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Cost ★★★☆☆

Performance ★★★★☆

Overall ★★★★☆

Verdict: A useful and moderately-priced top tube bag with enough capacity for carrying important items that might be needed at short notice.


Another of the most useful bikepacking items I use is the Topeak Toploader top tube bag.

 

It has a capacity of 0.75 litres, which is enough space to store your essential items such as a phone, keys, wallet, or energy bars, however I use mine for carrying a thin waterproof jacket and bulkier snacks on bikepacking expeditions, as it keeps it quickly accessible for when it inevitably starts to rain.

 

Usefully, it seems to be easily reversible whichever end of the top tube you choose to mount it – whether that’s to the stem, or the seatpost. I use mine at the seatpost end and it doesn’t interfere with my pedalling thanks to the narrow, aerodynamic shape.

 

The bag is made of durable 420-denier nylon, and weighs in around 170 grams, so it’s moderately tough without being too heavy. It comes with a water-resistant coating to protect your gear from the elements; however, I don’t put anything in there that I need to keep dry (such as mobile phone, or map).

All in all, a great gear carriage method for your bikepacking setup!

Chris Shirley MA FRGS

About the Author: A former Royal Marines officer and advisor to the BBC, Chris has travelled in over 60 countries, is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, a Guinness World Record holder for rowing over 3500 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, a Marathon des Sables finisher, and is the founder of ‘Haus of Hiatus’, a website design and branding studio that designs and amplifies start-ups, scale-ups and special projects around the world.

He has worked with Hollywood actors, world–renowned musical artists and TV personalities, and is delighted to have had his work featured by the United Nations, Red Bull, BBC, and even seen at the South Pole!

https://www.hausofhiatus.com/team
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