Mountain Bike (MTB)
Gravel Bike
All-Terrain Bike (ATB)
Fat Bike
It’s common to hear claims that bikepacking is “coming full circle” as it relates to bags. Many people have transitioned away from ultralight, soft seat packs and handlebar rolls to rack-based setups and dry bags. While there’s some truth to the sentiment, it’s also important to realize that modern bike racks, bags, and bikes have come a long way. In this case, “They don’t make ‘em like they used to” is a good thing. In short, ultralight racks are making racks relevant to relatively minimal bikepacking that’s geared toward off-road riding, and rack-top bags are emerging because of it.
Rear racks have always been the cornerstone of travel on two wheels, and for a good reason: securing your gear to a solid, fixed platform (like a rack) is far more stable than a soft-sided, saddle-mounted bag. As Joe Cruz shares in The History of Bikepacking, cyclists have been strapping gear to the back of their bikes since the very beginning of the bicycle itself. These days, we no longer lash canvas tents and bulky gear to racks, but the concept remains the same.
The advent of modern lightweight rear racks from brands such as Tailfin, Old Man Mountain, Ortlieb, Mica Cycles, and Tumblweed has created the foundation for an entirely new segment of bikepacking bags. Rack-top bags are the byproduct of bikepackers wanting more than a basic dry bag strapped to their racks. Looking back, it’s safe to say Tailfin was at the forefront of this movement with the release of the original AeroPack rack-top bag in 2018. Of course, the AeroPack, and most of Tailfin’s products, are only compatible with their own racks, and what came next was universally fitting rack-top bags designed to work with any style of rear rack. Trunk bags for commuters have existed for much longer, but most use basic attachment systems that aren’t suitable for off-road use, aren’t waterproof, or simply aren’t big enough for bikepacking.
Modern-day takes on universal-fit rack-top bags started simple and evolved quickly. One of the first harness-style systems was Rockgeist’s Armadillo dry-bag protector, which isn’t much more than a piece of Hypalon with a bungee lace-up on top. One of the first all-in-one bags came from Jay Petervary of Ride Forward Designs: essentially a dry bag with a bungee lace-up and integrated exterior pockets. Since then, we’ve seen many takes on this style, including harnesses and top-opening bags, that draw on handlebar bags but are specifically designed to live on a rear rack.
Choosing a Rack Top Bag
Rack-top bags are the perfect middle ground when you don’t need the capacity of panniers but want more than a seat pack. Lashing a standard dry bag in place is a great way to start, but dedicated rack-top bags offer some advantages with additional functionality and features. Here are a few things to consider when deciding on what type of bag is best for you.
Harness or Bag
The two main styles of rack-top bags are harnesses and bags. Like seat packs with removable bags, harness systems usually attach to the rack and stay in place, with a removable dry bag inside. Bags, on the other hand, are held in place with various straps.
Pockets and Bungees
Beyond shape and style, what sets rack-top bags apart from a standard dry bag are the pockets and bungees built into the design. Stretchy pockets and sleeves are great for quick-access items, tools, and snacks, and bungee lace-ups on many models make it easy to secure a jacket or extra layer. These features can add an extra liter or two of storage, depending on size.
Shape and Size
Generally, anything under 10L suits lightweight trips or warm-weather conditions, and you’ll need more capacity for cooler conditions or carrying bulky gear. Some styles are long and tapered, which works well for dropper posts, while others are taller and easier to stuff with gear. The best style depends on what you plan to pack inside.
List of Rack-Top Bags
In this Gear Index, we gathered many of the latest and greatest rack-top bags suitable for bikepacking. Every bag in the list has either been personally tested by one of us here, or we’ve heard good things about it. We limited the list to universal rack-top bags designed to work with most rear racks, which is why you won’t see Tailfin’s AeroPack system included. We also included key specs for each to help you decide what’s best for you. As always, items marked with the “T” icon are ones we’ve tested. Find the list below, and scroll down a little further for some slightly less feature-rich dry bags that also work great on top of a rack.
