In 2018, Tailfin released the AeroPack – an integrated rack and rack-top bag – along with the AP18 as a standalone top bag. Well-executed and offering unsurpassed stability for bike-packing and road-touring applications, this rear on-bike storage system put Tailfin on the map and went largely unchanged until now.
Today, Tailfin has released updated versions of the AeroPack and AP18 that provide expandable cargo pockets, a faster single-buckle closure, additional mounting options for storage or hydration, and remain 100% compatible with existing Tailfin equipment.
The latest AeroPack Cargo and AP18 Cargo will sit in the Tailfin range alongside the existing AeroPack and AP18 Top Bag, using Tailfin’s modular system to allow any current Tailfin user to easily upgrade. New Tailfin customers can purchase either the AeroPackCargo or AP18 Cargo, and because of Tailfin’s modular design, Aeropack buyers will have the ability to switch to the non-Cargo versions later on.
The most visible and compelling reason to choose the new Tailfin system or for existing users to upgrade is the addition of the external mesh cargo pockets. In much the same way that cargo bib shorts are essential to ultra-long distance riding and bike-packing, these pockets not only add capacity but also allow riders to keep things isolated that are wet, frequently accessed, or would otherwise contaminate the main storage compartment. According to Tailfin, the material used in the stretch pockets combines the perfect amount of stretch whilst being robust enough withstand abrasions from being leaned against a wall or a scraping against a bush.
Other tweaks and upgrades are less visible but also promise to enhance durability and user experience. A single-buckle closure system speeds up access to the main compartment and replaces the two extra buckles at the front or rear of the bag found on Tailfin’s current design.
This update, according to Tailfin, makes it easier to close the bag when fully packed. A single, adjustable-length TPU compression strap integrated into mesh pockets provides additional security for the cargo pockets’ contents and ensures easy and effective compression of the main compartment. Three carbon battens have been added to help retain the bag’s shape-preventing lateral bulging of the main compartment when stuffed full.
Specifications
Volume: 18 liter main pack (+ approximately 3 litres of expandable, external cargo pocket space)
Materials: Hypalon/Ripstop Nylon. Spandex stretch pockets with C0 water-repellent coating.
Weight:
AP18 Cargo-595g (excluding connecting hardware)
AP18 Cargo-682g (including connecting hardware)
AeroPack Cargo Carbon (Non-pannier mount arch)-922g(Inc Fast Release Dropouts but no axle)
AeroPack Cargo Carbon (With pannier mounts)-1000g(Inc Fast Release Dropouts but no axle)
AeroPack Cargo Alloy (Non-pannier mount arch)-1129g(Inc Fast Release Dropouts but no axle)
AeroPack Cargo Alloy (With pannier mounts)-1230g(Inc Fast Release Dropouts but no axle)
Pricing:
AP18 Cargo £190 / $260 / €240
AeroPack Carbon Cargo with pannier mounts £430 / $590 / €540 (upgrade from regular AeroPack £30 / $40 / €40
The latest AeroPack and AP18 are a thoughtful evolution of an already wonderful on-bike storage system. Now is a great time to experience the stability, aerodynamic advantage, and high quality of Tailfin Technical Bikepacking Equipment for the first time or upgrade as an existing user.
