Arkel TailRider Trunk Bag Review: Is this the BEST BICYCLE TRUNK BAG?

Arkel TailRider Trunk Bag is my go-to bicycle bag. I use it while running errands around town and I have also taken it on tours. In this video, I go over the features of the bag, what I like about it and also identify one thing I've learned to live with, but don't love.
🔔 If you are interested in this bag and would like to support the channel, please consider using my affiliate link for the Arkel TailRider Bike Trunk Bag alnk.to/aWzSItE.
🎵 Music
I download my music from Artlist. If you'd like to get 2 free months with your subscription (and give me 2 months by signing up), here's my referral link: artlist.io/Agnieszka-2013167.
#bicycletouring #arkel #bicyclecommuting #gearreview #cycletouring #trunkbag

[@TrikesterHal]

Since my bag stays on my recumbent trike rack, and I never leave the trike unattended when I'm out, I came up with a simple anti-theft item. I put a zip tie through those tiny d-rings onto the rack. With the four Velcro straps it's easy to go zip, zip, zip, zip and make off with the trunk bag in mere seconds. I have a generic rack for my Catrike Dumont, BTW. Being a recumbent trike rider I utilize that roomy bag for a lot of things (I'm an old first responder). I carry spare tubes, tools and odd bits (you don't walk a trike home, you need to be able to do your own repairs) as well as first aid materials (might have to help someone out, our trails around Tucson go away from civilization, you can get hurt quite easily). Try not to visualize crashing onto a cactus, or falling on a rattlensake, yikes! 8-( This bag is multifunctional for sure! I also have the large Arkel handlebar bag mounted to the side of my Catrike. Arkel makes good stuff! BTW, that stowable rain cover, forgot it was even there cuz in AZ I don't worry about riding in the rain. 8-) And finally, I'm looking at replacing this yellow trunk bag because it's getting old (six years) and the AZ sun is really faded even though it's only out in the sun when I ride, sorry, it just looks really ugly now (fashion statement). Did someone say rain? Southern Arizona sun does a number on anything that's out in the sun for any length of time.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you for sharing your experience with the trunk bag. Also a bit jealous about lack of rain where you live. Pro and con, but I look at it as a pro!

[@FL-PHILLIP]

I've had my Tailrider for years and it's still holding up strong. I use it for commuting and bikepacking.

[@andrelloyd4010]

Love your video's - informative and very helpful. Many thanks for producing and kindly sharing the knowledge and wisdom. Best wishes and happy pedalling 🙏

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you for the kind note. I'm glad you find the videos helpful!

[@meancuisine8]

i love this review... so much so that i purchased this offering from ARKEL and i couldn't be more pleased! Thank You!

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you. I'm glad you found the review valuable and I hope you enjoy the bag!

[@newstart1651]

I just received my Arkel TailRider from Arkel-!! I love all the internal pockets & how easy it is to take on & off the bike rack. Thanks for the video, I bought it because of you-!!

[@WheelsonaBike]

Amazing! I hope you enjoy using it for years to come.

[@yrwu-vd2fv]

Great review demonstrating usability...

[@rommelgalo5243]

Glad to know quite a number of people are liking the Arkel line of panniers. I got the same bag way back in 2013 -- it goes by the name TailRider Expedition then and made in Canada (not Taiwan as most of the Arkel bags now?). The expedition has two pannier-like extra storage stashed inside the side pockets that you can roll out and latch on to your rack like what you do with a "regular" pannier. All my panniers are by Arkel (all made in Canada - Dolphin 32L and 48L, Dry-Lites and the abovementioned TailRider). I've been using them since 2013 and are still reliable.

[@WheelsonaBike]

That's excellent to hear that the products are serving you well after years worth of use.

[@arkelbikebags]

Thanks for the honest review!

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you for making fantastic products!

[@theeuropeancyclepaths8206]

It looks ideal for commutes or mini tours. Thanks for the review 👍

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thanks for watching. I use the bag all the time.

[@Joeblade1966]

Very nice video about this product, thanks for sharing your link to purchase, I just purchased one using your link, your details about the bag was very informative. Travel safe.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Wonderful! I'm glad you found the review useful and thank you for supporting the channel by using the affiliate link. I appreciate it.

