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If you go on tour by bike, you're bound to be lugging a lot of equipment around with you. Spare inner tube, puncture repair kit and mini pump - because a small riding mistake is often enough to make the inner tube gasp for air like a boxer after a liver hook. Plenty to drink and some provisions, because even a wrong turn can unexpectedly prolong the tour. And a smartphone, because at some point you really don't know where the tour has just taken you and Google Maps has to find the right way home. We bikers then either pack our seven things neatly organised in a small rucksack or we stuff our jersey pockets so full that they hang as low as the half-mast trousers of adolescent teenagers. But fashion designers are tailoring ever more casual jerseys that do away with back pockets completely. And a sweaty rucksack on your back harbours functional shortcomings. So where to put the necessary accessories? We did some research and found out that there are alternatives to the classic transport options. Cycling shorts and vests are being pimped up with storage compartments, and the almost forgotten hip bag is experiencing a revival. But the frame of the bike also offers various options for attaching transport systems. We have tested a wide variety of options and show you which are really good alternatives to rucksacks and jersey bags.
You can find these alternative carrying systems in the test:
Tightening systems:
- Race Face Slash Bib Tight
- Race Face Stash Tank
- Specialised Thermina 3/4 Bibtight with SWAT
Systems for the frame:
- Blackburn Outpost Frame Bag Medium
- Ortlieb Seat Pack
Seat belt systems:
- Camelbak Palos 4 LR
- Race Face Rip Strip
- Source Hipster
THIS MUST GO ON TOUR
For our test rides, we packed the various carrying systems with standard equipment. These items should not be missing even on a short after-work ride:
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TIGHTENING SYSTEMS
Race Face Stash Bib Tight
"Secret stash" is the apt description for the Race Face bib shorts. A total of six pockets ensure that you always have the necessary equipment on your body. The three large rear pockets hang over the back of the shorts like a bib and are easily accessible even while riding. A 2-litre hydration bladder can also be stowed further up, the tube of which is routed to the front via the straps (photo below). This transforms the cyclist's back into a camel's hump.
The two small thigh pockets (photo below) are well suited for bars or gels, but it's difficult to get to the food under the shorts. The pockets are sturdily constructed and hold their contents at least as well as classic jersey pockets. The thin padding of the shorts quickly sags and the fit can't keep up with the top shorts on the market.
ConclusionStash Bib : Thanks to the hydration reservoir, the Stash Bib is also well equipped for longer tours or a marathon. The fit of the trousers and the thin padding spoil the otherwise good impression.
+ 2-litre hydration bladder stowable, large pockets for accessories
- Thin seat pad, somewhat loose fit
- No zip pocket for mobile phone/keys
- Drinking water heats up on the back
Storage space 7 out of 10 points
Wearing comfort 6 out of 10 points
Price 139,90 Euro
Race Face Stash Tank
The Stash Tank has a similar design to the Race Face trousers described above. The thigh pockets are of course omitted, but the vest offers a little more space for the hydration bladder. Here too, the drinking tube is routed over the shoulder to the front - actually a clever solution - but in order to be able to refresh yourself, the jersey above also needs a passage for the mouthpiece, which is rarely the case. The shirt is sturdily constructed and has reinforcing seams so that the three back pockets can be generously loaded without the contents hanging flabbily over your bum. The pump of the Stash Tank is also held securely in place by a loop. The drinking reservoir heats up noticeably due to body heat and the emptier it gets, the more it sloshes back and forth on the back.
Conclusion: For us, the more sensible alternative to the Stash Bib, because you can combine the practical vest with trousers with high-quality seat padding.
+ Space for accessories and drinking bag
+ Sturdy bag construction
- No zip pocket for mobile phone/keys
- Body heat heats the drinking water
Storage space 7 out of 10 points
Wearing comfort 8 out of 10 points
Price 89,90 Euro
Specialised Therminal 3/4 Bibtight with SWAT
Whether it's a tube and pump in the frame or the chain lock in the headset cap - with SWAT, Specialized has been offering alternative solutions for transporting accessories for some time now. Now the Americans are equipping their knee-length cycling shorts with additional pockets for the transition period. The SWAT trousers have a high-quality finish and their sturdy padding means you can still sit comfortably even after hours in the saddle. Three back pockets offer enough space for the most necessary accessories, and even a water bottle can be threaded in and out during the ride with a little skill. The two thigh pockets are ideal for flat items such as a map or some change. The SWAT bib can be clipped into matching shorts using two press studs. The three back pockets remain easily accessible at all times.
ConclusionWhether empty or full, the Specialized is a top pair of trousers for spring or autumn. They can easily replace a rucksack on an after-work ride, and a bottle cage is recommended for long tours.
+ High-quality workmanship, good seat cushion
+ Very comfortable even without contents
- No zip pocket for mobile phone/keys
- Water bottle can only be stowed away with some skill
Storage space 7 out of 10 points
Wearing comfort 9 out of 10 points
Price 89,90 Euro
SYSTEMS FOR THE FRAME
Ortlieb Seat-Pack
Saddlebags are more commonly known as small bags that dangle from the saddle like the nest of a weaver bird and usually offer no more space than a tube, tool and tyre levers. The brand new Seat-Pack from Ortlieb is a different calibre. It can be adjusted between 8 and 16.5 litres using the practical roll closure (photo below) and is completely waterproof.
The bag can be compressed and excess air released via a small valve on the side (photo below). The large-volume bag can be strapped to the saddle in a few simple steps and is held in shape by a sturdy inner frame, even when fully packed. The fact that the Ortlieb is designed more for transporting clothes is evident from the lack of compartments. If there is only a small load in the bag, the pump or tool can rattle annoyingly. A change of clothes or a rain jacket can serve as a buffer.
