Ride Forward Designs J-Bag Review: Racks are Cool Again

It’s common to hear claims of bikepacking packing strategies “coming full circle” as we’ve seemingly transitioned away from ultralight, soft seat packs and rolls back to rack-based setups and dry bags. While I agree with the sentiment, it’s also important to realize that modern bike racks aren’t made like they used to be. First, they weigh far less without sacrificing load capacity, which helps them compete with sewn fabric bags. They’re also compatible with more bikes, using mounting pucks and cargo axles to allow racks to fit on nearly any bike: steel, carbon, full-suspension, you name it. Plus, it’s hard to argue with the versatility of front and rear racks. They can support baskets, larger bags, lightweight dry bags, and panniers.

Folks traveling by bike have been strapping dry bags and gear rolls onto racks since the beginning. While their canvas tents and bulky gear might look slightly different than what we use today, the reasons for packing this way are essentially the same: securing your gear onto a solid, fixed platform (like a rack) is far more stable than a soft-sided, saddle-mounted bag. Plus, lightweight racks like the Old Man Mountain Divide, Tumbleweed T Rack, Tailfin system, and new Mica Rat Tail that weigh less than most dropper post compatible seat packs, they are an excellent choice for folks on smaller frames or anyone who wants to make use of most, if not all, of their dropper post travel—case in point: Emily’s size medium Esker Japhy, pictured below.

Jay Petervary and the J-Bag

If you’re a regular reader of the site, then Jay Petervary needs no introduction. A longtime ultra-endurance cyclist, Jay has been competing in bikepacking events for decades and holds wins in long-distance cycling events such as the Tour Divide, Iditarod Trail Invitational, and Silk Road Mountain Race. He’s the organizer and founder of the Fat Pursuit race and camp in Idaho and offers consulting services for aspiring ultra-endurance athletes. In 2023, after seven successful completions of the Tour Divide, Jay set off with plans to set a new fastest known time for the 2,700-mile route from Canada to Mexico. Unfortunately, Jay was struck from behind by a vehicle during his ride, leaving him with severe injuries and a long, difficult road to recovery.

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It was only a matter of time before Jay put all that experience into designing bikepacking gear. I initially thought it was Jay’s time off the bike that led to the creation of his first production bikepacking bag, but Jay explains he’s been using custom bags since 2007. Each time, he picked up on features and elements he liked, carrying them over to new bags. He eventually convinced Bryon Becky Vordermann of Sagebrush Stichworks (formerly FBJ Creations) to make a run of what is now called the J-Bag.

Coinciding with the launch of the J-Bag, Jay announced his new gear brand, Ride Forward Designs. Right now, it’s just a passion project turned side hustle, but Jay is having fun with it. The J-Bag is his flagship product, a soft, single-ended dry bag designed to strap onto any rear rack. It’s available in three sizes: the smallest J-Bag holds approximately 7 liters, the J-Bag XL holds 11 liters, and the Big Easy, designed specifically for winter use, holds ~45 liters.

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Despite being a different size, each version of the J-Bag offers similar features. They are all accessed using a single-ended roll-top closure and side-release buckle, with a velcro strip or a magnet to help keep contents secure. There is a bungee-laced top for stashing quick-access items or dry gear, stretchy pockets on either side, and an additional multi-function webbing strap between the pockets for extra storage. The base of the bag is reinforced with an abrasive-resistant Hypalon panel, complete with strap slots, and there’s an additional Hypalon loop at the back of the bag for a blinky light.

Each bag is made from a different fabric, but all are seam-sealed for a fully waterproof construction. The original J-Bag is made from Challenge Outdoor Ultra 200, the J-Bag XL is made from Challenge Outdoor Ultra 100, and the Big Easy is made from Hyper-D 300 ripstop fabric. Since the bags are currently built in small batches, Jay can tweak the design. One example is the move to a G-hook buckle for the webbing strap between the two side pockets, allowing it to be easily removed when not needed. The 7L J-Bag is the only one with additional strap slots on the Hypalon base, enabling it to double as a handlebar roll.

