Pack smart. Ride far. Explore.
BIKEPACKING BAGS FOR GRAVEL BIKES
XLC Gravel Bags: Discover the perfect combination of functionality and style!
What exactly is bikepacking?
Traveling with a bike is not new. But compared to cycle touring, modern bikepacking takes a different approach. Cycle touring typically requires carrying a large amount of luggage in pannier bags. Moreover, cycle tourists usually use paved roads for their trips. Bikepacking, however, is an exciting blend of cycling and minimalist travelling on trails and gravel paths. It’s about choosing only the essentials, packing light and starting to pedal. Whether you choose camping, or overnight stays in hostels and hotels, bikepacking offers adventures and the freedom to explore remote landscapes. Usually, bike packers use gravel bikes, as they combine light weight and the ability to handle rough terrain. But also, hardtail mountain bikes or trekking bikes are used. To enjoy the adventure to the full, you need reliable equipment. This is where bike bags especially designed for bikepacking come into play. They are designed to streamline the bike and give the rider more freedom.
What bags to take for bikepacking?
At the heart of bikepacking is minimalist packing. At the latest, after having ridden the first rough gravel paths with a packed bike you will learn: less is more! Instead of attaching large pannier bags to the rear carrier, bags for bikepacking are streamlined and smartly attached to different points of the bike. The new XLC gravel bags come in different sizes and offer various mounting options to attach them to your gravel bike.
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Frame Bag
TOP TUBE BAG
Top Tube bags, as the name suggests, are mounted onto the top tube. Most gravel bikes have screws in the frame to attach the bags here. The XLC Top Tube Bags BA-G03 can be mounted with screws or straps and are also made of waterproof material to keep your belongings dry. A cable outlet in the front allows you to charge your devices from a power bank in the bag while riding. This is especially useful if you enjoy travelling in remote areas and you don’t want to get lost only because the battery of your navigation device is low.
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SADDLE BAG
Saddle bags or tail bags are mounted to the seatpost. That way, they are placed streamlined behind the rider. The waterproof XLC Saddle Bag BA-G02 consists of two parts: a holster and a dry bag. The holster is mounted to the bike, but the dry bag can be removed quickly when you stop for the night. With a capacity of 15 litres, it offers plenty of room for your belongings. Items like a rain jacket or a wind vest can be attached to the bag with elastic straps. The bag also has a rear light attachment point for improved visibility in the dark. As compact packing is essential for bikepacking, the Saddle Bag also has a compression valve.
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How to find the right bag size
Our size check will help you choose the best size of gravel bag for your bike. Simply download and print the 1:1 drawing, assemble it and align it with your bike frame for accurate sizing, ensuring a perfect fit for your bike model.
Dry Bag
The new range of gravel bags is completed by the XLC Dry Bag BA-W43. This waterproof bag has a capacity of 7.5 litres and is mounted to the fork of the gravel bike with the XLC Anycage LR-F04. The Anycage is a special cage mount that allows the attachment of bags, jackets or equipment like sleeping bags onto the fork. The Dry Bag has a compression valve for compact packing.
WATERPROOF
STAY HYDRATED
COLOURED INNER LINER
ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR BIKEBACKING BAGS
HYDRATION BLADDER
It is important to stay hydrated. If you plan long trips in remote areas, you might not always have the possibility to get drinking water. But some riders might also find it more comfortable to drink through the tube of the Hydration Bladder BA-X30 while riding. And some bikes simply don’t fit enough water bottles once the bags are mounted. Especially small frames might not offer enough space for the water you would like to carry.
ANYCAGE
The Anycage LR-F04 is a cage mount that can be mounted to the gravel bike with screws. It has a padding for secure cushioning and can carry up to 3 kg. It is useful for holding a sleeping bag, if you combine backpacking with camping, or the XLC Drybag BA-W43.
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Start your bikepacking adventure
Bikepacking bags are a crucial part of your bikepacking experience. They help organising your equipment and carry your belongings efficiently. Whether you are planning a weekend escape or a month-long adventure, the right bikepacking bags will help you enjoy the freedom of bikepacking to the fullest.
Here are some packing tips for your first bikepacking trip:
Proper weight distribution is key to maintaining bike handling. Place heavier items in the frame bag and lighter, bulky items in the saddle bag. Use the compression valve to make the bag more compact. Within the saddle bag, pack heavier items closer to the frame to keep the weight centralised.
The top tube bag is perfect for items that you often need during the ride, like a phone or snacks. Also, consider that you might need some items quickly like a first aid kit or your rain jacket.
Fasten the straps and make sure all bags are mounted tight to the bike without moving during the ride.
Less is more: make a list of the things you really need. That avoids carrying too much weight. Remember, you have to ride up that hill with all the stuff you have in your bags.
Go for a test ride. Riding with full bags makes a difference. Do a short test ride to see if everything is nicely balanced. Try an overnighter if you are planning to do a longer trip to optimise your setup and pack list.
Don’t forget nutrition and snacks.
Enjoy the ride!