The front bag
Up to 15 LThe front bag is the perfect place for all your sleep gear and clothes. Around 15 litres is usually right, though racers and minimalists go for smaller models.
Pack it by use. The sleeping bag goes in first (and comes out last); riding layers go in last and will probably come out first.
The sleeping bag takes up most of the space. A synthetic bag takes far more room than a good down one, so factor in the gear you already own before buying bikepacking bags.
The seat bag
Up to 20 LThe seat bag has plenty of advantages and some drawbacks. It can hold up to 20 litres, which gives the bike a long tail. You'll need to secure it so it doesn't sway, and with heavy items inside it can sag onto the rear wheel.
It's perfect for food or an extra water bladder.
Push the heavy items all the way in and keep the lightest near the opening. With rear suspension, sit on the saddle and check the bag doesn't touch the rear wheel, or even come close.
The frame bag
Up to 14 LFrame bags come in many shapes, from ones that fill the whole triangle to small rectangles, but they top out at around 14 litres.
For a two- or three-day ride you don't really need one, unless your sleeping bag is big and fills most of the front bag.
So what goes in it? Repair kit, things you don't need while riding, and all the odds and ends you don't know where to put, most of which you don't really need.
Call it the fear bag: the more you ride, the emptier it gets.
So how many litres do you really need?
25–50 LThe maximum is about 50 litres, but 35 is enough for most rides, and 25–30 litres will do for two or even three days.
You can always load more with bags beside the handlebar and on the top tube, adding over 40 litres, but that makes the bike very, very heavy. At some point it pays to upgrade your gear to cut weight and volume.
It takes a lot of trial and gear management, but the more experience you gain, the better you know what you really need to take.
More items worth knowing
Beyond the three main bags, a few small items make a big difference on the road.
Top-tube bag
0.5–1.5 LSits on the top tube right behind the stem. The place for snacks, your phone and power bank: everything you want to reach without stopping.
Stem bags
0.5–1 LHang beside the stem on either side. They hold a bottle, snacks or glasses, so you can eat and drink while riding.
Fork cages
1.5–3 L eachBolt onto the fork mounts. Perfect for big water bottles, a stove or tent poles. Check your fork has mounts before buying.
Hydration vest or small backpack
3–6 LIn the desert, water is the heaviest and most important item. A small vest adds another bladder when the bags are full. Keep it light to spare your back.
Voile straps
2–4 strapsTough rubber straps that secure anything: a pad on the bars, a swaying bag or gear that won't fit. Cheap, light and ride-saving.
Dry bags
As neededEven when bags are "water resistant", a dry bag inside the front bag keeps your sleeping bag and clothes dry in rain or river crossings.
Ready to pack?
Every bag type, and a gear list you can check off and download as a PDF.
