Arkel's frame bag brings Canadian-made practicality with roomy capacity, customizable internal layouts, and heavy-duty zippers that prioritize payload over minimum weight. It tends to be more affordable than Apidura's lightest offerings while providing greater volume and easier packing, though it is bulkier and not as aerodynamically trimmed as some competitors. That combination makes Arkel a compelling choice for riders who value cargo volume and rugged construction on extended tours without paying a high ultralight premium.
Bulletproof zippers
Tailored fit
Bulletproof zippers
Tailored fit
Review Summary
"Arkel frame bags are reviewed as very well-built and thoughtfully designed with good access and hardy zippers, favored by riders who want a tailored fit and longevity; downsides mentioned include heavier weight and higher cost compared with ultralight options. Most users find them dependable for frequent, long-term use."
Packing wizardry
Manufactured in Canada using heavy-duty, water-resistant textiles built for longevity.
Packing wizardry
Manufactured in Canada using heavy-duty, water-resistant textiles built for longevity.
Time-Saving Convenience
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Arkel's frame bag brings Canadian-made practicality with roomy capacity, customizable internal layouts, and heavy-duty zippers that prioritize payload over minimum weight. It tends to be more affordable than Apidura's lightest offerings while providing greater volume and easier packing, though it is bulkier and not as aerodynamically trimmed as some competitors. That combination makes Arkel a compelling choice for riders who value cargo volume and rugged construction on extended tours without paying a high ultralight premium.
Bulletproof zippers
Tailored fit
Packing wizardry
Manufactured in Canada using heavy-duty, water-resistant textiles built for longevity.
Thoughtful compartment layout and reinforced mounting for heavy or irregular loads.
Bulletproof zippers
Tailored fit
Packing wizardry
Manufactured in Canada using heavy-duty, water-resistant textiles built for longevity.
Thoughtful compartment layout and reinforced mounting for heavy or irregular loads.
$180-280 CAD
Rocky Mountain Barkeep Handlebar Bag
The Barkeep is tailored for riders who prefer quick-access organization over maximum volume: its top-loading lid and pockets make it ideal for day rides, bikepacking shuttles, or gravel runs where frequent access beats a sealed roll. It’s typically more affordable and more user-friendly than large expedition rolls, though it sacrifices the waterproof welded protection and high-capacity shaping of Ortlieb and Apidura.
Top-access pocket
Beer-themed cheekiness
Top-access pocket
Beer-themed cheekiness
Review Summary
"Owners appreciate the Rocky Mountain Barkeep for its smart layout, sturdy materials and compact, bike-friendly profile, making it a nice option for short to medium bikepacking runs. Fewer reviews overall and a slightly higher price than similar-capacity alternatives leave some buyers leaning toward more established brands for long-term touring."
Organizer magic
Compact design with front pocket for items you need on the go.
Organizer magic
Compact design with front pocket for items you need on the go.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Barkeep is tailored for riders who prefer quick-access organization over maximum volume: its top-loading lid and pockets make it ideal for day rides, bikepacking shuttles, or gravel runs where frequent access beats a sealed roll. It’s typically more affordable and more user-friendly than large expedition rolls, though it sacrifices the waterproof welded protection and high-capacity shaping of Ortlieb and Apidura.
Top-access pocket
Beer-themed cheekiness
Organizer magic
Compact design with front pocket for items you need on the go.
Semi-rigid structure keeps bag shape while providing mount stability.
Top-access pocket
Beer-themed cheekiness
Organizer magic
Compact design with front pocket for items you need on the go.
Semi-rigid structure keeps bag shape while providing mount stability.
$90-140 CAD
Rocky Mountain Barkeep DLX Seat Pack
The Rocky Mountain Barkeep DLX Seat Pack reflects a bike-maker’s approach to saddle packs with thoughtful fit, reinforced attachments and trail-oriented details that suit aggressive mountain riders. It positions itself between premium lightweight and value models by offering tailored integration and durability—an attractive option for riders who want gear matched to their frames and willing to pay a modest premium for brand-specific fit and finish.
Tool-roll home
Saddle-slim profile
Tool-roll home
Saddle-slim profile
Review Summary
"Users generally praise the Barkeep DLX for solid construction, stable fit and useful pockets at a reasonable price. A minority report fit issues on some frames and less weather resistance compared with top-tier seat packs."
Camp-ready stash
Tapered, low-profile design optimized for rear-wheel and trail clearance.
