Teach me about saddle packs

[NHAero]

I can mount a rack on my Anderson, but I've been thinking of a saddle pack that with my Rixen & Kaul handlebar bag could serve for an overnight trip. I'm thinking a change of clothes, toiletries, etc.
What do you like, what are the considerations in choosing? I have 3-1/2 inches of seatpost showing.
Thanks!

[jr59]

I always used the Caradice long flap. It served me for many, many years. Either on a bagman rack, or direct on the saddle.

Many people make something like theses. Dill pickle comes to mind, Swift as well. But I always came back to the Caradice.

[joosttx]

I am a big fan of oveja negra. with that said revelate designs, apidura and probably a few other which I cannot remember off hand are equally good. I have first hand experience with oveja negra and revelate and they are both great. I think you should take a look and see how their models fit you needs in terms of size and materials.


https://www.ovejanegrabikepacking.com
http://www.revelatedesigns.com

[AngryScientist]

what are the considerations in choosing? I have 3-1/2 inches of seatpost showing.


one major consideration, if you ride a frame on the smaller side is clearance back there, for me, it's a really big deal with my very small frames, and a bag support to keep almost any bag of substance off the rear tire. The amount of seatpost showing is only one measurement, but the actual volume of free space between the saddle back and the rear tire is often the limiting factor, at least on small bikes.

i guess my point is, just try and get a realistic measurement of the bag dimensions before you commit to anything...

[AngryScientist]

also, in the more traditional typed bag realm, for what you're describing to carry, i use a swift rear bag and a bagman support. super solid, and can hold a decent load. plenty for an overnight in warm climates.

https://instagram.fewr1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/vp/6147c3bb6ae934bb3c2c58fc0f11bfda/5C0D2540/t51.2885-15/e35/32409395_2069906343247627_5068159609412255744_n.jp g

[jr59]

also, in the more traditional typed bag realm, for what you're describing to carry, i use a swift rear bag and a bagman support. super solid, and can hold a decent load. plenty for an overnight in warm climates.

https://instagram.fewr1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/vp/6147c3bb6ae934bb3c2c58fc0f11bfda/5C0D2540/t51.2885-15/e35/32409395_2069906343247627_5068159609412255744_n.jp g

That’s the set up I mentioned. I just like the bigger long flap. It’s really slick and works like a champ.

https://www.carradice.co.uk/bags/saddlebags/originals-nelson-longflap-saddlebag

[NHAero]

Very helpful, thanks! I have 8-1/2 inches between the seatrails and the rear tire. That Oveja Negra looks perfect.

[NHAero]

I ended up ordering the Apidura Backcountry 17L which looks as though it will clear my tire and appears well made with good reviews. Under one pound, less than my rack!

[RFC]

Another vote for the Carradice Bagman -- here on my single speed bomber. This style is no longer made. I also have the traditional model.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4541/37966861464_017687d243_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ZR16aJ)IMG_4512r (https://flic.kr/p/ZR16aJ) by Robert Copple (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150689726@N06/), on Flickr

[dbnm]

These Apidura Rapha bags are now on sale

https://www.rapha.cc/us/en_US/shop/rapha-apidura-saddle-pack/product/RAP01XXBLK

[El Chaba]

A saddle bag is a great way to carry enough stuff for an overnight or weekend trip in good weather. It also has the advantage of your being able to use a bike you already have for the occasional trip. Make no mistake, though, it is a big compromise for that convenience. The saddle area is a pretty good spot to carry things until you stand up...and then the bike is an unwieldy handful...the same is true for descending because there is just so much load (beyond your own) with a high center of gravity. These new bags that are shaped as if they are to accommodate a giant baguette protruding from the back of saddle distribute the load in an even more awkward way, and they really don't provide that much capacity. I raced most of my cycling life and only started taking trips in the past 8 years or so. I learned the hard way. After coming across the right old camping bike to restore I now can accommodate a number of bag configurations. In order of increased capacity I would add: 1-handlebar bag; 2-front lowrider panniers; 3-rear panniers; 4-U-Haul truck. So IMHO a saddle bag is a great way to carry a smaller load on a racing bike for example, but it is a compromise...

[velofinds]

And here's mine, just to be a broken record.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1832/43827753291_fe1daed4d0_b.jpg

[BikeNY]

Backpacking style:

[jr59]

A saddle bag is a great way to carry enough stuff for an overnight or weekend trip in good weather. It also has the advantage of your being able to use a bike you already have for the occasional trip. Make no mistake, though, it is a big compromise for that convenience. The saddle area is a pretty good spot to carry things until you stand up...and then the bike is an unwieldy handful...the same is true for descending because there is just so much load (beyond your own) with a high center of gravity. These new bags that are shaped as if they are to accommodate a giant baguette protruding from the back of saddle distribute the load in an even more awkward way, and they really don't provide that much capacity. I raced most of my cycling life and only started taking trips in the past 8 years or so. I learned the hard way. After coming across the right old camping bike to restore I now can accommodate a number of bag configurations. In order of increased capacity I would add: 1-handlebar bag; 2-front lowrider panniers; 3-rear panniers; 4-U-Haul truck. So IMHO a saddle bag is a great way to carry a smaller load on a racing bike for example, but it is a compromise...

In the case of the revlate style bag I 💯 agree. It sways a bit.

But with a bagman rack and Caradice it’s no where near as great. I use to use the long flap and can really load it up with enough for a couple of weeks, plus small tent strapped to the outside. They have used this very setup in the UK for many years.
Of course YMMV