Jay let me know that all bags will be transitioning to a magnet-assisted closure, two stretchy side pockets instead of the bellow pocket on the original J-Bag, and he’s working on an optional accessory pocket for more carrying capacity and organization. In general, the idea is for all sizes of J-Bags to eventually have the same features.

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Thoughts on a Rack Bag

I’ve been strapping a standard dry bag onto a rack for most of my bikepacking trips over the last few years, but there’s no question that most run-of-the-mill dry bags are somewhat limiting. For one, traditional ripstop fabrics don’t hold up well to constant abrasion and are easy to wear through once some dirt gets between the rack and the bag. Rockgeist addressed this with the Armadillo Dry Bag Protector a few years back, and it works. Still, the J-Bag takes things a step further with an integrated Hypalon base and additional storage thanks to the side pockets and bungee lacing.

The stretchy side pockets on both J-Bags were great for stuffing garbage, snacks, or my Garmin inReach into. Thanks to their drawstring closures, I never felt like anything would eject from the pocket, and they hardly add any bulk or weight to the bag. The bellow pocket on the one side of the original J-Bag was far less useful, as its capacity was significantly reduced once the dry bag was packed full. I ran this by Jay, and he said it will likely switch to two stretchy pockets like the XL version.

The bungee lace-up closure attaches just above the side pockets in three locations, creating a functional web of stretchy cord. Emily used the bungee to secure her camp Crocs, and I used mine for my Zpacks Ultralight Camp Shoes. We also used the top of the bag to dry socks or underwear and stash extra layers as things warmed up each morning. There’s a fine line between clean, functional pockets and too much additional storage and features that encourage dangling items. I think the J-Bag hits the sweet spot by offering some slim, low-profile storage options without straying too far from Jay’s extensive racing background.

The addition of Hypalon strap loops both on the top of the bag and in the Hypalon base is another nice touch. I found them especially useful when using minimal racks like the Mica Rat Tail Emily and I were using on this trip, providing a layer of security if the bag or straps work their way loose. Of course, this never occurred because our J-Bags were packed tight each day, but it could be helpful for sloppy pack jobs.

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Unlike some technical fabrics, the Ultra 200 and Ultra 100 fabrics of the J-Bag and J-Bag XL are both laminates with a film backing that is 100% recycled and 97% UV resistant. Not only does it last longer than conventional laminate films, but it also makes the bag’s interior nice and slippery, making stuffing gear inside that much easier. I’ve used dry bags made from more grippy fabrics, and it’s not fun when trying to pack your gear into the smallest amount of space possible.

Improving the J-Bag

I can imagine two ways to improve the J-Bag. First, it would great to see a version or update with a more refined shape that tapers slightly toward the end that lives under the seatpost. Packed full and paired with our Mica Rat Tail racks, both Emily and I experienced some slight rub on the back of our legs. It didn’t leave a mark on my legs, but Emily had some slight abrasion that eventually turned into a scab. Whether or not the J-Bag rubs your legs and to what extent depends on your rack setup and your position on the bike. The Mica rack sits close against the seatpost, and we tend to tuck its load in close to the bike, but a more traditional rack setup likely wouldn’t have the same issues.

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Secondly, I’d love a size option between the 7L J-Bag and the J-Bag XL. This particular trip required a lot of warm layers and cold weather gear, and Emily found her 7L bag somewhat limiting. After all, it’s a small bag. On the other hand, the J-Bag XL is one of the biggest rack bags I’ve ever used, and it looked a little unwieldily on the back of my bike at first. In the end, it was actually nice to have the additional packing space, but after some quick calculations, I think the XL bag likely holds closer to 14L, not 11L, as stated. I have a few 11L dry bags, and they are visually much smaller than the J-Bag. A true 11L version would hit the sweet spot for most of my bikepacking needs.

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• Capacity: 7L (J-Bag) / 11L (J-Bag XL)
• Material (as tested): Ultra 200, Ultra 100, Hypalon
• Weight: 140 grams (J-Bag) / 230 grams (J-Bag XL)
• Place of Manufacture: California, USA
• Price: $150-$170 USD
• Manufacturer’s Details: JayPetervary.com

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