Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
Burrito-shaped bundles strapped to the handlebars were one of the first means of carrying gear on a bike. Some of the first handlebar rolls were used by intrepid world cyclists in the late 1800s, and they were perhaps most famously used during the Buffalo Soldiers’ (25th Infantry Bicycle Corps) groundbreaking 2,000-mile ride from Missoula, Montana, to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1897. At that point they were made from heavy but durable materials such as waxed canvas and leather, but they got the job done.
Fast-forward more than 100 years to 2009, and Revelate Designs reimagined those designs with the first iteration of their handlebar harness, which was influenced by using the zippered lid from a backpack as a handlebar bag with a strapped-in dry bag. Not long after, they released their Sweet Roll, which offered an all-in-one design with an integrated waterproof dry bag, foam anchor points, and a technical construction. Most modern designs can largely be credited to Revelate Designs’ early work.
Since then, four main types of handlebar bags have evolved and become popular: rolls, harnesses, top-loaders, and cradles. We’ve already covered top-loaders in our Gear Index here and are busy testing out the latest cradles, but even after all these years of innovation, rolls and harnesses still have their place. These cylindrical bags attach directly to the handlebars—usually with velcro or webbing straps—and keep the load tight to the front of the bike. The goal for both styles of bag is to limit the impact on handling, provide a space for bulky gear, and offer a better sightline on technical terrain compared to bulkier top-loading bags. Not to mention, they usually take up less vertical space, which works with suspension forks and smaller bikes. They are usually our first pick for riding singletrack-heavy bikepacking routes.
Harness or Roll?
We’ve already compared harnesses, rolls, and top-loaders in great detail here, and keeping with the theme of this Gear Index, we’ll focus on harnesses and rolls. In short, a handlebar roll is an all-in-one system with an integrated dry bag and handlebar attachment. They typically have a roll-top closure at either end, are waterproof or highly water-resistant, and attach to the handlebars and headtube using simple straps. They are one of the most straightforward off-the-shelf options for storing gear on the handlebars, but they often need to be packed on the bike since removing them can be time-consuming. A handlebar harness uses a semi-rigid holster that attaches to the bike the same way a roll does, but it has two or three straps to secure a removable dry bag in place. The benefits of harness systems are that they can accommodate any old dry bag and can be packed away from the bike, but they require vigilance in packing to ensure stability.
Deciding what type and size of handlebar bag suits your needs best will ultimately depend on how much gear you need to carry, your handlebar width and lever/cable location, and how much clearance there is above your front tire, especially for riders running front suspension. Some systems, such as the Rockgeist BarJam and Rogue Panda Canelo, use brackets and carbon struts to provide ample room for cables and controls, while some sit closer to the bars and use small foam blocks to provide a little space.
Handlebar Rolls
- Integrated dry bag means no loose cargo or chance of loosing a bag
- Usually 100% waterproof and no need to purchase an additional dry bag
- Some rolls offer more stability than harnesses
- Can often be packed thin and wide; beneficial for riding with a suspension fork
Handlebar Harnesses
- Compatible with any old dry bag that you have lying around
- Enables you to pack your gear off the bike
- Often more affordable than a complete roll system
- Can also be loaded with extra items, like tent poles or a camp chair
Handlebar Harnesses and Rolls for Bikepacking
In this Gear Index, we’ve included key information to help you pick the right handlebar harness or roll, including volume, the attachment system, weight, and price. As always, those we have first-hand experience using are marked with a hexagonal “T” icon and are listed first.
-
$155
Bedrock Entrada
- Type: Handlebar Roll
- Attachment: Webbing/Velcro
- Volume: 13L
- Made in: Colorado, USA
CloseThe Bedrock Entrada has been in Bedrock’s lineup since the beginning. It’s an all-in-one handlebar roll that’s designed to live under your handlebar and tucked up against your bike, having the least impact on handling. The main compression straps compress the entire bag directly to the handlebar, providing a movement-free ride without the use of fragile racks or hard mounts.
