Bikepacking Hacks: DIY & Budget Handlebar Bags

Getting into bikepacking can seem expensive and overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. In our first Bikepacking Hacks video, Neil talks through a few free and cheap ways to carry gear on your handlebars...

Outline:
Intro: 0:00
Use What You Have: 1:15
Tyvek Dry Bag: 2:28
Bracket System: 3:17
Bikepacking Dry Bag: 4:19
Final Thoughts: 5:25

#bikepacking #pedalfurther #bikepackinghacks
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[Jaysus]

Regarding loud Tyvek.... run it though the washing machine a few times and it will soften up while still retaining waterproofing ;)

[coreyreeder]

I like this. Hacks and creative solutions are part of the spirit of bikepacking

[chuckrodgers]

I added the cross bar you showed and attached my dry sack to both the handle bars and the cross bar. The bag is super stable with two attachment points on each side. Put on a mid size seat bag and took a hotel road trip. Perfect set up for a drop bar road / gravel bike. Thanks for the great channel, Cheers

[MrRay]

That Amazon bracket ($10-12 if you search) made both of my handle bar systems much better (Topeak and Specialized Bura) I put it under and behind the front bag so it splits the weight between itself and the stock bag straps. It completely eliminates bounce and keeps the bag off my head tube.

[kellymorris]

Currently using a tactical style "loaf" shaped bag strapped into my Jones H bars. Fits perfectly, and holds whatever I need for shorter rides. Fits my first aid kit, lock and cable, and a few snacks just fine. Gotta use what you've already got laying around. Give old things new life!

[pauliusrimkevicius]

Used 20l plastic canister to cut harness base, added few straps. Ultralight, stable, robust, cheap :)

[douglaskaup]

I loved this video. I have some old small camera bags that are just like expensive bike packing bags that I can strap to my bars. Didn't think of them until I saw this video.

[justpedal]

Great ideas! Thanks! You can also use the Amazon mounting bar as a rear brace to keep the bag sturdy and off the cables. Youtuber Dirty Teeth covered this idea a few months ago. It works like a long wooden dowel/rod, seen on some Carradice style bags, but can be angled away from the handlebars where needed. It works well, especially with bar units that have longer center to center mounting bracket lengths. This allows them to hang down farther creating more rear support.

[jamesfrese]

I use 1/2" pvc pipe cut slightly longer than the width of my handlebars, and attach it to the bottom of the handlebars with those rubber-coated wire twisties (or use zip ties). Cut notches or drill holes near the end of the pvc to keep it from sliding sideways. Then you have a low, wide bar to strap things onto, and it's out of the way of cables, lights, and your hands can still go anywhere on the handlebars. I use mine for my tent since the poles don't fit between my handlebars, but it fits perfectly underneath.

[ryankennard]

I went to the LBS and dug through their “crappy parts bin” to find some bad gps mounts. I mounted them to the bars pointing down as a “rack.” I spent $1 on each and can mount items securely to my bars without crushing the brake cables and keeping items from dragging on the head tube.

[Draculapin]

Great video. If you use the first option you definitely need to protect your frame. 
I used the bracket but I was resting the bag on top of it, not hanging below. Having 2 points of contact (handlebar and bracket) makes everything very stable and clear of the hoses. I used the bracket with a drybag and even with my topeak frontloader to prevent the movement.

[adammoonface]

Recently got the Pod Sacs handlebar roll from planet X for £5 But still using the handlebar accessory mount like yours to move the bag further forward and stop it scuffing my headtube. £16 all in.

[blairburton]

My first foray into bike packing, I tried just the Vole straps with a dry bag on my handlebar. I definitely needed more support. The bag pushed on all of my cables and effected my braking the most. My wife had a proper setup and I immediately saw the benefits of purpose built gear.

[valeriehunter]

Used your idea of the mounting bar, cost $10. I have an XS frame and narrow drop bars, my husband shortened the bar to fit. Bar is set high to give me the clearance for my hands. Bonus, I could mount my GPS in the center of the bar. Thanks!

[seththomas]

I use a flat bar, aero bar combo, and have found strapping my drybag to the underside is quite stable.

[fortesfortunajuvat]

Thanks for some great ideas. I haven't done any bikepacking. Yet. But, I have been on several tours. An idea I got from hippyswift here on YT is the use of Molle pouches. They're far more inexpensive than dedicated bags and they strap onto your bike (and racks, if you use them) without any issues. The front bag on my bike is a Molle "butt pack" with 4 straps that go over the bar and down through the webbing to snaps at the end. There is a main compartment with three smaller pouches on the front and an even smaller zip pocket on the top cover. It isn't waterproof but, that's not really a problem, either, what with ziplocs. The straps have never popped off, either, and I've ridden on some really rough terrain with it. Currently, they are going for about $40 on Amazon.

[joshandjamesvosperfromhere]

We use a dry bag with buggycords. I thought about ordering the small extension handlebar, but didn't know how it would work. After seeing them on you video, I think I will order some. Thanks.

[kylebrown]

A double wrap of friction tape works great under where the straps attach to the bike. Keeps the straps from bouncing and slipping while protecting the paint from scratches.

[bigmikeshooter]

Very interesting as always. Greetings from Greece...

[kevinjnaquin]

Military surplus stores are a great options for bags and most already have attachment points