The Radavist

We’ve seen dozens, if not hundreds of adaptive reuse of Thomson’s bags. For those unfamiliar, Thomson ships their stems and seat posts in these durable bags, of which people have made them into various bicycle portage offerings over the years. Blue Lug Hatagaya just upped the ante with these bags, as a part of their celebratory Thomson Day.

The Blue Lug Blog has a bunch of fun photos showcasing their use. These bags will be on sale at the three Blue Lug stores on Saturday, October 10th and the online store will be stocked Monday night, October 13th if any are leftover.

Head to Blue Lug for more!

Restrap, the UK-based cycling portage company, has just updated their custom frame bags. Their full-frame bag comes standard with one (right side/drive side) large compartment with an internal velcro divider (optional) and a long slender document pocket (left side/non-drive side). Each bag is made with YKK zips, textured nylon outer, and VX21 fabrics. Included in all sizes is a slot for camelback/dynamo positioned on the top of the bag. Each bag is finished with Restrap’s classic label (PU leather/vegan-friendly).

Check out this video for all the details on how to submit an order and see more information at Restrap.

Specs:
-One large main compartment with optional internal velcro divider (right side/drive side).
(optional) longer slender document pocket (left side/non-drive side).
– YKK zips, textured nylon outer and VX21 fabrics.
– Tough, durable and versatile design.
– Slot for camelback/dynamo positioned on the top of the bag.
– Finished with our classic label (PU leather/vegan-friendly).
– Choice of colours – black, grey, olive, navy and digital camouflage.

Small: £74.99, €84.99, $99.99
Medium: £94.99, €109.99, $129.99
Large: £109.99, €124.99, $149.99

I have an addiction to hip bags and love seeing all the offerings being made across the globe. For those wanting to buy local in Canada, HMPL has the “6 Pack”, a fanny pack made from VX21 Xpac/1000d Cordura with a hook/loop closure and available in a variety of colors. These are in stock for $160 at HMPL.ca

Specs:
-VX21 Xpac/1000d Cordura
-Adjustable Waist Belt
-Rolltop Closure
-Interior Stash Pocket
-External Zipper Access

Width: 11″
Depth: 3″
Full Open Height: 13″
Full Closed Height: 5.5″

The RMU MTB Cargo Collection features a series of nifty bags and accessories. The brand began as a skiing company, which brought them to towns also famous for exceptional mountain biking. Then, five years ago they began to design the collection you see today. This drop includes a 5L hip pack, a truck tailgate cooler/pad, and a MTB utility belt. Their whole lineup is seeking funding at IndieGoGo, so head on over to see more information and back this line.

It’s not every day we see a new handlebar bag design that causes pause. The Route Werks Handlebar bag is live on Kickstarter and it has a bunch of neat features, which you can find out all about by watching this video and heading over to their Kickstarter…

Inside Line Equipment, or ILE for short, makes one of my personal favorite camera bags, and just today they announced it has been updated! The Photo Bag Mini is designed to haul your full-frame camera with a 24-70mm lens, along with a few extra pockets for filters, SD cards, and other accessories. Seriously, this camera bag has traveled the world with me, and is my go-to favorite for city bike photo rides and hikes alike. New for this model is an upgraded COBRA buckle option as well to really up the resilience factor.

The ILE Photo Bag Mini comes in a variety of colors and is in stock now. I just bought one and can’t wait to see these updates in person!

In 2016, Salsa launched its EXP Cradle and bag design, offering up production bags previously only offered through smaller shops and manufacturers. This was a huge step in progressing the availability of bikepacking and bicycle touring accessories. Four years later, they just announced a series of updates, with a top-loading dry bag design and a refreshed side-loading dry bag, both of which utilize a new purge valve and lash attachments. Included in this update is a robust EXP front pouch with zippered access which can also act as a stand-alone bag for your gravel or MTB.

The whole system can convert just about any bike to a more capable tourer and these updates come at a time when we’re all pining for some time away from home on our bikes. Check out the full range at Salsa today and head to your local dealer for ordering.

