Before diving into Best bag saddles, let us make clear what is a saddle bag? Yes, the bag that is attached to the saddle is generally known as the Bag saddle. Mountain biking is tougher than one can think. Many people find carrying a lot of things in their pocket uncomfortable or they might be not safe. 

If you are looking for a place to keep then Bag Saddles is a fine receptacle. Going out a few spares and tools with you whenever you’re out on the bike with at least is way better than empty hand.

Going on a ride is not simple as just grabbing your bike and rolling out of the door. During the ride, you might need various things including a spare tube, CO2 and inflator, tubeless repair kit, tire levers, multi-tool, and a few other bits and pieces. Apart from this thing, you might get stuck on the side of a dirt road with no cell service. 

Then what will you do? As there is a proverb that precaution is better than prevention. Thus, carrying needed thing before going on a ride is the best thing that a professional rider can do. To carry those things you might need a bag. Yes while carrying those bags, might bring uncomfortness while riding. 

Many people do anything to avoid wearing a backpack. According to them, they love to keep strapping as much gear as possible onto the bike itself. Thus, they can pursue a bagless ride. So to overcome these limitations, bag saddles are specially introduced.

Figure 1 Saddle bag. Credit: simplebikestore.eu

In recent years many bike companies are coming with integrated storage, which solves the brunt of the issue but most don’t. For those whose bikes don’t have an integrated storage cubby, and are of the opinion that tape has no place on a bike that probably out-values your car, choosing the best saddlebags for mountain bikes is the solution. However, bags come in different sizes and types so knowing what makes the best mountain bike saddle bag can be challenging.

Instead, for this round-up, we’re concentrating on those bags that can bring great comfortability, are easy to carry, and have big storage.  If you are here then you are probably looking for the best bike saddle bag out there. But in the market, there is various cycling seat bag that can claim to be the best for everyone? So, with that in mind, here follow the 10 best saddlebags are listed below:

1. Lezyne Road Caddy saddle bag

When it comes to the best saddlebag no one can replace the Lezyne Road Caddy saddlebag. The size of the bag isn’t so large that it looks unwieldy or might swing itself loose on descents, yet offers just enough space to store your essentials. The bag not only has great shapes but also the style coated around the line is beautiful. While manufacturing the bag, each component is selected particularly for the mountain trail.

Figure  Lezyne Road Caddy saddle bag Credit:cycletribe.ie

Adding to the bag design, this bag comes in a simple design. It is made up of a woven nylon material that works in the shape of simple cuboids. Along with the woven nylon, there is a water-resistant zipper that runs almost the full circumference of the saddlebag.

The zipper help bag to be fully opened flat once removed from the bike. Inside the bag, there is a small pocket that is made up of neoprene tucked in the top half of the saddlebag. On the top of the pocket, there is branding. The bag is popular for its balancing size and neatness. According to many riders the bag has a different place in their life while riding mountain trails.

 2. Evoc Saddle Bag

Another bag that comes close to the level of Lezyne, is non-other than the Evoc saddlebag. Evoc bags come in three sizes that offer the perfect size for short MTB rides. Usually, they made bags in three different sizes. To choose between these bags all depends on you.

If you want something small just to carry an inner tube and some tyre levers, then the Race saddle bag is for you. Or if you want to have a big one then chooses the bigger Tour model. The individual strap of Evoc is also easy. The bag weighs around 70 g and has a volume of 0.7l.

Figure  Evoc Saddle Bag Saddle bag Credit : fc-moto.de

Evoc is made up of PU-coated rip stop nylon that offers plenty of durability’s and a bit of weather resistance, too. Inside the bag, there is a small pocket to keep your gear organized and a small elasticated pocket inside too, which is ideal for keys. The bag is also held in place with three Velcro straps, making for all-free mounting.

Apart from those Velcro straps, there are some reflective details and a rear light loop, for what is a very nifty, tough-feeling bag. One thing negative about the bag is it is not waterproof and not suitable for dropper posts. You can get this bag in different three colors red, black, or this neon blue.

 3. Topeak Wedge Dry bag

If you want to add another best waterproof bag then the Topeak bag is highly recommended. The bag is made up of polyurethane material which is sonically welded and seam-sealed to provide the ultimate protection in nasty weather. The roll closure of the bag saves water and mud out and contents dry.

The bag can store and protect your tools, tubes, and cycling essentials in wet conditions. A 0.6L Topeak bag has a rear light loop and reflective material strip. The Wedge Dry Bag there comes in three sizes and two mounting systems. One version of this bag uses straps over the saddle rail. Meanwhile, another version of Quick Click leaves a hard mount fixed to the bike. 

Figure Topeak Wedge Dry bag saddle bag Credit: Amazon.com

 4. Bontrager Elite Micro

It is small, sturdy, and secures well, Yes it has everything that mountain bike rider wants. With a good zip, the range of Bontrager seat bags extends from those which can carry an expedition’s worth of gear down to those that only hold a single tube. The bag comes in different two sizes.

