-featured handlebar bag with a QuickClick quick-release bracket and shoulder strap that makes it easy to take it with you. For extended touring, day trips, and commuting, this bag features a special space to mount your cycle computer, a divider, two side pockets, a clear map cover, a 3M reflective strip and a safety light mount for increased low-light visibility. 

The compartments are divided main compartment, a front zip pocket, two side zip pockets, and a Clear map pocket.

The bag is not waterproof itself, but it comes with a rain cover in case of a downpour. 

Topeak’s QuickClick system is built into every bag they make. Convenience and security, QuickClick is Topeak’s proprietary quick-release mounting system that allows fast and easy tool-free mounting and removal of QuickClick equipped bags, tools, lights and accessories. A simple slide and click and the bag is secure. To remove, a simple push of a button unlocks the system for easy removal. Fast, easy, and secure.

The main consequence that I see on these bags is the lack of waterproofness. It indeed comes with a rain cover that will do the job, but you will have to stop every time it starts downpouring, a fact that can be a bit annoying in some areas of the world. 

Also, the QuickClick system is of less quality than any of the ones mentioned above. That doesn’t mean that is going to break, though, but it looks less quality.

On the other hand, it’s the cheapest in this category, so if you don’t have the budget to go for an Ortlieb bag, and if you like to have several pockets to organise your things, this handlebar bag could cover your needs.

Characteristics

• Measurements: 25.5 x 23 x 18 cm / 10” x 9.1” x 7.1”
• Weight: 1.48 lbs/670g
• Max Load: 5 kg / 11 lb
• Material: 1800/840 denier nylon
• Rain cover included
• Bag attachment: QuickClick® Handlebar Mount (Fixer 8). It Fits ø25.4, ø28.6 & ø31.8 mm handlebars.

Bikepacking best handlebar bags

We will find other kinds of handlebar bags in this category. The difference with the previous ones strides mainly on the usage and the way they are attached to the handlebars. We have found bags that are attached first with a harness structure that brace a dry bag, and bags that attach themselves to the handlebar in one piece.

Revelate Designs Harness & Saltyroll

The bag analyzed is the Sweetroll, and together with the Harness, a versatile system capable of carrying up to 6,8 kg, pretty cheap if compared to other similar products, allows to hook and unhook quickly the bag not included in the package. Also, we recommend complementing it with another product, which is the Saltyroll, to carry up to 15 litres, waterproof and double roll closure… 

The Harness functions as a ‘soft rack’ for the handlebars and can contain a wide variety of items in its cradle, from cylindrical dry bags to tents, sleeping mats, packrafts, and anything else you might need to carry. It can even hold multiple separate items. 

The Harness is first secured to the bars, and then dry bags or other objects can, in turn, be secured within the Harness. It’s A very good and sturdy system.

The Harness is Compatible with any Revelate Designs front pocket bag, which are sold separately. 

This bag is crash-proof design has no rigid connections to fail if you take a spill

Its 3-strap system allows for balanced and easy bag mounting; simply centre the load and fasten the middle strap first, and then the outer two. The Fiberglass crossbar provides lateral stiffness across the 3 straps.

It also features a moulded rubber spacer blocks that provide an offset from the handlebars to reduce interference with levers and cables.

The harness is made of 3-layer, compression-moulded EVA composite material, which features a grippy inner surface to keep your load in place.

Also has easy-access buckles with locking cam straps.

Note: With drop bars, you are limited in the width of the main bag; the harness is not compatible with cantilever or road style front brakes that have a vertical exposed cable. 

Characteristics 

Materials Harness: Nylon/foam   

Materials Saltyroll: 210-denier nylon with TPU coating                                                 

Weight Harness: 416.7g / 14.7 ounces 

Weight Saltyroll: 185g / 6.5 ounces

Weight combined: 600.7g / 211.8 ounces

Capacity: 15l / 925 cubic inches

Dimensions of Saltyroll: 17.78 x 60.96 cm / 7 x 24 inches

Ortlieb Handlebar Pack – and Slate

This is one of the best handlebars bags we have tried, together with the previous one. The difference with this one is that the attachment and the bag come all in one. The handlebar drybag has 9 litres capacity. Also, there is another version, the Slate, with a massive 15 litres volume that is enough to adjust your sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and other small accessories.

