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1. Recommendations for ultra fabric (UHMWPE, e.g., Ultra, Ecopak, Dyneema, Aluula, etc.) bags? In particular I'm looking for top tube bags at the moment. I see Dispersed and Rogue Panda have options, who else? 2. Ultralight strap options: I am not a fan of TPU straps like Voilé or Tailfin's (heavy, not very flexible, a bit finicky). Any recs for nylon or other lightweight straps for bikepacking bags?

Tom Jeanne

User Name Location

Posted in Bags and Racks Recommendations
  • Stefan Hofmeister

    Stefan Hofmeister
    2 Verified Score
    Red Hill, United States

    1. What Happened Outdoors outta Slovenia. Also, another vote for Rockgeist (no top tube, though). 2. Austere Manufacturing. There was also a feature on here about Mica Cycles Mini Cam straps. Have had no personal experience with them, though. You could also just try and lace them if there are portions that would work with it!

  • Miles Arbour

    Miles Arbour
    Member Since 2017
    21 Verified Score

    I guess if we're comparing big-brand, non-custom frame bags to custom bags, then yes, the bags that aren't made to order will be heavier. These "stock" sized bags are generally kind of overbuilt compared to high quality custom bags.

  • Tom Jeanne

    Tom Jeanne
    0 Verified Score
    Portland, United States

    Thanks, Miles. Good points. I do know that for larger bags there can be significant differences. The Salsa EXP Cutthroat frame bag (58cm) weighs 550 g, well over a pound. Rogue Panda's version, with an outer layer of Ecopak Ultra 200X, has a claimed weight of just 380 g. That's a huge difference IMO. On a rig with frame bag, saddle bag, bar bag, top tube bag, and downtube bag, if you can save even 25% on weight for each bag that really adds up.

  • Miles Arbour

    Miles Arbour
    Member Since 2017
    21 Verified Score

    Most top tube bags use an exterior fabric, which could be ULTRA, but then there's still an interior liner fabric and foam padding, so I feel like the exterior fabric isn't that important; it's mostly about picking a style and color you like. I like the Ultra 400 fabric that Rockgeist uses. I've had a frame bag and top tube bag made from that and it feels great, looks good, and lasts. I generally prefer TPU style straps for top tube bags, as they grab the tubes better than any webbing strap I've used. The only velcro straps I like have the rubberized facing on one side.

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