A 0.28 liters bag is a super small size so you’re barely going to notice it when it’s fitted. The bag can store 1 20-25 tube with an 80mm valve, 1 tire lever, 1 multi-tool, 1 patch kit, 1 CO2 inflation head, emergency cash, 2 CO2 canisters, and many more.

Figure Bontrager Elite Micro seat packs Credit: discount.cheapsalesstore

Meanwhile, another 0.65-liter Elite bag is a little bigger than another bag. If you’re looking to store a tube though you are going to need to look at a saddle bag with a good bit more storage then go for 0.65 l. Talking about the design it is simple and plain. However, this bag could get clogged with dirt easily. Compare to other bags this bag is light and robust material. That holds up to elements without contaminating contents.

 5. Silca Mattone

Unlike other bags, Silica Mattone is made up of an L-Series Boa dial. It is used in the place of simple Velcro straps or buckles. Boa might bring some weight that can lead to tightness on Mattone. To loosen, the Boa dial pops up to release tension quickly.  Similarly, there is a single webbed loop on the top of the bag. The loop will help you to keep the Hypalon strap in position, center the bag, and help add tension to the rails.

Figure Silca Mattone Seat pack Credit Amazon.com

Adding to its outer appearance it has a sleek black finish with reflective graphics. That graphics allows the bag to virtually disappear under the saddle. Meanwhile, another reflective SILCA shield gives high visibility in low light when seen by headlights.

After seeing the outer part you will see a pocket inside the bag where you can put your things. Inside the bag, you will see a red material with a separate ID, credit card, or money flap that covers any tools or accessories that may have pointed or sharp edges while providing full volume with elastic walls that conform to the contents in the bag.

 Silica can hold one inner tube, one CO2 cartridge, SILCA tire lever set, CO2 regulator head, credit card/ID, and multi-tool with ease. Talking about the zipper it is an YKK Aqua guard zipper. Which is attached with a waterproof line that blends nicely with the overall design of the bag?

 6. Speedsleev Seatsleev

Among other different saddlebags, Speedsleev Seatsleev is not your traditional saddlebag. The bag is a Velcro compression strap with slots for all your essentials. It is manufactured with three Velcro straps along the innermost used to create a pocket for a tube and the middle strap complete with sleeves for tire levers, CO2 canisters, and the like, and the third to secure the whole thing to your saddle rails.

The material that is used to make is Ballistic Nylon. The bag is designed as a folding Velcro wallet with designated stash points and aimed primarily at road or trail riders who want to travel light and can’t stand clutter. Meanwhile, one demerit o the bag is rain cover seems like an afterthought.

You can store a tube, two tire levers, a multi-tool, a CO2 inflator, and a spare 16g cartridge in Speedsleev. Likewise, the tubes would need to be either vacuum sealed, packet fresh, or tightly bound with an elastic band to fit in.

Speedsleev Seatsleev saddle bag Credit: road.cc

 7. Ortlieb Micro Two

The motto of the ultra-light saddlebag is Minimalism to the max. The bag is made and specially designed for those demanding tours when every gram counts. It is a small, very light saddle bag for MTB and road bikes manufactured in Germany. You can easily attach this bag to the saddle stays using the snap-on system.

During the bag the importance of equipment such as a spare inner tube, tools, and bandages in the bag is high. Thus, the bag is ideal for small items such as spare tyre tubes, tools, and bandages. O.81 liter this bag comes with waterproof and weight around 156g.

One specialty of these bags is you can remove this bag with one hand and the PU is also coated with nylon fabric. The practical roll closure with elastic allows for quick closure and protects the contents from dust and moisture at the same time. Thus, it is important to know that the bag is easy to clip and unclip, and there’s a large rear reflective patch.

Ortlieb Micro Two saddle bag Credit: Ortileb

8. Skingrowsback Plan B

If you are looking for an artisan saddle bag that will stand out as an Aussie outfit Skingrowsback has you covered with its 0.5 liter Plan B saddlebag. In 2006, makers first introduced their first Skingrowsback Plan B. This high-quality workmanship from the Aussie artisans Skingrowsback is available in an excellent selection of colors from subtle to standout. It specializes in all things bags and luggage for both on and off the bike.

Skingrowsback Plan B Saddle bag Credit: Cyclingtips.com

Talking about the bag manufacture, it is hand-made in Australia from a 1000D Nylon exterior. Further, it is fitted with an YKK Aqua Guard zip to fend off the odd puddle splash. Adding to its Zipper, it has a nice big zipper pull and a zipper garage to stop it from jangling. The 25mm webbing strap combined with a Fid lock buckle has been used to secure the bag to the saddle rails. It is very secure because the mounted and the system of loops and buckles are quite bulky and difficult to adjust. 