The Flat/Riser Bar Entrada’s main bag is approximately 6.5″ in diameter, is 19″ wide when closed, and has approximately 13 liters capacity including the pocket.
The Drop/Jones Bar version is shorter in width and larger in diameter (~17″ wide when closed and 7.5″ in diameter, about the same capacity) to better make use of the space between the drops on bikes such as the Salsa Fargo, or between the levers on bikes with Jones Loop and similar bars.
- Weight: 430 grams (15.2 oz)
- Price: $155
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$155
Bedrock Moab
- Type: Handlebar Roll
- Attachment: Webbing/Velcro
- Volume: 13L
- Made in: Colorado, USA
CloseThe Moab Handlebar Bag is made up of three components: the harness, main bag, and optional front pocket. First, the ultra-minimal harness is secured on either side of the stem with two velcro straps, leaving two alloy buckles free to secure the main bag. The main bag has roll-top closures on each end with two slick surface mount buckles and webbing straps to secure the bag once it’s packed. The alloy buckles on the harness wrap over the main bag, hooking into the bartacked loops from the bottom of the harness. All cables and hoses are tucked neatly away towards the centre of the bag, towards the bike’s headtube, excluding the front brake line, which is better positioned outside the main bag. Additional velcro loops found near the ends of the main bag are also secured on the handlebar to provide additional stability.
- Weight: 456 grams (16.1 oz)
- Price: $155
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$125
JPaks Refugi Harness
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Webbing
- Volume: 5-30L
- Made in: Colorado, USA
CloseAccording to Joe at JPaks, the design objective for the Refugi was to make a lightweight, stable, and secure harness to allow modular load carrying possible with varying sizes of roll-end bags. They also set out to minimize water ingress with a single-seam roll-end bag that can be made fully waterproof (for an upcharge).
The Refugi shares a similar mounting system with their Supreme BarritoPak. Both the Refugi and BarritoPak are spaced outward from the handlebar using custom-shaped replaceable foam blocks. The blocks push the harness about 1.5″ away from the bar, providing just enough clearance for your hands, lights, or GPS devices. On either side of the stem, two webbing straps with side-release acrylic buckles loop over the bar, and the tail is then cinched down using an additional ladder lock buckle on top of the foam block. There is a smaller third foam block near the bottom of the harness that is pulled up against the head tube thanks to a small piece of shock cord with a cord lock. To protect the headtube, JPaks includes their Eye Patch with a smooth side-facing the harness to allow it to slide when the bars are turned and a grippy fabric and velcro strap against the bike to hold it in place. Find Miles’ review here.
- Weight: 295 grams (10.4 oz)
- Price: $125
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$109
Kokopelli Durango Handlebar Harness
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Webbing
- Volume: 20L
- Made in: China
CloseThe Durango Handlebar Bag and Harness addresses the challenges of riding with packrafting gear with two integrated paddle sleeves for carrying four-piece paddles and a simple harness system for carrying a rolled up packraft or any other cylindrical gear. The Durango Handlebar Bag uses two FidLock Magnetic Stealth V-Buckles to safely secure all gear in the harness, webbing straps with foam spacers to attach the system to the bars and head tube, and includes a 100% waterproof double-ended roll-top dry bag to keep gear dry and protected. Read our review here.
- Weight: 651 grams (23 oz)
- Price: $109 (Harness)
- Place of Manufacture: China
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
€49
Musguard Handlebar Harness
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Webbing
- Volume: TBD
- Made in: Slovenia
CloseThe Musguard Handlebar Harness is meant to hold a dry bag on your bars and uses a unique one-strap design that wraps around the stem and handlebar to ensure the load stays firmly in place. The harness itself is made from recycled 0.8 mm polypropylene. An aluminum/acetal G-hook with cam keeps the dry bag secured in place, and two silicone-backed straps (with included EVA spacers) attach it to the handlebars. There are slots in the harness for an additional head tube strap, but according to Musguard, they found it wasn’t needed for a tight setup, so the head tube strap and spacers aren’t included at this time. The harness weighs in at just 148 grams, which is among the lightest we’ve seen—only around 10 grams heavier than the Revelate Designs Pronghorn harness. Musguard doesn’t currently provide a dry bag, and the weight limit is unknown, but at just €49 (~$52 USD), it’s competitively priced. Read our complete review here.
