Handlebar Roll vs. Harness vs. Top Loader: Which one is best??

Bikepacking bags have come a long way over the last two decades, and the options now seem nearly endless, especially for handlebar bag systems. In this video, Neil explains why he thinks your handlebars are a great place to haul gear, walks through the main types of bags, and offers some insight to help you choose one...
This video was supported by Teravail Tires, Teravail Makes Mountain, Gravel and Road Tires, find more here: www.teravail.com?.com&
Outline
Mentioned Links:
Intro: 0:00
Handlebar Roll: 1:24
Handlebar Harness: 2:36
Top Loader: 4:04
Other Thoughts: 5:56
Our Favorites: 7:33
Mentioned Links:
GEAR INDEX - SADDLEBAGS FOR BIKEPACKING & TOP OPENING HANDLEBAR BAGS: bikepacking.com/index/saddleb...
Find details about the Women’s Denim Icon here:www.kitsbow.com/collections/t...
and the Men’s here: www.kitsbow.com/collections/t...
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::About The Host::
Neil Beltchenko ( / neil_beltchenko )
Geometry: 150lbs, 5'9.5", 32" inseam
Wearing: Denim Icon - Signature Fit - Small hwww.kitsbow.com/blogs/news/bo...

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

This video was supported by Teravail Tires, Teravail Makes Mountain, Gravel and Road Tires, find more here: www.teravail.com?.com&

[@MathTeacherMrK]

I use the Salsa Anything Cradle. I used it on the Colorado Trail and it worked great! I had attached bags to my bars without the cradle previously and don’t think I’d ever go back. The anything Cradle is awesome for my needs on really rough terrain.

[@whirving]

I have also used the Anything Cradle, it is heavy but very stable and adaptable. Used it on a Toe path gravel trip, and on the Southern Portion of the Oregon Timber Trail on my 29+ for much rougher trails. Never failed me.

[@larspetersen2688]

Salsa Anything Cradle, is the best solution at the moment, that everybody knows. But somebody need to come up with something better. By the way thanks for all the great videos on this channel, like the down to earth approach.

[@Allride_]

I'm happy with my first purchase, a harness for a dry bag by restrap. Instead of the dry bag I put my tent there and it fits perfectly. I tighten the straps in the morning and don't have to think about it until I arrive and put up my tent, even on 180-190km, 110 mile days nothing comes loose

[@k.whiking4372]

I'm really liking this channel, there is lots of very useful information. Thank you.

[@coreyreeder3549]

Such a great video. Helped me decide on the outer shell harness

[@JakeLuke308]

I used the Revalate Sweetroll and it always needed tightening. It would almost invariably hang down onto my front wheel. Now I use a dry bag and 3 Voile straps. Cheaper and foolproof.

[@boyfoxter5614]

Why not secure the sweetroll with voile or velcro straps?

[@JakeLuke308]

@@boyfoxter5614 Well, the sweetroll is heavier, and has attachment straps that would gang down and perhaps get stuck in my wheel. The stuff sack and Voile straps are cleaner and lighter. Plus I had them all before I bought the sweetroll. Just didn't know I could do that.

[@SimonCher]

Rocking the sweetroll no problems.

[@daveebert7747]

The second piece of bikepacking bags/carriers I bought was the Revelate Designs Harness. That item has being amazing in the past 5 years of use. Like all their products it is exceptionally well thought out designed and made. It is versatile enough to go from carrying a 20 litre dry bag on my mountain bike to a small shorter bag on my drop bar bike. But I am now lusting after a top loader thanks to this video Neil

[@VeloObscura]

I've been using a BXB Goldback for years now and I love it. I use it on my handlebars for MTB Bikepacking and then use it as a traditional saddle bag on my steel tourer for a sort of neo-retro road/gravel touring setup. It's been one of my favorite bike purchases I've ever made! I could never get into handlebar rolls, but definitely see their benefits for the right user.

[@dalevalentine9008]

Always spot on! Thank you

[@jeffreyrule8143]

Great video. Thank you.

[@BradRussellisAwesome]

We need to hear more about that Denim Icon shirt you’re wearing, please. Looks 🤌🏻

[@kchao35]

BXB Piccolo is the BEST! Glad i already got one cuz now they’re gonna sell out even faster after this vid! Also love supporting “small” businesses that produce incredible products, keep it up Jay Ritchey!

