Saddle Bag

Let’s start exploring the bikepacking set from the back of the bike: the saddle bag or saddle bag. This type of bag, which is installed under the saddle, provides easy access and I usually store items there that I need quick access to. It features the ability to be easily opened, without having to get off the bike, simply by unhooking the rear clip. Generally, I store warm clothing in this bag, which I may need during the ride.

Frame Bag

In the middle part of the bicycle we find the frame bag, which can vary in shape and size and tends to occupy the empty space of the frame triangle. This bag can be small, leaving the lower frame space free for water bottles, or it can be a Full Frame bag that covers the entire frame triangle. In the latter case, you gain in carrying capacity, but you need to find alternative solutions for water bottles, such as mounting them on the fork or using a water backpack.

By placing this bag in the center of the frame, it affects the bike’s center of gravity in such a way that, once mounted, its presence is almost imperceptible. Generally, at the lowest part of this bag I store heavy items, such as multi tools or extra pieces for travel. This bag is also easily accessible, especially if, as in the model offered by Selle San Marco, it has a large zipper that allows it to be conveniently opened while pedaling.

Frame bags can hold bivouac equipment, rain jackets and waterproofs as needed.

Handle Bar Bag

The third bag introduced to the market was the handle-bar bag. Although similar bags were already used in classic travel setups, bikepacking bags were adapted to fit without the need for additional mounts, making them compatible with any type of handlebar, whether for mountain bikes, road bikes, or gravel bikes.

There are different sized bags, from the smallest, suitable for weekends, such as Selle San Marco’s waterproof, compact and lightweight model, to the larger ones, ideal for carrying more equipment.

Of the various bikepacking bags, the handlebar bag takes the longest to assemble and disassemble, so I usually store items in it that I plan to use only once a day, such as camping gear, sleeping bag, bivouac bag, and leisure clothes, in case I decide to carry them. Many models of this bag allow you to add an additional bag, called an accessory bag, to increase the carrying capacity. In this smaller, but easily accessible bag, I store items that I need to grab quickly, even while pedaling, such as a light, power bank, wallet, neck warmer or thermal hat.