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$130
Dispersed Rack Bag
- Weight: 250 Grams
- Volume: 10L
- Opening Style: Top-Opening Roll-Top
- Waterproof: Yes, with optional dry bag
- Height from Rack: 6-9" (15-23cm)
CloseThe Dispersed Rack Bag was inspired and tested by Katie and Andrew Strempke’s friend, Tim Tait. It’s designed to be quick to access, making it ideal for extra layers, snacks, or anything else you might need during the day. It uses a roll-top closure and a simple G-hook buckle, so one strap is all you need to open it. The Dispersed Rack Bag has webbing attachment points on the base to work with a wide range of racks. The main strap holds the bag to the rack, and the Voile Nano Straps secure the corners. Dispersed has tested the bag on racks with 3″ spacing between rails (Mica Rat Tail rack), up to 5″ spacing between rails (Tumbleweed Pannier rack, Salsa Alternator rack). The 4″ spacing between the webbing on the bottom works well with anything in that range.
The bag isn’t waterproof, but like the Dispersed Handlebar Roll we reviewed, it offers an optional inner dry bag for those who need it. According to Dispersed, they prefer a removable dry bag because it’s better protected from abrasion and allows you to keep wet and dry items separate. It’s also easier to grab the contents and take them inside, leaving the outer bag installed. The bag features an angled front profile for seat clearance and a rear light mount.
Neil spent some time using the Dispersed Rack Bag and here are some his thoughts:
Highlights
- Impressively stable and secure on rough terrain
- Tapered front provides excellent saddle and dropper-post clearance
- Removable waterproof liner separates wet gear from dry belongings
Drawbacks
- Installation isn’t immediately intuitive
- Nano Voile Straps can be difficult to tighten beneath some racks
- Relatively expensive at $165 with the liner
- Weight: 250 grams (8.8 oz)
- Price: $130 (No Dry Bag)
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$125
Old Man Mountain 12L Atlas Rack Pack
- Weight: 360 Grams
- Volume: 12L
- Opening Style: Single-End Roll
- Waterproof: Yes (Welded)
- Height From Rack: 6" (15cm)
CloseThe new 12L Atlas Rack Pack shares many of the same specs and features as the 9L Atlas Rack Pack, including a welded, waterproof TPU construction, Hypalon reinforcements on the sides and bottom, and four webbing straps with cam-lock buckles to secure it to your rack. The main differences are an additional three liters of capacity, small zippered side pockets on both sides of the bag, and an air-purge valve at the front. The 12L Atlas Rack Pack also has a slight taper at the slanted end, which isn’t part of the 9L design. This means a lower chance of it rubbing your leg while pedaling or getting in the way when the saddle is dropped, and the bike is leaned into corners. Read Miles’ full review here.
Highlights
- 12L capacity is better suited to shoulder season campouts, longer trips, or when you need more packing space
- Simple webbing/buckle rack attachment is fairly quick and surprisingly stable
- Slanted/tapered nose leaves room for legs and dropper post
- New air purge valve is a nice upgrade from the 9L version
- 100% waterproof thanks to seam-welded construction
Drawbacks
- Side pockets feel too small, and I wish they were made from stretchy material
- Tapered nose requires extra attention while packing
- I never trust bungees to hold much more than a lightweight layer, but adding some extra gear straps can fix that
- More stable on racks with large platforms
- Weight: 360 grams (12.7 oz)
- Price: $125
- Place of Manufacture: Cambodia
- 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 Dismount (Canada)
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$75
Ortlieb Dry-Pack
- Weight: 230 grams
- Volume: 12, 16L
- Opening Style: Dual-Ended Roll-Top
- Waterproof: Yes
- Height From Rack: 7.3" (18.5cm)
CloseThe Ortlieb Dry-Pack essentially takes the same fabric and construction as their Handlebar-Packs and rolls it into an excellent rack-top dry bag (or a pack for a handlebar cradle). And it comes with an excellent bungee matrix for lashing on layers or extra stuff on the go.
Like other Ortlieb bags, the Dry-Pack is completely waterproof. It’s made specifically for transporting gear on a rear rack, and it comes with two O-Straps that clip onto the rack rails, as shown below. It also has an air valve for easy compression and daisy chains for variable placement of the straps. It comes in two sizes: 12 and 16-liters, and each weighs just 230 and 250 grams, respectively, according to Ortlieb.