- Weight: 148 grams (5.2 oz)
- Price: €49
- Place of Manufacture: Slovenia
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$175
Ortlieb Handlebar-Pack
- Type: Handlebar Roll
- Attachment: Velcro
- Volume: 9-14L
- Made in: Germany
CloseThe Ortlieb Handlebar-Pack is a waterproof handlebar roll with roll-top closures at both ends, radio-frequency (RF) welded construction, 9L or 15L size options, foam spacers and velcro straps. It’s compatible with their accessory bags, and has a lot of nice details that sets it apart from other handlebar rolls.
From Logan’s review: On first inspection of the bag, the feature stood out most was the burly two-layer handlebar strap system, which is part of what makes this bag unique. The inner velcro strap is secured to the bag around an internally sealed 11” plastic strut that runs horizontally to stabilize the bag. The part of the velcro strap that contacts the handlebar has a rubberized coating that helps keep the bag from moving laterally. And the outer strap is comprised of a nexus side-release buckle, a ladder lock, and bright orange webbing, an accent that adds a nice aesthetic pop on both the Seat-Pack/Handlebar-Pack combination. The inner velcro strap is a great feature as the bag can be easily mounted before really clamping it down with the outer webbing straps. That said, both sets of straps are a bit long for mountain bike handlebars, but can be easily trimmed down.
- Weight: 420 grams (14.8 oz)
- Price: $175 (14L)
- 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 USA REI
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$60
Outershell Handlebar Harness
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Webbing / Voile Straps
- Volume: 4-9" cylinder
- Made In: California, USA
CloseThe Outer Shell Handlebar Harness is now in its second iteration and is based around an entirely new system. The harness itself is made from a durable semi-rigid plastic sheet, similar to a thin plastic cutting board, with various slots that allow for simple adjustment depending on your setup. Two beefy 32″ XL Voile Straps wrap around both the dry bag and over the handlebar—a combination that provides much more holding power that the original version and other harnesses available. There are locking cam buckles, which ensure the harness stays in place when removing the dry bag, and foam spacers are integrated on the bar and head tube attachment points to prevent interference with brakes, brake levers, and cables. Make sure to review our complete review here.
- Weight: 295 grams (10.4 oz)
- Price: $60
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$95
Revelate Designs Harness
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Webbing
- Volume: 20L
- Made in: Alaska, USA
CloseOriginally introduced in 2008, the Revelate Designs Harness has now seen four major revisions and is somewhat of a bikepacking classic. It was one of the first true bikepacking bags Logan invested in and is by far his most used. Cylindrical items as small as 4.5” in diameter can be cinched down in the Harness, which makes it useable with a standard suspension fork or even a long-travel 160mm fork. It’s semi-rigid and designed to carry drybags, packrafts, stuff sacks and other cylindrical shaped objects. It uses a flexible, reliable connection and a three strap design that allows for balanced and easy bag mounting. Find Logan’s review here.
- Weight: 425 grams (15 oz)
- Price: $95
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- 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 Campfire Cycling
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$150
Revelate Designs Pronghorn
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Webbing
- Volume: 7.5-23L
- Made In: Alaska/Oregon, USA
CloseDesigned to be fast and light, the Pronghorn handlebar system was personally tested and refined by Revelate designer Dustin Eroh during his 2018 Arizona Trail Race 750, and on an individual time trail on the Oregon Timber Trial. Consisting of just a simple holster and a dry bag, the Pronghorn is bare bones. And that’s what makes it special. The 4.8 ounce (135 gram) holster is constructed out of two layers of X-Pac with a small, 8″ (20cm) fiberglass internal stay. The strategically placed stay is tied into both the handlebar mounting points and the two front drybag attachment webbing straps. This position and integration provides the system’s stability. The Pronghorn’s dual cam handlebar straps loop over the bars, through a hitch buckle, then back over the bars to secure at the front, providing a double wrap for strength. The dry bag straps clip in at the top of the holster and provide a locking cam for added security. Find our complete review here.
