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Bikepacking equipment from DecathlonRockrider ADVT 900 saddlebag set put to the test

Stefan Frey

 · 21.09.2025

The Decathlon range offers an incredible wealth of outdoor equipment. Bikepacking bags have recently been added. Can the inexpensive saddle bag keep up with the experienced competition?
Photo: Stefan Frey

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A bikepacking bag set for 72 euros? That's only available from Decathlon. Can the inexpensive combination for the saddle, consisting of the ADVT 900 saddle bag attachment and ADVT 900 6-15 L drybag, keep up with the established competition? To find out, we packed our bags for an overnighter.
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I have to say, I was really looking forward to my first overnighter on my bike. Which bike should I ride? What do I need to take with me? A tent or just a sleeping mat and sleeping bag? And above all: what bags do I need? My experienced colleagues rely on brands such as Restrap, Relevate Designs or Cyclite - and are happy to customise them to fit your bike. A set of these high-quality bags can easily cost 600 euros or more.

Bikepacking set for 240 euros!

So the news that Decathlon had new bikepacking bags in its range came just in time. Handlebar bag, Frame bag, Saddlebag and Foodpouch for 240 flakes! You could try them out straight away. The Rockrider own-brand range is completed by a top tube bag and frame bags in various sizes - 3 to 9 litre volume, full or half frame.

>> Decathlon bikepacking bags put to the test: How good is the handlebar bag for 63 euros?

>> Bikepacking bag in test: Rockrider ADVT 900 Full Frame 6l frame bag

>> One-night stand in Hallbergmoos: Overnighters for beginners

The saddle bag from the Rockrider own brand consists of a robust holster that holds the pannier and can remain on the bike for loadingPhoto: Stefan FreyThe saddle bag from the Rockrider own brand consists of a robust holster that holds the pannier and can remain on the bike for loading

>> Bikepacking bags put to the test: 8 bikepacking sets for your next gravel tour

>> Fidlock presents new flexible mount for bikepacking

>> Bikepacking: The perfect equipment for your adventure

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Saddle bag with practical holster

The saddle bag from Rockrider is a set consisting of Holster and waterproof pack sack with roll-top closure that holds a maximum of 15 litres of equipment. The good thing about this solution is that you don't have to remove the entire structure from the bike every time you want to load and unload, but simply pull the pannier out of the holster like a cop pulls his gun. This saves time and, above all, nerves.

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At a good 500 grams, the holster is no lightweight, but it is robust and equipped with additional featuresPhoto: Stefan FreyAt a good 500 grams, the holster is no lightweight, but it is robust and equipped with additional features

The holster has a robust design and fits all seat post diameters. A TPU half tube and two solid double Velcro straps are designed to reduce lateral vibrations. The holster is attached to the saddle frame using strap loops and robust metal hooks.

>> Tips & Tricks Bikepacking: Off to adventure - Bikepacking, but the right way!

The holster fits all support dimensions with its TPU spacerPhoto: Stefan FreyThe holster fits all support dimensions with its TPU spacer
The holster is attached to the seat post with two sturdy Velcro straps and holds firmly in placePhoto: Stefan FreyThe holster is attached to the seat post with two sturdy Velcro straps and holds firmly in placeThe holster is attached to the saddle linkage via strap loops, lashing straps ensure a very good holdPhoto: Stefan FreyThe holster is attached to the saddle linkage via strap loops, lashing straps ensure a very good hold

Easy handling, additional fixings

Additional cargo can be attached to the belt loops and an elasticated net. I used it to transport my flip-flops, which were packed in a rubbish bag to prevent them from getting dirty, and it worked perfectly.

There is space at the top of the holster for accessories that can be attached via the elasticated net or to the loopsPhoto: Stefan FreyThere is space at the top of the holster for accessories that can be attached via the elasticated net or to the loops

The pannier is also secured in the holster using lashing straps that can be opened and closed easily and securely. The holster allows two fastening options so that panniers of different sizes can be used.

The aluminium hooks make the construction durable and robust, but they can be a little tricky to attachPhoto: Stefan FreyThe aluminium hooks make the construction durable and robust, but they can be a little tricky to attach

Waterproof pannier with roll-top fastener

The pannier itself is made from robust 600D polyester, is PU-coated and laminated at the seams. The bag is waterproof to IPX6 and is closed with a roll-top fastener, which further improves its impermeability.

The saddle bag with roll closure has a maximum capacity of 15 litres and is made of robust, waterproof materialPhoto: Stefan FreyThe saddle bag with roll closure has a maximum capacity of 15 litres and is made of robust, waterproof material

Also important: to ensure that the pack sack can be rolled up as small as possible, it has an integrated valve for deflating. I was able to shrink my clothes down to children's size and keep the volume of the "arse rocket" pleasantly small.

The French have also thought of a valve for releasing air. This allows the contents to be nicely compressedPhoto: Stefan FreyThe French have also thought of a valve for releasing air. This allows the contents to be nicely compressed

Inexpensive but not lightweight

Apart from the fact that the Rockrider pannier combination is not exactly a lightweight - the holster weighs 504 grams and the pannier 213 grams - there is hardly anything negative to report. Handling and assembly are virtually self-explanatory and, if necessary, the oversized Decathlon-typical label provides information on the most important assembly steps.

How does the holster get onto the bike? The label provides information about the most important assembly stepsPhoto: Stefan FreyHow does the holster get onto the bike? The label provides information about the most important assembly steps

During the ride, the bag sits very securely on the bike and doesn't attract attention by rocking excessively. The pannier is quick and easy to attach and also keeps reliably tight in the rain - unfortunately I have tried it out. Only the small yellow straps, which are supposed to make handling the buckles easier, come loose easily and will probably quickly disappear into the bushes.

The small loops are supposed to help open the adjustment loops, but they come loose quickly and then disappear into the vegetablesPhoto: Stefan FreyThe small loops are supposed to help open the adjustment loops, but they come loose quickly and then disappear into the vegetables

Rockrider saddlebag attachment ADVT 900

Fits firmly and hardly wobbles - the holster is a little heavy but very solidPhoto: Stefan FreyFits firmly and hardly wobbles - the holster is a little heavy but very solid
  • Price59,99 Euro >> available here
  • Weight: 504 gram
  • FasteningVelcro fasteners and TPU seat post spacers; adjustable straps with metal hooks
  • Special featuresBelt loops and elasticated net for additional luggage; reflective strips; minimum distance between saddle and rear wheel 23 cm

Rockrider ADVT 900 saddlebag

Practical: The loaded pack sack can simply be pulled out of the holster. This saves time and nervesPhoto: Stefan FreyPractical: The loaded pack sack can simply be pulled out of the holster. This saves time and nerves
  • Price: 19,99 Euro >> available here
  • Weight: 213 gram
  • Maximum volume15 litres (6 litres min.)
  • ClosureRoll closure with buckles
  • Special featureswaterproof according to IPX6; integrated valve for air release

Set price: 71,98 Euro

Conclusion Rockrider ADVT 900 saddlebag / saddlebag attachment

Ok, if you value minimum weight, you will certainly have already got off further up. However, the Rockrider saddle bag offers a favourable introduction to the exciting world of adventure biking, especially for bikepacking novices. The handling is self-explanatory and absolutely foolproof. The holster can remain on the bike for loading and unloading and sits firmly without rocking, even off-road. The bag is waterproof and has also saved my night as a pillow. I would definitely use the bags again on my next tour.

+ Solid and waterproof materials
+ easy handling, robust construction
+ additional fixings for accessories
+ variable storage space

- quite heavy
- small loops are easily lost

Stefan Frey

Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

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