10 Best Bike Bags – Comparison & Reviews

 

The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Bike Bag + Reviews

 

How do you pick the best bike bag? It can be quite difficult, but we are here to help. We’ve created this article by looking at some of the most popular and most attractive bike bags available on the market and spoke about what works and what doesn’t for all of them. The VAUDE Aqua Plus – Rear Pannier Bike Bag – Set of 2 sure managed to stand out. The product was made without using the all-too-common PVC which is so damaging to the environment, so if you want to be full-on eco-friendly, this is a great way to start. The pannier has a QMR 2.0 system which will let you place the panniers on any side, depending on how you prefer it. Of course, the fact that it’s waterproof is another reason why this product is worth a look. If it’s not available or you want something smaller, the Topeak Aero Wedge Velcro Pack should do the trick.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Bike Bags (Updated Reviews) in 2020

 

 

Finding the right bike bag can be more difficult than you would have thought, with so many models that are suited for bike racks, handlebars, frames, forks, etc. To make it easier for you, we’ve looked at plenty of models and selected the most popular that are sturdily built and that offer plenty of storage space.

 

 

1. VAUDE Aqua Plus – Rear Pannier Bike Bag – Set of 2

 

There are different kinds of bike bags out there, but if you are looking for a big bag, you may just have found the one that you can rely on. There are several things that make this model one that stands out in the crowd, from the design to the features, all in all, making it a really cool choice for many of us out there.

The fact that it’s a set of 2 represents a big plus from many points of view – maybe you can carry 2 bags at the same time or maybe you can keep one as a spare or swap the products, as you clean the other one. The design is pretty cute and looks like you can easily also carry it on your back when you have to.

So, let’s take a glimpse at what makes this product interesting and let’s check out if there are any things that represent a con.

 

Pros

The QMR 2.0 system that comes with this product means that you will enjoy greater security when riding, as you can adjust both panniers with ease on any side of the rear pannier rack.

This bike bag is made from environmental-friendly products, and no PVC was used in its manufacture, thus making it a safe choice for anybody who wants to be eco.

The tarpaulin material used for making the bike bags is welded for a waterproof design, so your things aren’t going to be affected by water.

While the product has a capacity of 25.5 L and dimensions of 37 x 33 x 31 cm, these can be customizable to your liking.

 

Cons

Even with the customizable aspect, this rear pannier bike bag is really big, which is great for touring or carrying lots of stuff, but less so if you are riding the bike around the city, for fun.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($229)

 

 

 

2. Topeak Aero Wedge Velcro Pack

 

For a smaller-sized option, you can probably rely a lot on this model. This one is more fitting for the urban environment, when you are riding for fun and relaxation, when you are out there meeting friends, etc. As a result, the product is much smaller than the other options available, which are better for other activities.

Design-wise, the product was created to blend in with the general aesthetic of your bike so you won’t draw attention to it. Also, the velcro pack was created so you can place it under the bike’s seat, which makes it even easier to hide it in the general design of your ride, which is a good thing.

Now that we’ve taken note of some of the good things about this product, let’s see if there is even more that it can offer, and if there are any cons to it – and if there are, how big are they?

 

Pros

The small size of the velcro pack means it can be used by several categories of people, from amateurs to professionals, with no problems.

The straps and buckle are created using nylon, a material well-known for being highly resistant, so the product isn’t going to snap as you are using it.

The large openings it has lets you place inside many things, including your cell phone, as there is enough space for more than just some keys.

This velcro pack was made by using various materials and components that are considered to be of high quality so that it will resist with success over many uses.

 

Cons

The product is, unfortunately, not waterproof. Sure, it’s partially hidden by the bike’s seat, and if you have high-speed, it’s not going to get wet, but the risk is still there, especially if you live in an area in which rain is fairly common.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($17)

 

 

 

3. Roswheel 3 in 1 Multifunction Bicycle Touring Pannier

 

Riding on a hiking trail can be quite difficult for multiple reasons, one of them being the number of things that you need to carry with you, including food and supplies. To solve that problem, you need a big bike bag, one like this one, which has a military-inspired look, a very fitting design for something that would be actually very handy in that field.

This massive product can be quite heavy to carry at times, as you can imagine, but you are guaranteed to have everything with you, as it can pack a lot of things in its 10-gallon capacity (37 L), making it a product way above the average. You can put everything you need in this and ride into the sunset.

But is this all that it’s cracked up to be? Let’s take a closer look and see who are the people who should buy this product.

 

Pros

You need a very good material for a bike bag and this product doesn’t seem to disappoint, being made out of materials that make it not only solid, but also waterproof.

The large capacity of 10 gallons is going to assure you that you have enough space for everything that you need on your ride, from the tent to the anti-mosquito solutions.