[@JoeOsChannel]

That is a nice bag. Looks good and has lots of nice features. I might have to get one of these!

[@WheelsonaBike]

It's a great, versatile bag with glowing reviews on the Arkel website.

[@dml5053]

I love this bag.I use it on tours,I use it to commute,I use it for day rides...it really is a great bag.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Sounds like we use the bag in similar ways. Awesome to hear from another owner of this product.

[@TravelingThru222]

That trunk has a ton of space, I could probably fit everything I need in there. Cool video, even better channel.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Yes it does! You can pack it super light or you can really utilize that expandable feature. Thanks for the kind words!

[@tomasmange7896]

Just purchased the yellow one for my new Pedego Avenue. Just shipped. I love this bag. 😎

[@WheelsonaBike]

Yellow will be highly visible as well.

[@billwesten7582]

Awesome review!

[@WheelsonaBike]

Glad you found it of value.

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Great review! Looks like a great product. Cheers

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you, Dean.

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

@@WheelsonaBike your welcome :)

[@johnglatt9631]

I have the same bag and agree that it is the best trunk bag I have ever had or ever seen. I thought the fact that it was not fully waterproof without the cover would bother me but on the contrary, I have not had a negative experience with that aspect at all and have used it extensively

[@WheelsonaBike]

Excellent to hear from another owner!

[@mikebauer9948]

I have often thought about this bag. Like you, I am not fond of Velcro attachments, which is why I adopted the "MIK" click-on attachment system for my rear rack. MIK adapters are sold separately (i.e.,Amazon) and can be added to a wide variety of bags, baskets and such. I have done that with a cheap rack trunk and it is serving my purposes for now as a daily carryall bag. I would MIK-adapt a Trailrider in a hot minute, except for that hard bottom insert - it is giving me some pause. I watch a lot of your videos because I see a lot of Ontario that way - I'm in the USA (NJ), but my daughter lives in Ottawa and I ride up there fairly often. Another Canadian company besides Arkel is Axiom, whose "Oceanweave" panniers I received this Christmas to do some touring with. Keep up your interesting rides.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you very much for sharing the info about the MIK attachment system. I've never heard of it, but will look it up. I'm very glad your able to explore along with me through my Ontario videos. I hope you also enjoy your trips when you come visit your daughter in Ottawa.

[@barriewylde5915]

I use the Ariel trunk bag.fantastic .

[@WheelsonaBike]

Awesome to hear!

[@sergedesmarais4941]

Great review ! It is my favorite too. I wanted to known where i could find a similar security light.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thanks for watching. The light is the Cygolite Hypershot 350 Lumen Bike Tail Light. It's amazingly bright for 350 lumens and the battery light is impressive - but you pay for the quality. Here's a link: amzn.to/3dcgnFG. * FYI, this is an affiliate link

[@sergedesmarais4941]

@@WheelsonaBike Merci beaucoup !!!!

[@register1430]

forget the pyramids, the disappearing selfie stick video is just as impressive. I looked at this bag also. The waterproof was negative, cover not withstanding. Decided on a single compartment roll bag that was 100% waterproof that I secure with stretch cords. Another well done vid.

[@WheelsonaBike]

That's why I like the Insta360 cameras, they are awesome for self recording! I hear your point about the bag. It's too bad it's not waterproof on its own, but I'm glad the cover is attached. I had another trunk bag that had a removable cover and I was always misplacing it.

[@brentirvine2336]

The problem with waterproof bags is that they don't breathe. For possible rainy days, simply bag your gear in individual plastic bags - courier bags (ex Purolator) are tough yet flexible for this.

[@lmaoroflcopter]

I do wonder if a run in the washing machine with tech wash and a wash in waterproofer might do the job though. I've done it to a motorcycle tank bag and it did improve things. Though ymmv.

[@WheelsonaBike]

I'm not sure, the fabric is typically treated with something to be waterproof. The tech wash and the waterproofing cleaning solution refresh the coating, at least that's how I understand it.