[@jantown]

I've been using the Sweetroll for about 4 years with little issue. I just pack it on the bike and that works great for me (seat bag is removable if I need a raccoon bag) Love that I can just pop my camp chairs the front under the Egress pocket.

[@thecappy]

Pronghorn with the detachable egress pocket is my go too. Served me well last couple of years.

[@kendallhammond4778]

This is what I use as well. Very happy with this system

[@7gibbens]

As a long distance bike packing racer I use a small roll up elongated and wedged between my aero bars and cinched with two velcro straps. Very stable and aero. Holds my sleep system and detaches easily. Have used this set up on both flat bar mtb and gravel bike drop bars. 🚴‍♂️🇦🇺👍

[@her0n]

Just got an Aeroe handlebar Spider cradle. I think it looks like a really great option for MTB where you risk squashing your brake barrel adjusters, as it holds your bag securely above them.

[@csn583]

Very happy with mine so far! First use was on the Rubicon with a bag full of tools, spares, spare clothes, and snacks for the day. Short of taking big jumps to flat I don't think you'll find a bigger, chunkier test than that, and it didn't budge. I leave it on full time and just strap on whatever I need for the occasion. I just added voile straps.

[@adriantait3525]

That's a sharp looking denim Icon your wearing.

[@taknname]

Two systems for two purposes: A longflap saddle bag on a Surly 8 pack rack (a DIY via Logan's writeup!) or a Revelate Harness. The saddlebag is larger (24L) and is better for long tours or cold weather when I need to carry more gear. The harness is great for lighter and faster more mountain oriented trips. Horses for courses!

[@hugobci]

a use a Net to secure a little backpack on the dropbars, with change of clothes, for commuting. This video inspires me tô creste a better system to secure the bag.

[@RiggerHippie]

Road Runner Jammer Bag...FTW!

[@cjohnson3836]

I like systems that give me the most options, since I don't like to have to buy a bunch of different things for different tasks. I think the modularity of a harness system puts it ahead of the rest. 1 dry bag? 2-3 dry bags? 1 dry bag + rain fly? Whatever. If you can make it even just approximately cylindrical, you can pack them in without needing a rack. Things like the egress pouch just take it that much further. Top loaders are convenient and I usually keep one on the saddle to carry food + camera stuff. But that's optional and if I had the funds, I'd probably switch to a tailfin set up.

[@robertbotta6536]

Da best! Thank you.

[@DAMN55117]

Great stuff per normal Neil.

[@gwsaltspring]

I was expecting at least a mention of the Jack Rack, or whatever it is called. I had the impression that you thought it was pretty cool. I liked how it seemed to be versatile. But then again I am in the process of transitioning from single track to trails and am looking to use my light weight kayaking gear (tents, dry bags, sleeping set up...) until I decide which activity to focus on as I get older. (Just turned 64) Solo "soft" bikepacking seems safer than solo ocean kayaking, even shorter distance paddles. As much as I love the sea, I may have just answered my own question. LOL Live to ride another day!

[@mf7513]

As a Jack Rack kickstarter supporter that’s still waiting for delivery (supply chain and shipping issues), I can see a keeping it off this topic until it arrives.

[@dhruv68]

Hey hi I really like your videos - I am planning a long Himalaya trip and will be going hybrid with rear Ortlieb panniers but I need a stable handlebar bag or top loader for my Surly Jones H bar .. I currently have an Ortlieb handler at roll and but for all the reasons you mentioned it’s not very easy to use. I don’t know where to stash my Sony a600 and other go pro etc. I need them up front.

[@michaelrowave]

Dude, I didn't know Buffalo Soldiers rode bikes. And there are photos of them crossing streams with bikes, handle bar bags and rifles. I have used rear rack so long I am afraid of front racks but must offer some advantages.

[@benclark368]

Neal - what options would you recommend for those using drop bars with areo bars?

[@kbd13-n9c]

Didn’t realize the Piccolo was that big…ended up with a Camp & Go Slow X Swift Zeitgeist

[@mendyviola]

What do you do when you have an older bike (circa 2000-ish like my women’s step-through Trek 6000) where all the cables are run exteriorly, and you are short so the space under the seat is virtually non-existent, as well as inside the frame? I gave up and just got a Burly Nomad, but it limits me to gravel/double track trails.