- Weight: 139 grams (4.9 oz)
- Price: $150 (Medium Drybag)
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- 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: Campfire Cycling
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$185
Rockgeist BarJam
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Brackets
- Volume: 8-30L
- Made in: North Carolina, USA
CloseThe Rockgeist BarJam Harness system (excluding the Horton) consists of five main components: the two alloy brackets, a carbon bar, a pair of Voilé straps, a dry bag, and the harness itself. At the heart of the system is the Pi-shaped mini-rack that’s made up of two alloy handlebar brackets and a carbon bar. The mini-rack effectively carries the load, removing the need for load-bearing straps on the handlebar itself. This not only frees up space on the bar, it moves the load outward and down, providing a cavity for cables to pass through and reducing interference or crimping.
From Logan’s review: “There’s a lot to love about the Rockgeist BarJam handlebar harness and the Horton accessory bag. All included, it’s a complete handlebar bag solution that’s different from anything out there. It offers what I would consider the most user-friendly and versatile means of up-front storage: a dry bag that’s easy to attach and detach for off-bike packing and unpacking. Plus, it has a clever, easy-access waterproof accessory pouch, best-in-class stability, and a unique bracket solution that’s more cable-friendly than standard handlebar straps.”
- Weight: 283 grams (10 oz)
- Price: $185
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$140
Rogue Panda Canelo Handlebar Harness
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Velcro
- Made in: Arizona, USA
CloseThe Rogue Panda Canelo Handlebar Harness uses an ultralight carbon fiber bar that’s secured through two precision-cut rubber spacers. This not only makes a lightweight and ultra-stable system but also provides extra clearance for cables and levers in front of the handlebars. The harness is attached to the bars using the same grippy straps Rogue Panda uses with their other bags, and it has three compression straps that loop around the carbon bar to secure your favorite dry bag in place. The Canelo is designed to be used with their GlidePlate, a small, semi-rigid component is made from a layer of lightweight HDPE plastic stitched to a layer grippy rubberized fabric. The plate is secured to the front of the head tube with an integrated webbing strap and the harness attaches to a short section of strap at the front of the plate that’s left slightly slack. This allows the harness to glide across the plastic plate so the handlebars can turn freely without constantly rubbing the bike’s head tube. Find Neil’s video review here.
- Weight: 226 grams (8 oz)
- Price: $140
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$55
Alpkit Deluge
- Type: Handlebar Roll
- Attachment: Webbing
- Volume: 3-20L
- Made in: China
CloseThe Alpkit Deluge is a simple 100% waterproof handlebar roll made using RF welded fabrics, an integrated harness system with stiffener board for added stability, dual roll-top closures, and wrap-around webbing attachment. It comes in three sizes: 20L, 13L, and 3L.
- Weight: 390 grams (13.8 oz)
- Price: $55 (20L)
- Place of Manufacture: China
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
£12
Alpkit Joey
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Velcro
- Volume: 20L
- Made in: UK
CloseThe super affordable Alpkit Joey is perhaps the simplest harness out there. It’s made from 222D polyester with a 3 mm closed cell foam, has a semi-rigid construction, and has a length of daisy chain along the back with two simple velcro straps for the handlebar. There are two additional lower straps designed to secure to the fork crown for more stability.
For a slightly more sophisticated option, check out the Alpkit Kanga. It has more attachment points, more straps, and a tapered profile.
