Budget Bikepacking bags

Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.

CanucksTraveller

Macho Business Donkey Wrestler
Location
Hertfordshire
I have been looking to buy these for a while now PODSACS bags.
Anyone have them?
I don't want to end up buying them... using them once and they all fall apart.
https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/ZXPIBUN/pack-it-bundle
I guess my only question is what do you need to carry? I'd have thought a single Ortlieb pannier would do the job of all those put together, better.
 

robgul

Legendary Member
I have a small PlanetX Podsac toptube bag and it's fine - a friend has the complete bikepacking works in Podsacs and he's happy with them.

That said - they look like a mess on the bike to me (even if they are supposed to be "cool"!) - a big rackbag or a pair of small panniers would do a better job

Rob
 

steveindenmark

Legendary Member
Canucks Traveller has a point. What do you intend to use them for?

I ride ultra distance rides and use these types of packs because I need everything close at hand while riding so I dont have to stop get gear out of panniers. But on my touring bike I use backroller panniers as they are smaller than rear panniers and I travel light.

The bags you are looking at will be fine. The difference between those and Apidura is that the Apidura bags will be a lot lighter and a lot more expensive.

The idea of bike packing bags have boomed in the last 10 years. The way I look at it is if you dont need to be aerodynamic, get front roller panniers and put then on a back rack.
501902
 

chriswoody

Legendary Member
Location
Northern Germany
The thing that would bother me is the lack of information on the Planet x website. There is a tiny bit more info out there when you do a Google search, however I would like to see them in the flesh so to speak. Aside from the lack of info on the mounting system for the front roller, I would love to know the exact sizes in litres as well as the dimensions of these. Modern bike frames come in a wide variety of sizes and buying online means you need to know the dimensions of the bags to see if they'll fit your frame or not. The front roller in the picture on Planet X's website is far too wide and is interfering with the braking and gear changing of the pictured bike.

Bike packing bags come into their own once you start heading off the beaten track and off road they are a far better solution than racks and panniers. However, this also means that they get shaken around an awful lot, so you need to be sure that the mounting system is secure, especially on the front roller. If your primary use is off-road, then bike-packing bags are definitely the way to go.
 
Bike packing bags come into their own once you start heading off the beaten track and off road they are a far better solution than racks and panniers. However, this also means that they get shaken around an awful lot, so you need to be sure that the mounting system is secure, especially on the front roller. If your primary use is off-road, then bike-packing bags are definitely the way to go.

mine were solid On a 130mile road and path ride

the handle bar bag fitted well with my bivvi and sleeping bag

lots of tie point

I agree with the above , I like my panniers but wouldn’t want the hassle of narrow paths etc and having to remove them through gates and style type obstacles

the bike packing stuff is ideal for overnighters or a couple of days

I would say that it would be worth taping your frame at the contact points if you’re at all precious about the bike
 
OP
OP
L

Lauris

Active Member
After thinking more about it, I am leaning towards Pannier bags and perhaps buy Bikepacking bags at a later time.
I am thinking of doing like an NC500 in the summer and prior to that do all-day touring rides and some overnight camping to test all equipment before doing a longer journey. I am also thinking of commuting to work every now and then.
I am thinking to buy 40L Ortlieb bags, don't think there is much better out there.
 

nickyboy

Norven Mankey
I went with Topeak bikepacking bags which were slightly more expensive but have a gazillion (largely positive) reviews. My 10l backpack and 3l middlepack came to about the same as the three bags you've looked at

I'm using these for LEJOG. My bike doesn't take panniers and I would probably go with bikepacking bags anyway due to significant aero benefit
 

Fiona R

Formerly known as Cranky Knee Girl
Location
N Somerset
But on my touring bike I use backroller panniers as they are smaller than rear panniers and I travel light.

The bags you are looking at will be fine. The difference between those and Apidura is that the Apidura bags will be a lot lighter and a lot more expensive.

The idea of bike packing bags have boomed in the last 10 years. The way I look at it is if you dont need to be aerodynamic, get front roller panniers and put then on a back rack.
Brilliant idea, thank you. Was thinking of a bikepacking set up but seriously don't think I can get a seat pack on my XS frame and certainly no frame bag option with 2 water bottles. I tour with a pair of 20 litres, no need for front rollers but never thought to put 12.5l front rollers on the back for bivvying so much less stress packing up. Ortleib may get my money again.
 
Last edited:
Location
London
After thinking more about it, I am leaning towards Pannier bags and perhaps buy Bikepacking bags at a later time.
I am thinking of doing like an NC500 in the summer and prior to that do all-day touring rides and some overnight camping to test all equipment before doing a longer journey. I am also thinking of commuting to work every now and then.
I am thinking to buy 40L Ortlieb bags, don't think there is much better out there.
Good call I think.

Your Ortleibs will never be lost - will last most or all of a lifetime - more versatile - as you say can be used for commuting - also for shopping.

I have a pair of 40 litre ones (plus material) over 20 years old - been used for all sorts, camping, years of shopping, still look like new)

You can always try a bit of bikepacking later - and if you bide your time I reckon you will be able to get some deep discounts on the stuff - for I think that whatever their specialist merits there is a high element of fashion about bikepacking bags.

(saw a guy at Kings Cross a few months ago - I swear everything colour co-ordinated - bags, bike, every item of clothing - looked like he'd just freewheeled off a catwalk)
 

Gravity Aided

Legendary Member
Location
Land of Lincoln
I have a couple of eBay specials from China, that are functional but not perfect. The main problems are waterproofness and stability when out of the saddle. IIRC the rear was only about £15 and is 12L capacity

View attachment 502205
Roswheel?
I have their panniers, they do all right, although I can't speak to waterproof, as I usually line my bags with plastic garbage sacks. Come in handy, in case of emergency.
 
Top Bottom