Fortunately, the product is compatible with multiple types of bicycles, including mountain bikes and commuter bikes.

The angled design of the bike makes sure that you will have enough space for you to be able to ride safely.

 

Cons

While there isn’t any real risk of losing things from the bag as you ride, the top bag of the product has a tendency of flopping around quite a bit if you don’t fill the bag completely. This is not very pleasant, as you will probably feel the need to check that you have everything with you every now and then.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($39.99)

 

 

 

4. Topeak MTX Trunk Bag with Rigid Panels

 

If you are looking for a product that lets you carry it in more than one way and which is very spacious, you can check out this trunk bike bag. The product is expandable, so you can use it in multiple ways, either as a smaller bag or one with secondary compartments, that you can choose to use or not.

The design it has is fairly modern and pretty cool, being similar to a contemporary backpack. This means it will fit nicely with the rest of your luggage, without being a product that stands out too much from the general things that you may have with you on a trip. It seems that you can use it both in the city and on a hiking trail.

Now that we looked at it as a general product, let’s try and see if we can pinpoint the exact pros and cons this bike bag has.

 

Pros

Since you don’t always carry the same amount of things with you, this bag is expandable, has a divided main compartment, with the top also being, again, expandable, letting you choose the size you need in a certain situation.

If you are looking for a lot more storage space, you can add it simply, thanks to the presence of the 2 side panels that have expandable panniers.

The bike bag is made out of 600-denier polyester that has rigid molded side panels so you will be sure to have plenty of resistance on your trip.

You can also carry it on your back, as the bike bag comes with a shoulder strap, for when you are tired of carrying it on your bike and want a change.

 

Cons

This bike bag doesn’t have a lockdown mechanism, which means that you have to improve it with a cord or something similar so you will be sure that it will keep it on the bike.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($107.75)

 

 

 

5. VAUDE Aqua Back – Rear Pannier Bike Bag – Set of 2 

 

This is another 2 for 1 bundle that is sure to rock your world. VAUDE is a German company that was founded in 1974, so we have two indicators of quality here: one is the fact that the company is almost half a century old, and the one is the fact that German companies are known for creating quality products.

Taken together, the fact that a company has managed to last for so long is a clear indicator that there is a very high chance you will be satisfied with this product. The design makes it very easy for you to carry the bike bags, even if the blue and dark-grey colors used for it aren’t the most glamorous ones.

So, looking at how things are with this product, is it one in which the pros outnumber the cons? Well, there are only so many ways to find that out, so, continue reading below.

 

Pros

The bags come with the QMR 2.0 system that makes the panniers more easily adjustable on the bike, on top of the fact that you can secure them better with this system.

In a world in which we all struggle to pollute as little as possible, the fact that no PVC was used to make these bike bags is a huge plus that any eco-friendly person is going to love.

Tarpaulin was used as the main material for these products, which means that it makes the bags waterproof, keeping your things away from any form of water damage.

The panniers come with extra inside pockets, meaning you have a better chance at storing the items in different categories, as you please.

 

Cons

While you can put plenty of things in this bag, a con is the fact that you have to open it every time you want to get something, even something as small as your keys, since there is no outside pocket.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($220.24)

 

 

 

6. Rhinowalk Bike Bag Top Tube Waterproof

 

Going back to some smaller-sized bike bags, this one is surely cool enough to warrant your interest. The first thing you will notice about it is, indeed, the small size, as the product has dimensions of 7.3″ x 2.5″ x 4.7″, so you can place here your everyday items, like mobile phone, keys, wallet, etc.

The design is the other thing you’ll notice, as the product has a shiny black look, with a white stripe and a yellow logo – all of them go together very nicely and make the bag look modern, cool, and hip. The small size means it is a product that is recommended for urban people, as it won’t be of much help on a hiking trail.

But, what can the product offer, aside from a cool design and the small size? Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of this bike bag.

 

Pros

The product is made of Twill fabric, a combination of 3 materials, which makes the bag much more resistant, durable, and, very importantly, waterproof, even when the weather is really bad.

This bag has two adjustable rail systems that will help you keep the bag in one place, to which we add the straps that let you strap it on the bike really tightly.

In order for friction not to start and destroy the product as you continue using it, it is made out of non-slip soft leather, another indicator of quality.

For you to be able to open it easier, the product has a double zipper; this feature is also important and shouldn’t be overlooked.

 

Cons

While the fact that it’s a small bag is of interest to some, at the same time, this can be a drawback, as it could be too small for others. Measure your phone, wallet, etc, before you place the order, so you can be sure that they fit in this bike bag.

Click to see the price on Amazon!

 

 

 

7. Evoc Bike Travel Bag

 

The term bike bag is not only used for the bags that let you carry different things with you, but also for the bags that let you cover a bicycle with and make carrying much easier. Case in point this model from Evoc. Carrying the bicycle around when you can’t ride it is a huge pain, so a bike bag is the one thing that can save your day.

