Having to juggle all your items while trying to maintain your balance at the same time can be extremely frustrating – as every biker can attest to. A good bike saddle bag can help you have all your essentials within your reach and safe from the elements, saving you a ton of headaches.
The best bike saddle bags are the Brooks Saddle Pocket Bag and the Ortlieb Two Saddle Bag. The Brooks has a rugged design and is built for the roughest terrain. The Ortlieb can be used effectively in low light conditions. The Blackburn Outpost Seat Pack is expensive but definitely worth the money.
If you are looking for the perfect bike saddle bag that would meet your needs, feel free to go through this list of the best bike saddle bags that I have accumulated.
Best Bicycle Pouch Bags
- WOTOW Bike Saddle Bag
- Blackburn Outpost Seat Pack (High End)
- Arundel Dual Seat Bag
- LEZYNE Caddy QR Rail Mount Saddle Bag
- Brooks England Scape Saddle Pocket Bag (Top Pick)
- Ortlieb Two Saddle Bag (Budget Buy)
- Speedsleev Ranger Cycling Adventure Pack
- Topeak Aero Wedge Pack
- Evoc Seat Bag Tour Saddle Bag
- SCICON Compact 430″ Saddle Bag
Compare Top Pouches for Road, Mountain, and Gravel Bikes
Product | Overall Score | Bottom Line | Price |
---|---|---|---|
WOTOW Bike Saddle Bag | 79 | Best for compatibility and storage space | Check Out On Amazon |
Blackburn Outpost Seat Pack | 71 | Best handy dry sack that maintains quality | Check Out On Amazon |
Arundel Dual Seat Bag | 79 | Best for effortless assembly | Check Out On Amazon |
LEZYNE Caddy QR Rail Mount Saddle Bag | 84 | Best for use in rainy weather conditions | Check Out On Amazon |
Brooks England Scape Saddle Pocket Bag | 89 | Best for rugged terrain | Check Out On Amazon |
Ortlieb Two Saddle Bag | 77 | Best for use in low light conditions | Check Out On Amazon |
Speedsleev Ranger Cycling Adventure Pack | 82 | Best for secure storage and handy rain cover | Check Out On Amazon |
Topeak Aero Wedge Pack | 87 | Best for easy fix and release system | Check Out On Amazon |
Evoc Seat Bag Tour Saddle Bag | 75 | Best for mesh pockets for storing essentials | Check Out On Amazon |
SCICON SOFT 350 RL Saddle Bag | 78 | Best for being mid-range and budget-friendly | Check Out On Amazon |
Detailed Analysis of the Best Bike Pouches
Are you searching for the best bike saddle bag for your needs? You’ve come to the right place!
In the following guide, we’re going to give you a list that we managed to compile after many hours of research and testing.
After that, we’ll go through a helpful checklist of points to consider to help you make the right choice.
1. WOTOW Bike Saddle Bag
Overall Score: 79
WOTOW’s saddle bag is not your average saddle bag. It’s made from a 600D polyester with adjustable straps and a convenient zipper.
It’s compatible with different bikes and features an aerodynamic wedge shape that has an interior pocket as well as an external mesh pocket, so you’ll have plenty of storage for your essentials.
It has a convenient quick and release mechanism and includes a multi-tool that comes with a chain breaker, a T-25 Torx, a Phillips screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, a solid wrench, and an Allen wrench.
There’s also a stainless-steel bike chain that comes with this to make sure your chain doesn’t come out or detach when you’re out and about doing your thing.
As the chain is the most important part of a bike, keeping a good brand of chain lube on hand is crucial. Feel free to check out my comprehensive guide on the best bike chain lube for a detailed overview!
This is all in addition to a tire pry bar that comes in handy if you ever need to take a tire off or change it.
Advantages
- Features scratch-free plastic levers
- Large enough to fit a tube in the interior
- Comes with a repair tool kit
- Easy to carry
- Aerodynamic wedge shape
Disadvantages
- Requires more hex screws
- Doesn’t come with an anti-theft mechanism
2. Blackburn Outpost Seat Pack
Overall Score: 71
This is more than a regular saddle bag. In fact, it has an 10.5 liter capacity which isn’t normal for a regular saddlebag, and is even more surprising when you consider that it weighs only 572 grams.
So, how can you attach it to your bicycle then? You basically hook it onto the seat post and saddle. The best part is that it has a handy dry sack that helps to maintain quality and functionality.
Thanks to its size, this saddle bag doubles as a mudguard, but if you have carbon seat posts, then you might want to consider another option because it’s not great for that purpose.
