If you’re daydreaming at your computer thinking about your next big adventure, toying with the idea of bike packing, you’re going to need some bags. Packing light is key, but you still need a way to carry the essentials. As bikepacking has become more popular Blackburn has used their Ranger ambassador program to help develop some killer new bags that will get you out there and get you back home.
Capable of crossing the Great Divide, or making sure you’re well stocked for a day trip, the Outpost series includes a Handlebar Roll, Top Tube Bag, and a Seat Pack. Certainly not your ordinary seat pack, the Outpost model provides an extra large capacity that will mount to nearly any bike. Adjustable to fit smaller or larger items, the Seat Pack includes a stuff sack but is also compatible with standard dry bags.
Constructed from 70D nylon with a 4mm Ripstop layer, the bag is water resistant especially along the back where it’s sure to see spray from the rear wheel. Additionally the stuff sack is weather resistant as well, and as mentioned if it will be really wet the stuff sack can be substituted for a dry bag. Large enough to hold compact sleeping bags, the Seat Pack retails for $99.99.
Using the Seat Pack out back, you can balance the load up front with the new Outpost Top Tube Bag and Handlebar Roll. Sitting on the top tube like most bags of the sort, the Outpost bag is fairly large and uses two straps on the top tube with a third on the stem (slammed stems need not apply). On the inside you’ll find a large storage space with an adjustable organizer, plus an exterior mesh pocket and a zippered ID or cash pocket. Made from the same Ripstop and weather resistant nylon as the seat pack, the TT bag will store your stuff for $44.99.
If you have items to carry that are too bulky for the seat bag, check out the Handlebar Roll. The built in quick release mount will fit 25.4 and 31.8mm handlebars and has an 8 lb capacity though it is not recommended for carbon bars.
The outer roll is meant to work with the included stuff bag but it can also be used with standard dry bags. The red shoulder strap above doubles as the compression strap when the roll is mounted to the bike. The Handlebar Roll should have no problem carrying most light weight tents or other bulky gear that can also be lashed to the outside of the roll with the included tie downs. Frontal carrying capacity will cost you an additional $74.99.