[@register1430]

@@brentirvine2336 Get some Tyvek - house wrap - and you can make custom with sew operation,

[@brentirvine2336]

The TailRider has been my favourite bag since I got it. The long velcro straps means it can fit most or all racks very snugly. I can loosen the two top straps to hold down my coat when I warm up on the road. The size works really well as the airplane carry-on or as a day bag during a tour.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you for sharing your experience with this bag. I've never taken it on a plane, but I can see how it could work well for that purpose as well.

[@feedfacedeadbeef]

You did a great job on this review. You presented everything in an organized manner - if you didn't practice your review first, it sure seems like you did. Very well done - also, I really like your sun glasses - they work well for you :)

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thanks for watching and for the comment. I did not practice. If you saw the footage I had to cut out to make the video into something cohesive, you'd laugh. The glasses are my regular eyeglasses with transition lenses in them. Built in sunglasses when I need them. :)

[@jonsmith9971]

Excellent review. Comprehensive and most insightful. When you say insulated, is that for keeping items cool like a lunch box or extra padding for protecting contents? Thanks and well done!

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thanks for watching. Regarding your question, I actually never knew the bag was insulated as I don't typically carry hot/cold items in it (unless they're in a designated lunch box). However, in my prep for the video I consulted the Arkel website where it's mentioned that the bag is insulated. Here's the description: "The TailRider Trunk Bag is fully insulated, has a huge opening, many internal pockets and a divider to keep the contents from shifting around." While I have never tested the insulation power of the bag, I can say that without a doubt the bag has a lot of padding.

[@eddyg1794]

@@WheelsonaBike FYI a lot of trunk bags are insulated. I guess they figure you're going to put some cold ones in there for the end of the ride. Even cheap trunk bags off of Amazon are insulated.

[@WheelsonaBike]

That's good to know. Thank you.

[@johnr5545]

Thanks god bless

[@rainbowhiker]

No, I don't use a trunk bag. Most often, I use an army bag, hung from the bars, with a chain in it and anything else I'm using or carrying. This is an exceptionally nice bag you have there.

[@lmaoroflcopter]

This is a brill little trunk bag. Do you think it could fit a 14 inch laptop in the base? Looking for a commuter bag for work and this looks ideal.

[@deanoboland]

👍👍👍👍

[@tconnolly9820]

If it's a great bag for you, then it's a great bag.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Agreed. If it works for the rider, it works. 👍

[@GaryTR35]

Nice review. Would using this bag get in the way of also using panniers?

[@WheelsonaBike]

No. I can attach panniers and use this bag at the same time.

[@eddyg1794]

Excellent review. Looks like I'm going to have to order one! Don't worry I'll use your link. My wallet is screaming at me already. lol

[@WheelsonaBike]

If you do end up buying it, I hope you enjoy it. It's a great trunk bag.👍

[@eddyg1794]

@@WheelsonaBike Just ordered it from the Arkel website this morning. You're a bad influence on my wallet! 🤣😂

[@WheelsonaBike]

Congrats on the purchase! I hope you like it just as much as I do.

[@eddyg1794]

@@WheelsonaBike I'm sure I will just have to wait impatiently for it to be sent out west. We'll see how long that takes.

[@FilmMission]

Great bag - I just use a small Arcteryx back pack - then again i dont tour

[@WheelsonaBike]

Do you ever find the backpack to be too heavy to carry? Or are you used to the weight now?

[@FilmMission]

@@WheelsonaBike True - I keep it as light as i can for my film rides - Off roaders usually want the bike as light as possible for better maneuverability and carry whats needed on their body packs - Opposite is true for long distant touring -

[@WheelsonaBike]

That makes perfect sense. Thanks for sharing.

[@ronin550]

That's rad!! Do you recall what bike rack you are using??

[@WheelsonaBike]

It's the stock rack that came with the Kona bike.

[@ronin550]

@@WheelsonaBike ahh nice, thanks.

[@billwesten7582]

Would you be able to put panniers on with the bag in place? Also what rear rack do you have?

