8 Best Frame Bags for Bikepacking in 2022 (Outdoor Guide-Reviewed)

Frame bags come in many materials, bag types, closure types, and some have additional features, so let's use this guide to take a look into these important details!

Frame bags can have multiple materials such as polyester, nylon, TPU, and more, so let's see how each one can benefit your bikepacking trip!

One of the most common frame bag materials is polyester. Polyester is known for its fast-drying properties. However, polyester lacks breathability, so humidity could affect the inside of the bag. This means polyester dries off quickly, but the bag's interior could get warm.

It does have stain resistance, alongside being a machine-washable material. This makes it easy to wash off any mud that may splash on the bag. You should note the water can leak into the bag through unopened zippers or small holes. However, with polyester, you won't have to worry about the material absorbing the water.

Nylon is another common material for bags. It performs well in cold, but nylon absorbs heat, so it will get hot if you spend lots of time riding your bike in the sun. It does, however, maintain its durability as it gets older.

Nylon might be an ideal material if you plan to go bikepacking in colder environments. It also resists mildew, so you won't have to worry if you get any moisture inside the bag.

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are polymers known for their ability to avoid rips and tears. Since they don't tear easily, you can really stuff your bag to maximize carrying capacity.

TPU has excellent UV resistance, so it will protect your belongings from the sun's rays. This makes TPU a solid choice for warm environments. However, the material doesn't have a long shelf life, so it may start to break down if you use it for too long.

Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) is less common than the other options. It's mostly used as a secondary material. This material is known for its water and corrosion resistance, so it won't get ruined in the rain. It can also make strong connections with other materials like nylon and polyester to increase the bag's durability.

Composite carbon is another material with excellent durability. It will usually be mixed with nylon or polyester to increase the water resistance while providing a hard, durable material. You can't go wrong with EVA or composite carbon if you want a durable bag on your bikepacking trip.

For frame bags, you can consider a combination of top tube, triangle bags, and wedge bags. Here are the pros and cons of each type.

Top tube bags attach to the frame behind the handlebars. They are easy to put on since you don't have to fit them in the lower half of the frame. However, they are more likely to tip over since they'll be top-heavy. 

Front bags are convenient since you can stay on your seat while opening them. This makes them great for giving yourself easy access to important items.

Framebags, also known as triangle bags, work great for bikepacking since they can maximize the central, inner space on the bike. These bags go in the triangle, which is between the top and bottom of the frame, so they stay in place while taking advantage of unused space.

Full framebags make it impossible to put water bottles in this area. Half-triangles can be mounted at the front of the frame, leaving room for a water bottle on your seat tube. Triangle framebags work great for people who want to have as much space for belongings as possible.

Half-frame bags hang beneath the top bar. These bags stay out of the way while you ride. They are also skinny and less bulky, so your legs won't bump into them. 

They do a great job of keeping belongings safe, which makes them excellent for storing loose items such as your phone or wallet, and their long shape makes them good for items like your tire pump. They'll also leave room on your down tube for a water bottle, depending on the shape of your bike frame.

When you go bikepacking, you want to keep bags secured, so you should think about how you want the bags to attach to the bike frame.

Most frame bags will have Velcro straps on them. Velcro straps are easy and quick to install onto a bike frame. This means if you have to remove your bag a lot during your bikepacking trip, you may want one with Velcro straps. The only drawback is that Velcro can wear out and lose effectiveness over time.

Some bags have a long Velcro strap on one side and a slide buckle opposite it. This allows you to feed the strap into the buckle, so you can tighten it against the frame. That way, you can adjust the strap's length to stay attached to the frame.

However, the slide buckle might have excess strap left over. Some bikepackers will cut the excess off to keep it out of the way. Slide buckles will help the strap stay attached even if the Velcro comes loose.

Some bags have phone displays, inner mesh pockets, and reflective trim, so let's see what these bag features can offer to your bikepacking trip!

Top tube bags sometimes have a see-through plastic layer on the bag to let you use your smartphone. These displays help you see your screen and use the GPS, so you can reach key locations during your bikepacking trip. 

These are also convenient for people who like to listen to music on their phones while they ride their bikes. On top of that, some of them may have charging ports. That way, you can leave a battery in your bag and charge your phone.

In short, if you use your phone a lot during your rides, you may want a top tube bag with a phone display or charging port.

Some bags have mesh compartments inside the main pocket, which helps with organization. The mesh could snag onto items and rip them apart, but these pockets usually have elastic at the top of them to keep items secure.

Some frame bags have reflective trim on them, so cars will have an easier time seeing you at night. Even if most of your ride is off-road, for those times you get lost and head back from the trailhead after dark, the more visible you are the better.

Here are our 8 best choices for frame bags for bikepacking. We made our choices based on the points listed in the buying guide below, as well as reviewer comments when available.

*Please note that these products were chosen after extensive research by mybest writers. The choices are not necessarily affiliated with or recommended by Pak Eugene. For more on our selection process, check out our editorial policy. Prices were gathered from respective EC sites on July 20, 2022.

Biking is one of those hobbies that's easier, safer and more fun with the right equipment. Go through these top 10 lists to find some accessories to meet your needs during your next adventure!

Author: Garrett Garcia

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