15 Best Bike Handlebar Bags For Bikepacking & Tourers 2024 (Small To Large)
/The unassuming bike handlebar bag is often the last bike item one thinks of having when out bikepacking, commuting or touring.
However, a bike handlebar bag can be as important as carrying your wallet.
Not many people would think bike handlebar bags as essential for being out on a bike, but I personally think I can’t do without one.
I ride with a bike handlebar bag to almost anywhere and I find it useful to carry extra food, storing my phone and sometimes my camera gear as well.
It has made me realised the importance of having a front-load carrier!
Choosing the best handlebar bag for your bike style varies and it is important to take note of whether you have flat bars, drop bars and if this has an effect on your bike steering.
Why carry a bike handlebar bag?
The best bike handlebar bag can fit into almost any bike. Here’s me bicycle touring in kyrgyzstan.
The no.1 reason why bike handlebar bags are popular is that there’s no need to use a pannier rack and they fit onto almost any bike with its quick release system.
The general ease of use, easy access to tools, maps, snacks and camera are just some of the few reasons why people opt to have a good handlebar bag.
It is also not a must-have item but if you’re constantly stopping to get your cash out and need to have your valuables close to you; a bike handlebar bag shaves off extra seconds by letting you grab your bag instead of rummaging around in your panniers or jersey back pocket.
What’s your cycling style?
There are no rules on what bike should carry the best bike handlebar bag. But it is commonly well suited for touring and bikepackers!
The bike handlebar bag is predominantly seen on bikepackers as it often has more than just one purpose.
It could be a sling bag, a pouch and even double up as your go-to wallet or even work on a 2-day bikepacking trip.
There are no rules on what bike should carry a bike handlebar bag. But it is commonly well suited for touring and bikepackers!
Today’s bike handlebar bag varies in design and comes with a quick release mounting system that keeps the bag forward and away from your handlebars, plus you could have space mount your GPS, phone, computer and lights.
Also Read: The Beginner's Guide To Start Bike Touring: How To Travel With A Bicycle
What to put in a bike handlebar bag?
Anything that you will be using in the next one hour or so should be in the front handlebar bag. This is what I carry in my bike handlebar bag.
It usually includes my portable Sony A6000 Camera, sunscreen, sunglasses, wallet, snacks, small first aid kit and my phone.
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Also Read: Best Smartwatch For Cycling & All Day Riding
Best Bike Handlebar Bags for 2024
1. Topeak Frontloader Handlebar Bag
Of durable quality and lightweight built, Topeak frontloader handlebar bag works great for bikepacking style rides.
You can easily and securely mount it to the handlebar and head tube with adjustable straps. The 325g bag is waterproof and perfect for carrying light yet bulky items like spare clothing and your key essentials.
If you’re in for a lightweight setup style and do not want that extra bulk, Topeak bag makes it easy to load all that you need for short trips no matter the terrain.
2. Topeak TourGuide Handlebar Bag
If you are looking for a spacious handlebar bag that allows you to store camera essentials and go on long trips, the Topeak TourGuide Handlebar Bag is your go-to bag.
It is one of Topeak’s largest capacity handlebar bag featuring a QuickClick mount and shoulder strap that makes it easy to take it with you even as a messenger bag.
You also have one large, fully padded, divided main compartment with zippered front and top pockets help keep gear organized. This is perfect for extended touring, day trips and commuting.
The total capacity is 8.1L featuring a max load of 5kg.
3. Rock Bros Handlebar Bag
You don’t need expensive bike touring gear to go on a trip around the world.
Rock bros handlebar bag are proof of getting the best value for your money without sacrificing quality and durability.
The best thing about these bike bags are its multi application and ability to suit any weather and outdoor terrain.
You could adjust the capacity and bike handlebar roll on any of your long travels need from 7 to 14L.
It is also a great size to fit a 3 person tent, sleeping bag and clothing which you may need to keep dry.
4. Blackburn Outpost Elite Handlebar Roll and Dry Bike Bag
If you’re out for an epic expedition value a dry bag system, the Blackburn outpost elite handlebar roll is spacious and will mount to any handlebar configuration.
The inner bag can quickly and easily be removed from harness, without having to detach the harness from the bike.
The advantage is that is saves time, is more secure and allows you to carry odd/oversized items or use your favourite aftermarket bags.
The waterproof dry bag features a scuba style air bleed valve so that you can pack your bag as tight as you need, and not have to worry about leaks.
This is an allrounder for bikepacking expedition and those who value a good spacious setup!
5. Sahoo Bike Handlebar Bag
Functional bags are godsent when you don’t have to break the bank and can still get a quality bike handlebar bag!
For the right price, the Sahoo bike handlebar bag gets you a decent handlebar bag that can store all your daily essentials, bike tools, cycling accessories and multiple day supplies.
The current capacity for this bag is 7 litres. The boxy features makes it easy to store all that you need and because it is waterproof, you won’t have to double bag anything!
6. Roswheel Allnice Bike Handlebar Bag
An all-rounded bag that works two ways: a shoulder bag and bike handlebar bag.
Roswheel bags have repeatedly shown to be of the best value.
The lightweight mesh material makes it really easy to store power bars at the side and even put in your camera!
Total capacity is 5L and this works great for any kind of bike be it a folding bike or a road bike.