The two side roll closures make everything in the bag quite accessible. Moreover, you can easily attach extra equipment with the attached compression belts and drawstrings. If you require carrying more equipment, you can attach the Ortlieb Accessory-Pack.

The mounting system of the pack has spacers and two straps that feature extra-long velcro closures. These help in attaching the bag to the handlebar while maintaining balance and stability. It is also suitable for carbon handlebars.

It also features 4 spacers and a strap with a spacer for mounting around the stem. 4 alloy hooks adjust the external compression straps, stiffening the loaf for more stability, which is also good when you are going through more technical grounds.

Note that to meet standard IP64 protection from dust and water, the closure must be rolled 3 to 4 times, so if you think you will be carrying a bigger load, I would go for the slate version of 15l. You can always roll the edges more times and adjust the load if you have less to carry on a particular trip.

Characteristics

Materials: PS21R

Weight: 420 g / 14.8 oz

Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 58 cm / 7 x 7 x 22 inches

Volume: 15 L / 915.4 cu inch

Ortlieb Accessory-Pack

Handlebar bags aren’t simply great for backpackers carrying lots of equipment for overnight trips; they’re also extremely useful for people on normal day rides as well.

Small handlebar bags can contain a surprising amount of useful items and are therefore a remarkably convenient way to bring along essentials. Jersey pockets have limitations and can become uncomfortable when loaded up, so a small handlebar bag is a perfect way to carry everything you might need for a training ride.

This bag can be taken for a ride on your commuter, on a bikepacking or mountain biking trip, or your roadie. It’s very polyvalent. 

It’s the ideal accessory bag for extra gear, perfect for small stuff such as cell phones, energy bars, GPS etc. It can be used independently as a handlebar bag or fixed to the Handlebar-Pack for additional quick-access storage 

The material is a lightweight sturdy PU laminated ripstop nylon.

This convenient volume expander for your Handlebar-Pack keeps your things secure, absolutely waterproof and quickly accessible at all times.

Use the metal hooks to securely attach the Accessory-Pack to the four points of attachment on the Handlebar-Pack. And if you don’t plan on spending the night outdoors and don’t need your Handlebar-Pack, you can still use your Accessory-Pack as a handlebar bag thanks to its pre-mounted heavy-duty Velcro straps. You can even use the carrying strap to transform the lightweight bag into a shoulder or hip bag.

It’s quite a sturdy bag, and one of my favourites for its polyvalence, as you can use it alone or together with other bags. 

The price’s a little steep, but it has a very good quality and it’s made from a world-renowned brand. And it’s not for just the hype! Also, as a con, it’s not the most secure bag for bikepacking

Characteristics

Waterproof Accessory-Pack with roll closure

Maximum capacity: 1 kg/2.2 lbs.

Road Runner Bags Jumbo Jummer

The Jumbo Jammer is a high volume, rackless, universal handlebar and saddlebag. This massive bag is the largest on this list by a mile with its 26 litres! This is perfect for city commuting/road touring/dirt bike packing and casual beach rides – load it up with the essentials and have plenty of room for more gear and even some puppies. 

The weight packs nicely to the bars, and the straps allow for a strong, sturdy placement on the bike. It never moves around or loosens up, even after a gnarly day on singletrack.

This bag is quite durable and weatherproof, but not fully waterproof.

There are two external expanding front pockets with a flap lid. The lid has a 2″ strip of 3M reflective and a blinky light loop directly above. This bag was made for either front (for dirt) or rear (for the road) use and will accommodate various bikes, handlebars, and different riding styles.

One of the things that I like about this bag is the closure straps, which give adjustable positions for the optimal weight to tension ratio. You can load this pup up and cinch it down to create a stiff and compact bag with minimal sway or sag when mounted appropriately.

It will also attach to the handlebar through 7 points, which makes it stable. It is possible to load the bag whilst attached to the bike.