The bag is available in different colors and is very easily a 29er tube. Unlike other bags, it has a wide opening and has big plenty of capacity. The wide-opening zip gives easy access and the Fid lock buckle can be opened. The bag can be opened right up for quick packing and unpacking without being removed from the bike. Inside the bag, it is black and has a good finish nice touch.

Apart from that, there are no pockets and two elasticated loops that can be used to secure items like a CO2 canister, multi-tool or tubeless repair kit. The molle-style webbing loops offer more mounting flexibility and the back has a neatly sewn-in branded tag on the top edge.

 9. Pro Saddle Bag Medi

The PRO Strap Saddlebag Medi is a medium-sized saddle bag and budget bag with universal attachments to fit any bicycle saddle. The bag comes in three sizes available: Mini, Medi, and Maxi. Pro offers up 0.6l of space, the others being 0.4l and 1l for the larger size. Thus in the market, it is regarded to be one of the best seat packs. Talking about the color it is entirely black (with blue lining).

The logo reflective for a small amount of extra nighttime visibility is very nice. In the bag, you can store an inner tube, tyre levers, multi-tool, and energy bar. It has a zipped pocket on the side that provides a secure space to store cash or a door key. Interestingly, the design of the bag has not changed much over the years, and for good reason. Because the old design of the bag is very nice, good and goes by many riders.

You can attach your bag via a Velcro strap at the seat post and two more around the saddle rails. It is a sturdy bit of kit that’ll swallow several different essentials that you need for your ride. The brand itself offers various functions thus; the Velcro straps test model work just fine.

Pro Saddle Bag Medi Saddlebag Credit: bike-components.de

10. Lezyne Roll Caddy

Lezyne’s Roll Caddy is a tool roll and a great option for carrying while carrying ride essentials. The Roll Caddy is made up of five pockets of various widths and depths which will pretty much carry everything you require to get you out of trouble on a ride. It has enough space for a track nut spanner, CO2 canister and inflator, tire levers, tube, and a multi-tool plus various patches and plasters in the zipped compartment.

They are usually made by using nylon construction and consist of a simple three pockets. It is not only a tool but also offers an alternative solution, separating items in their own pockets before being rolled up. The middle wider pocket has a lightweight inner tube while the left can house a multi-tool. Meanwhile, on another side, we can see a zipped pocket. Where you can keep small loose items that could be easily lost like quick links and other bits and pieces.

Lezyne Roll Caddy Saddle bag Credit: behance.net

As goes by the name you can roll your Roll Caddy from 140mm in length and 80 in width. How much you can roll that all depends upon you. Once you rolled your bag it is secured by a solid feeling Velcro strap. It can grasp well and so there won’t be any accidental unrolls.

The bag can easily be attached to the saddle rails with a 40mm wide hook-and-loop Velcro strap. Lezyne is covered in reflective Lezyne logos for a bit of side visibility. The Velcro strap holds the tool roll closed so that when it is removed, it doesn’t open up and spills things everywhere. However, the bag does not go for all riders because you need to remove them from the bike to access your items. 0.6 liters bag comes in black color and weighs around 80g.

How to choose a Saddlebag?

Saddlebags are important while mountain biking. However, choosing the right mountain biking is hard but not impossible. When selecting a saddle bag among various options, some factors need to be considered. During the process of selecting a bag, consider the types of saddlebags, the Capacity of the bag, Style of the bag, type of trail mounting, and lockable.

As we already said that finding the right bag for right will mainly depend on your ride style, the typical length of your rides, and the weather conditions.  Thus, if you are a road rider who prioritizes low weight, specializing in fast rides on the tarmac filled with climbs and sprints, a lightweight, small capacity saddle bag is a perfect choice. Meanwhile, if you are riding for long tours, bike packing, and MTB adventures, a larger capacity saddle bag will be a better option.

Most essentials things that you have to carry in a saddlebag

As we mentioned there are also things that you might need on the trail. As you can’t predict your future thus you have to be preparing everything before the ride. However, the contents of your seat pack vary depending on ride style, length of ride, and other factors, but here are some essentials you should carry on every ride:

1. Inner tube

An inner tube is an inflatable ring that forms the interior of some pneumatic tires. Inner tubes are available in different options including lightweight, fast-rolling tubes to heavier, more durable options. Mostly, the tube is inflated with a valve stem and fits inside the casing of the tire. It gives structural support and suspension, while the outer tire provides grip and protects the more fragile tube.

Inner tube with a saddle bag Credit : bikebug.com

2. Multi-tool

It is available in a variety of sizes and configurations, from detailed and complex to minimal and lightweight. You can carry Allen and Torx keys, a screwdriver, and ideally a chain tool in our saddlebag.

 Multi tool in saddle bag Credit: Amazon.com

3. Tyre levers

Like other things, inner tubes, multi-tool, and tire levers are also important things to carry. To remove your Inner tube tire levers are needed.

Figure  Image: Tyre levers along with saddle bag Credit: alltricks.com