Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
Restrap Switch Pannier Review
New to the British brand’s lineup is the Restrap Switch Pannier, a micro-pannier that uses a minimal mounting technology to attach to two bottle bosses, typically found on fork blades. Nic took a detailed look at these new bags to see if they’re useful for bikepacking and in line with the quality he’s come to expect from the Yorkshire maker…
Although their use dates back to the very inception of bikepacking, some are hesitant to use panniers for several reasons. With a variety of inconsistent standards, racks, and attachment systems, panniers can be a more involved method of carrying equipment on the bike than users initially imagine. In the new Restrap Switch Pannier system, however, that complexity may very well have been solved. Utilizing a simple, modular attachment system integrated into the bag’s structure in conjunction with a small mounting plate, these micro panniers may be the easiest way to carry gear in small, fork-mounted bags.
Restrap’s Record
Founded by Nathan Hughes in 2010, I was both surprised and overwhelmed when I visited their manufacturing facility in Yorkshire earlier this year. Before I took on my role at the site, I purchased several Restrap products and had never really delved into the story behind the brand. Given the quality and standardization of their product line, I had always assumed that it was some faceless, multi-national corporation pumping out bags somewhere. It wasn’t until I met the fine folks in the north of England that I realized each of their bags is handmade with a great degree of care and attention to detail. Such is the case with the Restrap Switch Panniers, and although I can’t go into great detail about the specifics, the release of these micro panniers signals some exciting, larger systems on the horizon using some of the technology showcased in their design.
What is Hiplok?
Far more common in Europe through similar systems, such as Fidlock, a magnetic water bottle attachment system, Hiplok is first and foremost a bike lock company. Branching out into attachment systems like the one used here, the Hiplok pannier system uses a plastic, two-bolt receiver as a means for mounting cargo. Sliding onto the interference-fit attachment affixed to the backside of the pannier, the Hiplok attachment system features a simple, easy-on-and-off action that provides a satisfying click when fully installed. Removing the bag is just as easy as pressing down on the plastic end attached to the bag to release the fixture, which slides out in the same direction it was attached.
The bag itself features a hard, flexible internal plastic backer that serves as a support for the M4-bolted, four-bolt plate, which is attached to the back of the bag. The pannier itself measures out to 7.5” long, 4.5” wide, and 16.5” high when fully unrolled. The receiver is 4” in length and sits about an inch proud of the fork blade when mounted. When not in use, the Hiplok receiver simply sits on the fork blade or attachment point, occupying the area where users might typically put a cage.
That said, Restrap also sells a small Hiplok bottle attachment that can be bolted to an empty receiver to utilize the bottle bosses without having to entirely remove the mounting fixture. The plastic mounting hardware weighs a negligible 27 grams, and the pannier itself weighs 277.5 grams without the necessary mounting plate. Made of a tough, Cordura-like exterior, with smoother, nylon-like sides, the Restrap Switch Pannier is consistent with the British brand’s dedication to quality. Waterproof after three solid rolls, I was able to fit a full sleeping pad, stove, small gas canister, titanium cup, and pillow into the pannier without coming close to approaching the bag’s limit. Lined with a high-visibility Restrap orange color, it’s pretty easy to keep track of small items inside the bag itself.
Currently available only in a 5L size, the Restrap Switch Pannier is primarily intended for use as a fork-mounted bag. Although you can attach it anywhere with two free 64mm-spaced bottle bosses, my review saw me using it solely as a fork-mounted bag. While some stray away from fork-mounted bag offerings due to either limitations in carrying capacity at the bottle bosses or their effect on bike handling, I found that storing something relatively light—like a camp stove setup and lightweight sleep ki—in the bag helped make best use of the space. There are still some issues concerning clearance in tight singletrack, as the frontal area of the bike becomes significantly wider due to the added width of the bags. However, when going rackless on a gravel bike—as I did here—it’s essential to make the best use of all available space.
System Specific
Systems like the Hiplok attachment system are not new. These days, it seems like every major company in the bikepacking space is trying and succeeding at creating their own, internal attachment system that offers similar ease of use and flexibility—as long as you’re buying products within their ecosystem. Old Man Mountain has its FLiP System, Tailfin has the X-Clamp, Ortlieb has Quick-Lock—you get the picture. Each system has its merits, but they all generally aim to achieve the same goal: offer ease of use and perhaps create a reason for users to stay within the brand’s insular ecosystem.
Critiques of said design practice aside, I’m a big fan of the simplicity offered by the Hiplok system. With enough mounting brackets and bags equipped with the Hiplok system in place, users can easily and seamlessly transform their bikes from their average, daily driver mode to something ready for a week-long tour or overnight trip without needing to install or uninstall anything besides the bags themselves. Obviously, the Hiplok system is still in its infancy, and we’ve yet to see more bags or even bag makers utilize the attachment style; however, it appears to be a more straightforward solution than other systems on the market. With almost no moving pieces, the only real downside to the Hiplok attachment is its insular design. Users could, but are unlikely to use these panniers—or any attachment-specific bag—as a normal pannier unless in an emergency. That kind of limitation is difficult to overlook, but with three-pack mounts appearing more and more on rack struts from makers big and small, like the Mica rack Miles reviewed, systems like this one have even greater capacity and utility.
Pros
- The Hiplok attachment system is modular and easy to use.
- Mounting hardware is minimal and lightweight.
- Added mounting options make the plug-and-play system usable even during regular rides.
- No straps, no fiddling, no nonsense—just slide in and out.
- The waterproof panniers are consistent with the build quality of Restrap’s bags.
Cons
- Mounting system requires a certain degree of commitment.
- Not exactly cheap at nearly $100 per pannier.
- The system is insular, meaning it wouldn’t make sense to use it without the proprietary Hiplok mounts.
- Currently only available in one size.
- Model Tested: Restrap Switch Pannier 5L
- Actual Weight: 305 grams (Pannier) 27 grams (Hiplok Hardware)
- Place of Manufacture: Yorkshire, England
- Price: $98/piece
- Manufacturer’s Details: Restrap
Wrap Up
The Restrap Switch Pannier is a welcome addition to the brand’s solid lineup of existing bags. As someone who likes their gear as modular as possible, the cons of the closed Hiplok system aren’t enough to detract me from the fact that a few simple clicks are all it takes to change a bike in and out of bikepacking mode. With its minimal, lightweight, strong, and easy-to-use parts, the Switch system is ideal for individuals who prefer a simpler setup and can commit to a single system. With rumors of more Restrap bags and systems utilizing the Hiplok design on the horizon, a complete Hiplok system would be a formidable bikepacking system in an already competitive market. I look forward to seeing this design used more, regardless of the maker.
Further Reading
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