Handlebar Roll vs. Harness vs. Top Loader: Which one is best??

Bikepacking bags have come a long way over the last two decades, and the options now seem nearly endless, especially for handlebar bag systems. In this video, Neil explains why he thinks your handlebars are a great place to haul gear, walks through the main types of bags, and offers some insight to help you choose one...

Outline
Mentioned Links:
Intro: 0:00
Handlebar Roll: 1:24
Handlebar Harness: 2:36
Top Loader: 4:04
Other Thoughts: 5:56
Our Favorites: 7:33

Mentioned Links:

#bikepacking #pedalfurther
-------------
::About The Host::
Geometry: 150lbs, 5'9.5", 32" inseam

[JakeLuke]

I used the Revalate Sweetroll and it always needed tightening. It would almost invariably hang down onto my front wheel. Now I use a dry bag and 3 Voile straps. Cheaper and foolproof.

[MathTeacherMrK]

I use the Salsa Anything Cradle. I used it on the Colorado Trail and it worked great! I had attached bags to my bars without the cradle previously and don’t think I’d ever go back. The anything Cradle is awesome for my needs on really rough terrain.

[k.whiking]

I'm really liking this channel, there is lots of very useful information. Thank you.

[mukkaar]

Top loader all way. I use frame bag for heavy stuff and some easy access like food, but most bigger stuff I need quickly are on ortileb handlebar bag plus. Stuff like puffer jacket, rain gear and some extra biking gear like thin jacket to stop wind. Its also very handy as shopping bag due to it having fixed mount with quick release.

[Allride_]

I'm happy with my first purchase, a harness for a dry bag by restrap.
Instead of the dry bag I put my tent there and it fits perfectly. I tighten the straps in the morning and don't have to think about it until I arrive and put up my tent, even on 180-190km, 110 mile days nothing comes loose

[larspetersen]

Salsa Anything Cradle, is the best solution at the moment, that everybody knows. But somebody need to come up with something better. By the way thanks for all the great videos on this channel, like the down to earth approach.

[BradRussellisAwesome]

We need to hear more about that Denim Icon shirt you’re wearing, please. Looks 🤌🏻

[christophelautrette]

Simply, the best channel for bikepacking ! so much great details, well explained ..and inspiring ! thank you

[VeloObscura]

I've been using a BXB Goldback for years now and I love it. I use it on my handlebars for MTB Bikepacking and then use it as a traditional saddle bag on my steel tourer for a sort of neo-retro road/gravel touring setup. It's been one of my favorite bike purchases I've ever made!

I could never get into handlebar rolls, but definitely see their benefits for the right user.

[thecappy]

Pronghorn with the detachable egress pocket is my go too. Served me well last couple of years.

[adriantait]

That's a sharp looking denim Icon your wearing.

[gibbens]

As a long distance bike packing racer I use a small roll up elongated and wedged between my aero bars and cinched with two velcro straps. Very stable and aero. Holds my sleep system and detaches easily.
Have used this set up on both flat bar mtb and gravel bike drop bars.
🚴‍♂️🇦🇺👍

[daveebert]

The second piece of bikepacking bags/carriers I bought was the Revelate Designs Harness. That item has being amazing in the past 5 years of use. Like all their products it is exceptionally well thought out designed and made. It is versatile enough to go from carrying a 20 litre dry bag on my mountain bike to a small shorter bag on my drop bar bike. But I am now lusting after a top loader thanks to this video Neil

[hern]

Just got an Aeroe handlebar Spider cradle. I think it looks like a really great option for MTB where you risk squashing your brake barrel adjusters, as it holds your bag securely above them.

[kchao]

BXB Piccolo is the BEST! Glad i already got one cuz now they’re gonna sell out even faster after this vid! Also love supporting “small” businesses that produce incredible products, keep it up Jay Ritchey!

[garyhost]

Jack the rack. Its a front rack that fits on any bike and is extremley versitile. It has adjustable bungee chords that are easy to tie down stuff. Its lived on every bike ive had since owning the rack. Great for going to the shops or bike packing. I wont got to the corner store without it . Anyone who read this should try one. I cant say enough good thing about it. Ive put it through hell and it has become my favourite feature of my downhill bike and it doesnt make sense but its just so useful from milk bottles to bags and even tool boxes on this thing. It takes about 2 to 5 mins to remove or install.

[cjohnson]

I like systems that give me the most options, since I don't like to have to buy a bunch of different things for different tasks. I think the modularity of a harness system puts it ahead of the rest. 1 dry bag? 2-3 dry bags? 1 dry bag + rain fly? Whatever. If you can make it even just approximately cylindrical, you can pack them in without needing a rack. Things like the egress pouch just take it that much further. Top loaders are convenient and I usually keep one on the saddle to carry food + camera stuff. But that's optional and if I had the funds, I'd probably switch to a tailfin set up.

[taknname]

Two systems for two purposes: A longflap saddle bag on a Surly 8 pack rack (a DIY via Logan's writeup!) or a Revelate Harness. The saddlebag is larger (24L) and is better for long tours or cold weather when I need to carry more gear. The harness is great for lighter and faster more mountain oriented trips. Horses for courses!

[hugobci]

a use a Net to secure a little backpack on the dropbars, with change of clothes, for commuting. This video inspires me tô creste a better system to secure the bag.

[jantown]

I've been using the Sweetroll for about 4 years with little issue. I just pack it on the bike and that works great for me (seat bag is removable if I need a raccoon bag) Love that I can just pop my camp chairs the front under the Egress pocket.