- Weight: 65 grams (2.3 oz)
- Price: £12
- Place of Manufacture: UK
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$145
Apidura Backcountry Handlebar Pack
- Type: Handlebar Roll
- Attachment: Webbing
- Volume: 7-11L
- Made in: China
CloseDesigned for technical trails, the Apidura Backcountry Handlebar Pack is an all-in-one system for carrying bulky, compressible items. It has roll-top closures on both ends, a simple two-point webbing attachment, and comes in two sizes: 7L or 11L. The pack is compatible with their Accessory Pocket, it’s made from Dimension-Polyant VX21, and the entire bag is welded for a 100% waterproof construction.
- Weight: 270 grams (9.5 oz)
- Price: $145 (11L)
- Place of Manufacture: China
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$142
Apidura Expedition Handlebar Pack
- Type: Handlebar Roll
- Attachment: Webbing
- Volume: 9-14L
- Made in: China
CloseThe Apidura Expedition Handlebar Pack is similar to their Backcountry version but made from a three-layer laminate fabric that was developed specifically for Apidura. It has roll-top closures at both ends, a simple webbing strap attachment, a bungee up front for lashing items to, and comes in two sizes: 9L or 14L.
- Weight: 275 grams (9.7 oz)
- Price: $142 (14L)
- Place of Manufacture: China
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$280CAD
Arkel Rollpacker
- Type: Handlebar Roll
- Attachment: Cradle
- Volume: 15-25L
- Made in: Quebec, Canada
CloseThe Arkel Rollpacker exists in a league of its own. It uses a nifty aluminum hanger that both supports and allows for quick installation and removal of the main bag. It has a sealed liner, making it 100% waterproof, and has a dual-ended main bag with an additional front pocket for quick-access items. Like all of Arkel’s bags, the Rollpacker is handmade in Canada.
- Weight: 748 grams (26.4 oz)
- Price: $280CAD (25L)
- Place of Manufacture: Canada
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$68
BarYak Talon Harness
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Webbing
- Made in: USA
CloseThe BarYak Talon Harness is designed to work with their BarYak Expedition and BarYak Ultra cross bars, but is also compatible with standard drop bars and flat bars. It’s made from 210D Gridstop, weighs just 196g, and can be modified to fit different accessory pockets as long as you contact BarYak before ordering.
- Weight: 196 grams (6.9 oz)
- Price: $68
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$60CAD
Bikepackers Foundry Loop Bar Harness
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Velcro
- Volume: TBD
- Made in: Alberta, Canada
CloseHandmade by Bikepackers Foundry in Alberta, Canada, the Loop Bar Harness is an ultralight harness system designed for Jones-style handlebars. It’s designed to carry a wide range of bags using 2″ webbing straps that secure gear under the loop of the bar, while an elastic cord section up top provides additional storage. All in, the Loop Bar Harness weighs about 150 grams.
- Weight: 150 grams (5.3 oz)
- Price: $60CAD
- Place of Manufacture: Canada
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$200
Blackburn Outpost Elite Handlebar Roll
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Brackets/Webbing
- Volume: 14L
- Made in: China
CloseThe Blackburn Outpost Elite Handlebar Roll consists of two parts. First is a fixed mount with an angle-adjusting, alloy face plate that bolts onto your handlebar. Second is a removable and waterproof dry bag. The handlebar brackets work with handlebar diameters 25.4-35mm, there is molle webbing up front for lashing extra gear too, and the dry bag holds up to 14L of gear.
- Weight: 795 grams (28 oz)
- Price: $200
- Place of Manufacture: China
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$150
Brooks Scape Handlebar Roll
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Webbing
- Volume: 9-11L
- Made in: England
CloseBuilt specifically for off-road bikepacking, the Scape Handlebar Roll is a two-piece harness system made to securely hold its own adjustable, waterproof dry bag. The bag has two internal compartment, foam spacers, and aluminum hardware, and can accommodate different accessories up front.
