Suppose you want to mountain bike but need some storage space for small items like a flashlight, screws, and other small tools. However, that would be challenging to carry with the pants you may be wearing, especially if they are appropriate for biking.
Given that information, there are some fantastic saddle bags you can invest in, but what are they? We have found nine that will do beautifully for any trip you want. Here is a quick list of them:
- LEZYNE M-Caddy QR bicycle saddle bag
- EVOC saddle bag
- Topeak Wedge drybag
- Silica Mattone bike bag
- Zefal Z-Light pack bag
- SpeedSleev® Ranger Adventure Pack
- Topeak Aero Wedge seat bag
- Blackburn Grid MTB bike seat bag
- PRO Performance saddle bag
This article reviews each saddle bag mentioned below and describes why you need one and what you should carry inside it. We recommend you continue reading for more information.
What Are the Best Mountain Bike Saddle Bags?
The absolute best saddle bags in the mountain bike industry offer a few simple but vital components to any biking trip you will be going on. Firstly, they offer increased capacity for necessities while you are out and about, which can prove invaluable if you aren’t sure what you do or don’t need or happen to need more than expected.
Another pivotal need that saddle bags fill would be the flexibility to turn a small outing into a potential overnight stay in your favorite location without feeling like you are hiking up a mountain with supplies for the endeavor.
This same lifestyle flexibility allows someone to see the beauty of having a saddle bag in the first place. Without further explanation, let’s dive deep into the best ones you can find that will fill your needs without breaking the bank.
1. LEZYNE M-Caddy QR Bicycle Saddle Bag
The Lezyne M-Caddy offers a lot despite its relatively small size. It provides a water-resistant 0.4L container of storage, with smaller internal pockets that are labeled and easily accessed whenever needed, thanks to the quick-release system. This little guy’s final boon is an external multi-tool pocket, which will allow for quick fixes without any hassle when you need them most.
2. EVOC Saddle Bag
Evoc’s saddlebag is made of 100% silk. It has a very ornate mountain system that will make it incredibly difficult, if almost impossible, to fall off, assuming you take the time to mount it onto your seat correctly. The bag is extremely light (before loading your goodies into it). Thanks to the reflective Evoc logo on the back, it has a built-in safety feature, giving fellow riders and drivers extra visibility on late-night adventures. Best of all, the container itself has 0.31L of storage space.
3. Topeak Wedge Drybag with Strap Mount
Assuming the last few packs weren’t cutting it for you due to their raw storage size, the Topeak will fill your needs more efficiently. With almost double the other two bags’ size in storage capacity (1L) and an elegant fitting system that angles itself under the bottom of your seat and goes downwards, the extra storage isn’t compromising anything as far as seamless fitting goes.
The bag is black and made of nylon, so you can trust it can take a few scrapes before becoming undone. The straps are made of the same material. If you were concerned about the overall weight due to the size increase, it weighed just under 5.98 oz before your items.
4. Silica Mattone Bike Bag w/ BOA Closure System
If you were looking for a bag with a bit more style and flair while still delivering on size and security, then you needn’t look further than this bag. It features .61L of storage space, nylon material, and a sleek black design with reflective graphics for enhanced visibility in low-light areas. You’ve hit perfection in this product.
The Silica Matton comfortably fits your credit card, the custom Silca bike tire levers set, and multi-tool with no issue. It features a design that will keep sharp edges from potentially digging into you during your ride. Last but not least, the bag itself uses a zipper for easy access, and the whole unit is waterproof.
5. Zefal Z-Light Pack Bag
A little bag with a lot of use, the Zefal is a very interesting design that focuses on a water-resistant material as the base of its utility. It has the expected reflective logo for safety and a modest .41L of storage space to boot—nothing more, nothing less.
6. SpeedSleev® Ranger Adventure Pack
The SpeedSleev® is a small pack that lives up to its name by packing everything you’ll need for most adventures in one tidy package. Everything from a plug kit, tire boots, and tire level is snuggly tucked into this pack, alongside 2 CO2 carts and an inflator, making quick repairs a breeze and with a mounting system strong enough to endure even rather serious falls.
7. Topeak Aero Wedge Seat Bag
You could say so nice we did it twice. Topeak would still find a way to bring utility to the table. This bag focuses more on carrying capacity than the other Topeak on this list. With 1.1L of storage and the reflective strip instead of a logo, you get security, ease of access, and durability all wrapped into one. It is worth noting that this particular bag comes in three different sizes, assuming you need more or, alternatively, less.
8. Blackburn Grid MTB Bike Seat Bag
Straightforward and to the point, Blackburn features a no-nonsense bag with no silly gimmicks or excessive design points. The entirety of the bag is reflective instead of a singular spot. It’s padded so anything stored inside is safe even in the event of a tumble, and thanks to its nylon and polyester blend, it can endure some relatively serious impacts to boot.
Additionally, if you are still concerned about your overall visibility, you can attach your personal light to the tail light clip. There are smaller internal pockets to help you keep everything organized. The bag can hold .41L of storage space.
9. PRO Performance Saddle Bag
The PRO performance bag doesn’t have a massive claim to fame due to its relatively small manufacturer in the industry, but the bag itself comes in several sizes to fit all needs, ranging from small to Extra-Large. It’s made of Nylon material to easily endure most falls and bumps and has plenty of space for your necessities such as wallets, repair kits, and more.
Why Do You Need a Bike Saddle Bag?
One of the biggest reasons anyone would need a bike saddle bag is to alleviate the need to carry their wallet on their person for identification or extra purchases while out and about. Another aspect that carries more weight (full pun intended) is the ability to carry bike repair tools with them, so they are never stranded in any specific location.
Should I Carry a Bag While Cycling?
It’s not exactly necessary to do so, but you would be wise to get yourself a bag if you can. It makes any journeys you go on a bit safer, purely because you can store extra materials while on the go. Should anything happen, you are just slightly more prepared than you would be without one, which can make all the difference in dire situations.
What Do I Need in My Saddle Bag?
Your saddle bag isn’t like a backpack, so it won’t be carrying a vast amount of items that will make the travel itself any easier or more enjoyable. Its primary role is to give you quick access to items you’ll need in an emergency or regularly, such as your credit card or repair kits.
How Do You Want to Attach Your Saddle Bag to Your Bike?
While the method is usually more dependent on the bag’s design, most saddlebags attach directly under your seat to remain out of the way and don’t impede your ability to peddle or stay comfortable on your bike.
Not all saddlebags are created equal, and some may hang on various parts of your bike with the same level of utility. Still, for increased size or other multiple changes, you must set aside some time and research a saddle bag that fits not only your needs but also your bike itself.
Conclusion
Traditionally speaking, saddle bags aren’t something that you could say are non-negotiable while going on a mountain biking trip, but they do make things easier, both in emergencies and casual experiences. To that end, it’s incredibly worthwhile to get one, assuming you have the spare funds for the purchase itself. In time, the bag will prove more worthwhile than the pittance you invest to get it in the first place.
