Bikepacking is all about freedom and self-sufficiency, carrying your gear wherever the trail may lead. The heart of any bikepacking loadout is the frame bag, a piece of kit that turns your bike’s main triangle into valuable cargo space. Choosing the right one is a balance of capacity, durability, and how it integrates with your bike’s specific geometry and your personal riding style.
A well-chosen frame bag keeps weight low and centered, improving your bike’s handling on rough terrain. From minimalist wedge packs to full-triangle expedition models, the options are vast. This roundup highlights eight of the best frame bags available, designed to help you store your essentials securely and ride with confidence on your next adventure.
Our Top Picks for Bikepacking Frame Bags
- Ortlieb Frame Pack
- Frame-Pack Toptube
- Blackburn Outpost Elite Frame Bike Bag
- ROCKBROS Bike Frame Bag Waterproof Triangle Bag
- Ortlieb RC Frame Pack – Triangle Roll Closure
- Sahoo Bike Storage Frame Bag Water Resistant
- Topeak MidLoader Bicycle Frame Bag
- Apidura Expedition Full Frame Pack
Ortlieb Frame Pack
Ortlieb is a trusted name in waterproof cycling luggage, and this 4L Frame Pack lives up to that reputation. Built for the unisex adult cyclist, it offers a streamlined solution for carrying your core gear. The main compartment is designed to maximize space within your bike’s frame, keeping the center of gravity low for better stability on technical trails.
Constructed from Ortlieb’s signature high-frequency welded TPU fabric, this bag provides complete protection from the elements. Its robust construction ensures that your spare layers, tools, and electronics stay dry no matter what the weather brings. The simple and secure mounting system keeps the bag firmly in place, eliminating any sway or rub during your ride.
Frame-Pack Toptube
For riders who prefer quick access to small items without a bulky profile, the Frame-Pack Toptube is an excellent choice. This bag is designed to sit neatly on your bike’s top tube, putting snacks, a phone, or a multi-tool within easy reach. Its compact form factor ensures it won’t interfere with your pedaling or leg movement.
Ideal for shorter trips or as a supplement to a larger seat or handlebar bag, this model adds crucial storage without significant weight. The design focuses on a clean look and a secure fit, blending seamlessly with your bike’s lines. It’s a practical upgrade for any cyclist looking to organize their most frequently used items.
Blackburn Outpost Elite Frame Bike Bag
The Blackburn Outpost Elite stands out for its thoughtful organization and custom-fit design. It is available in four distinct sizes—Small, Medium Short, Medium Tall, and Large—to ensure a clean, tailored fit on a wide variety of bicycle frames. This attention to sizing prevents the bag from interfering with water bottle cages or cables.
This bag is packed with user-friendly features, including two external pockets with drain holes for damp items or a handy map. A dedicated hose port allows you to route a hydration tube or a cable from a cache battery, helping you manage weight distribution effectively. It’s a highly functional bag built for organized adventurers.
ROCKBROS Bike Frame Bag Waterproof Triangle Bag
ROCKBROS delivers impressive value with this feature-packed triangle frame bag. Crafted from rugged 840D nylon and using seamless heat-press technology, it achieves a high level of water resistance to protect your gear from rain and spray. The bag’s rigid bottle plate reinforcement helps it maintain its shape, preventing it from sagging and bulging when full.
Smart organization is a key benefit, with a dual-side compartment design that provides easy access to small essentials while you ride. An ergonomic 6mm profile eliminates leg rub for a comfortable pedaling motion. For safety, double-sided reflective logos increase your visibility to motorists during early morning or evening rides.
Ortlieb RC Frame Pack – Triangle Roll Closure
The Ortlieb RC Frame Pack offers a generous 6L of storage with a distinct roll-top closure system. This design is a favorite among bikepackers for its ability to be compressed down when not full, creating a sleek aerodynamic profile. When you need maximum capacity, it can expand to securely hold a significant amount of gear for longer journeys.
Like all Ortlieb products, it is built for complete waterproof protection, ensuring your belongings stay dry in any conditions. The roll-top closure provides a secure, weatherproof seal that is simple to use and highly reliable. This bag is a go-to for riders who need high capacity and uncompromising weather resistance.
Sahoo Bike Storage Frame Bag Water Resistant
The Sahoo Bike Storage Frame Bag is a solid and affordable option for everyday rides and commuting. Made from 600D wax coating fabric and featuring a waterproof zipper, it provides reliable water resistance. The material is also easy to clean, allowing you to simply wipe off mud and road grime after a wet ride.
Its concise style includes a reflective logo that boosts your visibility in low-light conditions. Installation is quick and secure, thanks to three quality Velcro straps that fit most bike racks. This bag offers a simple, effective way to add storage without a complex setup.
Topeak MidLoader Bicycle Frame Bag
Topeak’s MidLoader offers a unique central mounting position within the main frame triangle. This location provides excellent stability and keeps weight centered for optimal bike handling. The design is streamlined to minimize interference with your legs while pedaling, offering a comfortable experience even on long climbs.