- Weight: 670 grams (23.6 oz)
- Price: $150
- Place of Manufacture: England
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$70
Decathlon Riverside Handlebar Bag Harness
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Webbing
- Volume: 15L
- Made in: China
CloseThe Decathlon Riverside Handlebar Bag Harness appears to be quite dialled considering its $70 price tag. It has large shaped rubber spacers for the handlebar, a mix of metal and plastic hardware, a structured harness that looks fairly rigid, and three locking straps to keep your favourite drybag in place.
- Weight: 492 grams (17.4 oz)
- Price: $70
- 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: Decathlon
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
€195
Dyed in the Wool Harness and Dry Bag
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Velcro
- Volume: 5-15L
- Made in: Poland
CloseMade-to-order in Poland, the Dyed in the Wool Harness and Dry Bag are designed to be durable and functional. The harness is made from your choice of of EcoPak, Cordura, or an Ultra fabric, has an HDPE liner for extra stability, and attaches to the handlebar using two velcro straps. The included dry bag is made from a lightweight Ultra composite fabric and the harness comes in variety of colors.
- Price: €195
- Place of Manufacture: Poland
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$150
Evoc Handlebar Pack
- Type: Handlebar Roll
- Attachment: BOA
- Volume: 5L
- Made in: China
CloseThe Handlebar Pack BOA WP is a waterproof handlebar bag with a BOA Fit System and molded contact bracket much like the original that keeps the bag off the bars and provides space for cables — and fingers on drop-bars — to pass behind. Shock cord along the front provides an option for lashing light items like jackets to the outside. It’s available in rather small 2.5L (€120 /$130) and 5L (€140 /$150) sizes, which further points to an optimization for drop-bars.
- Weight: 260 grams (9.2 oz)
- Price: $150
- 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 USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
€189
Gramm Handlebar Roll
- Type: Roll
- Attachment: Bracket
- Volume: 10L
- Made in: Berlin, Germany
CloseThe Gramm Handlebar Roll is handmade in Berlin and uses a unique mounting system. Unlike most roll bags, it uses a quick-release handlebar bracket for an adjustable and stable setup. The bag is made from recycled X-Pac, includes two adjustable straps, but the bracket is not suitable for carbon handlebars.
- Weight: 553 grams (19.5 oz)
- Price: €189
- Place of Manufacture: Germany
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
€129
Jack Wolfskin Morobbia Bar Roll
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: TPU Straps
- Volume: 15L
- Made in: TBD
CloseThe Morobbia Bar Roll is a waterproof handlebar bag with a roll-top closure, Fidlock magnetic fastener for quick removal, heavy-duty TPU handlebar straps, and reflective detailing for visibility.
- Weight: 570 grams (20.1 oz)
- Price: €129
- Place of Manufacture: TBD
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
€120
Miss Grape Tendril
- Type: Handlebar Roll
- Attachment: Webbing
- Volume: 14L
- Made in: Italy
CloseThe Miss Grape Tendril is a fully-waterproof handlebar roll. It’s made from a nylon/polyester blend fabric, customized polypropylene straps, and plastic hardware. There are roll-top closure at either end of the bag and is produced in Italy.
- Weight: 240 grams (8.5 oz)
- Price: €120
- Place of Manufacture: Italy
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$55
Oveja Negra Front End Loader
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Webbing
- Volume: 8-20L
- Made in: Colorado, USA
CloseThe Oveja Negra Front End Loader is a US-made harness designed to accept 8-20L dry bags, uses two simple webbing attachment points on the bar, a lower webbing strap for stability, semi-rigid construction, and can also work alongside their Lunchbox handlebar bag for additional storage. The Front End Loader is made from a durable Cordura fabric and comes in black or their fun Wack Pack option that vary in color and pattern from bag to bag.
- Weight: 192 grams (6.8 oz)
- Price: $55
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$90
Paper Roads Ranger Harness
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Webbing
- Volume: 14L
- Made in: New Zealand
CloseHandmade in New Zealand by Amy at Paper Roads, the Ranger Harness is designed to be simple and secure. It uses a fibreglass rod for structure, 3D printed foam spacers, webbing straps, and strap slots for two Voile straps that are included (at less than retail price) with the harness.
