Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
Updated August 2024 (originally published in February, 2019)
Back in 2010, Salsa Cycles released the original Anything Cage, an oversized, open-sided cage made from lightweight aluminum tubing. The idea of an oversized cage wasn’t entirely new, but Salsa’s concept was pretty groundbreaking. With the intention of stowing items that are significantly larger than a standard water bottle—almost anything—the Anything Cage gave birth to what we now refer to as cargo cages. Fast-forward some years, and other companies created similar cargo cages, bag-makers created packs designed for these cages and bags that bypass the cage altogether and mount directly onto eyelets on fork legs and downtubes. Here’s our complete list of cargo cages, Anything bags, and other fork-mounted carriers.
Some bikepackers’ packing styles demand a bit more gear than what can be crammed into a typical three-bag setup—a seat pack, frame bag, and handlebar roll. And some trips simply require more gear, extra water, or additional food, especially those in sub-freezing temps, water-starved landscapes, or on routes that offer few resupply opportunities. Using cargo cages or braze-on mounted bags to expand your packing capacity is a great solution for such expeditions, and it’s never a bad idea to pack all of your gear on the bike instead of on your back. Make sure to scroll down past the list to see some examples of how we pack cargo cages and fork-mounted bags.
The list includes all the Anything-style cargo cages, eyelet mounted bags, and rackless, fork-mounted carrier systems we could find. If you need to add eyelets or mounts to your bike’s fork or downtube, click here for our full guide and Gear Index on that topic. And check out our full list of oversized and durable bottle cages for touring and bikepacking. As with other Gear Indexes, items with a hexagonal “T” icon have been tested and approved, and usually include more detail or a link to our review.
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$170
ATM Many Things Sack
- Type: Cage Mount Bag and Mini Pannier
- Made of: Cordura
- Attachment: 3 eyelets (+ King Many Things cage) OR rack
- Volume: 3.5-4.0L
CloseAndrew the Maker’s Many Things Sack is an elegant and relatively lightweight bag designed to mount on the King Cage Many Things Cage on the bike’s fork blade. As “nano panniers,” they don’t suffer from any adverse effect on steering that’s typically associated with traditional, larger bags. Their profile is far slimmer, too, making them better suited to threading through singletrack. Now in their third iteration, the latest Andrew The Maker Many Things Sacks have been updated to function as mini panniers.
There have been a few other updates since Cass first reviewed the Many Things Sacks in 2017, including the addition of daisy chain webbing strips on the top, a revised shape, and slightly larger overall size. They are available in either a Cordura or X-Pac exterior with a yellow nylon interior, have a plastic back plate to provide rigidity, and are labeled as water resistant.
Above all, the Many Things Sacks allow for easy access, making them an excellent option for those embarking on longer bike tours where practicality is often more important than counting grams. Just be sure to check that the current version of the Many Things Sack is compatible with your setup.
Highlights
- Lightweight, small, and sturdy
- Handmade in the USA
- Rattle-free attachment system
- Simple roll-top closure
Drawbacks
- Not waterproof
- Relatively expensive if you factor in cages
- Weight: 220 grams (7.8 oz)
- Price: $170 (per pair)
- Place of Manufacture: Kansas, USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$55
Bedrock Honaker
- Type: Soft Water Bottle Cage
- Made of: X-pac/Rhinotec/Cordura
- Attachment: Velco Straps
- Bottle Size: Nalgene 32oz
CloseWe’re firm believers that every bike should feature bottle cage mounts on the underside of its down tube, bar a few suspended 26ers, where clearance is tight. It’s a no-brainer area for water storage; the center of gravity is kept low, and there’s rarely any interference with terrain or obstacles. Unfortunately, all too many bikes skimp on such potential for water hauling. Bedrock’s Honaker Hydro Pack comes in handy for just such scenarios, designed as it is to hold a 1L Nalgene bottle, via a bag strapped to your bike’s down tube.
The Honaker features with a strip of Velcro sewn in vertically, as well as an adhesive backed strip for the down tube of the bike. This doesn’t act as support, but works to keep the bag from rotating or sliding. There are two main straps that hold the bag in place; each has a rubberized backing material where they make contact, providing a secure anchor point. The spindrift collar is designed to keep the bottle clean, a nice feature when riding in cattle country. It was originally designed to fit a standard 700-800ml water bottle, but now has been updated to fit a larger Nalgene. We tested it using the Zefal 1L Magnum.
We used the Honaker mounted to the Marin Pine Mountain 2 on our trip in southern Spain. It worked flawlessly, and we rode some rough stuff. The only complaint is that it was a little tough to get the bottle in and out without undoing the straps a little. But if you approach it as storage for a backup bottle for camp use, it’s perfect. Overall it’s a ruggedly built product that works well for bikes without down tube mounts.
Highlights
- Works without cage mounts
- Good way to add a bottle or extra storage
- Made by a small company
- Durable
Drawbacks
- Not waterproof
- May not be ideal for fork mounting
- Weight: 77 grams (2.7 oz)
- Price: $55
- Place of Manufacture: Colorado, USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$35
Blackburn Outpost Cargo Cage
- Type: Cargo Cage
- Made of: Alloy
- Attachment: 3 Bolts
CloseThe Blackburn Outpost Cargo Cage is constructed from 6mm alloy tubes and can carry 4kgs/8.8lbs of gear. This is a cage that’s been around for a while now, used on a lot of rugged trips, and is considered to be pretty durable. It has three mounting hole positions and attaches using three bosses, weighs 126 grams, and Blackburn includes cargo straps with each cage.
Highlights
- Proven durable
- Large, suited for bigger bags/loads
- Three-bolt attachment
- Straps included
Drawbacks
- Larger than others
- Weight: 126 grams (4.4 oz)
- Price: $35
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- We highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at: Amazon
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$249AUD
Curve Cycling Rocket Pooch
- Type: Cargo Cage and Bag
- Made of: Titanium / Cordura
- Attachment: 3 Bolts/Eyelets
- Volume: 4L
CloseThe Curve Cycling Rocket Pooch is a complete cargo cage / bag system, designed around an oversized titanium cargo cage and 4L storage bag. The bag has four points of attachment on the cage, and is kitted out with all kinds of pockets, including two exterior mesh pockets, a small front pocket, large roll top section, and smaller zippered lower section. It is constructed from two-layers of PU-coated Cordura, which Curve claims to be 100% waterproof, and an interior closed cell foam section helps keep the bag’s shape and protect its contents.
You can check out Logan’s first look here.
Highlights
- Very quick and easy to attach and remove bags
- Highly stable and secure with four mounting points
- Nice usable packing space with two compartments and organization pockets
- Seems well built. Both the cage and bag appear to be durable
- Waterproof. If indeed the main compartment proves to be completely rainproof, that’s a nice benefit, especially for longer tours.
Drawbacks
- Expensive
- Heavy when compared to more minimal designs
- Cage is not useable with other bags or bottles
- Not fully waterproof
- Weight: 280 grams (9.9 oz)
- Price: $249AUD (cage + bag)
- Place of Manufacture: China
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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£28
drj0n bagworks Strap Deck
- Type: Mini Cargo Cage
- Made of: Composite plastic
- Attachment: 2 bolts or Voile straps
CloseThe Strap Deck mounts to a standard pair of bottle cage bosses with two M5 bolts, or anywhere you can think of by using extra straps. It has four pairs of strap slots designed for standard Voile straps, so two pair can strap to the bike, and two to the attached cargo. The bolt holes allow some adjustability and the cages are offset to one end, either up or down. When using the bolt mounts, lighter items (up to 1 lb 13 oz / 820g) are recommended.