As you can see, the bag covers your bicycle completely and you close it with zip-locks. For you to be able to carry it without much effort, the bag has wheels, so that is a problem that is basically solved. Taking off and reinstalling the wheels may be a bit difficult for some, but it’s surely easier than just carrying the bicycle around you all the time.

So how does the product compare, overall, with others that have a similar design?

 

Pros

The bag, in itself, is a hybrid, as it takes parts from a soft bag and parts from a hard shell to make one unit that is going to satisfy your needs.

The storage capacity of the bike bag is, as you can tell, pretty big, since it lets you cover the entire bicycle with it – the carrying capacity is 285 L.

Of course, the bag needs to be versatile and it is; as a result, you can use it for different types of bikes with no problem.

The manufacturers used only black and white for the design of the bag, which gives it a really classy and modern aspect that you naturally want.

 

Cons

Having to put the wheels back on is not really a downside, as that is common for these types of products, but the fact that the bag is on the heavy side may not be to everyone’s liking.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($440)

 

 

 

8. VAUDE Aqua Front Backpack

 

Returning to a product from the German company VAUDE and to the bike bags that let you carry things on it, this model is somewhat similar to the aforementioned ones, but there are enough differences, even design-wise, that make it a standalone product, on which you can rely for carrying your stuff.

Overall, while similar to the previous models, maybe it’s the red color that’s used for the majority of the product, but it seems like it has a more modern vibe, one that is more pleasant to look at. The bag comes with a stripe that lets you carry it on your shoulder after you’ve finished your ride.

So, taking a look at the good and at the bad of this bike bag, what are some of the things that stand out? Check them out and you will be able to tell if this is the product you were looking for.

 

Pros

This is a front pannier, which means you will be able to see it as you ride; as a result, you won’t have that nagging feeling that something may have happened with the bag and it fell.

Like with the other VAUDE products, this one is also waterproof, a condition that you should look for in this kind of product.

Also, this model is eco-friendly, as it was made using tarpaulin material with no traces of PVC anywhere in the construction of the product.

To make things even better for eco-friendly people, the product was made using climate-neutral manufacturing techniques in Germany, so there is no pollution involved.

 

Cons

It is a bit harder to reach into the main pocket, even when opened, as it has hard plastic on the outside that is rather restrictive. This isn’t a huge deal, as you won’t use it while riding it anyway, but it’s something that you should know regardless.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($193)

 

 

 

9. Topeak TourGuide Handle Bar Bag DX with Fixer 8

 

The largest bike handlebar bag that you are going to find from the Topeak company, this product weighs 2.71 lbs and measures 10.6 x 8.5 x 10.5 inches. To be sure that the bag covers your needs, be sure to measure the things that you’d usually carry in it and if it’s a fit, continue reading, there is even more to this product.

The design is very similar to that of a typical backpack, which can be seen as a good thing, as it can blend in with the rest of your luggage easier. The black and white colors used for the design make it look good so it will match your outfit regardless of what you are wearing. So, what else can this product offer you?

Taking a look at the pros and cons is the best way to realize if a product was made to satisfy your needs.

 

Pros

The 2.71 lbs weight and 10.6 x 8.5 x 10.5-inch dimensions are surely going to be the fit that somebody out there is looking for and, from Topeak, this is the largest handlebar bag you can find.

For when you are not carrying the bag on your bike, the product has a shoulder strap and a carrying handle, so you’ll be able to handle it off-bike as well, with no problems.

This product is fully padded to protect it against moisture, so, if the rain catches you in the open field, you don’t have to worry about the things inside of the bag.

The bag has a QuickClick handlebar mount which eases actions such as attachment or removal, plus the clear pocket on top is also of great help.

 

Cons

The rain fly is really helpful, but it does cover the map holder, so, if it had a window in the rain fly it would have been much better, for sure.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($99.95)

 

 

 

10. Rhinowalk Bike Bag Waterproof Rack Pannier

 

This is yet another amazing rear rack pannier from Rhinowalk. You can notice just by analyzing the design that it’s sturdy and durable. The bright yellow, which may look bad on other products, somehow works on this one, as it makes it stand out in a good way. This yellow compliments the rest of the bag, which is black.

Placing the bag on your bike should be easy enough, and, for when you are not on the bike, you can carry it on your shoulder, as it has a powerful strap that is resistant, and is not going to bother you. There is also a noticeable difference between the folded and unfolded versions, offering you plenty of space or saving you space – depending on what you need.

As you’d expect by now, let’s take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of this waterproof bike bag.

 

Pros

As the title suggests, this product is waterproof. We mentioned before that a waterproof bike bag is simply a must if you live in a rainy area.

