Guide

Topeak bike bags: the flexible solution for when you’re on the move

23.5.2023

Translation: Veronica Bielawski

Topeak offers bikepacking bags for long and short tours. They provide space for large and small items, be it on your frame, handlebars or seatpost.

Adventure travel is booming. It has been for years. The pandemic seems to have further fuelled our need for freedom and nature – especially on bikes. Bikepacking is the outdoor word of the hour. Manufacturers such as Evoc, [Vaude](/search?filter=t_bra%3D5535&q=velo bag) and [Topeak](/search?filter=t_bra%3D4848&q=velo bag) offer individualised solutions for all your bikepacking needs.

Bikepacking bags from Topeak

The Taiwanese brand Topeak, which was founded in 1991, has since grown to become one of the world’s largest manufacturers of bicycle accessories. Topeak bike bags offer good value for money, in my opinion. So, I decided to have a closer look at a few products. Here’s a selection of bags for a several-days-long bikepacking tour.

Topeak Frontloader

With a capacity of eight litres and a maximum load of five kilos, the handlebar bag offers sufficient space for light but large items such as a sleeping bag, tent or a change of clothes. It consists of two elements. There’s a waterproof inner pack sack that’s easy to compress thanks to the air release valve. Thanks to the roll-up closure on both sides, you can easily get to your stuff. The wide outer belt attaches to the handlebar with quick-release nylon straps as well as an additional backside head tube strap. The pack sack is then firmly fixed to this belt with nylon straps and a click closure. You can easily remove it in just two clicks without having to remove the outer belt.

The Frontloader from Topeak can carry your sleeping bag, for example.
Source: Patrick Bardelli

Topeak Frontloader (12 l, Handlebar bag)

Bike bag

CHF42.90

Topeak Frontloader

12 l, Handlebar bag

Topeak Barloader

This 6.1-litre handlebar dry bag can be mounted alone or as an accessory atop the Frontloader bag system. It features ultrasonically welded seams, a roll-up closure and weatherproof zippers, offering protection on dry, dusty trails as well as wet, muddy ones. This bag is especially suitable for carrying around your valuables during a break, for example. It can carry a maximum of three kilogrammes.

The Barloader can be mounted alone or, as shown here, on top of the Frontloader.
Source: Patrick Bardelli

Topeak Barloader (6.50 l, Handlebar bag)

Bike bag

CHF46.–

Topeak Barloader

6.50 l, Handlebar bag

Topeak Backloader

What the Frontloader is for the handlebar, the Backloader from Topeak is for the seatpost. It’s where you attach the 10- or 50-litre bag, making the carrier superfluous. The semi-rigid holster provides a secure hold on the seatpost and saddle with its mounting system. It minimises the pendulum effect and makes using it easier. The easily accessible dry bag with an integrated compression valve keeps your contents (for example, clothes) dry.

Bike bag

CHF50.90

Topeak Backloader

15 l, Saddle bag

Topeak Midloader

The Midloader is available in three sizes: 3 litres, 4.5 litres and 6 litres. The 4.5-litre model shown below can be loaded with a maximum of 6.5 kilogrammes. The Midloader uses the space in the frame triangle and preserves your centre of gravity with the heaviest items. Made of lightweight and water-repellent materials, the robust bag can be quickly and easily attached to the frame thanks to Velcro fasteners. Two water-resistant zippers provide easy access to the contents from both sides of your bike.

Heavy equipment such as tools are good to store in the Midloader to keep the centre of gravity as equal as possible. This picture shows the 4.5-litre model.
Source: Patrick Bardelli

Bike bag

CHF33.70

Topeak Midloader

4.50 l, Frame bag

Topeak Toploader

The Toploader is a top tube bag with 0.75 litres of storage space. It offers enough space for the little things you need as a bikepacker that you want to keep at hand as you ride: energy bars, your phone, wallet, lightweight tools and your keys. The Toploader comes with an integrated rain cover.

The Toploader offers space for things you want to be easily accessible.
Source: Patrick Bardelli

Bike bag

CHF21.70

Topeak Toploader

0.75 l, Frame bag

You can find our entire range of bike bags here.

Header image: Patrick Bardelli

21 people like this article

Patrick Bardelli

Senior Editor

Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.ch

From radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.

Outdoor

Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest

Bike

Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest

Guide

Practical solutions for everyday problems with technology, household hacks and much more.

Show all

These articles might also interest you

Guide
Cycling gear to keep you warm and dry on autumn and winter rides
by Patrick Bardelli
Background information
Bikepacking: the continuation of a trend
by Patrick Bardelli
Guide
Seeing and being seen with Knog bike lights and bells
by Patrick Bardelli

7 comments

later

Search

Topeak bike bags: the flexible solution for when you’re on the move

Bikepacking bags from Topeak

Topeak Frontloader

Topeak Barloader

Topeak Backloader

Topeak Midloader

Topeak Toploader

These articles might also interest you

Cycling gear to keep you warm and dry on autumn and winter rides

Bikepacking: the continuation of a trend

Seeing and being seen with Knog bike lights and bells

7 comments

7 comments

Galaxus Deal of the day