[@kangsterizer]

i use a harness on road bars, dry bag on flat/mtb bars. i prefer flat bar and dry bag by far, its light, simple, 100% waterproof, cheap, but doesnt work well on road bars.

[@sarkisbenliyan1180]

What harness would you recommend for a Jones Truss fork and H-bar combination????? I have been using an old porcelain Rocket harness and while it is does the job and my drybag rests on the fork instead of the headtube, it's not stable enough in heavy terrain...lots of adjustment needed whilst riding.

[@rottieshepcalibre9156]

This is my biggest problem 😪 I need to find a good straight bar harness for my tent or a 6 - 10L dry bag.... am coming for your CT record Neil 🤣

[@csn583]

Aeroe Spider

[@pepper7792]

Which harness system would you say is the most stable? I will be riding a lot of tech rough trail. Thanks

[@joshs2419]

What bag is on the left side of the thumbnail? I didn’t see it listed on the gear link!

[@rneillmojo]

If Andrew K comes in under Sofianes time, does he become the winner of the 2022 tour divide? It was always accepted that itt and grand depart riders are equal. If not, what place would Andrew be considered? Fastest time 2nd place? 3rd place? Confused

[@andreimarius9695]

What's your take on Apidura ?

[@olympic-gradelurker]

I'm rather happy with my Rockbros handlebar bag with accessory bag. I'm going experiment with a handlebar extender so that it doesn't squash my cables, though.

[@Jaysus145]

That is the main reason I have been rolling with the Salsa Anything Cradle - I need some space for the cables, and the Anything Cradle allows for that nicely.

[@crevasse5396]

I've thought about this as well. Even 2 extenders (one attached to the handlebar, the second attached to the first extender and pointing downward) to create a cradle away from the bars. Cheaper than the salsa for sure, but not sure how stable it would be. One plus is more area for electronics if needed.

[@samuraioodon]

I really want this to work for me but I have small frame and aerobars mounted underneath handlebars. Would a drybag on both side fork mounts be better option for me? Considered front rack but maybe not?

[@JaccoSW]

Sounds like the Restrap Race Aero bar bag might be what you are looking for.

[@samuraioodon]

@@JaccoSW yes I did see that but I don’t think I have enough space underneath. Was comfirmed by company, don’t want to purchase at risk not working. 😢

[@olsmxl6975]

Who makes the cross bar on the handlebar harness?

[@Psil0]

Thoughts on the new Ortlieb Handlebar QR compared to other top loader options?

[@pedalingnowhere]

It's completely different. Hard to compare as it's its own thing...

[@pedalingnowhere]

bikepacking.com/gear/ortlieb-handlebar-pack-qr-review/

[@vergil01202]

I really liked it on my 3000 km tour with my drop bar bike last year. Easy access, very stable and durable. Depending on your handlebar, it may be too narrow to fit bottles in the outer nets on the side.

[@Dutcharmytent]

I use a dry bag up front.

[@johnunruh1086]

Revelate designs hasn't had Pronghorns for over a year

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

I've heard, not sure whats going on with that. Good thing there are a lot of other options available.

[@telefunk225]

What rack is that @1:50?

[@accountingpadgettbusinesss1298]

check out the brand Arkel for their stuff. Pricey but well made and durable

[@spagornasm]

That’s a $324 shirt - it *better* be nice, LOL

[@mf7513]

That Bikepacking Collective subscription money must be flowing in….

[@weozol4065]

By simply adding a zipper or a door in the middle of the sausage bags, you basically get a top loader. But it is much easier to make. Big opportunity here for anyone listening.

[@renatolourinho2636]

You lose thorough waterproofness though

[@bikepackingraiz]

Mtb bikepacking rutts

[@davidcawthorne7115]

Top loader. Handlebar bag in UK.

[@donovanrice2671]

RIPPIE products @stayrippie taco party (for sale spring 2023) handlebar harness+dry bag all the way!!! Solid attachment, ease of installation/loading on and off the bike, options for adding accessories/storage on harness… it’s the best I have ever used!