[@WheelsonaBike]

Yes, you can attach the trunk bag with panniers attached to the rack. You can see this in my What I Packed video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zp2mdImhq52iZtk. My rear rack is the stock rack that came with the Kona Sutra Touring bike. It's a Kona rack.

[@kennethcolbert2921]

Arkel bags are okay but I like Carradice bags a lot better my self. They make great panniers too. In fact they make the best for your bicycle I think anyway.

[@WheelsonaBike]

I've never heard of that bag maker, thanks for sharing. I just checked their website and I like their Rack Bag. I like how it expands up and had those two integrated panniers. Very nice.

[@TheRickurb]

Great review! You’ve a knack for reviews I think!

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you Rick. I appreciate the comment.

[@JTChi]

I want to get this bag.. do you know where can I find the shoulder straps to convert it into a backpack?

[@WheelsonaBike]

Hmmm. Convert it into a backpack - I'm not sure, but I'd check a luggage store - they may have straps available.

[@yipfrank2721]

The trunk bag looks quite wide. Do you have trouble attaching the rear panniers to the rear rack after you attach the trunk bag to the rear rack?

[@WheelsonaBike]

I always attach the panniers first and then follow with the trunk bag. No issue attaching both at the same time.

[@standennis6987]

Are there any other manufactures that are a little less expensive that make a rack bag that long? That is, over 40 cm or 16 inches on the inside? Thanks!

[@WheelsonaBike]

The only other bicycle bag brand I'm personally familiar with is Ibera. They also have a trunk bag, but it's a bit different than the Arkel one. You can read about it on their website: ibera.info/collections/pakrak-bags/products/pakrak-commuter-bag-ib-ba11. I used this trunk bag with the Ibera rear rack and the attachment system worked perfectly. I'm not sure if it'd fit any other racks.

[@standennis6987]

@@WheelsonaBike Thank you. 🙂

[@theunriddenadventures8126]

Can you use that bag and then fit panniers on the same rack?

[@WheelsonaBike]

Yes I can. My rack has a second set of rails, on which I can hang the panniers and it all fits nicely together. You can see this setup in the What I Packed for a 7 Day Bicycle Tour video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zp2mdImhq52iZtk.

[@theunriddenadventures8126]

@@WheelsonaBike my husband doesn’t have the second set of rails. Do you think the pannier could be installed and then the trunk bag velcroed on top? I think he would like this bag as a camera bag if we can make it work.

[@WheelsonaBike]

I just tried this and it's a yes/no answer. Yes, it works, but depending on how high the panniers reach, the pockets on the trunk bag may become unusable. Here are a few images I took to demonstrate this photos.app.goo.gl/vfFWHWsrWjW5LC9k6. Because the straps are velcro, and they are quite long, they will most likely attach to the rack, but the pockets won't be usable if panniers are fully packed. I'd recommend you reach out to Arkel and ask them this same question - they have fantastic customer service and may offer additional points to consider.

[@theunriddenadventures8126]

@@WheelsonaBike thank you so much! Very helpful! 😊

[@srspower]

Why hasn't it got fold out saddle bags? That's the whole point of a pannier!

[@WheelsonaBike]

This isn't a pannier. It's a trunk bag.

[@srikrishna_97]

can it fit a laptop?

[@WheelsonaBike]

No, I wouldn't be able to fit a laptop in that bag.

[@robertetchell7804]

I would never use that type of bag I like the big paners so I can put my camera bag in it when I ride around VANCOUVER and metro VANCOUVER wich we can put our bikes on transit system like the skytrain and Canada line that how I can ride around meteor VANCOUVER that bag wil not work for me

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thanks for sharing. The beauty of it all is - we can use whatever bags work for us and our individual situations. Are there any restrictions for bringing bikes on the Skytrain? Or are they always allowed? If so - lucky you!

[@robertetchell7804]

@@WheelsonaBike there no restrictions on bikes on skytrain far as I know the rule was no bikes on skytrain and Canada line during morning and afternoon rush hour but during cofid there been no rush hour and there room to take your bikes on skytrain and Canada line

[@WheelsonaBike]

OK, it looks like the rush hour rules are the same as those in Toronto. Thanks for the info.