Saddle bags

How to Choose a Saddle Bag for Your Bike

Saddle bags are a practical solution for cycle touring and bikepacking without a rear rack. They attach beneath the saddle and to the seatpost, allowing you to carry equipment directly on your bike. Larger models are suitable for clothing, sleeping bags and other lightweight, bulky gear, while smaller bags are ideal for spare inner tubes, tools and personal essentials.

When choosing, consider not only capacity but also the attachment system, stability while riding, water protection and clearance above the rear wheel.

Large Saddle Bags for Bikepacking

For multi-day adventures, larger saddle bags provide useful carrying capacity without the need for a traditional rear rack. They're best suited to lightweight and compressible equipment, such as spare clothing and sleeping gear.

Acepac Saddle Bag MKIII is a bikepacking saddle bag with a capacity of up to 16 litres and a removable waterproof liner. The outer construction provides secure attachment to the bike, while the inner dry bag helps protect your equipment from water.

This design works as a complete bag, so there's no need to purchase an additional harness or dry bag. The roll-top closure allows you to adjust the bag's size according to the amount of equipment you're carrying.

Modular Saddle Harness and Saddle Drybag System

If you frequently remove your equipment from the bike, a modular system combining a separate mounting harness and waterproof dry bag may be a more practical choice.

Acepac Saddle Harness MKIII is a mounting system that stays attached beneath the saddle. It holds the Acepac Saddle Drybag MKIII, a waterproof dry bag designed for carrying clothing and other equipment.

The Drybag uses waterproof materials, sealed seams and a roll-top closure. The harness and dry bag are separate products, so make sure you have both components when purchasing.

The main advantage of this system is that you can remove just the dry bag with your equipment while leaving the harness attached to the bike. This is particularly convenient on multi-day trips when you regularly move your gear into a tent or accommodation.

Saddle Bags for Dropper Seatposts

Using a large saddle bag on a bike with a dropper seatpost can be challenging. You need to consider not only the space beneath the saddle but also seatpost movement and clearance above the rear tyre.

Acepac Drop Post Bag MKIII is a compact 7-litre saddle bag designed for bikes with dropper seatposts. Its construction allows the dropper seatpost to operate without unnecessary restriction when the bag is correctly fitted and compatible with the bike.

Before installation, always check compatibility with your specific seatpost and ensure there's sufficient clearance between the bag and rear wheel throughout the bike's full suspension travel.

Small Saddle Bags for Tools

If you only need to carry basic repair equipment, a large bikepacking saddle bag may be unnecessary. Smaller under-saddle bags are suitable for a spare inner tube, tyre levers, a multitool and other small essentials.

Topeak Aero Wedge Pack Small is a compact saddle bag designed primarily for short rides and everyday cycling. It attaches using straps and lets you keep basic repair equipment on your bike.

Are Saddle Bags Waterproof?

When choosing saddle bags, it's important to distinguish between a water-repellent outer construction and a genuinely waterproof storage compartment.

• Bags with waterproof liners: models such as the Acepac Saddle Bag MKIII feature an outer bag and a separate waterproof inner liner. Water protection primarily depends on the liner being correctly closed.
• Separate waterproof dry bags: the Saddle Drybag MKIII uses waterproof material, sealed seams and a roll-top closure. It attaches to the bike using a compatible harness.
• Smaller saddle bags: their water protection depends on the specific design. Water-repellent fabric alone doesn't guarantee that the entire bag is waterproof.

For reliable protection, always close the dry bag or liner according to the manufacturer's instructions. We recommend protecting electronics and other moisture-sensitive items with an additional waterproof case or pouch.

How to Attach a Saddle Bag Correctly

Correct attachment is essential for bike stability and riding safety. The saddle bag must not interfere with the rear wheel, restrict suspension movement or sway excessively from side to side while pedalling.

• Rear wheel clearance: check the distance from the tyre, including the full travel of the rear suspension if applicable.
• Seatpost type: verify compatibility with a fixed or dropper seatpost.
• Attachment straps: tighten them correctly and check that the loaded bag remains stable.
• Load distribution: carry primarily lighter equipment in your saddle bag. Heavier items are better positioned closer to the bike's centre.
• Capacity: avoid overpacking and always follow the manufacturer's recommended maximum load.

How to Complete Your Bikepacking Setup

For multi-day adventures, it's practical to distribute your equipment across several areas of the bike. Saddle bags are suitable for clothing and lightweight overnight gear, while frame bags are better suited to tools, food and other heavier items.

For sleeping bags, sleeping pads and other bulky equipment, you can also use handlebar bags. Explore our full range of bikepacking bags to complete your setup.

Need advice on choosing a saddle bag, checking dropper seatpost compatibility or combining the Saddle Harness and Saddle Drybag? Contact us and we'll be happy to help.