Highlights
- Available in Ortlieb’s attractive olive drab color
- 100% waterproof fabric
- Comes in two sizes, the larger of which would be beneficial for big cold weather outings
- Nice features like air purge valve
- lightweight but still seems very durable
- Bungee is well proportioned and handy for extra layers and accessories
Drawbacks
- Even the smaller of the two is a little large for my taste: I wish they offered a third that was slightly smaller in both diameter and length
- Rack straps are a little fiddly and require regular attention to maintain a tight fit
- Weight: 227 grams (8 oz)
- Price: $75 (12L)
- 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: Backcountry
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$135
Revelate Designs Burrote
- Weight: 268 Grams
- Volume: 10L
- Opening Style: Single-End Roll
- Waterproof: Yes (Welded)
- Height from Rack: 7" (18cm)
CloseNamed after a giant burrito, the Revelate Designs Burrote is a fully waterproof dry bag designed for use on the top platform of most any rack. It shares a few similarities with the Ride Forward Designs’ bags, including a simple roll-top closure with a side-release buckle, side pockets, and a lace-up bungee overflow accessory, but is much more sophisticated overall.
Instead of a sewn construction, Revelate used a weldable fabric to create a fully waterproof bag. It’s made from a 420D TPU laminated ripstop fabric that’s treated with a PFAS-free C0 DWR coating for water repellency. The darker reinforced components are made from Hypalon, a synthetic rubber known for its great strength and resistance to weather, chemicals, and UV light.
The front of the bag is tapered slightly to reduce leg rub and interference with dropper posts, which is one complaint I have with standard cylindrical dry bags. The base is reinforced with Hypalon, which protects the bag from abrasion but also provides some padding for whatever is packed inside.
There are two exterior 4-way stretch quick-dry mesh pockets on either side of the bag, with a cinchable, bungee closure to keep contents secure. Lastly, a small bungee lace-up at the top provides additional storage space for lightweight items or layers. The rear end of the bag features reflective details to increase visibility in low-light conditions, and there are two Hypalon strap keepers on each side to keep straps in place. Find Miles’ full review here.
Highlights
- Waterproof, thanks to welded construction and roll-top closure.
- Durable and showing no signs of wear, with reinforcements in all the right spots.
- 10L capacity isn’t massive, but the spacious exterior mesh pockets and bungee increase carrying capacity when needed.
- $135 feels like reasonable value.
Drawbacks
- Front taper/slanted area isn’t as distinct as other rack-top bags.
- $135 also isn’t exactly cheap, when a dry bag will do the job.
- Weight: 232 grams (8.2 oz)
- Price: $135
- Place of Manufacture: China/Cambodia
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$170
Ride Forward Designs Rack Bag
- Weight: 230 grams
- Volume: 7, 13, 38L
- Opening Style: Single-End Roll-Top
- Waterproof: Yes (Seam Taped)
- Height from Rack (13L): 7.5" (19cm)
CloseRide Forward Designs is a project by ultra-endurance racer Jay Petervary. Originally released as the J-Bag, but renamed shortly after launch, his flagship product was a nifty rack-top bag inspired by nearly two decades of bikepacking and ultra-racing. It’s available in three sizes: Burnin’ holds approximately 7 liters, the Rippin’ holds 13 liters, and Chillin’, designed specifically for winter use, holds ~38 liters.
Despite being a different size, each version of the Ride Forward Designs Rack Bag offers similar features. They are all accessed using a single-ended roll-top closure and side-release buckle, with a Velcro strip or a magnet to help keep contents secure. There is a bungee-laced top for stashing quick-access items or dry gear, stretchy pockets on either side, and an additional multi-function webbing strap between the pockets for extra storage. The base of the bag is reinforced with an abrasion-resistant Hypalon panel, complete with strap slots, and there’s an additional Hypalon loop at the back for a blinky light.
Highlights
- Handmade in the USA
- 100% waterproof
- Multiple size options
- Stretchy side pockets are surprisingly useful
- Hypalon base, strap loops, and light loop are nice additions
- Stretchy bungee top adds additional cargo capacity without adding bulk
Drawbacks
- J-Bag XL feels a little big for most racks
- 7L J-Bag is a little small for most setups
- Has the potential to rub the rider’s legs, depending on the rack/bike setup
- Pricey for a fancy dry bag with additional features
- Weight: 227 grams (8 oz)
- Price: $170 (Rippin')
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$30
Rockgeist Armadillo Dry Bag Protector
- Weight: 88 Grams
- Volume: 8-15L
- Opening Style: Harness
- Waterproof: N/A
- Height from Rack: Varies
CloseThe Rockgeist Armadillo Dry Bag Protector is a useful little accessory for those running a rack and drybag setup, or for anyone who wants to add some extra protection to their favourite lightweight drybag. The Armadillo Dry Bag Protector is made from Hypalon rubber and offers enough flexibility to wrap around any drybag, protecting it from the contact points between it and the rack or frame. Dirt and gunk from the trail can cause a lot of abrasions, and Rockgeist is so confident in the Armadillo Dry Bag Protector that if you manage to wear a hole in it, they’ll replace it for free.
