The Radavist

The folks over at Tailfin have been steadily adding to the array of options in their collection of waterproof cycle-touring bags over the last couple of years. Another addition to their growing list of offerings comes in the form of the newly announced V-Mount packs. With 1.7L and 3L options, these bags are designed to mount to virtually any bike, even if you have no dedicated mounting points, thanks to their remarkably simple v-mount system.

For the last 9 months, I’ve had a chance to thoroughly put them through the rigors of touring in the South American Andes and offer up a few thoughts on who they might work for and who might want to look elsewhere, just in time for their launch.

People have been strapping dry bags to their bikes since long before the word “bikepacking” joined the cycling vernacular. It’s a simple way to add a bit of storage capacity but that extra space comes with obvious drawbacks. Typically those drawbacks include bag shapes that aren’t especially bike-friendly and instability if the bags are not meticulously secured. I’m not a huge fan of my cooking kit flying into my wheel or having bags constantly shift out of position on a rough downhill, so functional and stable bags are essential to me.

Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…

Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…

Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…

Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…

Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…

Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…

Our Radar Roundup is where we take some of the news items to come across our inboxes into an easy-to-digest dump of sorts, culling down the clutter from our homepage and making it easier to stay on top of what’s going on in our little corner of the cycling industry. This will come particularly in handy when it comes to spring/summer product drops from our favorite brands.

Check out our Radar Roundup below with products, videos, and a Radavision entry…

Our friends Hanson and Vanessa from Dark Realm down in Austin, TX just announced a new hip/sling bag dubbed the Crossbody. This new bag utilizes Dark Realm’s proprietary dyed XPac fabric dubbed “alligator camo” and is loaded with features.

Specs:
-X10 waterproof canvas (made in US). custom dyed cotton canvas outer with laminated x-ply and waterproof backing for stability and water resistance
-400d packcloth liner fabric
-YKK water resistant zippers (made in US) with silent 550 paracord zipper pulls (made in US)
-lightweight fidlock magnetic buckle on waist strap
-1.5″ wide main strap, adjustable up to 48″ waist/chest
-zippered outer pocket, inner pocket, and 3-slot inner slip pocket
-closed cell foam padded back panel (made in US) for structure and comfort
-cinch straps on sides and bottom
-embroidered art on bottom
-12″ wide // 7″ tall // 4″deep

See more at Dark Realm.

It’s a tote bag, but SO MUCH more. The Gear Tote by Canadian bag maker HMPL is packed with features to help make it the one and only bag you need when heading on an adventure, whether it be going for a mountain bike ride or heading to the beach. With a built-in moveable internal divider, you can pack your gear to the trail, then throw your wet muddy gear back in keeping it separate from your clean items! Not only that but it comes with one of HMPL’s Floor Mats for you to keep your feet dry and warm while getting ready in the dirt!

Specs:
– Available in 6 colors
– #10 Water Resistant Zipper bag closure
– Wet/Dry moveable internal divider storage system
– Water resistant “Dry” compartment to keep the goods dry
– Mesh vented ” Wet” compartment to air out the wet/dirty gear
– Internal Zipper Stash pouch
– External Zipper pocket
– Large External Slide Pocket
– Included Removable Waterproof Floor Mat
– W7.5 x H15 x L21
– 38L
– Handmade in Canada
– $333CAD

In stock and shipping now from HMPL.

Shortages are impacting even small makers and the Jpaks Snakpaks have been difficult to get ahold of this year. Well, the Snakpaks are back in stock in all three sizes with bolt-on or strapped configurations. If you’ve ever seen one of these Snakpaks in person, then you can attest to their construction and durability. John uses a Footlong on his touring bikes…

Sizes:
Standard SnakPak: 9.5″ long x 3.75″ high up front, tapering down to 2.25″ high at the rear
Footlong SnakPak: 12” long x 3.75” high up front, tapering down to 2.25” high at the rear
Farva SnakPak: 15″ long x 4″ high up front, tapering down to 2.5″ high at the rear

Pricing starts at $105 and all three sizes are in stock and shipping from Jpaks.

Earlier this week, we looked at John’s new Pelagazam on his Crust Dreamer touring bike equipped with a Pelago Rasket. The Pelagazam is Wizard Works’ new basket bag, designed to specifically fit the Pelago Rasket. You can now pre-order the Pelagazam at Wizard Works.

I love my Pelago Rasket on my Crust Bikes Dreamer but one of the things I’m not stoked about it is the limited bag offerings. After reaching out to a variety of bag makers, requesting a “custom” bag for my Rasket, the team at Wizard Works threw its wizard cap into the arena and offered to help me out. Well, after a few months, my Pelagazam bag designed specifically to the dimensions of the Raskett, showed up and I shot some initial photos of this nifty bag this morning, so let’s check it out in detail below!

Maybe it’s because I like birds, love using Nocs on trips, wear camp hats, and love the Appleton Whittell Research Ranch but to me, this is everything a product collaboration should be. Swift Industries teamed up with artist Wyatt Hersey on a very limited capsule collection, featuring all the products above and more.

This collection’s intent is to raise funds for habitat conservation first and foremost but perhaps to help you find goods for your loved one(s) this Holiday season? See the full drop at Swift Industries and be sure to set your alarm for today at 9AM PST because this stuff will sell out fast!

PNW Components recently moved to produce its own apparel and today, the brand announced its new Rover Pack. This $69 hip bag has space for everything you need and all the stuff you carry with you that you don’t need. This pack is made from a tri-layer sailcloth, has YKK zippers, a detachable water bottle holster, four compartments, side cinch straps, and a big, thick comfy belt. Head to PNW Components to see more!

Mission Workshop has an extensive catalog of apparel and packs and today it added a cycling bag to its line. The Toro handlebar bag is a small, burrito-style bag that fits compactly on your bike, regardless of the cockpit. These made in the USA bags have Mission Workshop’s design DNA as they come in a broad range of UX and standard fabrics and colors.

Specs:
Universal fit for any handlebar and stem combo
Frame sheet stiffener maintains structure and shape
Super stable / Zero bounce
Suitable for Road, Gravel, MTB, Townie
Weatherproof
Internal Key Clip
YKK Aquaguard Zippers
Hypalon accessory lash points
Subtle laser etched logo treatment
Made in the USA

Retail is $89 and shipping today from Mission Workshop.

After almost a full year of redevelopment, the PTAP Designs Chonker is back! These bags are made in Maryland and can be used as either a handlebar bag or a saddlebag, Chonker is the perfect accessory for both your daily commute and your next bikepacking adventure. Influenced by classic English saddlebag design, the Chonker has added some new modern flourishes to work well for rack-less bikepacking.

Features include: 
-Tapered side pockets that fold down flat when not in use
-Internal fiberglass batten for rigid mounting
-Semi-rigid HDPE liner to help keep shape whether empty or full
-2 Voile Nano straps for handlebar/saddle mounting
-Interior Dimensions 12”x8”x7”
-12L capacity

Additional Information: 
When using rack-less as a front bag, please allow for a minimum of 9” clearance from the bottom of your handlebars to the tire. Note that using foam spacers will lower the bag and therefore require slightly more clearance. The bag can sit comfortably between 44cm drop bars however we recommend flared drops at this width for optimal use and comfort.

You can pre-order a Chonker at PTAP Designs.