ConclusionThe Seat-Pack easily replaces a daypack in terms of size, but is more suitable for carrying clothes due to the lack of compartments.
+ Very variable in size
+ Waterproof
- No subdivisions in the storage space
- Not compatible with telescopic supports
Storage space 8 out of 10 points
Wearing comfort 7 out of 10 points
Price 129,95 Euro
Blackburn Outpost Frame Bag Medium
Frame bags were all the rage in the 90s, often neon-coloured and usually not very practical. The Outpost is different. It starts with the assembly: it fits perfectly into the frame using sliding Velcro strips. The large main compartment offers plenty of space for accessories and a change of clothes. A Velcro bridge on the inside keeps the bag narrow and prevents you from bumping your knees when pedalling. Blackburn has even thought of an outlet for the drinking tube (photo below) - however, there is no clip to secure the tube to the bag.
On the outside, there is also a long zip pocket for a mobile phone or valuables and two slip pockets. Actually practical, but when we were hungry and wanted to reach for the bar to save us during the test ride, it was already shaken out of the bag. So we put it in the expandable main compartment (photo below). Shortcoming of the Outpost: It fits almost exclusively in hardtail frames and in many cases covers the bottle cage.
ConclusionThe spacious Outpost is available in two sizes. It sits firmly in the frame without wobbling. If you don't mind the look, this is a practical alternative to a rucksack.
+ Can be mounted on many frame shapes; water-repellent
+ Main compartment can be extended via zip
- No holder for the hydration tube
- Mesh pockets on the outside lose their contents
Storage space 9 out of 10 points
Wearing comfort 8 out of 10 points
Price 59,99 Euro
Alternatives of Revelate Designs
The small company from Alaska specialises in bikepacking bags and offers many practical models for mounting on handlebars, saddles or frames. The bags are available in various sizes and colours from around 139 euros.
SEAT BELT SYSTEMS
Camelbak Palos 4 LR
Waist packs have long been a distinctive feature of bodybuilders and holidaymakers in Malle. But Camelbak wants to make the "Wimmerl" appealing to bikers too and has equipped the Palos with a 1.5-litre hydration bladder. The drinking tube is magnetically clipped to the belt (photo below), which proves to be very practical during the ride.
The main compartment also has space for larger items such as a pump or rain jacket. The fold-out tool compartment (photo below) on the front and smaller compartments on the sides are particularly clever. Well organised, we set off on our test ride. It quickly becomes clear that the Palos is not made for rough terrain. If you want to prevent the bag from swinging up, you have to tighten the strap so tightly that you almost lose your breath. So, panting, we turn onto the next gravel track and pedal back to the start with a well-cooled back.
ConclusionThe clever compartmentalisation of the Palos shows that Camelbak has a lot of experience in the backpack sector, but the construction is not suitable for tough off-road use.
+ Well thought-out compartmentalisation and plenty of storage space
+ Clever and strong magnetic holder for the tube
- Rocks up off-road and gets in the way when pedalling
- Belt must be fastened very tightly
Storage space 8 out of 10 points
Wearing comfort 4 out of 10 points
Price 79,95 Euro
Race Face Rip Strip
Why hasn't anyone come up with this idea before? Kidney belts have always been used in motorcycling, and the Rip Strip is ultimately nothing different. The difference is that Race Face has placed a total of six pockets on the back. The three mesh pockets can easily accommodate a spare inner tube, mini-tool and a pump. The latter is even secured by a stretch strap. There would even be room for a water bottle, but this would sit as tightly as a cork in a wine bottle and would cause the belt to bulge. More valuable items such as mobile phones, keys and change are stowed in the zip pockets. The wide, very elastic stretch belt allows the Rip Strip to be fastened comfortably around the hips without cutting off the rider's air supply. If the belt is worn between the vest and jersey, the equipment becomes almost invisible and cannot rub against the skin. The Rip Strip is surprisingly inconspicuous off-road and sits securely and wobble-free even on bumpy trails. After a few minutes, you almost forget that you have a complete emergency kit on your back.
ConclusionThe perfect companion for a quick after-work ride or summer tours where you don't need a change of clothes. However, it can easily get sweaty under the wide belt.
Storage space 6 out of 10 points
Wearing comfort 9 out of 10 points
+ Wide, stretchy Velcro fastener
+ Back section lies flat on the back without wobbling
- Larger zip pocket for mobile phones with protective cover missing
- Water bottle only fits in the mesh pockets to a limited extent
Price 55,90 Euro
Source Hipster
The Hipster from Source is more than just a nice accessory for trendy city adventurers. Its wide strap (photo below) is cleverly designed and sits snugly on the hips. Even without the optional shoulder strap, the bag has enough support to prevent it from dancing on your hips like a cowboy on his rodeo horse.
The hydration bladder on the Source also offers space for 1.5 litres of liquid, and here too the tube is magnetically attached to the strap (photo below). However, this is too weak and dangles from the bag like Tarzan on the vine with every major jolt.
Two large side pockets can hold a few provisions or even a mini tool. The two Velcro pockets on the back, on the other hand, make little sense. They are so small that there is not even room for a tyre lever. This leaves only the main compartment for larger items such as a mini pump. But with a full bladder, space will quickly run out here too. So it's best to set off on your after-work ride with as little equipment as possible.
ConclusionTheir high carrying comfort and firm fit - especially in combination with the optional shoulder strap - make the Hipster absolutely trail-ready. However, the available storage space is limited and the organisation of the pockets is not as well done as with Camelbak.
+ Stable fit even in rugged terrain
+ Optional shoulder strap for additional support
- Weak magnetic clip on the drinking tube
- Less well thought-out pocket layout
Storage space 5 out of 10 points
Wearing comfort 8 out of 10 points
Price 79 Euro
Stefan Frey
Editor