Although some more intricate designs were tested, the simplicity of the final design won out. The drybag is inserted under the two elastic cords, which act as additional storage for things such as sandals or tent poles, and then the entire setup is mounted in place with your favourite Voile straps. The elastic is sized to wrap dry bags around 8-15 litres in size, but Rockgeist can make longer versions upon request.
Highlights
- Very minimal and lightweight
- Works with a range of dry bag sizes
- Affordable
- Bungees on top
Drawbacks
- No additional pockets or features
- Weight: 88 grams (3.1 oz)
- Price: $30 (Harness Only, No Straps)
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$180
Rogue Panda Elden Rack-Top Harness
- Weight: 330
- Volume: 15L
- Opening Style: Single-End Roll + Harness
- Waterproof: Yes (seam-taped)
- Height from Rack: 7" (18cm)
CloseThe Rogue Panda Elden is based around a two-piece system: a fixed harness that attaches to the rack and a removable dry bag that slides into it. While a rack-top harness system isn’t a new concept, this is the first time we’ve seen a shaped harness with a matching dry bag. The harness is made from Ultra 400x and Cordura, with a padded base and slanted front-end for additional saddle/dropper post clearance. On its base, several Hypalon slots provide mounting locations for the included TPU straps, depending on the width of your rack. The narrow position works well on minimal racks, including the Mica Rat Tails Emily and I used, and the wider position is ideally suited to more traditional rear racks.
Compression straps on either side of the harness help secure the dry bag, and customers have their choice of two buckle options: a RollerCam or Austere Cam Buckle. The RollerCams have a roller bearing, which makes tightening the harness super easy, and they’re significantly cheaper. They weigh 24 grams more than Austere buckles, however, so the weight increases by 48 grams with two of them. The total weight of the Austere buckle version I have is about 330 grams, while the RollerCam version is 378 grams. Read Miles’ review here.
Highlights
- Harness and dry bag design is easy to pack and unpack.
- One of the most stable rack-top systems, even on narrow racks.
- The mesh pocket is spacious and useful.
- Slanted front should be enough to allow full dropper travel in most cases.
- Thoughtful details, including a shaped dry bag, strap keepers, and simply girth hitch side straps.
- Mounting slots accommodate different rack widths.
Drawbacks
- Heavier than most rack-top bags, but one of the only shaped harness/dry bag systems available.
- TPU harness straps are slightly finicky to install.
- Takes some creativity to ride with no dry bag installed in the harness.
- Pricier than other rack-top bags (but also hard to compare).
- Weight: 330 grams (11.6 oz)
- Price: $180 (Austere Buckles)
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$150
Rogue Panda Picketpost Rack-Top Bag
- Weight: 235 Grams
- Volume: 12, 14L
- Opening Style: Top-Opening Roll-Top
- Waterproof: Yes (Seam Taped)
- Height from Rack (12L): TBD
CloseThe Picketpost Rack-Top Bag is inherently simple. It’s essentially a top-opening dry bag with a slanted shape to provide plenty of clearance for dropper posts—a non-negotiable for Nick. The bag’s base has Hypalon loops for lashing Rogue Panda’s RPGP Straps to your rear rack, and the roll-top closure comes with your choice of G-hook buckles or Austere cam-lock buckles at either end, with webbing straps that girth-hitch onto the rack rails.
The bag comes in two widths to accommodate all manner of racks. The wide version will fit racks 5-6″ wide, such as the OMM Elkhorn or Tumbleweed racks, and the narrow version fits most racks from 3.5-4.5″ width, including the Mica Rat Tail and OMM Divide. The wide version’s base is 12.5″ long by 6″ wide, and the narrow version is 12.5″ long by 4″ wide. At the rear of the bag is an interesting mesh pocket, similar to the exterior pockets on modern ultralight backpacking packs, for stashing extra layers or other goodies. The entire bag is seam-taped, so there’s no need to pack sensitive gear in additional waterproof bags, and each Picketpost is made to order in your choice of fabric, color, and print, including custom printed in-house options for those who want to get creative.
