Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
California-based bag maker Outer Shell updated their popular Drawcord Handlebar Bag with improved organization and new features while still being able to integrate with their Handlebar Harness for a complete bikepacking setup. Find out what has changed here…
I’ve tested two versions of Outer Shell’s Drawcord Handlebar Bag. First, in 2018, and then again in 2021 after they released a complete redesign alongside their Handlebar Harness. The Drawcord Handlebar Bag is a small handlebar-mounted bag that can be used alone or with Outer Shell’s harness while bikepacking. It has an easy-access lid that secures via a shock cord loop around the stem, several exterior pockets, and they also offer an optional padded camera insert for storing a small point-and-shoot, mirrorless camera, or extra lens.
According to Outer Shell, the Drawcord Handlebar Bag is their all-time best-selling product, and it’s exciting to see yet another update. The fourth iteration of the Drawcord Handlebar Bag has expandable/stretchy side pockets and a clear lid for stashing maps, route cues, or a smartphone. After integrating them into their Rando UL lineup, they’ve added acrylic rods into the lid and sides of the bag for extra stiffness and to hold the bag’s shape. The rods add just 8 grams but appear to add a noticeable amount of structure.
Otherwise, the Drawcord Handlebar Bag maintains the same shape and construction. It’s made from 1000D Cordura or ECOPAK EPLX200, attaches to the bar using two webbing straps, and can be integrated into their Handlebar Harness by looping the harness’ Voile straps through the webbing on the back. There is an interior zippered pocket, an additional zippered pocket on the underside of the top flap, and a front sleeve pocket between the updated side pockets.
It measures out to 8 x 4 x 5″ (W x D x H), with an expandable cinch closure that extends 3.5″ higher when extra capacity is needed. It can carry 2.6 to 4.9 liters and weighs 270 grams (9.5 ounces). Outer Shell put together a detailed overview video on the redesigned bag that you can watch below:
The updated Drawcord Handlebar Harness comes in 11 colors, with the Cordura options priced at $120 and the ECOPAK at $130. It’s also available in a white ULTRA fabric for $145. Learn more at OuterShell.com.
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