The bag has an internal structure to give form and an internal stiffener which will not bend or break. We designed this bag to open up new options on how your gear is carried so you can get creative and try different mounting techniques!

When fully expanded, the Jammer will reach up to 26L in volume and be rolled down to more than half of that, which makes it very polyvalent. 

You can use this bag at the front on the handlebars, or the back. When using this bag on the rear for road use, note that the bag mounts to the Saddle Loops. It also comes with a shoulder strap, so you can use it as a carrier bag when you are not on the bike.

Although this bag is impressive for its loading capacity and stability, it´s quite on the expensive side and it´s not fully waterproof. It will withstand a bit of rain, but the water will get in eventually when it downpours for the day. 

Also, do not forget to check for compatibility with your bike. Check for clearance, lights, etc. 

Characteristics:

Weight: 907 g / 32 oz 

Volume: 26L at max height with two rolls down for waterproofing. 11L at the minimum roll.

Height: 8″- 19″ 

Width: 14″

Depth: 6.” 

Volume: 26L 

Minimum Front clearance required: 10″ – 12″ measured from the top of the handlebars to the top of the tire. If you have less than 12″, keep the front pockets empty as they will likely rub the tire.

Minimum Rear clearance required: 10″ – 12″ measured from saddle rail to the top of the tire. If you have less than 12″, please keep the front pockets empty as they will likely rub the tire.

Topeak Frontloader

This bag is a very good option if you are starting in the world of bikepacking and you don´t want to invest a lot of money initially. 

It has a very similar design to the Revelate Designs Harness. It uses a two-part harness that attaches to the handlebar, to secure an 8 litres dual entry dry bag. The dry bag is completely waterproof, and the harness seems to work properly to keep everything in place and stable for a good ride experience. 

You have to attach the Harness to your handlebar and then securing and taking the dry bag is fairly easy and fast. 

We have realised that the dry bag doesn´t work very well when is not loaded enough, as the weight wouldn´t distribute correctly as other bags and due to the design of the harness, the bag will move around a little 

The Topeak Frontloader is designed particularly to work specifically with the included bag, which has a maximum capacity of 8 litres. It includes an extra couple of straps on the top to fix some more load, but if you need to carry more gear, you will be quite limited with this bag. 

Characteristics

Material: Polyethylene / EVA / Anti-slip texture PU leather. Durable, water repellent and stain resistant

Capacity: 8 L / 488 ci

Max load: 5 kg / 11 lb

Bag harness: Durable NBR rubber spacers and straps with quick-release buckles

Size: 33 x 28.7 x 5 cm / 13” x 11.3” x 2”

50 x 15 x 15 cm / 19.7” X 5.9” x 5.9” (Waterproof Carry Bag)

Added features: Waterproof carry bag. Air release button

Weight: Bag: 325 g / 11.46 oz (Black), 319 g / 11.25 oz (Green)

Rubber Spacers: 132 g / 4.65 oz

Apidura Expedition Handlebar Pack

This bag is a great solution, as it´s made with drop bars in mind. Sometimes finding a decent handlebar bag for bikepacking that is designed to fit in your road bike is not an easy task. Not only has to fit between the drops without restraining your hands’ movement but also has to be compatible with cantilever brakes and not interfere with naked wires, etc. We have found that for that purpose, this bag is a good solution.

We have tried the 9 litres version. The first feeling of this bag is it´s quite light, which is perfect for the road.

Also, it´s fully waterproof and can withstand a whole day´s downpour if rolled properly. 

The bag fastens to handlebars with a reinforced attachment system that adds stability while improving handling and preventing abrasion. Dual roll-top closure keeps the contents secure while allowing flexible packing capacity. Even with drop bars, it´s fairly easy to get stuff in and out of the bag sidewards, which was quite surprising considering the design of a normal drop bar. A hands-free air release vent makes compressing the bag quite easily, while welded seams ensure that contents stay dry in all conditions.

The handlebar bag is available in two sizes: the 14L version is ideal for long haul touring, while the 9L is well suited for endurance, road racing and randonneuring. While excellent as a standalone bag, it’s possible to expand it with an Accessory Pack that provides a handy pocket for food and electronics.