Highlights
- Lightweight for its size
- 14L is large enough to not require panniers or additional rear cargo for most trips
- Top-opening design is easy to access during the day
- Two sizes for different rack styles is a nice touch
- Mesh pocket is functional, although a Dyneema stretch mesh or UltraStretch fabric would be better
- Waterproof!
Drawbacks
- Unstructured design results in some aesthetically unpleasing folds and rolls
- Somewhat tall when packed full, which means the weight can sit high on some bikes
- Four rack straps means it’s likely not coming off at camp
- Aa solid, stretchy fabric would be nice for some of these pockets
- Weight: 202 grams (7.1 oz)
- Price: $150 (Narrow/12L)
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$120
SimWorks Extra Rice & Beans Bag
- Weight: 212 Grams
- Volume: 5L
- Opening Style: Top-Opening Roll-Top
- Waterproof: No
- Height from Rack: 6-9" (15-23cm)
CloseThe SimWorks Extra Rice & Beans Bag is offered in four unique color and material combinations, and it features premium Fidlock magnetic closure hardware, a roll-top design, a padded base with reinforced lower walls, a purpose-built webbing attachment system, D-rings for connecting a shoulder strap, dual daisy chains on the bottom, and a reflective chevron design for a little added visibility. It’s designed to pair perfectly with the SimWorks Burrito Rack, but it can also work with other racks.
Highlights
- Several thoughtful details and functional design
- Lightweight
- Quick to install/remove
- Unique color options
- Mostly wiggle-free!
Drawbacks
- Pricey at $120, but justified for a high-quality US-made bag
- Not large enough for a dedicated bikepacking bag
- Not waterproof, but highly weather-resistant
- Weight: 212 grams (7.5 oz)
- Price: $120
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$175
South City Stichworks Love Handles
- Weight: 240 Grams
- Volume: ~9L
- Opening Style: Harness
- Waterproof: N/A
- Height From Rack: ~7" (~17cm)
CloseDesigned for ultra-distance racing, the Love Handles rack harness by South City Stitchworks turns any dry bag into a much more versatile tool. Made for users to stash essentials within reach in the side pockets, this tough, tidy, and trail-proven harness is built using Ecopak EPX200 and ultra-stretch fabrics with YKK molded-tooth zippers. Said to strike a balance between durability, sustainability, and weight, the harness weighs approximately 8.5 ounces. Available in two sizes, one for sub-4.5” racks like the Mica Rat Tail, and the other for larger platform racks, the Love Handles rack harness can also be made custom for racks that don’t quite fit the bill or have atypical proportions.
Highlights
- Versatile design works with different dry bag sizes
- Harness system makes packing/unpacking a breeze
- Zippered stretch pockets are roomy and functional
- Bungee lace-up is great for stashing a layer
Drawbacks
- Pricey, with no dry bag included
- Requires a well-packed dry bag to be stable
- Weight: 240 grams (8.5 oz)
- Price: $175
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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€141
7Roads PackTrain Rack Top Bag
- Weight: 305 grams
- Volume: 14L
- Opening Style: Top-Opening Roll-Top
- Waterproof: Yes (Seam-Taped)
- Height from Rack: 14" (35cm)
CloseThe 7Roads PackTrain is a harness-style rack-top bag that attaches to a wide range of racks using webbing straps on the base of the harness. There are two UltraStretch zippered pockets on the sides of the harness, and two webbing straps with side-release buckles that loop around the included top-opening dry bag, secured with two side-release buckles. The PackTrain is available in three different widths to accommodate different racks, and it’s available with or without the 14L dry bag. Custom colors and fabrics are also available.
- Weight: 305 grams (10.8 oz)
- Price: €141 (Complete Set)
- Place of Manufacture: Ukraine
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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Coming Soon: Wizard Works Rack-Top Bag
- Weight: TBD
- Volume: TBD
- Opening Style: Top-Opening Roll-Top
- Waterproof: Yes
CloseWizard Works has been developing its own rack-top bag for some time now, and we’re eager to share more soon. We do know it’s waterproof, attaches to the rack with four girth-hitch buckles, and has a spacious, top-opening roll-top closure. The team is already testing pre-production versions, and we’ll be publishing launch-day reviews when the time comes. Stay tuned!