I’ve put a ton of miles on one lately while scouting sections of the Eastern Divide Trail. Typically I use it to lash a small bag—mainly the Wolf Tooth Teklite Roll-Top Bag (0.6L)—that contains a spare tube, sealant, and tire repair tools. I’ve also used it to lash on a beer and other small items. I’ve had no issues and really like how it’s small, light, and unobtrusive when not in use.
Highlights
- Very unobtrusive and minimal design
- Super lightweight
- Proven durable
- Perfect for a can of beer/soda or other small item
Drawbacks
- Hard to get
- Weight: 25 grams (0.9 oz)
- Price: £28
- Place of Manufacture: Scotland
- We highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at: Wizard Works
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$70
King Cage Longer Thing Cage
- Type: Cargo Cage
- Made of: Titanium
- Attachment: 4 Bosses
CloseThe Longer Thing Cage is nearly identical to the Manything Cage minus a few obvious differences. At 15″, it’s nearly twice as tall and the tallest cargo cage we’ve seen. It’s made from a single piece of thick-wall hollow titanium tubing that’s hand-bent and welded into place. The curved foot at the base of the cage is slightly smaller than that of the Manything Cage, protruding about 2 1/4″ from the back of the cage.
Unlike the Manything Cage, the Longer Thing Cage has four bracket stays, each with a centre bolt hole with two slots on either side, that are 2.5″ (6.4cm) apart. The slots are for optional hose clamps that King Cage sells alongside the cage, ensuring a solid setup no matter how many threaded bosses you have available. For example, if your fork has three standard cargo cage mounts, you can order an additional 1 3/8″ hose clamp for the fourth attachment point. Or, if you’re like me and are running a suspension fork, you can order four 1 5/8″ hose clamps.
Highlights
- Built to last in the USA
- Lightweight
- Versatile as long as you have quad-pack mounts or a cylindrical tube
- Keeps weight positioned low
Drawbacks
- Quad-pack mounts aren’t common
- Hose clamps work and are solid but feel somewhat rudimentary
- Cage falls below suspension fork dropouts
- Weight capacity is limiting
- Weight: 80 grams (2.8 oz)
- Price: $70
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$66
King Cage Manything Cage
- Type: Cargo Cage
- Made of: Titanium
- Attachment: 3 bosses
CloseThe Manything Cage was long anticipated before its release. After the first wave of Salsa Anything Cages had some issues in 2011, rumors of the Manything Cage started circulating. According to Ron, the founder and owner of King Cage, their variation on an oversized cage required “more testing and tweaking,” so it took a while to perfect his design. Since then, several similar cages have hit the market, including the Anything Cage HD and Blackburn’s Cargo Cage. However, the all new Manything is the only titanium option out at this point. And it’s a really good product. They’re simple and incredibly lightweight. We’ve put countless miles on ours, and highly recommend them.
Highlights
- Extremely lightweight
- Very durable
- Unobtrusive shape and size
- Works with some purpose-made bags (like ATM Manythings Sack)
Drawbacks
- Expensive
- Weight: 39 grams (1.4 oz)
- Price: $66
- Place of Manufacture: Colorado, USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$45
King Cage Mini Thing Cage
- Type: Mini Cargo Cage
- Made of: Titanium
- Attachment: 2 bolts
CloseThe King Cage Mini Thing Cage is a minified version of their popular Manything Cage. After trying the Mini Thing Cage, I still find the three-pack Manything to be one of my top choices in the cargo cage category. It’s durable, lightweight, and slightly more versatile than the Mini Thing. However, the Mini Thing is an excellent two-bolt option for bikes without triple mounts. Like its predecessor, the Mini Thing’s minimalist design allows it to stay on the bike without being intrusive when not in use. That’s what makes these cages great: they’re minimal but perfect for carrying extra items you pick up along the way, like additional water or the occasional tall-boy can.
Pros
- The slot made to thread the Voilé Nano Strap is a nice addition for keeping the strap in place at camp
- Like its older sibling, the Mini Thing Cage is unobtrusive when not in use
- Design is perfect for a tallboy can
- Solid Ti tubing is solid and rugged yet still lightweight
Cons
- Not as versatile as the Manything Cage
- Weight: 47 grams (1.7 oz)
- Price: $45
- Place of Manufacture: Colorado, USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$60
Ortlieb Fork-Pack
- Type: Fork-Mounted Bag
- Made of: PVC-free nylon
- Attachment: 3 Bolts / or Straps
- Volume: 4.1-5.8L
CloseWeighing just 264 grams (including mounting adapter), the Ortlieb Fork-Pack is different from any other cargo bag or micro-pannier on the market. In typical Ortlieb fashion, the Fork-Pack uses a welded, roll-top design that’s completely waterproof to offer over four liters of storage. What makes it different is a unique quick-release adapter and mounting plate that can be attached to forks with eyelets as well as on forks without. They can also be mounted to a rack as panniers using the QL 3.1 Clamp.
Highlights
- Two sizes
- 100% waterproof
- Now comes in Dark Sand color
- Easy to attach and detach
- Can be mounted as panniers using QL 3.1 Clamp
Drawbacks
- Proprietary mount
- Not everyone will like plastic mount
- Weight: 290 grams (10.2 oz)
- Price: $60
- Place of Manufacture: Germany
- We highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at: Ortlieb
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$200
Outer Shell Pico Panniers
- Type: Fork Mount Bag
- Made of: Cordera or X-pac
- Attachment: 2 or 3 bosses (or straps)
- Volume: 2L each
CloseLike other bags we’ve tested from Outer Shell, the Pico Panniers are based around a clever and unique design. The magic behind the Pico Panniers is that they allow you to add fork-mounted storage to any bike. This is made possible via two sets of external polycarbonate frames, one designed for forks with two or three bosses, and the other for forks without bosses, including suspension forks. The frame acts as both a rigid back for the Pico Pannier as well as a sturdy mounting option that eliminates movement when riding rough trails. Once the correct frame is installed, the Pico Pannier simply slides over top and secures around the frame and fork leg with a beefy strip of velcro. The bag has two compartments: an exterior pocket with a small buckle for quick access to tools or snacks, and the main compartment with a roll-top closure and a slide-release buckle.
The Pico Panniers are incredibly stable, and slender enough to handle singletrack riding. They’re well built, great looking, and work as intended. We found the Pico Panniers worked best when packed snuggly with relatively soft contents, like extra layers, a sleeping pad, or some food.
Weight shown is per pannier.
