Figuring out how to carry gear on a bikepacking trip can cause anxiety, especially if you don’t have a bike with dedicated mounting points. Companies are well aware of the growing interest in bikepacking, particularly with non-traditional bikepacking bikes, and now offer solutions that allow you to use any bike for your adventure. Yes, road bikes included.
Read part 1 of my Bikepacking Gear Roundup, published last week, where I provide rack and bag options. In Part 2 of the series, I’m sharing some more of my favorite gear finds.
SKS Germany – Explorer EXP Frame Bag and Saddlebag with Fender
Links: SKS Germany, Explorer EXP Frame Bag, Saddlebag with Fender
Price: $99.99 (frame bag); $129.99 (saddlebag)
Frame Bag Weight: 185g
Saddlebag with Fender Weight: 500g with mudguard
Waterproof: Yes
Frame Bag Dimensions: 435 x 55 x 235 mm
Saddlebag Dimensions: 575 x 165 x 345 mm
Frame Bag Capacity: 4L
Saddlebag Capacity: 8L
Air Release Valve: Yes, on saddlebag
Availability: Online
How Obtained: Company sample
RBR Advertiser: No
Known for their high-quality design and made in Germany trademark, SKS has over 100 years of experience manufacturing bike accessories. Two of the company’s newest products are ideal for bikepacking: the Explorer EXP frame bag and saddlebag with fender. The EXP stands for Expedition, and the durability is perfect for getting you through a weekend trip or an epic adventure.
Explorer EXP Frame Bag
The Explorer EXP frame bag attaches quickly and easily to the bike at the top tube with three Velcro-type straps and one strap on the seat tube. There are three position options for the seat tube strap, with fixed top tube strap locations. The wide and sturdy straps keep the bag in place, preventing it from swaying while pedaling. A material backing protects the bike frame from scratches or abrasion.
With 4 liters of storage, this frame bag features a large zipper storage pocket on the drive side and a smaller zipper pocket, ideal for a mini pump, on the opposite side. There’s also a small drop pocket for a multi-tool. Both pockets have a bright orange lining, making it easy to find items. The zipper pulls are designed for easy one-handed opening/closing, even when wearing gloves.
The waterproof fabric will keep items dry and safe. Reflective details increase visibility in low-light conditions.
While the quality of the frame bag is excellent, I caution when mounting it on bikes with wide top tubes. The loop portion of the strap remains exposed and catches on the shorts’ fabric when standing over the bike. I ruined an expensive pair of bibs testing the frame bag.
One other point, depending on the frame size, you might have issues fitting a water bottle. However, using a Wolf Tooth Components’ B-RAD Bottle Shift system for $19.95 shifts the bottle slightly off-center, tilting it outward to improve clearance.
Explorer EXP Saddlebag with Fender
Saddlebags are a great way to carry gear when your bike doesn’t have mounting points. The Explorer EXP Saddlebag attaches to the seat post with a single hook-and-loop strap. Then use a buckle strap to the seat rails for added support.
The waterproof material combines with a fender to protect your gear and backside during inclement weather. While the website says it’s easy to screw the fender on or off the underside of the saddlebag without a tool, I don’t find it to be true.
The fender is attached to the saddlebag.
Other features of the bag include a built-in bungee cord to attach extra gear to the outside of the bag, like a jacket. For added visibility, the bag features reflective elements, loops for a rear light, and an air release valve to help compress the bag.
As with the frame bag, use caution with the seat post strap if the hook portion is exposed. It easily catches on the inner thigh of your shorts—ruining the fabric.
Topeak QR Fork Drybag (5.8L bolt-on)
Link: Topeak QR Fork Drybag (5.8L bolt-on)
Price: $59.95 ea
Weight: 272 g
Max. Load: 3 kg
Waterproof: Yes
Dimensions: 43.5 x 18 x 16 cm
Capacity: 5.8L
Air Release Valve: Yes
Where Attached: Fork mount water bottle bosses; Optional VERSAMOUNT mounting adapter when no water bottle bosses are available, but not compatible with carbon road/gravel bike forks.
Availability: Online
How Obtained: Company sample
RBR Advertiser: No
Sometimes you need to carry a little, and sometimes you need to pack a lot. The Topeak’s QR Fork Drybag gives you options. The QR stands for quick-release system, which lets you mount one or two bags on the bike’s fork using the water bottle bosses and remove them with a simple pull of the lever.
Topeak’s quick-release (QR) system makes it easy to take the bags on and off.
If your bike doesn’t have water bottle bosses, there’s an optional VERSAMOUNT mounting adapter available. However, note these are not compatible with carbon road or gravel bike forks.
The bag’s closure doubles as a handle for easy carrying when off the bike.
The 5.8-liter capacity dry bag features a roll-top and clip closure, which doubles as a convenient handle for carrying when off the bike.
PackTowl
Link: PackTowl
Price: From $16.95 to $54.95, depending on size
Sizes: Face (10×14”), Hand (16.5×36”), Body (25×54”), or Beach (36×59”)
Weight: Face (0.7 oz), Hand (2.9 oz), Body (6.4 oz), or Beach (9.7 oz)
Material: 80% polyester, 20% nylon; 85% recycled fabric
Colors: Variety of solids and patterns
Availability: Online and retail
How Obtained: Company sample
RBR Advertiser: No
Absorbent, Lightweight, Fast Drying
When bikepacking, you’ll want a towel for after showering or swimming in the lake and another one for drying dishes. PackTowls are perfect as they are lightweight, compact, absorbent, and fast drying. These towels take up very little room in your pannier or bag and absorb four times their weight in water, wring out easily.