- Weight: 259 grams (9.1 oz)
- Price: $90
- Place of Manufacture: Auckland, New Zealand
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$149
Restrap Bar Bag
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Webbing
- Volume: 14L
- Made in: United Kingdom
CloseThe Bar Bag is a more robust version of Restrap’s Race Bar Bag. It features a tough textured nylon holster, robust webbing straps, foam spacers, two lower retention straps, and is finished with some shock cord up front for lashing items to. A double-ended 14L drybag is included and the system comes in two variation: small or large. The large version come with an additional front pocket and an additional 3L of storage.
- Weight: 389 grams (13.7 oz)
- Price: $149 (Small)
- Place of Manufacture: UK
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$165
Restrap Race Bar Bag
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Webbing
- Volume: 7L
- Made in: United Kingdom
CloseDesigned for ultra-distance riding and racing, the Restrap Race Bar Bag is a two-piece system with a hardshell holster and an included 100% waterproof 7L dry bag. Instead of two roll-top ends, like most dry bags, Restrap’s uses a top-opening design and has two stretchy pockets on either end of the bag for stashing small items.
- Weight: 320 grams (11.3 oz)
- Price: $165
- Place of Manufacture: UK
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$115
Revelate Designs Sweetroll
- Type: Handlebar Roll
- Attachment: Webbing
- Volume: 11-15L
- Made in: Alaska/Oregon, USA
CloseThe Revelate Designs Sweetroll is a standalone 100% waterproof handlebar bag. It has two roll-top closures at either end, foam blocks at the mounting points to leave room for cables, there’s a fibreglass strut to provide structure between the two mounting points, and there’s a front flap for stuffing a jacket or other loose items in on the go. The Sweetroll is also compatible with Revelate’s Egress pocket.
- Weight: 439 grams (15.5 oz)
- Price: $115 (11L)
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- 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: Campfire Cycling REI
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$50
Rockgeist Loop Bar Harness
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Velcro/Voile Straps
- Volume: 8-30L
- Made in: North Carolina, USA
CloseThe new Rockgeist Loop Bar Harness is essentially a variation of their Barjam Harness with modifications to be compatible with the Jones H-Bar (flat and riser versions) and the Surly Moloko bar. It’s made from VX45 X-Pac with webbing strap guides to keep the included Voilé straps in place; and, when unbuckled, they remain attached to the harness for easier removal. The harness is affixed to the bar with two small velcro tabs and then fully secured with the Voilé straps, which wrap around a drybag and the entire handlebar. Customers have a choice of either 25″ or 32″ Voilé straps for various sized dry bags; the drybag is not included.
- Price: $50
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$100
Stealth Bar Roll
- Type: Handlebar Roll
- Attachment: Webbing
- Volume: 7.5-9L
- Made in: New Zealand
CloseThe all-in-one Stealth Bar Roll secures to the bike using two buckles with ladder lock adjusters and is further secured with a strap around the stem, steerer tube or fork. It’s constructed from tough 500D and 1000D Cordura, it has an integrated and removable plastic stiffener, and comes in two sizes: 9L or 7.5L.
- Weight: 360 grams (12.7 oz)
- Price: $100 (small)
- Place of Manufacture: New Zealand
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
£60
Straight Cut Design Handlebar Harness
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Webbing
- Volume: 3-20L
- Made in: Edinburgh, Scotland
CloseLike most other harnesses, Straight Cut Design’s Handlebar Harness uses a series of webbing straps and buckles to secure itself to the handlebar, creating a cradle for a dry bag of your choosing, but unlike other harnesses I’ve used, the webbing is routed in a way that not only looks a bit more secure, but also holds the load slightly further away from the bike’s head tube, an issue Straight Cut set out to solve. The back of the harness is reinforced with HDPE, and additional webbing is secured to the crown of the fork, which should offer a little more space for cables and hoses.