Highlights
- Nice looking
- Good volume and extra pockets
- Stable
Drawbacks
- Better for light load
- Plastic plate might not be 100% reliable
- Weight: 329 grams (11.6 oz)
- Price: $200 (per pair)
- Place of Manufacture: CA, USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$80
Oveja Negra Bootlegger
- Type: Fork Mount Bag
- Made of: X-pac or Cordura/Aluminum
- Attachment: 3-pack bosses
- Volume: 2L each
CloseThe Oveja Negra Bootlegger is a well-crafted roll-top bag that attaches to the fork. The Bootlegger is built around an internal lightweight aluminum alloy frame that bolts directly to standard three-pack water bottle fork mounts. The body of the bag is made up of three layers: an outer layer of X-Pac or Cordura, a lightweight foam padding insert, and a bright colored interior nylon fabric. There is also an additional layer of Hypalon where the alloy frame is sandwiched in place. The cylindrical interior fits a 32 oz Nalgene bottle, a 40 oz wide Klean Kanteen, or an assortment of gear (two liters worth, to be exact). The bag also features urethane-coated webbing for increased durability, a reflective logo, and includes stainless steel washers for a secure installation. Having put these things through the wringer on the Baja Divide and Arrowhead 135, we can certainly vouch for their durability.
Highlights
- Stable design
- Can live on the bike
- Nice volume
- Excellent color choices
Drawbacks
- Challenging to bolt on and un-bolt
- Not waterproof
- Weight: 170 grams (6 oz)
- Price: $80
- Place of Manufacture: Colorado, USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$18
Problem Solvers Bow Tie Strap Anchors
- Type: Cargo Mount
- Made of : Aluminum
- Attachment: 2 bosses/bolts
CloseThese simple lightweight brackets are made of lightweight, stamped AL-6061 aluminum. Each attaches to a single water bottle boss and serve as anchors for cargo straps. Together they have a 3lb weight limit and can carry just about anything, from sleeping pads to Nalgene bottles to a bottle of wine. And their low profile means they remain unobtrusive while not in use.
I’ve used a pair quite a bit over the last few years, strapping in a fishing pole, camp chair, and a JetBoil. They work as expected, although I probably wouldn’t overload them with a large water bottle. the only finicky issue I’ve found is that they’re hard to keep in place while tightening down.
Highlights
- Minimal and super lightweight
- Easy to use with mini Voile straps
Drawbacks
- Best for small, cilyndrical items
- Weight: 20 grams (0.7 oz)
- Price: $18
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- We highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at: Jenson Campfire Cycling
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$65
Randi Jo Fabrications Big M.U.T.
- Type: Anything Bag
- Made of: Waxed Canvas
- Attachment: Anything cage
- Volume: 5L each
CloseAs the name suggests, the Big M.U.T. is a larger version of the Multi Use Tote. It’s designed for use with Salsa’s Anything Cage or Blackburn’s Outpost Cage. In keeping with all of Randi Jo’s lovingly crafted gear, the Big M.U.T. is made out of waxed canvas, supplemented with a lightly padded liner to give it some shape, and a roll-top buckle closure. Proportion wise, the Big M.U.T. is 14″ (35.5cm) tall when opened, 4.75″ (12cm) wide, and 3.75″ (9.5cm) deep. Two generously long velcro straps feed through the cage and wrap securely round the fork blades, the height of which can be adjusted via daisy chain webbing. Although waxed cotton isn’t 100% waterproof, it’s resistant enough to keep all but the heaviest of downpours at bay. It’s also an extremely durable material, and easily repaired should you and your bike take a spill.
Highlights
- Foam insulated construction
- Waxed canvas options
- Super sharp-looking
Drawbacks
- Not 100% waterproof
- Fairly large and heavy-ish
- Price: $65
- Place of Manufacture: Oregon, USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$75
Revelate Designs Joey Downtube Bag
- Type: Cargo Bag
- Made of: X-Pac
- Attachment: Velcro Straps
- Volume: 2L
CloseThe Revelate Designs Joey attaches under the down tube on most any bicycle, just above the bottom bracket. Requiring only two velcro straps to attach, the Joey provides a viable solution for adding gear or water storage capacity to bikes without mounts at that position.
A layer of stiff foam against the back of the bag gives it structure and some padding when strapped to your downtube, and it’s covered in a grippy rubber material and shaped to hug cylindrical tubing. It’s constructed from VX21 X-Pac and uses a standard roll-top closure to avoid dealing with dirt covered zippers.
The compression molded dual density foam used in the contact panel provides just the right amount of structure to this bag, and the rubberized outer material paired with the silicon-coated straps do an excellent job of keeping it in place. For bikes without bottle mounts under the downtube, the Joey offers a nicely designed solution for adding a little bit more storage, for either gear or water.
Highlights
- Enables down under storage on bikes without downtube mounts
- Doesn’t slip due to well-engineered, molded foam contact area and silicone-coated straps
- Well sized for larger items; perfect for cook kit/Vargo BOT
Drawbacks
- Only comes in black
- Fixed strap placements might be limiting on some bikes
- Velcro straps may wear out over time
- Weight: 130 grams (4.6 oz)
- Price: $75
- Place of Manufacture: Oregon, USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$44
Revelate Designs Polecat
- Type: Cargo Cage bag
- Made of: 210 Denier Ripstop Nylon
- Attachment: Requires Cargo Cage
- Volume: 3.5L
CloseRevelate Designs’ Polecat is a waterproof drybag designed specifically to work with a fork mounted cargo cage. It’s made out of radio-frequency welded 210 Denier Ripstop Nylon that’s double side laminated with TPU. It’s one of the lightest “Anything-style bags” available and significantly lighter than the Salsa Anything bag. The base of the bag has a contoured low profile which eliminates a high wear spot at the outer edge. The back of the bag is reinforced with urethane Hypalon to protect it from bolt heads and abrasion from the cage. A reinforced base and outer edges also help protect it from abrasion common during long distance touring and bikepacking. The Polecat also features a urethane coated daisy chain to loop webbing straps, or as shown, Voile straps. We’ve only lightly used the Polecat on a week-long trip in Ethiopia, but so far so good.
The Polecat fits fork mounted racks like the King Cage Many Things Cage, Salsa Anything Cage, Blackburn Outpost.
Pros
- Waterproof and has the Goldilocks size… not too big, not too small
- Lightweight and relatively minimal design allows for easy stowage when not in use
- Hypalon reinforcements give it a burly feel, and so far, our test bag shows no signs of wear
- Urethane coated webbing on the roll-top is a nice touch
- New plastic clip on the roll-top is a nice touch
Cons
- Urethane coated daisy-chain is nice and burly, but the slightly overbuilt loops add weight/volume when rolling/stowing the bag. But, the upside is that they allow any strap with larger buckles to pass through.
- Contoured bottom, while nice for a sleek/singletrack-friendly profile, makes it so the bag can’t stand up on it’s own
- Weight: 105 grams (3.7 oz)
- Price: $44
- Place of Manufacture: China
- We highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at: REI
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$30
Salsa Anything Cage (v2)
- Type: Cargo Cage
- Made of: Aluminum
- Attachment: 3 bosses/bolts
CloseWe broke two of the original Anything Cages while riding in Africa. One we had welded in Lesotho and it broke again. Shortly thereafter, it was discontinued. Fast forward a couple years, and Salsa released the V2. It’s pretty tough, and at 143g it’s no slouch in the weight department. Although it has a nearly identical rail design and shape as the original, the tubing is welded to a solid plate. The Anything Cage boasts a 6.6 lb (3 kg) limit, which is more than adequate for carrying a sleeping pad, rain gear, Vargo BOT cook kit, 64oz klean Kanteen, or whatever other cylindrical object you decide to lash onto it.
