Saddle RACK or BAG?

Creating space on your bike for bikepacking gear is easy with the multitude of bikepacking bags available. Although handlebar and saddle bags have many different fastening systems depending on brand and price they are normally quite secure in the way they mount to the bike.

Bikepacking Saddle bag

Saddle bags are however more susceptible to movement depending on how they are packed and tend to sway or sag if not packed properly.

This phenomenon can cause distraction or even tire rub while riding.

Benefits of a saddle bag:

Very Versatile - Most saddle soft bags are adjustable in size and can accommodate small or larger gear items depending on the duration of your planned adventure bikepacking ride.

Mounting Points - can attach items to the outside of the bag and store items on top of the bag with draw string systems as standard features to most bags.

Turn Key Solution - No additional purchases are required as the bags come with all you will need to pack gear and secure the bag to your bike.

bikepacking saddle bag

To Consider:

Choices - There are many bag choices with various price points to consider, this makes it challenging to easily choose the right bag. Be sure to first test the fit of as many bags as you can before making your decision.

Setup - Setup might differ every time you pack the bag depending on what you take with you on tour, this makes it more challenging to get that perfect setup. That said it will take a few trips to get to grips with your bag making for easier packing for future bikepacking trips.

Saddle soft bag stabilizers are available if sway is something you consider to be a deal breaker.

Bikepacking Saddle Rack

More recently saddle mounted racks are becoming an alternative to consider before buying a soft saddle bag. I am using one myself for my bikepacking adventures.

These racks are affordable and easy to mount but you will need to purchase additional items to store your gear in and straps to fasten the gear to the rack. Keep this in mind in addition to what you will pay for a saddle rack.

Benefits of saddle mounted racks:

Ease of use - Normally outfitted with some sort of quick release type of fastening system that lends itself towards easy fitment and removal of the rack.

Sturdy - These racks are very sturdy and have no sway or movement even under rough road conditions. Max load is normally 10 kg.

Bikepacking saddle rack

To Consider:

Aesthetics - Seems more at home as a bike touring accessory than a bikepacking rig set up. Only important if you worry about appearances.

Additional Costs - The rack does not come with bags or straps to secure your gear to the rack. Remember to include the cost of these items to that of the rack price to compare total cost versus that of a soft bag solution.

Consider a dry bag, bungee cords and clips.

It all boils down to personal preference and both solutions has their merits as a bikepacking saddle solution. Which one will you choose...