Adventure, nature, freedom: that's bikepacking. More and more mountain bikers want to explore the world under their own steam on two wheels. Of course, this requires a minimum amount of luggage. Sometimes you don't want to do without supposedly "unnecessary" things. The bike bags from Vaude and Geosmina offer plenty of storage space. We present their innovations for 2020.
All-rounder - The new bikepacking rucksack system from Vaude
Vaude boasts a wide range of bike bags and rucksacks. Their Bikepacking series presented here for the first time Vaude has added further bags for mounting on frame and fork tubes, as well as a matching rucksack called Trailpack. All bags are PVC-free, PFC-free, water-repellent impregnated and manufactured in an environmentally friendly way in accordance with Vaude's own Green Shape criteria.
Consisting of a back-friendly carrying system and a waterproof, removable pack sack, the bikepacking rucksack system from Vaude is not only suitable for long bike tours, but also for everyday trips to the shops or to work.
The waterproof pack sack of the 130 expensive Vaude Trailpack holds 28 litres. It offers enough storage space for clothing, food and other essentials on a multi-day tour. There are practical side pockets and a hip belt pocket for quickly accessible items such as a wallet or mobile phone. Bike nomads will be particularly pleased with the tool compartment at the bottom of the rucksack.
Thanks to the EMP Bike back system with curved "Ergonomic Movement Panel" and Ergo Shape shoulder straps, there is no need to compromise on stability, comfort and freedom of movement.
Further Vaude highlights in the bikepacking programme are the new and, as always, waterproof bag combinations Trailmulti (40 euros) and the top tube pannier bag Trail guide for 50 euros. Both systems also have an insertable pack sack. Superbly practical! The Trailmulti can be adjusted on the fork, the down tube or the seat stays - depending on where there is space available.
The trail guide is designed for the top tube and is therefore easily accessible while pedalling. For day trips or walks, the packsack can easily be converted into a shoulder bag. With a pack size of 49 litres on the bike and 28 litres on the back, nothing stands in the way of a bikepacking adventure with plenty of luggage.
Geosmina - The be-all and end-all: weather protection and a firm hold
Geosmin is the fabric that creates the intense and characteristic odour of damp earth. True to the motto "Geosmina will be your best adventure buddy", the Spanish bag manufacturer has specialised in waterproof, yet lightweight bikepacking bags that are also PVC-free and therefore recyclable.
New size for frame bags
Geosmina have focussed on a new design for their 2020 frame bag collection. The Small and Large sizes from the previous series have been expanded to include the Medium size. This means there is the right frame bag for every need.
The Medium Frame Bag (50 euros) holds 3.5 litres and, like all other frame bags in the range, is waterproof and extremely durable thanks to its 210D nylon coating. Thanks to numerous smaller inner pockets, keys, mobile phone and other items can be stowed away safely and quickly. The seven attachment points guarantee a secure hold even on bumpy sections and integrated reflectors ensure safety when riding in the dark.
Geosmina's saddlebags stand out with new fastening clips on the straps. These stabilise the bag better and allow up to 5 kg of weight to be carried in the 10 or 15 litre saddlebags for a good 90 to 100 euros. In addition, the bag has been fitted with particularly resistant material at the friction points with the seat post, which greatly reduces wear caused by friction and at the same time ensures stability.
Tighter fit of the new Cargo Bag
With the new Cargo Bag for forks (4 litres, 43 euros), Geosmina developers have focused on greater stability. The position of the straps has been shifted so that the bag holder can be better fixed to the fork and sits firmly and stably when biking.
The tough riders who brave the elements at the Strathpuffer24 in Scotland are also not afraid of damp ground. Henri Lesewitz also lined up at the starting line for the toughest 24-hour mountain bike race. The report can be found in
BIKE 4/2020
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