The Salsa Anything Cage is no longer available and has been replaced by the composite Anything Cage EXP. See in list. We left this in the index for posterity, since it was one of the originals.
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$35
Salsa Anything Cage HD
- Type: Cargo Cage
- Made of: Injection Molded Plastic
- Attachment: 3 bosses/bolts
CloseLike the original Anything Cage, the HD (Heavy Duty) version was designed to be mounted on Salsa’s Three Pack Bosses three-hole mount configuration on forks like those found on the Fargo, Mukluk, as well as several Surly bikes. The HD is made from a hefty chunk of injection molded impact resistant nylon. After countless miles in Africa, South America, and beyond, the Salsa Anything Cage HD has proven generally reliable and crashproof. Its shallow, elliptical design means less exposure to trailside foliage and rocks. On the back of the cage, the channel that contacts the tubing has rounded edges and feels extremely solid when bolted to the fork. The cage weighs 149 grams and has a 6.6 lb (3 kg) cargo limit. It also includes two Salsa straps. The strap channels are designed to route the straps through the cage and around the tubing to provide additional leverage.
Highlights
- Good value
- Durable, despite being composite
- Stable and solid for large bag
Drawbacks
- Relatively heavy
- Bulky
Note that the Salsa Anything Cage HD is being replaced by the composite Anything Cage EXP which we haven’t tested quite yet.
- Weight: 149 grams (5.3 oz)
- Price: $35
- Place of Manufacture: China
- We highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at: REI
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$37
Salsa EXP Anything Cage Bag
- Type: Anything Bag
- Made of: 500 Denier tarpaulin
- Attachment: Anything Cage
- Volume: 3.35L each
CloseWith the release of the Anything Cage HD, Salsa debuted the Anything Bag, a roll-top bag constructed from a burly, waterproof, 500 Denier tarpaulin fabric with radio-frequency welded seams. It has 3.35L of internal capacity that sits on a molded TPU base, which allows the bag to stand upright when off the bike. The Anything Bag measures 3.75” in diameter by 14” tall at max height and is sized to interface perfectly with both of models of the Anything cage. It fits snugly in the HD cage and the daisy chains are inline with the strap channels placed near the top and bottom bolt mounts. After years of abuse, we can make the claim that the Anything Bag is certainly durable.
Highlights
- Waterproof
- Durable construction
- Nice size
Drawbacks
- More challenging to roll up ans stash away than others
- Weight: 148 grams (5.2 oz)
- Price: $37
- Place of Manufacture: China
- We highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at: Jenson
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$55
Tailfin Cage Packs
- Type: Cargo Bag
- Made of: Hypalon/Ripstop Nylon
- Attachment: Requires Cargo Cage
- Volume: 1.7-5L
CloseCompleting the Tailfin Cage System, the Cage Packs are designed to work alongside their Tailfin Cargo Cages and TPU Cargo Straps. Available in 1.7, 3, and 5L volumes, Cage Packs are fully waterproof and their rubbery straps provide a reliable and repeatable mounting process, whilst still enabling rapid removal.
From our review: “They roll up like burritos when they’re not in use. They make full advantage of the versatility of a cargo cage, be it to carry bags in some situations, or large water bottles in others. You can choose a smaller size bag if preferred, they sit more inboard of the bike, and there’s less hardware to potentially fail. With a range of three sizes and accompanying straps to suit varying weathers, Tailfin’s Cargo Pack and Cargo Cage combo is definitely a very well thought out and executed system for boosting the carrying capacity of your full susser, hardtail, or gravel bike.”
Highlights
- Completely waterproof
- Rugged and very well made
- Secure and stable to ride with, no matter the trail conditions
- Much less fiddly than many cargo bag and cage combos to load and unload
- Three sizes to suit different positions on the bike and q-factors
Drawbacks
- Same weight, but still more time consuming than Tailfin’s own Mini Panniers (if you can run them)
- Costly, by the time you factor bag, rack, and straps into the bill
- Narrow profile means larger items, like a quilt, are a tight fit
- Weight: 154 grams (5.4 oz)
- Price: $55 (3L)
- Place of Manufacture: China
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$50
CloseThe Tailfin Cargo Cage comes in two sizes, both of which are intended to be used in conjunction with Voile straps to lash gear onto your bike. The Small Cage features four rows of slots and can be mounted with either two or three bolts, while its taller brother – by some 60mm or so – has 6 rows of slots and can be held in place with anything from two to four bolts. This opens up a gamut of mounting options, be on top of downtubes or below them, and to fork blades, be they double or triple eyeletted – let alone Tailfin’s own rack system, of course. Make sure to read Cass’ full review here.
Highlights
- Svelte design
- Nicely finished, rounded strap slots
- Removable foot
- Multiple size options
Drawbacks
- Expensive
- Weight: 68 grams (2.4 oz)
- Price: $50 (Small)
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$35
Tailfin Mini Cage
- Type: Mini Cargo Cage
- Made of: Aluminum
- Attachment: 2 Bolts / Bosses
CloseThe Tailfin Mini Cage is their smallest cargo cage option, similar to their larger Cargo Cage, but without the option to add a load foot and adds in their Load Pads to help the spread the weight across the frame better. It’s low profile and lightweight, but is rated for 6.6 pounds (3kg) on any type of terrain, and has the potential to hold bulky gear when multiple straps are used. Make sure to check out Cass’ full review.
- Weight: 38 grams (1.3 oz)
- Price: $35
- Place of Manufacture: China
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$75
Tailfin V-Mount Pack
- Type: Cargo Bag
- Made of: Hypalon/Ripstop Nylon
- Attachment: Rubber Straps
- Volume: 1.7-3L
CloseThe Tailfin V-Mount Pack is an all-in-one cargo bag and mounting system that’s perfect for anyone looking to add some additional storage to their rig. The pack relies on aluminum mounts with rubber backing that serves as the interface between the bag and your bike. They attach using a Voile-style rubber strap and can be mounted in different positions to accommodate different setups. The bags are 100% waterproof and come in two sizes: 1.7L and 3L.
Pros
- Aluminium subframe and clever V-Pack mounts offer rigidity and stability over mixed terrain – without scuffing your frame
- Contents aren’t under compression, so are much more easily accessed than similar bags with Velcro straps
- Completely waterproof and grimeproof
- Two sizes to suit different needs and Q-factors
- Customisable mounting configuration
- Easy to fit and remove
Cons
- Not as easily packed, or removed from your bike, as a cargo pack and cage style combo (if your frame accomodates this)
- For bikepacking purposes, the narrower 1.7L option is a lot of bag (and money) for not much volume
- 30cm straps on the 3L pack are too long for slender Chromoly frames (though you can cut them down if it really bothers you)
- Weight: 210 grams (7.4 oz)
- Price: $75 (1.7L)
- Place of Manufacture: China
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$48
Widefoot CargoMount
- Type: Cargo Cage
- Made of: Alloy
- Attachment: 3 Bosses/Bolts
CloseThe Widefoot CargoMount shares a similar overall size and profile to the CargoMount Classic and is still made from anodized 5052 aluminum, but several smaller details have changed. Most notable is the cargo “foot” at the bottom of the cage, which was previously integrated into the cage with a single-piece aluminum construction. The new CargoMount features a unique removable, bolt-on platform they call the CargoNoodle. Widefoot says the CargoNoodle’s macaroni-like shape is stronger than the original version and can also be removed to accommodate a broader range of cargo items and bags.
