Bikepacking bags in the test: Adventurer luggage from Fjällräven & Specialised
Sandra Schuberth
· 17.09.2023
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The bikepacking bags from Specialized and Fjällräven were extensively tested on a bikepacking tour during the summer holidays. We cycled from Munich to Milan, further west to the Aosta Valley and back via the Col du Grand Saint-Bernard and Switzerland - a good 1200 kilometres with 16,000 metres of altitude. The first few days were characterised by rain. Perfect for our test.
Directly to the tests of the individual bikepacking bags
Saddlebag: Seatbag Harness & 16 litre Drybag
The Saddlebag or the saddlebag combination of the bikepacking collection from Specialized and Fjällräven (hereinafter also referred to as S/F) includes a harness and a waterproof drypack - both are only available separately.
The holder consists of an aluminium frame and textile (Vinylon and polyamide). It is clamped to the saddle frame with the aid of a screw. In addition, a Velcro strap, which is placed around the seat post, ensures stability.
The lower part of the aluminium frame can be moved freely to accommodate items or panniers of different sizes. Compression straps secure the load. Quick-release buckles help to attach and remove equipment quickly.
The right Roll-top stuff sack with a volume of 10 or 16 litres is available separately. A screw valve, through which the air can escape, helps to compress the contents of the pack sack.
The saddlebag combo from Specialised and Fjällräven in detail
- Weight: 625 g (harness) plus 132 g drybag (16 litres) or 118 g (10 litres)
- Price Harness: 139,95 € >> available here
- Price Drybag: 59.95 € (16 litres), 49.95 € (10 litres) >> available here
Saddle bag in the test
Our tour was a tough one. Days of constant rain, splashing water and sometimes very rough gravel made for ideal conditions to put the bags through their paces.
During the first few kilometres, it became apparent that I had packed it wrong. The voluminous pannier was stuffed full, there wasn't much space between the harness and the tyre and although the compression straps were tightened, the harness was touching the tyre. So we had to stop again and repack a bit to slim down the pannier. That's it. Now the rough surfaces can come!
Unfortunately, the drybag cannot withstand constant rain or permanent splashing water. In addition, the two-part construction of harness and drybag worked well. The holster kept the bag stable. However, there was no time saving compared to conventional saddlebags, as up to seven straps had to be loosened or tightened and their ends stowed away each time. There are no practical rubber straps for attaching a wet rain jacket or freshly washed cycling shorts to dry on the outside of the bag.
Conclusion saddlebag (Seatbag Harness & 16 litre Drybag)
Solid combination of harness and drybag, but not waterproof in constant rain.
- Advantage: The harness keeps the drybag stable and vibration-free.
- Disadvantage: Contrary to the manufacturer's instructions, the drybag is not waterproof.
Speaking of constant rain: On our big bikepacking tour, a rain jacket was of course a must - Bleed rain jacket test >>
Handlebar bag - Handlebar Rack & Handlebar Rolltop in test
The S/F Handlebar Rolltop is a lightweight and waterproof bike bag made from recycled 210D ripstop nylon. It offers 13 litres of storage space and can also be used as a shoulder bag. The bag is compatible with the S/F Handlebar Rack, which is available separately.
The Handlebar Rack is a Aluminium luggage carrier, which is designed for transporting parcels, panniers or a tent on the bike - or for the in-house Handlebar Rolltop bag. The rack is attached directly to the handlebars and is suitable for all types of bikes, except perhaps extreme downhill bikes. An anti-twist tensioning cable is designed to prevent the rack from tipping forwards.
Attention! The handlebar rack has only been tested and approved for use with aluminium handlebars.
The handlebar bag combo from Specialized and Fjällräven in detail
- Price Handlebar Rack: 99,95 €
- Price Drybag: 119,95 €
- Weight: 331 g Handlebar Rack plus 395 g Handlebar Rolltop
Specialised x Fjällräven Handlebar Rack in test
DO NOT MIMIC: It had to be done quickly and we fitted the Handlebar Rack to a carbon handlebar - there was neither time nor new handlebar tape in stock to replace the handlebars. We meticulously studied the instructions before fitting the rack and followed them.