- Place of Manufacture: UK
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$120
North St. Roll-Top Trunk Bag
- Weight: 275 Grams
- Volume: 8-12L
- Opening Style: Top-Opening Roll-Top
- Waterproof: No
- Height from Rack: 7" (18cm)
CloseThe North St. Bags Roll-Top Trunk Bag is a simple rack-top bag with a top-opening roll-top closure, side-release buckles, and four large velcro straps to attach the bag onto your rack. It has D-ring tabs for an optional shoulder strap, a front zippered pocket with a key fob, and it’s made with EcoPak EPX200 with a bright yellow liner. The Top Trunk Bag can hold 8-12L, weighs 275 grams (9.7oz), and costs $120 USD.
- Weight: 275 grams (9.7 oz)
- Price: $120
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$95
Old Man Mountain 9L Atlas Rack Pack
- Weight: 275 grams
- Volume: 9L
- Opening Style: Single-End Roll
- Waterproof: Yes (Welded)
- Height from Rack: 5.5" (14cm)
CloseThe Old Man Mountain 9L Atlas Rack Pack is a fully waterproof, minimal rack-top bag. It has four fixed webbing straps to secure it to a rack, a single-ended roll-top closure, and a bungee lace-up on top for quick-access items. The Atlas Rack Pack has a padded and reinforced base, as well as a tapered/slanted nose to accommodate dropper post travel. Like the name suggests, it has a 9 liter capacity and weighs 275 grams.
- Weight: 275 grams (9.7 oz)
- Price: $95 (9L)
- Place of Manufacture: Cambodia
- 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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$125
Old Man Mountain Juniper Trunk
- Weight: 295 grams
- Volume : 7L
- Opening Style: Top-Opening Roll-Top
- Waterproof: Yes (Welded)
- Height from Rack: 10" (25.4cm)
CloseThe Old Man Mountain Juniper Trunk is made from waterproof TPU fabric with welded seams and Hypalon reinforcements. The Juniper Trunk has 7 liters of storage, secures to the rack deck with four cam lock straps, and has a simple roll-top design for expandability. It has slots on the back for clip-on rear lights, a waterproof zipper pocket on the outside, and a lengthwise roll-top closure.
- Weight: 293 grams (10.3 oz)
- Price: $125
- Place of Manufacture: Cambodia
- 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:
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$225
Revelate Designs Rohn Rack Bag
- Weight: 320 Grams
- Volume: 37-39L
- Opening Style: Single-End Roll
- Waterproof: Yes (Seam-Taped)
- Height from Rack: 11" (28cm)
CloseThe Revelate Designs Rohn (pronounced “roan”) Rack Bag is named after the Rohn Safety Cabin on the Iditarod Trail, a 1,000-plus-mile (1,600-kilometer) route from Knik to Nome, Alaska. The Rohn Rack bag is a massive roll-top dry bag sized to fit a minus-20-degree down sleeping bag, with an air pad, and a full set of puffy pants and down parka. It has an oversized roll-top opening that makes stuffing bulky gear inside a breeze, and the word is it can fit a minus-40-degree bag with less clothing.
The Rohn Rack Bag has a few extra features that set it apart from your average dry bag. It has two high-capacity zippered pockets on the sides, is fully seam-sealed to keep your gear dry, and has two cam lock straps on top for lashing down foam pads or bulky layers. There’s a reflective rear trim for added visibility, and the entire system connects to your rack using webbing straps that hitch in place.
The Rohn bag is made from tear-resistant UHMWPE ripstop Challenge Ultra Grid fabric, and each one is handmade in their Alaska HQ in small batches. Dimensions are approximately 11in (279mm) by 24in (610mm) (DxL), it weighs 320 grams, and its capacity is 37 to 39L.