The Widefoot CargoMount is now available in three sizes, two of which feature removable bases. All three are just under 3″ wide, the Mega CargoCage is 9.7″ long, the Regular version is 7″ long, and the shortest cage, the MiniMount, is 3.7″ long. The only difference between the two larger cages are their length and the number of mounting points the larger of the two offers, allowing for an even greater range of adjustability and position on the bike. They weigh 95 grams, 74 grams, and 29 grams from largest to smallest, respectively.
Highlights
- Adaptable design allows for future development, different platforms, and mounting options
- Two sizes of CargoMounts for different-sized cargo
- Various slots offers best-in-class strap management
- Made in USA and competitively priced
- Removable platform is unique and increases versatility
Drawbacks
- Not officially tested for angled mounting
- A little heavier than some cages, but not by much
- Weight: 74 grams (2.6 oz)
- Price: $48 (regular)
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$36
Widefoot CargoMount Classic
- Type: Cargo Cage
- Made of: Aluminum
- Attachment: 3 Bolts
CloseThe Widefoot CargoMount is an elegant little cage that’s lighter and smaller than many of the other options on the market. It’s constructed out of aluminum and available in silver, black, and several different colors when in stock. The “3×3″ configuration of slotted mounting holes allows you to fine tune the vertical position of the cage to make room for other bags or components. The CargoMount is designed to be mounted on frames and forks that have three-pack bosses, although I think you could probably get away with two bosses and an extra Voilé Strap through and around the cage. Speaking of, the CargoMount also has nicely integrated slots for Voilé Straps, which make it easy to thread the straps into the cage and around the actual cargo. And each Widefoot CargoMount comes with a pair of Voilé straps in your preferred length—15 or 20”.
Highlights
- Good size
- Original design
- Multiple bolt placement options
- Proven durable and reliable
Drawbacks
- None
- Weight: 66 grams (2.3 oz)
- Price: $36
- Place of Manufacture: Nebraska, USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$39.95
Wolf Tooth Morse Cargo Cage
- Type: Cargo Cage
- Made of: 5052 aluminum
- Attachment: 3 bolts
CloseThe Wolf Tooth Morse Cargo Cage may appear straightforward at first glance, but its lightweight design offers unique mounting flexibility. At the center of the cage, the main channel features the brand’s well-known dot-dash mounting pattern, originally introduced with their Morse Cage bottle cages. This design allows for 35mm of vertical adjustment using four bolt-hole combinations. Additionally, the cage can be mounted using three hole sets on each of its angled sides, enabling a flatter profile when attached to forks with offset cage mounts.
The Morse Cargo Cage is constructed from 1/8” (3.1mm) flat-stock 5052 aluminum, making it both corrosion-resistant and durable. While it resembles other cargo cages on the market, its versatile mounting options set it apart. All in all, there are six different positions for attaching it to a standard 64mm-spaced three-pack set of bottle bosses.
Highlights
- Vertical adjustment comes in handy when working around other bags and racks
- Optional angle placement is a clever feature that might be useful with angled fork bosses
- Lightweight design
- Straps have two innovative features to keep the ends from coming loose
- Fair price for US-made equipment
Drawbacks
- Might interfere with rack struts, depending on your fork
- Cage is a little too big for some uses
- Not enough spacing at back when mounted on angle placement; straps have to be routed around outer two rails
- Straps are a little too long
- Weight: 48 grams (1.7 oz)
- Price: $39.95
- Place of Manufacture: Minnesota, USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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£44.99
Alpkit Betonga Fork Bag
- Type: Cargo Bag
- Made of: X-Pac
- Attachment: Requires Cargo Cage
- Volume: 3L
CloseThe Alpkit Betonga Fork Bag is a waterproof, 3 litre cargo cage bag that uses adjustable / locking webbing straps to secure to your favourite cargo cage. The Betonga features a roll-top closure, an X-Pac exterior, sil-nylon interior, and are made in the UK.
- Price: £44.99
- Place of Manufacture: UK
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$52
Apidura Cargo Cage
- Type: Cargo Cage
- Made of: Aluminum Alloy
- Attachment: 2 or 3 Bolts
CloseThe UK brand Apidura launched its first cargo cage in 2022 via their Innovation Lab. The cage features a modular foot, making it compatible with both double and triple bolt mounts. The standalone two-bolt base is ideal for securing smaller items like a tool kit or spare tube, while adding the optional foot converts it into a full three-bolt cargo cage, perfect for attaching larger fork bags. Apidura’s goal was to simplify the array of cargo cages designed for various mounting situations by offering a versatile solution that adapts to different setups and bikes.
Highlights
- Lightweight modular design
- Can be used with 2 or 3 bolts
- Can be used as cargo cage or mini cage
Drawbacks
- Not inexpensive
- Weight: 85 grams (3 oz)
- Price: $52
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$60
Apidura Expedition Fork Pack
- Type: Anything Cage bag
- Made of: Three-layer laminate / Hypalon
- Attachment: Requires Cargo Cage
- Volume: 4.5L
CloseDesigned to work with the Salsa Anything Cage or King Cage’s Many Things Cage, the Apidura expedition Fork Pack has a waterproof construction and tapered profile. This design along with a realistic volume make for a clean and less bulky option that will likely surpass lashing a standard dry bag onto your fork. Of course, this comes at a price, and it’s too early to know if they’re worth the investment or not. Overall, the shape is nice, the size seems right, and it has the signature Apidura touches that some folks just can’t enough of. We’ll be sure to update our first look report after some more serious riding this spring.
- Weight: 120 grams (4.2 oz)
- Price: $60
- Place of Manufacture: China
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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€35
Atelier Medium Big L Cargo Cage
- Type: Cargo Cage
- Made of: Steel
- Attachment: 2 Bolts / Bosses
CloseThe Atelier Medium Big L Cargo Cage is an oversized cage for hauling extra gear or cargo bags. It has two different mounting positions, is made of steel, and is 25cm tall by 11cm wide. They also sell rubber straps separately, for those that need them.
- Weight: 180 grams (6.3 oz)
- Price: €35
- Place of Manufacture: France
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$155CAD
Atwater Atelier Cage Mage
- Type: Cargo Bag
- Made of: Cordura
- Attachment: Requires Cargo Cage
- Volume: 4L
CloseHandmade in Montreal, Canada by Atwater Atelier, the Cage Mage is a cargo cage bag sold as a pair and require a cargo cage like the Blackburn Cargo Cage to mount on your bike. They are made from a burly 1000D Cordura fabric, use a roll top main closure, and have an additional expandable front pocket with a buckle and shock cord closure. The bags have a bright liner, can be made with an optional VX21 X-Pac liner for $26 CAD, and provide 4L of additional storage.