Knotology
The aluminium construction is stabilised by a thin tensioning cable, which reminded us of the Ortlieb Handlebar Bag QR. With Ortlieb, however, it is clamped, with Specialised x Fjällräven: knotted. First knot the tensioning cable at one end, thread the loose end through a hole provided for this purpose, lay it over the handlebars from above, then under the stem and back over the handlebars. Now it gets complicated. A knot must be tied in the tensioning cable again and the cable must be hooked in at the appropriate point on the second side.
A simple knot can't be that complicated, can it? Yes it can (Tip: Learn to tie knots!) And above all its position, if this node determines the position of the handlebar rack. If the knot is too far out, the rack tilts too far down. If the knot is too close to the handlebars, the bag will get in the way of the Garmin in our setup. 10 knots later, we have attached the rack to the handlebars in the right position. Will it hold?
... the knot in practice
After a few kilometres, the front bag has to be repacked. On bumpy gravel paths, the front part of the bag repeatedly touches the tyre. This should be less of a problem on larger bikes with higher head tubes.
On the fifth day of the tour it finally happened: the second knot, the one that had taken us 10 attempts, slipped out of its groove. It is too thin. Now the rack tilts forwards and the bag drags on the tyre. Our quick solution: a strap around the bag and stem to stabilise everything. In the evening at the accommodation, we tackle the whole thing again. The strap wasn't a permanent solution either. Without further ado, we put a second knot over the first. Good luck, good luck, hopefully it will hold this time. And it holds - no matter how bumpy the descents are.
Specialised x Fjällräven Handlebar Rolltop in test
The roll-top bag can be attached to the handlebar rack in a few simple steps. To do this, two loops are placed around the top corners of the luggage rack. Two buckles secure the bag to the platform. The construction holds perfectly. The bag is closed with two side buckles and two compression straps. This keeps the contents of the bag secure and virtually wobble-free.
Disadvantage: Four buckles have to be opened - and closed again - if you need something from the bag. So if you have to repeatedly access the contents of the bag, you might get annoyed. For me, this was already the case on the first day.
My rain jacket is stowed in the front pocket. But rain and sun alternate every minute on this day - what a back and forth! The constant switching between rain jacket and jersey is getting me down. The next day, the rain gear goes into the frame bag. It's a good thing there's still plenty of room.
Conclusion on handlebar bag and front carrier from Specialized and Fjällräven
Better safe than sorry, especially when it comes to knots in the tensioning cable of the handlebar rack. If you need something from the bag, you have to open four buckles - and close them again. In return, you have a good overview of everything in the bag.
Unfortunately, the bag did not withstand the constant rain of the first few days. As with the supposed drybag above, important luggage that must not get wet (such as a change of clothes) should also be protected. But: The construction of the front rack and bag gives the setup a casual randonneur look and invites you to enjoy relaxed tours with long breaks.
A valve to release air when closing the bag would be desirable. If you want to mount a light on the handlebars, it should be positioned higher so that it can shine over the bag. The sat nav must be adjusted either over the stem or at a slightly higher angle so that it does not get in the way of the bag. For larger bikes, the light can also be mounted under the front rack if necessary.
Conclusion
Once the knot of the stabilising rope is in the right place and thick enough, the front rack holds securely and stably. You can quickly find what you are looking for in the bag. Practical for relaxed tours.
- Advantages: Also fits between narrow handlebars, other objects can also be transported on the rack.
- Disadvantages: Does not withstand constant rain; the platform could be slightly larger, especially for small bikes; it can be difficult to mount the sat nav and lights on the handlebars.
Top tube bag - Toptube Bag
The top tube bag can be opened from the front and back thanks to a two-way zip. The bag is relatively sturdy and the base is reinforced. It is attached to the top tube with Velcro fasteners or screws. The bag is made from hard-wearing Vinylon with a recycled nylon lining and foam-padded sides. Inside the bag there are mesh pockets in which smaller items can be stowed. The seams are not sealed, but the lining material is waterproof.