The materials used for it make the product durable, less prone to be torn, wear-resistant, heat resistant, and, as per the previous point, waterproof.

Folded, this bike bag has a capacity of 25 L, while the unfolded option gives you a bit more, a total of 27 L, which can be of great help in certain situations.

This bag has a quick-release system and it’s also really easy to put it on your bike, without any difficult tasks from this point of view.

 

Cons

The bag is pretty heavy, even by itself, without having anything inside, so be ready for some heavy exercises when you are carrying it or it’s on your bike, as you are going to have to pedal harder.

Click to see the price on Amazon!

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

Whether you are going for a ride across the city, running errands, or going on a touring trip, a bicycle (or, better said, a bicycle bag) could help you carry everything that you need with you, without having to leave important things at home. With a bike travel bag, you can carry on about your day and have everything you need, right there, with you.

But what should you look for in a bike handle bag? Is a cheap bike bag the same thing as the right bag? We’ve created this buying guide so you’ll understand this better and be able to make the best decision for you. We say for you, as every bike bag that can be of help for someone can be useless for you.

This means that in any bike bag reviews, you shouldn’t pay attention just to what the reviewer is saying, as they may review it just for their needs.

Type and size

An Evoc bike travel bag is probably going to be good, in general, as it’s a well-known company, but what really matters is the size of the said Evoc bike bag.

If you only ride across the city, check out some of the cheap bike bags, as they are what you most likely need. They are a perfect place to put your phone and keys in, as you don’t need space for much else. A small one is usually presented as a bike seat bag, because it doesn’t take a lot of space. A handlebar bike bag can also be helpful.

If you have a heavier load to carry around, a commuter bike bag can be of more help, as they have a bigger overall capacity, meaning you can carry a lot of things with you in it. You can find affordable bike bags in this category, as you’ve seen above in our presentation. A road bike bag will be small enough and accommodate little stuff such as phone, keys, and mini tool sets.

Position and other aspects

A bike trunk bag can be seen as the middle size between the two and before you invest in one, make sure the things you usually carry around fit in it. The best bike seat bag won’t be enough if you don’t have sufficient space for all that you want to carry, while a bike transportation bag could be too big for your needs.

An affordable bike bag option that is also going to make sure you keep an eye on your things at all times is a bike front bag. As it is always in front of you, you don’t have to turn your head around and see if you are missing something or if the bag fell, and the price you have to pay for one is not that high.

A bike rack bag set is different from other models as it’s the biggest one you can find. This one, like the bike storage bag, was created so you can add literally gallons of things in it.

The tent, your clothes, laptop, food, medicine, they all can fit in such a product, which is why, if you are looking for such a bag, this is the type you should search for as not even the best bike trunk bag will be able to fit as much.

The bike rack bag is similar to the trunk model, so keep that in mind, when you look for the best bike bags and you check any bike bag review.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

 

Q: Are bike bags useful for groceries?

Yes, of course, using a bike bag for groceries is actually a quite common thing. You may have even seen people around the city doing this, whether you realized this or not. Of course, as we mentioned many times above, you need to have in mind the type of bag you would need for your main activity with it.

If you want a bike bag for groceries, obviously, there is no need to invest in small models, as they only let you carry the essentials, such as your phone or your keys, and there won’t be much space for anything else. A trunk bag is more helpful, as it has plenty of space and separate pockets for your groceries.

People who deliver food also use bike bags sometimes, as you can simply place them on the rear or in the front and add plenty of the things that you need.

Q: How much weight can a rear bike bag hold?

Since bike bags have different sizes, they will have the ability to carry different loads. A rear bike bag can hold loads that vary somewhere between 20 and 50 pounds, depending on the model. There are some exceptions, some heavy-duty ones, that have the capacity of around 80 pounds, but those are rare and it’s unlikely you need one of those.

When buying a bike bag, try to approximate the capacity that you would need. Think about all the things that you would carry with you usually and check out their sizes. It’s better to have a slightly bigger bag than a smaller one, as even if it’s not full and it flaps a bit, you can tie it up and solve the problem.

If the bag is too small, well, there is not much else you can do about it, except for starting to take out some of the things that you might need further down the road.

 

Q: How do you secure a bag to a bike rack?

Security is highly important, and naturally, you will ask if these products have any way of making sure that your bag and the products in it are going to stay where you left them. These bags usually come with special lockets that let you “install” them on some part of the bike, thus making sure everything stays in place.

There are some models out there that come with no locket, which is a bit unfortunate, but even then, it’s not an unsolvable problem. You just have to take some cable or rope and tie it to your bike and the bag is most likely going to stay in one place. Sure, that is a bit riskier, so it’s advisable to buy one with a proper locket.

This way, the bag is going to stay in one place at all times and there won’t be any risk of it falling down.