At just 25 g, this musette packs away small enough and light enough to only matter when you need it. Unlike the cotton bags you’d get as handouts at bike races, these musettes are made from ultra-strong Silnylon. They’re big enough to haul a dinner’s worth of groceries, water bottles, or pastries for a picnic. The musette bag packs so small that you can bring it on every ride. You won’t even notice it in your jersey pocket or strapped to your saddle bag.

Weight: 25g
Size: 11” x 13”
Price: $19

In stock now at René Herse.

The PTAP Designs 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 bicycle touring. The inspiration for its name comes from our resident chonky boi pupper Bodie.

Features include:
-Tapered side pockets that fold down flat when not in use
-Semi-rigid and removable HDPE liner to help keep shape whether empty or full
-Voile Nano straps and birch dowel for excellent mounting support
-Interior Dimensions 12”x7”x7”
-14L capacity
-Fully enclosed design for maximum water resistance

There are five total color options in case the floral is too flashy for your liking.

Additional Information:
When using rack-less as a front bag, please allow for a minimum of 9.5” clearance from the top of your handlebars to the tire. We recommend using a saddlebag support rack and a saddle that has saddle loops if you will be mounting it in the rear. The exterior of the bag measures roughly 14.5” wide (at its widest point) so make sure you have ample room if using drop bars

Retail is $170.00 with the pre-order live now, 8/24/2020 – 9/8/2020. Orders will be shipped mid to late September

Announced yesterday, but with our review of the Revelate Hopper, we decided to space it out a bit, Ibis has developed a direct-mount frame bag for select sizes of their Ripley, Ripmo, and Ripmo AF models. This bag uti­lizes a plas­tic free-float­ing brack­et to mount directly to your frame.  Check out this install video and see more at Ibis.

Full suspension bikes can be used for bikepacking. It just takes a little problem-solving in terms of bag design, fitment, and capacity. Yet, that’s not what we’re discussing here. Modern mountain bikes seem to be designed for shuttle runs in perfectly-groomed bike parts, not all-day rides on backcountry trials. Most new bike models fit a bottle and by “a bottle” I mean a small bottle. I ride XL-sized frames and every time I throw my leg over one, I’m baffled at the lack of bottle carrying capacity. This is a gripe for another day, however, because I recently found a way to solve this problem on my Starling Murmur 29er and it was easier than you’d think.

The Revelate Hopper Frame Bag is an off-the-shelf option that fits like a custom solution. Let’s check it out below. Yes, I’m excited about this one!

While Restrap markets their new Adventure Musette as an accessory bag for bicycle touring, we can’t help but note that packable bags like this reduce paper and plastic bag use. When they’re this small, you can stuff them anywhere. These 70g bags are made in the UK, come in three colors (safety orange, olive drab, and black) and are available for ordering at Restrap for $37.49.

One question I get a lot is “what is that rear rack?” when I post this bike. Well, it’s not a rack per se, it’s a bag support, compiled of Nitto components, dubbed the Pec Dec.

It’s almost always sold out but Rons Bikes has full stock today of this ingenious system, so jump on it now if you’ve been intrigued.  The price is $69.69.

The Swift Industries Zeitgeist bag is a lightweight, saddle or handlebar bag, inspired by traditional touring bags with a flap closure but updated in a durable, lightweight material. These retail for $195, come in three color options (black, navy, and coyote) and are available for pre-order now, with a hopeful delivery of mid-to-late August.

In other Swift-related news, their popular Bandito Bags are back in stock now for $90, in three colors (black, navy, and coyote) and are shipping today!

For those wanting a secure and dry spot to keep extra items for your next backcountry loop or bikepacking trip, check out the new Apidura Expedition Downtube Pack. This 1.5L bag attaches to your bike’s downtube and utilizes a rolltop construction for secure packing. There’s enough space to hold a 710ml water bottle or camp fuel and is not recommended for fork legs or tubes smaller than 30mm in diameter. Check out more at Apidura.