The Toptube Bag from Specialised and Fjällräven in detail
- Height: 10 cm
- Length: 26 cm
- Width: 6 cm
- Volume: 0,8 l
- Weight: 139 g
- Price: 54,95 €
The top tube bag Top Tube Bag in the test
We have been testing this top tube bag for a while now. With a length of 26 centimetres, it is longer than many other top tube bags. Ideal for a selfie stick for an Insta360, for example. The bag is also relatively narrow, which is particularly advantageous for people who tend to bump into the bag with the inside of their thighs or knees.
Despite the constant rain, it stayed dry inside the bag. Very good! The mesh pockets for small items are also practical, for example for storing keys.
Conclusion top tube bag
Good bag that also fits longer items.
- Advantage: Can also be screwed to the top tube; two-way zip; dry despite constant rain
- Disadvantage: May be too long for very small bikes with a classic frame shape.
Frame bag
The frame bag is also equipped with a two-way zip, which provides easy access to bike utensils thanks to its large opening. The bag is attached to the frame with seven Velcro straps. The bag is made from hard-wearing Vinylon, with recycled nylon lining and foam-padded sides. Inside the bag there are mesh pockets for smaller items. Although the seams of the bag are not sealed, the lining is waterproof.
The frame bag in size S
- Height: 10 cm
- Length: 40 cm
- Width: 6 cm
- Volume: 2,3 l
- Weight: 244 g
- Price: 79,95 € >> available here
The frame bag in size M
- Height: 11 cm
- Length: 47 cm
- Width: 6 cm
- Volume: 3 l
- Weight: 297 g
- Price: 89,95 € >> available here
The frame bag in size L
- Height: 14 cm
- Length: 53 cm
- Width: 6 cm
- Volume: 5 l
- Weight: 376 g
- Price: 99,95 € >> available here
The frame bag in the test
The frame bag wasn't on the bikepacking tour, but it was allowed to be used on the Dreifels Gravel Camp prove it. We had a size M bag available for testing. It just fitted into the test bike, lucky us.
The frame bag is attached to the frame triangle with a total of seven Velcro straps. However, two straps can also be omitted. The first hurdle: Thread the Velcro straps through the tabs on the bag. The straps are fully equipped with hooks on one side and the fluffy counterpart on the other. The hook, i.e. the Velcro side, slips better through the flap when it is facing the pocket. But then the climbing side is on the outside.
If the scratchy side is on the outside, it will definitely touch the cycling shorts again and again and can damage them. The other way round, the Velcro straps are difficult to thread, but the hooks are orientated towards the tubes. Will this scratch the frame in the long run? Certainly not, if it has been properly masked beforehand (recommendation). We used a key as a threading aid: Put the Velcro strap round the front, push the key with the Velcro strap through the flap, pull out the key without the Velcro strap, done.
The frame pocket is asymmetrical. It is slightly wider on the side with the zip (left). If you often bump into frame pockets with the inside of your knees, you will probably also touch the pocket on the left-hand side
The frame bag from Specialized and Fjällräven is comfortable on the knee. The sturdy material, which ensures that the bag retains its shape, was convincing. The long zip is also worth its weight in gold for easy access to everything in the bag. The mesh pockets on the inside provide additional organisation.
Conclusion on the frame bag
The bag is available in different sizes so that it fits many different frame sizes. It is dimensionally stable and the large zip is also impressive.
Advantage: Large zip opening for a good overview, sturdy material
Disadvantage: Asymmetrical in width; if the inside of your knees often touches frame pockets, you will also touch the pocket on the left side
Conclusion: Who are the bikepacking bags from Specialized x Fjällräven suitable for?
The bikepacking bags from Specialized and Fjällräven look casual and sit securely on the bike. If you're more interested in leisurely bikepacking tours in good weather than in eating up kilometres, this is a good choice. The bikepacking bags stand out visually from those of other manufacturers and the frame bag and top tube bag were particularly impressive. The front pannier rack with handlebar bag can hold everything you need for a long coffee break or snack - and more. However, if you are looking for truly waterproof bags, you have come to the wrong place.
>> More bikepacking bags can be found here.
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