Camp-ready stash
Tapered, low-profile design optimized for rear-wheel and trail clearance.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Rocky Mountain Barkeep DLX Seat Pack reflects a bike-maker’s approach to saddle packs with thoughtful fit, reinforced attachments and trail-oriented details that suit aggressive mountain riders. It positions itself between premium lightweight and value models by offering tailored integration and durability—an attractive option for riders who want gear matched to their frames and willing to pay a modest premium for brand-specific fit and finish.
Tool-roll home
Saddle-slim profile
Camp-ready stash
Tapered, low-profile design optimized for rear-wheel and trail clearance.
Durable exterior fabric with an internal stiffener for stability.
Tool-roll home
Saddle-slim profile
Camp-ready stash
Tapered, low-profile design optimized for rear-wheel and trail clearance.
Durable exterior fabric with an internal stiffener for stability.
$120-180 CAD
Arkel's Top Tube Bag is a durable, feature-rich option that emphasizes organized storage and everyday usability, with roomy compartments and rugged materials suited for longer bikepacking tours and commuting alike. It tends to offer more internal organization and capacity at a competitive price versus the race-focused Apidura or the minimalist Revelate options, making it a practical pick for riders who want utility over pure weight savings. The technical advantage is its thoughtful pocketing and build quality that balances weather resistance with organizational versatility.
Organization maestro
Reflective trim
Organization maestro
Reflective trim
Review Summary
"Arkel's Top Tube Bag earns praise for its robust construction, generous storage and reliable weather resistance, appealing to commuters and bikepackers who want durability over minimal weight. Some users find it bulkier and heavier than ultralight options, but most owners report excellent long-term durability and dependable zippers/closures."
Zipper fortress
Reinforced exterior panels and heavy-duty zippers built for long-term durability.
Zipper fortress
Reinforced exterior panels and heavy-duty zippers built for long-term durability.
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
Arkel's Top Tube Bag is a durable, feature-rich option that emphasizes organized storage and everyday usability, with roomy compartments and rugged materials suited for longer bikepacking tours and commuting alike. It tends to offer more internal organization and capacity at a competitive price versus the race-focused Apidura or the minimalist Revelate options, making it a practical pick for riders who want utility over pure weight savings. The technical advantage is its thoughtful pocketing and build quality that balances weather resistance with organizational versatility.
Organization maestro
Reflective trim
Zipper fortress
Reinforced exterior panels and heavy-duty zippers built for long-term durability.
Spacious main compartment with internal pockets for tools, phone, and snacks.
Organization maestro
Reflective trim
Zipper fortress
Reinforced exterior panels and heavy-duty zippers built for long-term durability.
Spacious main compartment with internal pockets for tools, phone, and snacks.
$110-170 CAD
Ortlieb’s Seat-Pack is the market leader for waterproof reliability and long-term durability, using welded seams and a true roll-top closure that keeps contents dry in the wettest conditions. Although heavier and sometimes pricier up front than fabric-based rivals, its proven waterproofing and robust construction reduce replacement and repair costs over time, making it the go-to choice for riders prioritizing weather resistance over minimal weight. Compared with Apidura and Porcelain Rocket, Ortlieb trades a bit of weight and streamlined fit for unmatched peace-of-mind in foul weather.
Stormproof seal
Rock-solid buckle
Stormproof seal
Rock-solid buckle
Review Summary
"Reviewers consistently highlight the Ortlieb Seat-Pack's exceptional waterproofing, simple roll-top design, and long-lasting construction, while a few call out its bulk and slightly heavier weight versus ultralight alternatives. It's frequently recommended when weather protection is a top priority."
Classic German
Proven fully waterproof roll-closure system that keeps gear dry in heavy rain and river splashes.
Classic German
Proven fully waterproof roll-closure system that keeps gear dry in heavy rain and river splashes.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Ortlieb’s Seat-Pack is the market leader for waterproof reliability and long-term durability, using welded seams and a true roll-top closure that keeps contents dry in the wettest conditions. Although heavier and sometimes pricier up front than fabric-based rivals, its proven waterproofing and robust construction reduce replacement and repair costs over time, making it the go-to choice for riders prioritizing weather resistance over minimal weight. Compared with Apidura and Porcelain Rocket, Ortlieb trades a bit of weight and streamlined fit for unmatched peace-of-mind in foul weather.