This bag is perfect for road cycling or touring through light gravel, as per its compatibility with most road bikes. Although I won´t recommend it for mountain biking and hard trail in the long run, as it´s quite minimal and not very secure. 

Characteristics:

Weight: 250g / 8.8oz // 275g / 9.7oz

Capacity: 9L // 14L

Size: 30 x 14cm / 11.8 x 5.5 in  //  33 x 16cm / 18.1 x 6.3in 

Materials: Waterproof PU coating, durable nylon, lightweight TPU film

Buying advice for the best handlebar bag

Whatever bag you buy, you need to consider some aspects before you decide to go for one or another. 

Consider what are you going to use it for

We have mentioned this before, but it´s important to stress what type of riding will you be doing. If you will be doing classical touring with panniers or/and a rack pack and want a handlebar bag that provides you easy access to your camera, snacks, documents, etc. you might consider the first category of bags. 

If you want a softer bag that is going to be more used through gravel roads or trails, you can consider buying a bikepacking handlebar bag

Consider if your handlebar is compatible

Be mindful of the handlebar your bike is using before you go for a bag. Drop bars, especially narrower ones, might be a deal-breaker for some of the bags on this list. If you are not sure, check the measurements of the bag and add 5 cm on each side to make sure it won’t interfere with your hand positions on the brakes and also you can open and close both of the sides of the dry bag while mounted.

Also, either drop or flat bars can run into issues with the cable routing, especially with larger bags.

Consider if the bag is stable enough for your riding style 

If you want to bag primarily go off-road through rough trails you will need a more reinforced bag to be able to handle it. Most bags are quite versatile, but if you are planning to do more rough terrain, think to invest in a more appropriate bag for it.

Soft bags mounted with many straps will be more secure than those mounted with rigid mounting brackets, though they will also take longer to attach and remove.

Consider a Waterproof bag

A waterproof bag is not essential for everyone. If you don´t ride under the rain, or if you leave in a part of the world where rain is rarely seen and you are not planning to cycle very very far, you might do well with a weatherproof bag or a bag with a rain cover. 

Although we believe that a waterproof bag is extremely useful, as you might find yourself crossing rivers, big puddles, on a trip to somewhere cool and dramatic where it downpours from time to time… and you don’t want your camera, or your gear to get wet.

All the bags from the above list, except for the Jumbo Jammer and the Topeak Tourguide, are Waterproof.

Consider the Clearance 

Be aware of the clearance with other objects between the handlebar and the tire

Check the tire clearance: we always recommend checking the distance between the handlebar and the front tire. Most handlebar bags have been designed to fit most of the bikes, but you need to be aware that some 29ers with shorter frames will have a shorter clearance, so be mindful if you are willing to get a large handlebar bar for bikepacking

Check if other objects can shorten the clearance: These objects can be lights, fenders, racks, or even cantilever brakes. They can shorten the space between the handlebar and the tire or conflict with the bag, so be mindful if you have a light or any object. If you have a front rack, you can always reposition your front lighting system.  Some of the bags are not compatible with the cantilever brakes, or even rim brakes. If that is the case, and you want a bag for bikepacking, the Apidura Expedition handlebar Pack.

What if I have Cyclo Cross-type brakes on a handlebar?

Some people, especially those who are transitioning from a flat handlebar to drops, can feel more confident having a couple of extra levers to be able to break when they have the hands in the horizontal part of the bar. It could be quite convenient, but wouldn´t that be a problem if you want to set a handlebar bag on your bike?

Not really. Your option will indeed be a little more limited to choose from, but not impossible. Dace has gone through this exact issue, and she found it quite useful an Ortlieb handlebar mounting set extension. This is compatible with the Ortlieb mounting system and works by using the extension adapter between the mounting set and the handlebar, so you can have plenty of space for the levers. This is only compatible with the Ultimate handlebar bags.

What´s next?

All the bags on this list have premium quality and very good specifications. Now you just have to pick your bag according to your style and decide which one go better with your needs. 

If you liked this article, why don´t you check

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