The body of the harness is constructed from 500d Cordura, with closed cell foam in between for padding, and is bar tacked at all attachment points for added strength. The minimum distance from the handlebar to fork crown is 190mm (7.4″) and the maximum is 250mm (9.8″), for the harness to function properly. Right now, the handlebar harness is only offered in black, but Straight Cut offers custom builds to match the rest of your kit.
- Weight: 135 grams (4.8 oz)
- Price: £60
- Place of Manufacture: Scotland
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$120
This is Farewell Handlebar Roll
- Type: Handlebar Roll
- Attachment: Voile Straps
- Volume: 23L
- Made in: New Mexico, USA
CloseThe made-to-order This is Farewell Handlebar Roll is a classic roll with roll-top closures, sealed seams, and an X-Pac construction. There are two wrap-around webbing straps for attaching tent poles and other gear to, foam spacers are included, and it attaches to the bar using two Voile Nano straps. The roll comes in a few different fabric colors and has a 1-2 week turnaround time.
- Weight: 255 grams (9 oz)
- Price: $120
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$104
Topeak Frontloader
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Webbing
- Volume: 8L
- Made in: China
CloseThe Topeak Frontloader is a two-piece system that includes a harness and a removable drybag. The harness is secured to the handlebars using webbing straps and buckles, includes a number of spacers to make room for cables, and two lockable webbing straps hold the drybag in place. The 8L drybag is waterproof and has an integrated air purge valve to make packing down its contents easier.
- Weight: 319 grams (11.3 oz)
- Price: $104
- 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 USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
€105
Vaude Trailfront
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Rubber Straps
- Volume: 14L
- Made in: Vietnam
CloseThe Vaude Trailfront is made from waterproof hf-welded materials, includes a 13L double-ended dry bag, and secures to your bar using rubber straps and foam spacers. Both the harness and dry bag are made from recycled materials, they are PVC-free, and have a Green Shape label which guarantees environmentally-friendly products made from sustainable materials, resource-efficient production and fair manufacturing.
- Price: €105
- Place of Manufacture: Vietnam
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
-
$37.50
WOHO XTOURING Handlebar Harness
- Type: Handlebar Harness
- Attachment: Webbing
- Volume: TBD
- Made in: China
CloseThe WOHO XTOURING Handlebar Harness attaches using two webbing straps and foam spacers, is made from 1000D ballistic Nylon, and includes two of their grippy WOHO Straps that grab onto your drybag securely. The harness is compatible with their Add-on pack and Add-on pack DRY model.
- Weight: 180 grams (6.3 oz)
- Price: $37.50
- Place of Manufacture: China
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
What about Cradles?
But wait, there’s more! Handlebar cradles are rigid holsters that typically bolt-on to your handlebar and provide a wiggle-free spot for strapping on a dry bag. The Salsa Anything Cradle was one of the first commercially available options, but there are several other options available these days, including custom options made by frame builders, such as the Spacer Cradle Rack from Goodday + Curiosity or the Hunter Cycles Cow Catcher. Jack the Rack, which we reviewed here, is another take on a handlebar-mounted cradle and is a great option for folks who experience tire-to-bag interference. We’ve been testing some of the latest cradles out there and will be publishing a separate article on them soon. Until then, you can check out our lightweight front rack roundup here.
Parting Thoughts
Selecting a harness or roll system that works for you ultimately comes down to personal preference and your specific setup. If routing cables or not having enough handlebar real estate is a common issue, you might consider something with a dedicated bracket that spaces the load away from the handlebar. If you regularly ride in wet conditions, we generally recommend a harness with a removable dry bag as they are far easier to pack away from your bike and can accommodate bags of various sizes. It’s hard to go wrong with any options from Revelate Designs, who has been dialing in their harness longer than anyone else, but every bag marked with the hexagonal “T” icon is a safe bet when starting your research.
We’ve done our best to include as many options as possible, but we’ve likely missed a few. If you have a favorite harness or roll that’s not included, please let us know in the conversation below.