Stormproof seal
Rock-solid buckle
Classic German
Proven fully waterproof roll-closure system that keeps gear dry in heavy rain and river splashes.
Robust mounting straps and reinforcement to handle heavy loads without shifting.
Stormproof seal
Rock-solid buckle
Classic German
Proven fully waterproof roll-closure system that keeps gear dry in heavy rain and river splashes.
Robust mounting straps and reinforcement to handle heavy loads without shifting.
$180-260 CAD
Osprey Raptor 14 is best-in-class for fit, ventilation and rider-focused organization, featuring a sculpted backpanel and secure hipbelt pockets that deliver superior on-bike comfort and load management. It typically costs a bit more than simpler hydration packs like the CamelBak or the Dakine, but outperforms them in airflow, stability and trail-oriented ergonomics, while remaining lighter and more agile than heavier protective models such as the Evoc FR Enduro 16.
Fit like a glove
Ventilated backpanel
Fit like a glove
Ventilated backpanel
Review Summary
"Reviewers consistently highlight the Osprey Raptor 14's snug, stable harness, high-quality construction and smart pocketing for rides, though some want more hipbelt storage and fewer small compartments."
Trail-tool organizer
Ships with a 2.5L Hydraulics reservoir and a magnetic bite-valve attachment for easy access.
Trail-tool organizer
Ships with a 2.5L Hydraulics reservoir and a magnetic bite-valve attachment for easy access.
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Osprey Raptor 14 is best-in-class for fit, ventilation and rider-focused organization, featuring a sculpted backpanel and secure hipbelt pockets that deliver superior on-bike comfort and load management. It typically costs a bit more than simpler hydration packs like the CamelBak or the Dakine, but outperforms them in airflow, stability and trail-oriented ergonomics, while remaining lighter and more agile than heavier protective models such as the Evoc FR Enduro 16.
Fit like a glove
Ventilated backpanel
Trail-tool organizer
Ships with a 2.5L Hydraulics reservoir and a magnetic bite-valve attachment for easy access.
AirScape ventilated backpanel and adjustable harness deliver a stable, breathable fit for aggressive rides.
Fit like a glove
Ventilated backpanel
Trail-tool organizer
Ships with a 2.5L Hydraulics reservoir and a magnetic bite-valve attachment for easy access.
AirScape ventilated backpanel and adjustable harness deliver a stable, breathable fit for aggressive rides.
$200-260 CAD
The Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack 5L is chosen for bikepacking when weather resistance and durable, recycled fabric are top priorities—its bombproof construction protects gear far better than many standard hip packs. While it isn’t as bike-specific in suspension as Evoc or Thule, it delivers standout longevity and sustainability credentials that can save money over time by resisting wear and protecting electronics and clothing. Riders who mix bikepacking with travel or want a low-maintenance, highly weatherproof waist pack will find the Black Hole a compelling, long-term investment.
Weatherproof shell
Recycled fabric
Weatherproof shell
Recycled fabric
Review Summary
"The Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack 5L receives strong marks for bombproof weather-resistant fabric, clean organization and everyday versatility; reviewers appreciate the ruggedness but mention it’s slightly heavier than ultralight alternatives. It’s especially popular for those wanting a weatherproof, long-lasting pack. "
Planet-minded charm
Made from weather-resistant Black Hole fabric to protect gear in wet bikepacking conditions
Planet-minded charm
Made from weather-resistant Black Hole fabric to protect gear in wet bikepacking conditions
Eco-Friendly Living
Recreational Enjoyment
The Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack 5L is chosen for bikepacking when weather resistance and durable, recycled fabric are top priorities—its bombproof construction protects gear far better than many standard hip packs. While it isn’t as bike-specific in suspension as Evoc or Thule, it delivers standout longevity and sustainability credentials that can save money over time by resisting wear and protecting electronics and clothing. Riders who mix bikepacking with travel or want a low-maintenance, highly weatherproof waist pack will find the Black Hole a compelling, long-term investment.
Weatherproof shell
Recycled fabric
Planet-minded charm
Made from weather-resistant Black Hole fabric to protect gear in wet bikepacking conditions
5L capacity with a low-profile shape that stays stable on the hips while riding
Weatherproof shell
Recycled fabric
Planet-minded charm
Made from weather-resistant Black Hole fabric to protect gear in wet bikepacking conditions
5L capacity with a low-profile shape that stays stable on the hips while riding
$80-120 CAD