- Weight: 320 grams (11.3 oz)
- Price: $225
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$147
Speck Gear Rack Pack
- Weight: 268 Grams
- Volume: 8, 10, 12L
- Opening Style: Single-End Roll-Top
- Waterproof: No
- Height from Rack: 6" (16cm)
CloseThe Rack Pack from Speck Gear in Switzerland looks like a standard roll-top dry bag, but it has a few features that make it ideal for a rear rack. The base of the bag is reinforced with a non-slip fabric, there’s a rear light mount, and there are strap slots to keep the included mounting straps in place. On the top, there’s a bungee lace-up for stashing lightweight items, and there are inner compartments for valuables. The Rack Pack is available in three sizes (8, 10, or 12L), but just one color.
- Weight: 268 grams (9.5 oz)
- Price: $147 (10L)
- Place of Manufacture: Switzerland
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
Reliable Dry Bags for Racks
If you’re not ready to splurge on a dedicated rack-top bag, a simple dry bag strapped onto the top deck of a front or rear rack is a fantastic alternative. Paired with two rubber or webbing straps, it’s a simple yet effective way to ditch a seat pack, allow full dropper travel, and pair with two panniers for longer trips.
The only trick is that most lightweight dry bags won’t hold up to the abrasion of being strapped to a rack. One option is to strap a foam pad, piece of Tyvek, or ground sheet between the bag and the rack, or invest in a high-quality dry bag that’s designed to handle being strapped to a rack. Below are a few dry bag options we’ve had good luck using on racks.
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Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag
The Big River Dry Bag from Sea to Summit is one of the best, readily available dry bags to strap onto a rear rack. It’s available in six sizes, from 5L to 65L, has integrated strap loops, and it’s made from a burly 420-denier nylon fabric that holds up well to abrasion.
Made in Vietnam / 192 grams / $50 at REI
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Mountain Laurel Designs Ultra 200x Bike Dry Bag
The Ultra Bike Dry Bag is a standard single-ended roll-top dry bag that works well with a handlebar cradle or rack. It’s offered in three sizes (7L, 12L, and 22L), has exterior daisy chains for lashing items to or looping straps through, and features seam tape for a completely waterproof construction.
Made in USA / 112 grams (12L) / $88+ at Mountain Laurel Designs
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Revelate Designs Terrapin Dry Bag
Designed for Revelate’s Terrapin seat pack system, the Terrapin dry bag can be purchased on its own and makes a great rack-top bag thanks to its tapered profile and integrated air purge valve. It’s available in an 8L and 14L version, and both are made from burly 210 denier TPU-coated ripstop.
Made in Asia / 113 grams (8L) / $44+ at Revelate Designs
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Rockgeist Mr. Fusion Dry Bag
Designed to be used with Rockgeist’s seat pack harness, the Mr. Fusion dry bag is available separately and makes a nice tapered dry bag for rack use. It’s available in two sizes: large (8-12L) and extra-large (10-15L) and is made from a 100% waterproof, welded fabric.
Made in Canada / 181 grams (12L) / $45+ at Rockgeist
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Revelate Designs Pronghorn Dry Bag
The Pronghorn dry bag is a lightweight, double-ended dry bag designed for the Pronghorn or Hammerhead Harness, but it also works as a functional rack-top bag. It’s available in three sizes (7.5, 11, 23L), and the newest version (old model pictured) is made from Challenge Ultra 200 UHMWPE.
Made in Asia / 93.5 grams (11L) / $85+ at Revelate Designs
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Revelate Designs Saltyroll Dry Bag
The Saltyroll Dry Bag is designed for handlebar systems but also doubles as a great rack-top bag, with dual roll-top closures, a bright white interior, and 100% waterproof, RF-welded 420-denier nylon construction. It also has a daisy chain that helps keep the straps in place.
Made in Asia / 185 grams (12L) / $55 at Campfire Cycling
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Aeroe Heavy Duty Dry Bag
Designed for Aeroe’s harness/rack systems, but compatible with other racks as well, the 8L and 12L Heavy Duty Dry Bags are fully waterproof, include built-in strap slots, and use fully welded construction.
Made in Taiwan / 308 grams (12L) / $85 at Aeroe
Eight Rack-Top Bags Tested
For an even closer look at some of the top-rated rack-top bags in this Gear Index, Neil compared eight rack bags and harness systems to see how they stack up in capacity, stability, waterproofing, dropper-post clearance, ease of use, and price. Watch Neil’s video below.
What’d we miss? If you’d like to see any rack-top bags or reliable dry bags added to the Gear Index, let us know in the discussion below. If you have a favorite, we’d love to hear about it.