Advantages
- Weighs only 572 g
- Small dimensions of 7.09 × 7.87 × 13.39 in
- It has an aluminum construction
- Capacity of 10.5 litres
- Scuba-style air bleed valve
Disadvantages
- Difficult to install
- Has design flaws
- Does not have an appealing look
3. Arundel Dual Seat Bag
Overall Score: 79
Arundel has done it again with this amazing dual seat bag. It can handle two tubes, and you don’t have to anchor it to the seat post which makes for effortless assembly.
In the middle of the bag is a zip and it protects your saddle from water thanks to the fact that the carrier is located in the middle.
Our only problem with this bag is the fact that it’s missing a waterproof element and it doesn’t have DWR coating.
Advantages
- Highly recommended for cycling
- Has beneficial dimensions of 27 cubic inches
- Comes with zipper enclosure
- Seatpost mount
- Made from durable nylon
Disadvantages
- It’s not very secure
- Could be bigger
4. LEZYNE Caddy QR Rail Mount Saddle Bag
Overall Score: 84
Next in our list of the best mountain bike pouches, we have this saddle bag from LEZYNE. It’s available in different sizes to attach to the saddle rails on your bike.
It’s primarily made from nylon and features water-resistant zippers which means you can easily use it in rainy weather conditions. It also features a neoprene pocket in medium.
Keep in mind that this isn’t a quick-release method which means you’ll need some time to take it on and off. Weighing only 68 grams, it has a storage capacity of 0.5 liters.
Advantages
- Quick-release rail mount
- Well-made
- Award-winning functional design
- Looks very good
Disadvantages
- Don’t be surprised if it starts coming apart at the seams
5. Brooks England Scape Saddle Pocket Bag
Overall Score: 89
The Brooks Isle of Wight saddle bag is designed for rugged terrain which should come as no surprise considering that it’s inspired by one of the roughest places that one can explore.
It has a sporty and sleek look which betrays its incredibly functional design, plus it comes highly recommended by experts.
Features a waterproof and rugged design and comes in mud green color. I have accumulated a list of the best waterproof backpacks. Feel free to check it out!
Advantages
- Made with polyester
- Comes with an easy-pull zipper
- Very easy and quick to mount
- Super stylish and functional design
- Made from water-resistant and rugged materials
Disadvantages
- The clamp isn’t that great
6. Ortlieb Two Saddle Bag
Overall Score: 77
Ortlieb is a very favored brand in the cycling community as they’re known for producing waterproof and rugged products that help to make cycling easier and more convenient.
It’s a small seat bag that comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes with high visibility Polyurethane (PU), Nylon fabric that makes for more safety in low light conditions.
Not only that but it’s backed by a five-year warranty which means the company is very confident in the quality and functionality of this product.
Advantages
- Perfect for use in low light and rugged conditions
- Comes with useful straps that make it super easy to attach this to the saddle
- Comes with D-ring and buckle roll closure
- The bag won’t move thanks to Velcro straps
- Snap lock for easy attach
Disadvantages
- It’s not as secure as you’d think
7. Speedsleev Ranger Cycling Adventure Pack
Overall Score: 82
This adventure pack from Speedsleev is a unique creation that definitely deserves to be on this list of the best road bike saddle bags on the market.
It’s constructed from a trio of Velcro straps with the interior part having tire lever sleeves, while the hook and loop closures are great for keeping things like CO2 canisters and such.
The great thing is that it’s well-positioned in a flat position and it features a very handy rain cover to keep things like your spare tube.
Although you can only attach it to your saddle rails, you don’t have to worry about it swinging around, no matter what type of terrain you end up in.
Advantages
- Made from sturdy Velcro straps
- Nice and compact
- Comes with hook and loop closures
- Easy to use
- Super durable
Disadvantages
- Straps can feel a short
- Waterproofing is a bit iffy
8. Topeak Aero Wedge Pack
Overall Score: 87
The Topeak Aero Wedge Pack is attached to your bike seat with a click mounting system that uses an easy fix and release system.
This is in addition to a great front zipper that allows for easy surface opening so you can place all of your essentials inside.
There are reflective strips on the front that keep you visible in low light conditions, as well as a receptor that allows you to place a bike light for extra safety. Plus, you can choose from four sizes.
Advantages
- Comes with an elastic pouch
- The larger sizes are big enough to store your entire kit
- Rugged and durable design
- Reflective strips
Disadvantages
- It’s not water-resistant
- Not available in small sizes
9. Evoc Saddle Bag Tour Saddle Bag
Overall Score: 75
This saddle bag from Evoc comes in a variety of sizes with a minimum internal capacity of 0.65L.
