When you go on a bikepacking trip, you need a way to carry your belongings. A backpack or side satchel may seem tempting, but those bags can slow you down and get in the way during your trip. If you want something convenient and useful, you could get a frame bag! That's why we made a list of 10 great bags so you can pick one for your next trip.
We loved Rock Bros' Front Frame Bag since it had composite carbon polyester, excellent straps, and a good amount of storage space. As you read our top 10 list of the best frame bags for bikepacking, you should also review the buying guide to help you pick frame bags with everything you need!
Make sure you consider the materials, frame bag types, closure types, and other features to find your ideal bikepacking bags. As we wrote this list, we considered our buying guide and user reviews, so we could identify the best options!
$150.00
Frame bag type | Wedge |
---|---|
Materials | PU, nylon |
Dimensions | 19 x 5 x 2 in. |
Highlights | Waterproof (IP64) |
$23.99
Frame bag type | Triangle |
---|---|
Materials | Polyurethane |
Dimensions | 10 x 2.5 x 8.75 in. |
Highlights | Inner mesh pocket, reflective strip, waterproof |
$19.99
Frame bag type | Top tube |
---|---|
Materials | TPU, EVA |
Dimensions | 7.5 x 4 x 4 in. |
Highlights | Phone display, inner mesh pockets, waterproof, reflective strips |
$34.99
Frame bag type | Wedge |
---|---|
Materials | Polyester |
Dimensions | 17 x 4 x 2 in. |
Highlights | Water-repellent, hydration port, reflective strips |
Medium
$13.56
Frame bag type | Triangle |
---|---|
Materials | Nylon |
Dimensions | Medium 13 x 12 x 8 in., large 17 x 16 x 11 in. |
Highlights | Water-resistant, reflective trim |
$29.99
Frame bag type | Wedge |
---|---|
Materials | Nylon, TPU |
Dimensions | 16 x 5 x 2 in. |
Highlights | Waterproof (IPX4) |
$44.99
Frame bag type | Triangle |
---|---|
Materials | TPU, nylon |
Dimensions | Small 17 x 11 in., medium 19 x 12 in., large 20.5 x 13 in. |
Highlights | 2 zipper compartments, removable divider |
Small
$59.95
Frame bag type | Wedge/triangle |
---|---|
Materials | Nylon |
Dimensions | Small 13.5 x 5 in., medium 16.5 x 7 in., large 19.25 x 7 in. |
Highlights | Expandable, hydration system port |
Size M
$21.99
Frame bag type | Top tube |
---|---|
Materials | TPU, nylon |
Dimensions | Medium 8.5 x 2 x 3 in., large 9.25 x 2.5 x 4 in. |
Highlights | Waterproof (IPX4) |
$12.99
Frame bag type | Wedge |
---|---|
Materials | Polyester |
Dimensions | 16 x 5 in. |
Highlights | Waterproof |
Image | 1 ![]() Ortlieb | 2 ![]() Velmia | 3 ![]() Whale Fall | 4 ![]() Agu | 5 ![]() Ibera | 6 ![]() Rockbros | 7 ![]() Moosetreks | 8 ![]() Blackburn | 9 ![]() Rock Bros | 10 ![]() MOOCi |
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Name | Frame-Pack RC Toptube | Triangle Bike Bag | Cell Phone Bag | Venture Frame Bag | Triangle Frame Bag | Bike Frame Bag | Bike Full Frame Bag | Outpost Bike Frame Bag | Top Tube Bag | Angle Frame Bag |
Features | A Secure, Waterproof Bag With Roll Closure | A Waterproof Triangle Bag for Right-Angle Frames | Keep Your Phone in View to Use GPS | Great for Fitting a Hydration Bladder | Comes in Half or Full Triangle Sizes | Adjustable Straps for Many Attachment Options | Full Triangle Bags in 3 Sizes | A Durable Bag That Expands | A Top Tube Bag That Can Maintain Its Shape | A Light-Duty Bag for Larger Frames |
Price | $150.00 | $23.99 | $19.99 | $34.99 | $13.56 | $29.99 | $44.99 | $59.95 | $21.99 | $12.99 |
Frame bag type | Wedge | Triangle | Top tube | Wedge | Triangle | Wedge | Triangle | Wedge/triangle | Top tube | Wedge |
Materials | PU, nylon | Polyurethane | TPU, EVA | Polyester | Nylon | Nylon, TPU | TPU, nylon | Nylon | TPU, nylon | Polyester |
Dimensions | 19 x 5 x 2 in. | 10 x 2.5 x 8.75 in. | 7.5 x 4 x 4 in. | 17 x 4 x 2 in. | Medium 13 x 12 x 8 in., large 17 x 16 x 11 in. | 16 x 5 x 2 in. | Small 17 x 11 in., medium 19 x 12 in., large 20.5 x 13 in. | Small 13.5 x 5 in., medium 16.5 x 7 in., large 19.25 x 7 in. | Medium 8.5 x 2 x 3 in., large 9.25 x 2.5 x 4 in. | 16 x 5 in. |
Highlights | Waterproof (IP64) | Inner mesh pocket, reflective strip, waterproof | Phone display, inner mesh pockets, waterproof, reflective strips | Water-repellent, hydration port, reflective strips | Water-resistant, reflective trim | Waterproof (IPX4) | 2 zipper compartments, removable divider | Expandable, hydration system port | Waterproof (IPX4) | Waterproof |
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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.
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 triangle bags 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 bags work great for people who want to have as much space for belongings as possible.
Wedge bags, or partial 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.
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!
Household goods
Home electronics, PC, camera
Cosmetics and skincare
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Smartphones and mobile phones
Mobile data
Investment and asset management
Credit cards and loans
Insurance
Music
Smartphone applications