- Price: $155CAD (per pair)
- Place of Manufacture: Montreal, Canada
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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€30
BBB StackRack
- Type: Cargo Cage
- Made of: Alloy
- Attachment: 2-3 bolts
CloseThe BBB StackRack is a lightweight aluminum cargo cage with five slotted mounting holes, cargo strap slots, and wide flared edges to hold onto bulky gear. Two nylon straps are included with each cage.
- Weight: 169 grams (6 oz)
- Price: €30
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$120AUD
Bike Bag Dude Anything Cage Bags
- Type: Anything Cage bag
- Made of: X-pac, webbing, etc.
- Attachment: Requires Cargo Cage
CloseAustralia’s Bike Bag Dude also offers custom made Anything Cage Bags designed to fit perfectly into Salsa Anything Cages. Each bag has a diameter of 14cm with a roll down drybag closure which BBD claims to make them as “waterproof as you can get.”
- Price: $120AUD
- Place of Manufacture: Australia
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$60
Cleaveland Mountaineering Everything Bag
- Type: Eyelet Mounted Bag
- Made of: VX42/plastic/aluminum
- Attachment: 3 bosses/bolts
- Volume: 3-5L
CloseThe Everything Bag is another option to carry water bottles, stuff sacks, sleeping pads, fuel bottles, and so forth. Like the Anything Cage, the Everything Bag’s harness is designed to attach to the Salsa/Surly three-bolt system. The soft harness comes ready to mount with an internal mounting plate, three bolts, and three washers. Also included is a machined alloy mount for those without eyelets. weight shown is without alloy mounting bracket (total weight is 339g).
- Weight: 279 grams (9.8 oz)
- Price: $60
- Place of Manufacture: Colorado, USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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€15
Decathlon Riverside Cargo Cage
- Type: Cargo Cage
- Made of: Aluminum
- Attachment: 3 Bolts/Bosses
CloseThe Decathlon Riverside Cargo Cage is an oversized aluminum cage with a welded base that’s designed to handle some serious loads. It has 9 attachment points, is designed to be secured using three bolts, and weighs just 96g. It’s rated for 8.8 pounds (4kg) and has various slots for lashing in your favourite straps or bags.
- Weight: 96 grams (3.4 oz)
- Price: €15
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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£20
Decathlon Riverside Waterproof Fork Bag
- Type: Cargo Bag
- Made of: Hypalon
- Attachment: Requires Cargo Cage
- Volume: 4L
CloseDesigned to pair up with their aluminum Cargo Cage, the Riverside Waterproof Fork Bag is durable and 100% resistant to rain, spray, and mud. It uses a simple roll-top closure, includes two hypalon straps, and three attachment points to lash it onto a cage. Each bag provides up to 4L of additional storage for your setup.
- Weight: 150 grams (5.3 oz)
- Price: £20
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$37
DOM Gorilla Cage, Clip and Bag
- Type: Cargo Cage and Bag
- Made of: Plastic/Velcro
- Attachment: Zip ties/custom mount
- Volume: 5.5L
CloseThe Gorilla Cage system comes in three parts: the mount (Gorilla Clip), cage, and bag. The three work seamlessly to create a sturdy, fork-mounted storage system. The Gorilla Cage can be used with standard three-boss mounts if you have them, but there’s an included Gorilla Clip system with a zip tie mounting system for riders with boss-less rigid forks or suspension forks. This three-eyelet clip can mount just about anywhere on your bike. It uses rubberized zip ties to hold the clip securely in place. The back of the clip itself is also rubberized to keep it from sliding. Read Weston’s review here.
- Weight: 110 grams (3.9 oz)
- Price: $37
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- We highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at: Amazon (cage) Amazon (clip) Amazon (bag)
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$390CAD
Farsik x Wildwood XLT Bags
- Type: Cargo Bag
- Made of: x-Pac
- Attachment: Requires Cargo Cage
- Volume: 5L
CloseHandmade by Farsik Supply on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, the XLT Bags are designed specifically for Wildwood Cycles (also based on Vancouver Island) XLT Basket cargo cage. Although there is a chance the bags could work with other cages, the XLT Basket has a large platform that matches up with the bags well. They are made from X-Pac with an interior liner, use a roll-top closure, and velcro attachment for securing to the cage. The bags are sold as a pair and include the XLT cages.
- Weight: 200 grams (7.1 oz)
- Price: $390CAD (Pair with cages)
- Place of Manufacture: Canada
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$55
Fifth Season Cache Sack
- Type: Cargo Bag
- Made of: Waxed Canvas
- Attachment: Requires Cargo Cage
CloseThe Fifth Season Cache Sack is a no-frills, super durable cargo bag made from waxed canvas and designed to fit in oversized cages like the King Cage Manything Cage. According to Fifth Season, they are “big enough to hold a down summer bag or a 1 person tent, or a down parka, some jazz pants and a pair of socks with a hole in the toe.” They have a roll-top closure, each bag is sewn in Maine, and they are constructed from US-made canvas.
- Price: $55
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$65
Ghost Cat Bags The Bonnie
- Type: Cargo Bag
- Made Of: X-Pac
- Attachment: Requires Cargo Cage
- Volume: 3L
CloseThe Bonnie from Ghost Cat Bags is a larger alternative to their Abby stem bag. It’s designed to work with a variety of different cargo cages, providing an insulated, roll-top, storage option for large 32oz bottles or other gear. The exterior of the bag is made from X-Pac, it has a packcloth interior, and has all the attachment points to be used as a large stem bag as well. Since each bag is made-to-order, you can choose a colour for the body, bottom, and the back of the bag, with your choice of black or Minecraft camo for the roll-top.
- Price: $65
- Place of Manufacture: Maine, USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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€289
Gramm x Allygn Micro Panniers
- Type: Cargo Cage + Mini Panniers
- Made of: Aluminum, X-Pac, etc
- Attachment: 3 bolts and Included Rack
- Volume: 6 Liters per Pair
CloseThe Gramm x Allygn Micro Panniers are a fork-mounted cargo system that provides six liters of low-profile storage. This design draws inspiration from Fern Bicycles’ custom front racks, now available in a ready-to-use format that includes a compact pair of Gramm Micro Panniers, which snap securely into place using FIDLOCK magnets.
These panniers and cages are sold as a set (for one bike) and are currently available in X-Pac RX36 Black, Ultra 200 X Black Magic, and UltraGrid fabrics. Each bag features a light-colored nylon ripstop liner and an internal divider made from durable ECOPAK UltraStretch. The dimensions range from 130-180mm in width, 250-300mm in height, and 60-70mm in depth, with a weight of 485 to 550 grams per pair, depending on the fabric.
In addition to the FIDLOCK SNAP magnets for instant connection, the panniers utilize a pull-to-open Loxx fastener for added security and quick release. They have a semi-rigid structure that makes packing easy both on and off the bike, and unlike dry bags, they maintain a sleek profile regardless of the contents. Durable zippers allow for one-handed access while riding. The lightweight racks, which weigh 240 grams per pair, attach to any three-bolt cargo fork and can also function as minimal standalone carriers with optional straps.