The compact size and lightweight make PackTowls perfect for bikepacking.
Unlike cotton towels, PackTowls dry 70% faster and stay fresh for days. Polygiene silver-ion odor control technology allows you to use the towel multiple times without washing. Additionally, hang it in the sun and let the ultraviolet rays help kill germs.
PackTowls come in a variety of sizes, colors, and patterns.
PackTowls are made from a microfiber polyester and nylon blend, is soft to the touch, and sustainably made by using 50% recycled fabric.
I’ve used my face-sized PackTowl for years, attaching it to a backpack or hydration pack when hiking. The company just sent me a hand-sized towel, which will be coming on my bikepacking trip this weekend.
Almsthre Compact Frame Bag
Link: Almsthre Compact Frame Bag
Price: $58
Waterproof: Weather resistant fabric and waterproof zippers
# of Compartments: 2
Dimensions: 8.5″ L x 2″ W x 3.5″ H
Capacity: 0.9 L
Colors: Midnight black, cosmic blue, California gold, rust red, hunter green, and sterling silver
Attachments: Three adjustable strap locations. Choose from Velcro or silicone straps – both included with the bag.
Availability: Online
How Obtained: Company sample
RBR Advertiser: No
Pronounce “Almost There,” I discovered this brand during CABDA Midwest earlier this year. Three cyclists founded the California-based company and make some high-quality bags with thoughtful features.
The Compact Frame Bag is an ingenious idea. It provides a solution for those riders with smaller bike frames or who wish to carry larger water bottles. The bag mounts under the top tube using adjustable locations for the two Velcro straps and one down tube strap. If you prefer, silicone straps are available as an alternative to the standard Velcro.
The blue lining in both compartments makes it easier to find items.
There are two zippered compartments, lined with a lighter-colored fabric, to make it easier to find items. To keep everything from nutrition to tools organized and prevent items from shifting around while pedaling, there’s an internal divider and organization system. The drivetrain side compartment has two mesh pockets, while the left compartment has a credit card slot.
The waterproof zippers feature nice pull tabs for easy, one-handed opening while pedaling. Even when wearing gloves, it’s no problem to open or close the zipper.
One issue I had with this bag was that it was challenging to fit my iPhone 14 (in a case).
Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro Sleeping Pad
Link: Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro Sleeping Pad
Price: $159.95
Size: Regular
Self-inflating: Yes
Weight: 30 oz/850 g
Dimensions: 20 x 72” (51 x 183 cm)
Thickness: 3” (7.6 cm)
Packed Dimensions: 11 x 8.8” (28 x 22 cm)
R-Value: 4.4
Stuff Sack: Yes
Materials: 50D Polyester Knit (top), 75D Polyester Solution Dyed (bottom), Polyurethane, & Urethane Foam
Availability: Online and retail
How Obtained: Company sample
RBR Advertiser: No
For bikepackers seeking comfort and warmth on multi-day adventures, the updated Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro sleeping pad is a game-changer. This refreshed classic features a more sustainable fabric, bringing the same comfort and support that Therm-a-Rest is known for. The 3-inch self-inflating foam pad features StrataCore construction, providing an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio that’s essential for bikepackers seeking to balance comfort with pack weight.
The Trail Pro’s 4.4 R-value ensures you’re well-insulated against the elements, making it suitable for year-round adventures. Its versatile design is complemented by the high-performance WingLock valve, which inflates three times faster than the classic valve due to its larger opening and one-way inflation mechanism.
I received the Trail Pro “regular” size sleeping pad, which was long enough for my six-foot frame, but was not wide enough unless I slept on my side the whole night. The regular wide or large would fit me better, and I wouldn’t worry about rolling off the pad during the night. However, if there is minimal room in the tent, the “regular” option would work fine.
The Trail Pro comes with a stuff sack, which makes it easier to stash on your bike in a handlebar holster or other location.
The Trail Pro comes with a stuff sack, making it easy to fit in a handlebar holster or attach it to another location on the bike. Deflating the pad and fitting it back into the stuff sack took some finessing along with trial and error.
I must say, sleep pads have come a long way since I last purchased one, ten years ago.
Restrap Hike a Bike Harness
Link: Restrap Hike a Bike Harness
Price: $102.99
Weight: 235g
Availability: Online and retail
How Obtained: Purchased
RBR Advertiser: No
I purchased Restrap’s Hike-A-Bike Harness out of sheer panic before the Unbound Gravel Race. Between the two weeks of flooding rain leading up to the race and the notorious 2024 three-mile hike-a-bike in the mud, I knew I needed a way to carry my bike easily. Some of the racers packed old inner tubes while others stowed luggage straps. But in one of the Facebook forums, someone recommended Restrap. YES, I’M SOLD!
At only 235 grams, this harness would be a lifesaver should I need it during the race. After watching the company’s How To video, it attached easily to the top tube of my Salsa Cutthroat. I practiced a couple of times, setting up the harness and packing it back up until it became second nature.
Restrap’s Hike a Bike Harness mounts to the frame’s top tube and stores compactly when not in use.
Wouldn’t you know it, the mud dried up the night before the race, and the harness stayed packed up on my top tube the whole time. But Murphy’s Law, if I didn’t have it, there would have been miles of mud.
If your adventures might require you to carry a bike some distance, to make life easier, I recommend purchasing this Restrap harness. It will be the best $100 you ever spend.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.