It’s constructed from sturdy nylon material that’s coated with PU, the same material that Evoc uses to make its weather-resistant backpacks.
Inside the cycling tool pouch, you’ll find handy mesh pockets that you can use to store your phone, energy bar, and a few tiny essentials that’ll help keep you safe and hydrated while mountain biking off the beaten path.
In addition to its elegant finishes, the Ecov saddle bag comes in cheery and vibrant colors like flash yellow and standard black.
Advantages
- Safety-friendly reflective features
- Mesh pocket interior
- 1-liter volume
- Weighs only 3.9 ounces
- Constructed from 210 Denier ripstop nylon coated with polyurethane
Disadvantages
- Might be damaging to your seatpost
10. SCICON Compact 430″ Saddle Bag
Overall Score: 78
For a mid-range, budget-friendly option, look no further than this 430-inch saddle bag from SCICON. It features a roller 2.1 system which makes it super easy to use.
While this helps to keep it in place, it also means that you’ll have a hard time taking it from one bike to the next.
It has an external zip which helps to keep the internal Velcro strap in place. Weighing at 144 grams it has a capacity of 0.43 liters.
Advantages
- Comes with visibility improving light loop and reflective piping
- Made from carbon fiber optic and woven nylon both of which are very durable
- Comes with 2.1 mounting system which is patented
- Offers storage for your essentials
Disadvantages
- It’s not that durable
How to Choose the Best Pouches for Bikes?
Now that you know what the best bike pouches are on the market, it’s time to look at the things that you must consider before you make a choice.
Is It Compatible?
It’s crucial to check if the cycling pouch for bike is compatible with your bicycle. The good news is that most bikes are compatible with most road bike pouches so this shouldn’t be much of an issue.
With that said, you may want to check customer reviews of people with similar bikes to yours just to be sure.
What Sizes Does It Come In?
This is one of the first things that people take a look at when buying a new small bike pouch. The size will depend on whether you want it to fit onto your bike and not interfere with your joyrides.
Or if you’re more concerned with fitting all of the essentials you can to survive on your trip or if you use Fitbit to track biking.
The good news is that most bike pouches are available in several sizes to fit differently sized bikes.
How to Attach It onto Your Bike?
Most bicycle pouch bags are designed to stay out of your way when cycling so they don’t obstruct you.
They typically feature Velcro straps or a clip to keep them in place. Just make sure whatever method they use for attachment is able to come on and off effortlessly.
Is There a Way to Adjust It?
It might be helpful to have an adjustable bike that allows you to take as many or few items as you want for your bike ride.
The bigger the bag, the more accessories you can fit into it which is cheaper than buying a few small ones whose size you can’t adjust.
It is also helpful to know which biking accessories you should take to elevate your biking experience. For an in-depth guide, check out my article on the best bike accessories.
Does It Affect Your Bike’s Aerodynamics?
The aerodynamics of your bikes shouldn’t be affected by the bag because if that happens then you’ll end up with propulsion problems.
The good news is that most bike bags are incredibly easy to tuck under your seat so that you won’t even feel that it’s there.
Does It Come with Storage Compartments?
It might be a good idea to look into a bike pocket pouch or biking backpack that has different compartments in order to keep various items in for easy access and convenience.
Feel free to check out my list of best biking backpacks to find something that suits you.
This is typically better than a single compartment because it lets you store smaller items for ease of access.
Is It Resistant to Water?
Water-resistance is important to consider if you’re going riding in the rainy season or on trails with streams.
A waterproof bag or dirt bike backpack can maintain your mobile device and other essentials safe as you go through different parts of the rugged terrain.
If you are planning to indulge in some dirt biking, feel free check out my article on the best dirt biking backpacks!
Are There Any Safety Features?
Safety features are really important and include things such as reflective strips that allow you to remain visible when riding at night.
Look out for models of bike storage pouch that come with a hook that allows you to attach a tail light.
What About Extra Accessories?
If you’re lucky, you might get extra accessories with your bicycle tool pouches, such as a chain holder, tire lever, and other extras.
The Bike Should Be Compatible With the Pouch…
Make sure the bag you choose is compatible with your bike. Luckily, most bikes are compatible with most road bike saddle bags.
While the competition is quite tough, The Brooks England Scape Saddle Pocket Bag is an easy pick with its water resistant materials, and a sleek and stylish look betraying its incredibly functional design.
Now, with this guide, choose your ideal bike saddle bag and you would no longer have to worry about finding a secure place to keep your phone, keys, or any other essential items.