Highlights
- Slim, sleek design
- Should be easy to attach/remove
- Outer bungee storage
Drawbacks
- Relatively heavy
- Relatively expensive
- Weight: 790 grams (27.9 oz)
- Price: €289 (per pair)
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan and Portugal
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$45AUD
Gutter Cargo Sled
- Type: Cargo Cage
- Made of: 110g
- Attachment: 3 bolts
CloseLike most cargo cages, the Gutter Cargo Sled madefor holding lightweight round-ish camp essentials like dry bags, sleeping bags, a Jetboil, or other bottles. They measure 155 x 70mm, have a load limit of 4 kilograms, and weigh 110 grams without hardware. What sets the Cargo Sled apart is that it’s made from a single piece of 304 stainless steel.
- Weight: 110 grams (3.9 oz)
- Price: $45AUD
- Place of Manufacture: Australia
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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€185
Helmut Equipment Manything Helmut Sack
- Type: Anything Cage Bag
- Made Of: ACRYLIC
- Attachment: Requires Cargo Cage
- Volume: 3.5L
CloseThe Manything Helmut Sack is meant to be paired with a King Cage Manything Cage, providing 3.5L per bag, for a total of 7L of storage. The Helmut Sack has built in compression straps, a flip up lid-style opening, and reflective details for added visibility.
- Price: €185 (Sold as a pair)
- Place of Manufacture: Cognin, France
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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€99.95
Jack Wolfskin Morobbia Fork Bag
- Type: Fork harness bag
- Made of: 210D waterproof, 100% Polyamide (Recycled), etc
- Attachment: Straps (included)
- Volume: 7 liters
CloseThe Jack Wolfskin Morobbia Fork Bag is a clever harness and dry bag system that uses the same Fidlock compression system as the bar roll and seat bag. It appears the harness straps directly to the fork legs using TPU straps, and the base and back of the bag are reinforced for added durability.
Highlights
- Waterproof bags
- Removable harness system
Drawbacks
- Only comes in black
- Straps could allow bags to rotate
- Weight: 320 grams (11.3 oz)
- Price: €99.95 (each)
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$42
Minoura GP-1EX
- Type: Cargo Cage
- Made of: Aluminum
- Attachment: 2 Bolts/Bosses
CloseFrom Minoura: “Minoura GP1-EX is a function utility cage that attaches various items such as 2L PET bottles, spare tires, tents, sleeping bags, etc. to the bottle mounts. Three straps are included to secure the load.” It has threaded holes on the base of the case for attaching accessories, slotted mounting holes for multiple positions, and has a weight limit of 4.5 pounds.
- Weight: 290 grams (10.2 oz)
- Price: $42
- Place of Manufacture: China
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€72
Miss Grape Trunk 6
- Type: Cargo Bag
- Made of: Nylon
- Attachment: Requires Cargo Cage
- Volume: 6L
CloseThe Miss Grape Trunk 6 is a fully waterproof cargo cage bag, serving up a solid 6L of additional storage. It’s made from a PVC-free 210D nylon fabric and reinforced with 420D nylon and 300D polyester in high wear points. The Miss Grape Trunk 6 is designed and manufactured in Italy.
- Weight: 119 grams (4.2 oz)
- Price: €72
- Place of Manufacture: Italy
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$45
Mountain Laurel Designs Ultra Fork Dry Bags
- Type: Anything Cage Bag
- Made of: EcoPak ULTRA 200
- Attachment: Requires Cargo Cage
- Volume: 1.6-2.5L
CloseThe Ultra Fork Dry Bags are essentially a smaller version of Mountain Laurel Designs’ Ultra Dry Bags. Designed to fit larger cargo cages (King Cage, Widefoot Cargo Mount, etc.), they come in two sizes, are 100% waterproof, and are finished with seam tape, a Hypalon daisy chain, and grab straps. They are available in 1.6L or 2.5L sizes, weigh 22-38 grams, and are handmade in Virginia, USA.
Highlights
- Incredibly lightweight
- Handmade in USA
- 100% waterproof
Drawbacks
- No structure
- Weight: 22 grams (0.8 oz)
- Price: $45 (1.6L)
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$50
Nuclear Sunrise Fuselage
- Type: Cargo Bag
- Made of: X-pac / Nylon
- Attachment: Velcro Straps
- Volume: 3.2L
ClosePerfect for full-suspension mountain bikes, anyone with limited packing space, or bikes without extra mounting points, the Fuselage is a strap-on cargo bag that mounts directly to your frame. At 16″ high, it’s big enough to carry a tall Nalgene bottle. It also makes a great place to stash food, tools, and other dense gear that’s best positioned low on the bike. Nuclear Sunrise included two beefy straps that loop around the bike and the bag itself for a solid, wiggle-free setup, and the bottom is reinforced with ballistic nylon.
- Weight: 170 grams (6 oz)
- Price: $50
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$35
Original Free Range StrapPad
- Type: Mini Cargo Cage
- Made of: Thermoplastic
- Attachment: 2 Bolts / Bosses
CloseThe Original Free Range StrapPad is a curved thermoplastic plate that’s finished with a grippy silicone interior to help hold its contents in place. The curved shape of the pad holds a water bottle or other cylindrical items, leaving room on the backside for smaller items such as pumps, CO2, or tools. Aluminum spacers are included to provide ample room for cargo straps, and the max load with a 12” Voile strap is 737g (26oz)… but get a pair of 16” Nano Straps (available separately) and it’ll do a lot more.
- Weight: 52 grams (1.8 oz)
- Price: $35
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$68
Restrap Fork Bag
- Type: Anything Cage Bag
- Made Of: Cordura
- Attachment: Requires Cargo Cage
- Volume: 5L
CloseThe Restrap Fork Bag is 100% waterproof, compatible with most cargo cages, and has a simple roll-top closure to keep your gear dry. It uses two 20mm wide straps with cinch buckles for mounting onto your favourite cage, and has a durable Hypalon base for added protection.
- Weight: 198 grams (7 oz)
- Price: $68
- Place of Manufacture: UK
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$70
Road Runner Buoy Bag
- Type: Anything Cage Bag
- Made of: 1000D Cordura
- Attachment: Requires Cargo Cage
- Volume: 7.75 Liters
CloseThe Road Runner Buoy Bag is a large, durable dry sack made of 1000D Cordura backed with a seam-taped rip stop nylon liner. The Buoy was designed to work as a micro pannier with large Anything-style cages. Each bag is 20″ (unrolled), 17″ tall, and 6″ in diameter. They come in several colors as well.
- Weight: 128 grams (4.5 oz)
- Price: $70
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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€29.95
Santos Hold-it-All
- Type: Cargo Cage
- Made of: Plastic, Rubber, etc.
- Attachment: 3 bosses/bolts
CloseCreated in 2013, the Santos Hold-it-All has been around for a while and won the Op Pad Outdoor Award. It features rubber bumpers and fastening strips prevent the content from sliding. Furthermore, the Santos Hold-it-All has a base with flexible walls, which effortlessly bend around contents. It is fixed to the frame with three bolts and made of specially-designed plastic which Santos claims is unbreakable and not sensitive to changing weather conditions.
- Price: €29.95
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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€39
Seido Cargo Cage
- Type: Cargo Cage
- Made of: Aluminum
- Attachment: 3 bolts
CloseThe Seido Cargo cage is a large luggage cage for triple cage mounts made of 6061 aluminum with nylon buckle straps. It measures 210 x 98 mm, has six mounting holes for flexible attachment, and a maximum load of 4.5 kg.