7. OBOVA Bike Handlebar Bags
The Obova bike handlebar bag has a study and lightweight frame that is not too large and not too small either, striking the right balance as a medium-sized “goldilocks” bike handlebar bag.
The bag has a main pocket providing enough room to hold your bikepacking necessities such as a water bottle, repair tool kit or snack.
You can navigate your ride easily via the touch-screen phone pocket that has a zipper securing your cell phone or map. The bike bag's design is rooted from understanding cyclists.
The detachable shoulder strap gives you flexibility and allows you to transform your handlebar bag into a convenient shoulder bag.
8. Kulie Bicycle Handlebar Bag
Not all bicycle bags need to be bulky and to be made for trips — if you are looking for a clutch-style bicycle bag (basically an in-between bag), Kulie’s bags are designed to snuggly fit onto your bike handlebars with simple, sturdy 2-point straps.
If you are looking for a compact bar bag, this is your go-to. Easy-open strap top allows one-handed access even as you ride.
Whether you ride on the road, gravel, or mountain, this clutch style bag is ideal for your essentials.
The trendy pouch is made of a 600D Cordura shell and boasts a hand-molded, firm body to keep your essentials dry and safe in rain or snow.
The 1L-capacity bicycle pouch makes it easy to store your keys, phone and snacks. It’s great for one of those trips where you don’t need to pack a load!
9. Rhinowalk 2PC Bike Handlebar Bag
A 2pc bike handlebar bag that provides plenty of ways to attach on your bicycle touring trip!
With a large capacity of up to 12L, you can be guaranteed that all your belongings will be able to be stored in this lightweight waterproof bike handlebar bag.
The removable front bag can be expanded to about 4L to store your mobile phones, wallets and other things required.
For the price point, you can’t really beat this solid bike handlebar bag. It is an excellent bag and not too bulky either.
10. WARNERS WHEELS Handle Bar Bag
The minimalist and retro bike handlebar bags can be quite a vintage and stylish addition to your bike setup!
It doesn’t matter if you’re an everyday bicycle commuter or you simply enjoy the occasional weekend escapade, this cool khaki coloured bike handlebar is quite an upgrade from the usual black and rugged bikepacking handlebar bag.
The bag is made with premium quality, highly durable materials, a combination of non-tear water-resistant canvas with outer wax layer and soft enuine leather straps.
There also multiple mounting positions — it need not be on your handlebar and you can shift it to your bike frame. This also works as a great gift for your future bicycle touring friends!
11. Bushwhacker Waco Black
This is one of those super affordable bike handlebar bags where you don’t think twice and just buy it anyway as an option.
An extremely useful, compact handlebar bag that is generally well made and works great for any cycling trips.
If you’re not looking for an overly engineered bike bag, the Bushwhacker works great as a simple and intuitive bike bag perfect for storing your bike kit, compact clothing and snacks as well as your wallet.
There is no structure when the bag is full but works as a great simple bag for last-minute trips.
12. Lumiere & Co. Bike Handlebar Bag
A minimalist and simple bike handlebar bag that is fuss-free and does a slick job in craftsmanship.
The Lumiere & Co. bike handlebar bag is well constructed to handle the elements and its quick-release system makes it easy to securely fasten the bag to the handlebars.
Gone are the days with bulky handlebar systems and too many zippers. This company makes a big deal about minimalism and delivers a robust bike handlebar bag.
It comes with a sophisticated and technical-inspired stainless steel strap to create an on the go shoulder bag.
If you're looking for a small to mid-sized handlebar bag for your bike, this is one of the best value in quality for your dollar you will find out there plus the packaging is really nice making it the perfect gift for your bicycle tourer friend!
13. UrbanTourist Kulie (5L)
Adding to the list of the best bike handlebar bags is the UrbanTourist Kulie that doubles up as a crossbody bag.
If you’re one of those cyclists who will find every reason to go out, even to run errands or to the grocery mart, the UrbanTourist Kulie makes it a convenient option!
It is the perfect city and commuting companion, the UrbanTourist Kulie is a sleek and professional handbag or cross-body that you can quickly and easily attach to your bicycle handlebar.
The mounting element on the back of the UrbanTourist is unobtrusive and won't be a chafing hassle carrying the bag on body.
14. Rhinowalk Bike Handlebar Bag
If you genuinely like a different colour that’s not black but a khaki green with great functionality, the Rhinowalk Bike handlebar bag is worth a buy.
The height of this bicycle bag is relatively low. It is very practical after installing it on the handlebar of the bicycle without affecting the use of the stopwatch, lights and other items.
The front bag is 24.5 cm long and 10 cm wide. The capacity is 2.4L, which can easily accommodate mobile phones, power banks, wireless earphones, wallets, energy bars, cycling glasses and so on.
It is well-made and honestly, well-priced for the overall make of this bag!
15. Po Campo Bike Bags
Sometimes the usual bags can be pretty drab, with funky colours and aztec designs. Po Campo bike bags are made for the standout bicycle tourers and bikepackers.
The bag has six pockets and can hold up to 15 lbs, making it perfect for touring, commuting, campus runs, or any urban and outdoor bike rides.
Manufactured with vegan, waterproof materials and water-protected zippers, this PoCampo Kinga Bike Basket can withstand rain and snow and is easy to clean. The reflective accents provide extra visibility for night cycling.
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Got a favourite? Share with me in the comments below on your favourite bike handlebar bag!
