USWE bikepacking bags: Shut up, monkey... well packed! - USWE bags for your bike

The Swedish manufacturer USWE with the likeably named and excellently functioning "No Dancing Monkey" harness system recently presented a new race hydration pack. Now the company from Malmö is stocking up and is launching a whole range of sporty bike bags for bikepacking, which are not like Bicycle rucksacks or hip bags worn on the body, but attached directly to the bike. USWE now offers a complete range of racing and adventure equipment for gravel and MTB races, including cycling clothing.

The new USWE bags for gravel bikes and MTBs range from the small saddle bag to the large "arse rocket" and from the small top tube bag to the huge frame bag. However, they are all designed to unite the following points:

• System compatibility: The frame bags and top tube bags can be used separately or together as a system by sharing straps to reduce the complexity of your bike pack. This also applies to the mounting of the handlebar bags and the accessory bag for the handlebars.
• Secure attachment: To be able to transfer the No Dancing Monkey technology to the bicycle frame, designers from USWE and Giant Loop (manufactures motorbike bags, more on that in a moment) worked together on this project and utilised their experience from the world of bags.
• Waterproof and robust: The welded, seamless construction and Diamond Ripstop fabric make the bags waterproof and hardwearing for all conditions.
• Low weight: The USWE developers have also paid special attention to the low weight of the bikepacking bags.
• Easy to use: Large zips and a no-frills design should make it easy to open and close the bags - even when wearing gloves.

USWE offers 9 different bikepacking bags

The entire range of bikepacking bags that USWE is now launching on the market comprises 9 models: 2 frame bags, 2 top tube bags, 2 saddle bags and 3 handlebar bags. The prices of the products are reasonable and comparable to those of the competition.

USWE frame bags large and small

The aerodynamic design of the frame bag with a length of 45 cm in the large version fits most frames from size M upwards. The small USWE frame bag is even better with a length of 35 cm and can also be integrated into smaller frames. They are attached to the top tube with three (or two) elasticated straps and secured with two Velcro strips at the front and rear. The large frame bag has a small cable outlet, e.g. for a light or power bank. The waterproof bikepacking bag is inspired by the motorbike luggage from Giant Loop, a sister brand of USWE.

Figures & data

• Weight: 160 g (large) / 132 g (small)
• Volume: 3.4 litres (large) / 2.6 litres (small)
• Price: 109 Euro (large) / 99 Euro (small)

Waterproof saddlebags large and small

The two saddlebags from USWE are very different in size: One is more of a companion for a short ride at the end of the day, in which you can put tools, bars and keys, while the other, with a volume of 9 litres, is a full-blown ass rocket for bikepacking. Unlike some other manufacturers, whose saddlebags consist of a holder (or holster) and a separate pannier, the large saddlebag from USWE is one piece. This means that you have to remove it completely to be able to load and unload it in your accommodation after the day's stage. However, there are no mounts on the frame that could possibly get lost - purely a matter of taste. A valve allows the air to escape from the bikepacking saddlebag when it is rolled up, making it easier to compress.

Saddlebags - Facts & Figures

• Weight: 380 g / 82 g (small)
• Volume: 9 l / 0.6 l (small)
• Price: 149 Euro / 39 Euro (small)

Bikepacking must-have: top tube or top tube bags

The Toptube bags differ only in the type of closure: zip or magnetic flap. They are both 23 cm long and 5 cm wide - just right for small items such as bars, sun cream or mini tools. The top tube bag is attached with 2 loops to the tube and one to the headset.

Toptube or top tube bag - facts & figures

• Weight: 104 g
• Volume: 1,2 l
• Price: 59 Euro

Bags for the handlebars: food pouch & handlebar bags large and small

USWE offers three different bag models for the handlebars. A small "Food Pouch" can be used as another bottle holder or as a container for snacks that you might want to eat while pedalling. At 20 cm high and 9 cm in diameter, that can be quite a lot.

The Small handlebar bag has a roll-top closure, so it can be opened and filled from above while it is already hanging on the handlebars. It is 26 cm wide and therefore fits between pretty much all dropbar handlebars. Although the small handlebar bag is only 6 cm thick, it can be filled between 14 and 20 cm upwards with a cap, gloves or rain jacket.

The Large handlebar bag is again aimed at the all-nighter and bikepacking faction. The bag called Handlebar Rolltop HERO by USWE requires at least 25.5 cm of space between the hoods and can expand up to 50 cm and more than 9 litres in volume thanks to the roll-top fasteners on both sides. This bag also has a valve to release excess air when closing. It is supplied with 10 spacers so that it also fits the vast majority of handlebar attachments.

Handlebar bags / Food Pounch - Facts & Figures

• Weight (large handlebar bag / small handlebar bag / food pouch): 327 g / 148 g / 76 g
• Volume: 9 l / 3.5 l / 1.4 l
• Price: 119 Euro / 59 Euro / 49 Euro

USWE utilises experience from the motorbike sector

As part of this project for the bikepacking bags, the designers at USWE and Giant Loop (USWE's sister company for motorbike luggage from the USA) wanted to develop the belt system for the bikepacking bags. No Dancing Monkey with the Giant Loop systems for attaching luggage to motorbikes. Incidentally, Giant Loop's motto is "Go Light. Go Fast. Go Far.", which also applies 100% to bikepacking. And because not only gravel bikes go on long tours, the USWE bags should also be suitable for MTBs and E-MTBs. However, you should always take precise measurements of your own frame to see whether the frame bag really fits into the polygon together with the shock or whether the handlebar bag makes contact with the front tyre without being asked when the fork compresses.