Can you go on a bike camping adventure with just a bike and nothing else?
Sure, you can just wear your bike shorts and shoes and nothing else, carry nothing, bike all day under the hot sun, get to your destination, and lie down on the ground with no sleeping bag, tent, hammock, blanket, pillow, or clothes. But it wouldn’t be much fun.
That’s why you need a bag for your bike. Call it a saddlebag, call it a pannier, call it whatever you like. But you’ll need it, not only for the stuff you want to bring with you, but perhaps for the stuff you will find along the way.
Invest in a good bike bag and it will make your bikepacking journeys all the more fulfilling.
Here are our picks for the best bike bags for bike camping of 2022. Happy bike camping!
Our Top Picks
- Ortlieb Back-Roller City Rear Panniers — Durable, waterproof rear panniers from one of the best brands in the business.
- Ibera Bicycle Bag PakRak Clip-On Quick-Release All Weather Bike Panniers — Top-notch hybrid performance bike.
- Rockbros Bikepacking Bike Handlebar Bag —Simple, spacious handlebar mounted bag.
- Rockbros Bike Frame Bag — Great waterproof frame bag for extra storage.
- Rockbros Phone Front Frame Bag — Nice bag for holding your phone and other essentials.
Quick Comparison of the Top 5 Best Bike Camping Bags of 2022
Product | Type | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
Ortlieb Back-Roller City Rear Panniers | Rear | Check Price | |
Ibera Bicycle Bag PakRak Clip-On Quick-Release All Weather Bike Panniers | Rear | Check Price | |
Rockbros Bikepacking Bike Handlebar Bag | Front | Check Price | |
Rockbros Bike Frame Bag | Frame | Check Price | |
Rockbros Phone Front Frame Bag | Frame | Check Price |
Reviews of the Best Bike Camping Bags of 2022
1. Ortlieb Back-Roller City Rear Pannier
We all know Ortlieb is one of the OGs of bicycle touring and bicycle camping adventures in general.
They are a trusted brand name because they make high-quality products, and this pair of panniers is no exception.
Some people don’t like the fact that there is no compartments inside–it is all just one big open space. But this gives you flexibility with what you can carry. You can put a whole 30-pack in one of these, or blankets, beddings, sleeping bag, etc.
Versatility is good when you’re out adventuring. And you want a sturdy bag that will last you no matter what the weather.
Grab a pair of these great, reliable bike panniers today and instantly improve your bike camping experience.
Product Features
- PVC-coated polyester fabric offers waterproof protection
- Edge protector with slots for mounting the ORTLIEB carrying system
- Top QL hooks and lower sliding hook adjustable with Allen key no. 3
- Release handle for mounting and releasing the QL1 system
2. Ibera Bicycle Bag PakRak Clip-On Quick-Release All Weather Bike Panniers
Keep it simple with these great rear panniers from Ibera.
Also waterproof, these panniers have a different closure mechanism from the Ortliebs above. Some may prefer this type of pannier closure and attachment mechanism. Just depends on what you want on your bike camping adventures.
There is no perfect way to bike camp. But you can make your bike camping closer to perfect with a good set of durable, weatherproof bags.
These panniers also have separate rain covers for when you’re riding during a torrential downpour (which hopefully you’re not doing too often). These are handy as they can be used to keep other small items dry if need be once you’re at camp.
Product Features
- Quick release clip-on system requiring no straps
- Compatible with most rear bike racks
- Multiple compartments: Top zippered pocket and 2 large inside pockets
- Secure 3-point connection secures panniers against side-swing
- Carries up to 19.8 pounds
- All weather rain cover included for each pannier
3. Rockbros Bikepacking Bike Handlebar Bag
Front bags are nice because you can just reach and grab what you need.
Enter this Rockbros handlebar bag. This thing is great.
Large capacity, waterproof, sturdy, this thing will instantly upgrade your storage capacity and efficiency.
Need a snack? Just reach in and grab and go as you pedal. Also useful for keeping clothing or apparel that you can just grab and put on: sunglasses, hats, bandanas, earmuffs, etc.
Product Features
- Sturdy strap attachment system with spacers to protect bike frame and brake shift cables
- 7-14L adjustable capacity ensures you have room for what you need
- High strength tear resistant 600D nylon + waterproof TPU film makes this bag 100% waterproof
- External elastic cords for attaching items to the outside of the bag
4. Rockbros Bike Frame Bag
This nice and durable frame bag from Rockbros will rock your world.
Maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but really, this is a great little frame bag to store those little extra items.
Fully waterproof, with a zipper closure, for me this frame bag is just the right size.
Some frame bags are just too big or too floppy with a million straps and closures. I like this one because it is compact and simple.
Product Features
- 3L capacity, perfect for holding cycling essentials such as: wallet, phone, keys, tire, glasses, CO2 pump, repair tool kits, etc.
- High quality nylon fabric outer material and inner TPU material offer weather protection
- Stiff bottle plate helps the frame bag retain its shape
- Does not rub against your legs while pedaling
- 5 Hook and loop fasteners keep the bag secure against the frame
5. Rockbros Phone Front Frame Bag
I like having a frame mounted bag that can hold my phone while on the road.
Navigating by phone in the rain? No problem with this handy bag from Rockbros.
Also a great bag for storing the small things that you might need to grab quickly while riding.
There are lots of these types of bags out there, which hold phones, but I like this one best.
Product Features
- Large storage space underneath the phone holder sleeve.
- Can still use your touch screen while the phone remains safe from water or dirt
- Zipper closure for bag, and earhole for wired headphones
- Water resistant construction keeps your phone dry
- Easy install with straps attaching to frame