Highlights
- Large lower platform
- Straps included
- Multiple mounting points
Drawbacks
- Relatively heavy
- Weight: 249 grams (8.8 oz)
- Price: €39
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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€15
Seido Strap Mount Cage
- Type: Cargo strap cage
- Made of: Glass fiber reinforced nylon
- Attachment: 2 bolts
CloseThe Seido Strap Mount Cage is a lightweight, glass fiber reinforced nylon strap system made for small items. It works with full-suspension under top tube bosses or any other standard bottle mounts. The wide slots allow it to be used with most common straps, incuding Voiles.
- Weight: 23 grams (0.8 oz)
- Price: €15
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$25
State Desert Cargo Cage
- Type: Cargo Cage
- Made of: 5250 aluminum
- Attachment: 3 bolts
CloseMade from aircraft-grade 5250 aluminum, the new State Bicycle Desert Cargo Cage is designed to work with three-pack fork or frame mounts. It features a dot-dash-dot mounting pattern that allows some vertical adjustment. The State Cargo Cage is rated to carry up to 25 pounds and weighs 168 grams. Additionally, State offers its own grippy rubber straps, similar to Voilé straps, for securing the cargo.
- Weight: 168 grams (5.9 oz)
- Price: $25
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$55
Studio Forecast Cargo Cradle
- Type: Cargo Cage
- Made Of: Aluminum
- Attachment: 3 Bolts
CloseDesigned and manufactured in New Zealand, the Studio Forecast Cargo Cradle has multiple mounting points, several different strap slots, and has additional mounting points that can be used for bottle cages or other bolt-on accessories. The Cargo Cradle is made from aluminum and has a bead-blasted anodized finish and laser-etched logos, and weighs just 82 grams.
Highlights
- Multiple attachment points
- Side mounting points for extra water capacity
- Lightweight
- Made in New Zealand
Drawbacks
- Not as low profile as other cargo cages
- Weight: 82 grams (2.9 oz)
- Price: $55
- Place of Manufacture: New Zealand
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$65
Sturdy CC Bag
- Type: Anything Cage Bag
- Made Of: X-Pac/Cordura
- Attachment: Requires Cargo Cage
- Volume: 3.5L
CloseThe Sturdy CC Bag is handmade in Minnesota, USA and features a classic roll-top design for carrying extra gear, clothing, or even small tents. It has a solid structured lower, ripstop liner, and several different strap mounting locations for different cargo cages.
- Weight: 204 grams (7.2 oz)
- Price: $65
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$70
Swift Industries Gemini Cargo Pack
- Type: Cargo Cage Bag
- Made of: Ecopak, HDPE, etc
- Attachment: Requires cargo cage
- Volume: 4 liters
CloseThe Swift Industries Gemini Cargo Pack features a rigid canister design and a roll-top closure and is designed to attach securely to most cargo cages. The bag uses a rigid HDPE liner to hold a cylindrical shape and attaches to any cargo cage using two hypalon-reinforced velcro straps. The pack is designed to maintain its shape no matter what’s inside, which Swift says is “a common hassle with many existing designs.” It has a roll-top closure, a vertical daisy chain on the sides for attaching small items, and can hold up to 4L of gear. The 5″ diameter was chosen specifically to hold a 1L backpacking pot and fuel canister, but it also looks ideal for stashing extra water, sleeping pads, or other awkward items that need a home.
Highlights
- Rigid design means it can live on the bike
- Nice color and recycled fabric
Drawbacks
- Not fully waterproof
- Expensive considering you have to buy cages
- Relatively heavy
- Weight: 246 grams (8.7 oz)
- Price: $70 (each)
- Place of Manufacture: Indonesia
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$38
Topeak Versacage
- Type: Cargo Cage
- Made of: Engineering Grade Polymer
- Attachment: 3 bosses/bolts
CloseWhile the Topeak Versacage looks very similar to the Salsa Anything Cage HD, it has a few tricks of its own. A four-hole mount design offers placement options (64mm of variation) to work with other bags, or if used on the downtube, to make adjustments for tire clearance. In addition, the keyhole design of the mounting bolt holes allows for a quick release, which is a nice touch. The Versacage includes tie down straps, allowing you to carry a drybag or other gear on your bike frame or fork. Topeak claims a 6.6 lb (3 kg) load limit.
- Weight: 128 grams (4.5 oz)
- Price: $38
- Place of Manufacture: China
- We highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at: Amazon Jenson
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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£50
Wizard Works Figwit
- Type: Cargo Bag
- Made of: Cordura
- Attachment: Requires Cargo Cage
- Volume: 2.6 and 4 liters
CloseThe Wizard Works Figwit was designed to provide an additional storage solution for bikepacking and touring, accommodating any frame size or anyone needing more packing space on their current setup. Unlike soft bags, the Figwit features a hardshell design that stays securely attached to the bike while allowing easy access to its contents. Wizard Works notes that this design also simplifies the removal of larger items and offers exceptional stability when used with Voile straps, regardless of the load.
The Figwit is available in two sizes: a small version with a 2.5-liter capacity for £41.67, and a large version with a 3.5-liter capacity for £45.83. They can be purchased individually or as a pair, and come in four fabric options: Black, Rust, Olive, or the signature Splatter pattern. Additionally, customers can choose from 10 different Voile Strap colors, which are priced separately at checkout.
Highlights
- Two useful sizes
- Hardshel design means it can live on the bike
- Nice color options
Drawbacks
- Not 100% waterproof
- Can’t be collapsed or rolled for storage
- Weight: 200 grams (7.1 oz)
- Price: £50 (small)
- Place of Manufacture: England
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
Packing Cargo Cages and Anything Bags
Generally speaking, cargo cages and Anything-style cages are designed to carry fairly lightweight, roundish items. Most have a weight limit of around 3 kg (6.6 lbs), which matches most fork load limits. Here are three packing scenarios that we’ve used with cargo cages to carry lightweight objects such as small dry bags, ultralight sleeping pads, shelters, and more.
Sleeping Gear
Anything-style cages and cargo cages are perfect for sleeping gear such as a small shelter, an inflatable sleeping pad, or even a small sleeping bag. Note that we always use a burly dry sack to prevent abrasion or tearing. Camping gear ain’t cheap! The 5L Sea to Summit Big River dry bag and Salsa Anything Bag are both good options for keeping your gear dry and protected.
Extra Water
Another popular use for a cargo cage is to carry extra water in a larger vessel. The 40 or 64 oz. Klean Kanteen, Nalgene bottles, thermoses, and even growlers are commonly attached under the downtube using one or two Voile straps around the tubing and the bottle for added stability. In addition, there are insulated bags for winter cycling, such as the Wanderlust Monida.
Food Overflow
This is my personal favorite use for a cargo cage on longer trips. For example, the ultralight King Cage Many Things Cage is extremely minimal when attached to the fork. Recently, we’ve been carrying a new Revelate Designs Polecat, which is ultralight and can be folded and stowed when not in use. On a section of route where we need extra food, we can fill it up and lash it onto the cage with two Voilé Straps.
If you’re looking for a bottle cage, we also have a Gear Index of oversized and useful bottle cages. As with other Gear Index lists, there may have been a few options we overlooked. If you have one you’d recommend, please leave it in the comments below.