Known for their innovative mounting systems, Topeak likely equips this bag with a secure and straightforward attachment method. It’s a great solution for riders who want to utilize frame space efficiently without committing to a full-triangle bag, perfect for carrying a moderate load of essential items.
Apidura Expedition Full Frame Pack
For the serious bikepacker embarking on multi-day expeditions, the Apidura Expedition Full Frame Pack is a top-tier choice. This bag is engineered to maximize every inch of your bike’s main triangle, offering substantial cargo capacity for food, shelter, and gear. Its design prioritizes a low center of gravity to enhance control on challenging terrain.
Constructed from durable and weather-resistant materials, it is built to withstand the rigors of long-distance travel. The Expedition series is known for its meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail, making it a reliable partner for remote adventures where reliability is non-negotiable.
How to Choose the Best Bikepacking Frame Bag
When I started bikepacking, I quickly learned that not all frame bags are created equal. Your frame bag is the heart of your cargo system, sitting snugly within your bike’s main triangle. Choosing the right one makes a huge difference in how your bike handles and how much you can carry. The first and most critical decision is fit. You have two main types: full-frame and half-frame. A full-frame bag maximizes every inch of space, which is perfect for long trips where you need to carry more food, water, or gear. A half-frame bag leaves room for one or two water bottles inside your frame, a big advantage if you ride in areas where you need frequent access to water.
Next, consider the construction. I always look for bags made from durable, waterproof materials like X-Pac or Cordura. A good waterproof coating or laminate is non-negotiable unless you want a soggy lunch and a dead phone. Sealed seams are even better for keeping water out during a downpour. The closure system is another personal preference. Zippers offer a clean, secure seal but can be a weak point if they fail. I find a roll-top closure with a buckle or strap to be incredibly reliable and easy to adjust as the bag’s contents shift, though it can be slightly less streamlined.
Finally, think about the mounting system. Most modern bags use a combination of velcro straps and sometimes bolt-on fittings. Velcro straps are versatile and work on almost any frame, but I make sure they are wide and robust to prevent slipping. Bolt-on systems, where the bag attaches directly to threaded bosses on your frame, are the gold standard for stability. They eliminate any sway or rub, protecting your frame’s paint job. For me, the ideal bag balances capacity, durability, and a secure fit that becomes one with my bike. Getting this core piece right is the first step in planning any adventure with the 8 best bikepacking frame bags for your bike [2025].
FAQ
What size frame bag should I get?
This is the most common question I get. The size you need depends entirely on your trip length and your bike’s frame geometry. For a multi-day trip where I need to be self-sufficient, I opt for a full-frame bag to carry a bulk of my gear. For shorter overnighters or races, a half-frame bag is often enough and lets me keep my water bottles handy. The best practice is to measure your bike’s main triangle (the space inside your frame) and compare it to the manufacturer’s sizing chart. You want a bag that fits snugly without rubbing on your knees or the frame tubes.
Are all frame bags waterproof?
Not all of them, but the good ones are. I always check the material specification. Bags made with fabrics like X-Pac or Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) have built-in waterproof laminates. However, a common weak point is the seams. For true waterproof performance, look for bags that have taped or welded seams. If you fall in love with a bag that doesn’t have sealed seams, you can use a seam sealant, or just do what I do and pack your sensitive electronics and clothes in simple dry bags inside the frame bag.
How do I prevent my frame bag from damaging my bike’s paint?
Frame rub is a real concern, especially on long, bumpy routes. The first line of defense is a secure mounting system. Bolt-on bags are fantastic for minimizing movement. If you’re using a strap-on bag, ensure the straps are very tight. I also highly recommend applying a protective frame film, like helicopter tape, to the areas where the bag contacts the frame. This transparent tape is a cheap insurance policy that keeps your frame looking new.
Can I use a frame bag on a carbon fiber bike?
Yes, absolutely. Modern carbon frames are designed to handle the stresses of bikepacking. The key is to be mindful of how you attach the bag. Avoid overtightening straps to the point where you might crush a thin tube. For carbon frames, a bolt-on system is often the safest and most recommended option as it distributes the load evenly to specific mounting points. Always check your bike manufacturer’s guidelines, but in my experience, using a well-fitted frame bag on a carbon bike is perfectly safe.
What should I pack in my frame bag?
I treat my frame bag as the “core” storage for items I need to protect from the elements and don’t need instant access to while riding. This is where I put my tool kit, spare tube, tire levers, a first-aid kit, and my extra food for the day. It’s also the perfect spot for heavier items like my stove and fuel, as keeping weight low and centered in the frame makes the bike handle much better. Lighter items like clothes and a sleeping bag are better suited for handlebar or seat packs. Finding the right bag from a list of the 8 best bikepacking frame bags for your bike [2025] is the first step to organizing your gear effectively.