Revelate Designs Tangle Frame Bag
The Revelate Designs Tangle Frame Bag is a best-in-class bikepacking frame bag thanks to its smart compartment layout, rugged fabrics, and a fit pattern that suits a wide range of mountain and gravel frames. It delivers excellent value for performance by balancing low weight, ease of access, and durability, making it a more modular and cost-effective choice than some pricier, lighter packs like Apidura while offering better weather resistance than many soft-sided competitors. For riders who prioritize practical organization and long-term toughness on mixed-surface tours, the Tangle stands out.
Slim triangle storage
Durable weatherproof shell
Slim triangle storage
Durable weatherproof shell
Review Summary
"Users praise the Revelate Designs Tangle for its bombproof Cordura construction, smart pocket layout and long-term durability, noting it holds up well on heavy use; some riders mention it can be pricey and requires careful fitting on non-traditional frames. Overall reviewers appreciated its build quality and practical organization for multi-day bikepacking trips."
Ninja stealth fit
Large tapered main compartment that maximizes triangle volume for bikepacking loads.
Ninja stealth fit
Large tapered main compartment that maximizes triangle volume for bikepacking loads.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Revelate Designs Tangle Frame Bag is a best-in-class bikepacking frame bag thanks to its smart compartment layout, rugged fabrics, and a fit pattern that suits a wide range of mountain and gravel frames. It delivers excellent value for performance by balancing low weight, ease of access, and durability, making it a more modular and cost-effective choice than some pricier, lighter packs like Apidura while offering better weather resistance than many soft-sided competitors. For riders who prioritize practical organization and long-term toughness on mixed-surface tours, the Tangle stands out.
Slim triangle storage
Durable weatherproof shell
Ninja stealth fit
Large tapered main compartment that maximizes triangle volume for bikepacking loads.
Durable, water-resistant fabric with weather-resistant zippers for mixed conditions.
Slim triangle storage
Durable weatherproof shell
Ninja stealth fit
Large tapered main compartment that maximizes triangle volume for bikepacking loads.
Durable, water-resistant fabric with weather-resistant zippers for mixed conditions.
$220-320 USD
Apidura Backcountry Frame Pack
The Apidura Backcountry Frame Pack is a market-leading option prized for its ultralight laminated fabrics and race-oriented shaping that minimize weight and drag on long bikepacking rides. It commands a premium price but earns it through industry-leading materials and a refined pack profile that is lighter and sleeker than Revelate and Arkel options, though it trades off full waterproofing compared with Ortlieb. Its wide dealer network and consistent fit across modern frames make it the go-to for riders chasing minimal weight and proven aerodynamic performance.
Featherweight carry
Aero race-ready
Featherweight carry
Aero race-ready
Review Summary
"Reviewers like the Apidura Backcountry Frame Pack for being light, streamlined and highly weather-resistant, with welded seams that stand up to extended touring; a few buyers cite the higher price and occasional fit issues on very small frames. Most long-term users report reliable performance and minimal water ingress in rough conditions."
Desert-dry shell
Ultralight laminated fabrics that keep weight down for long-distance riding.
Desert-dry shell
Ultralight laminated fabrics that keep weight down for long-distance riding.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Apidura Backcountry Frame Pack is a market-leading option prized for its ultralight laminated fabrics and race-oriented shaping that minimize weight and drag on long bikepacking rides. It commands a premium price but earns it through industry-leading materials and a refined pack profile that is lighter and sleeker than Revelate and Arkel options, though it trades off full waterproofing compared with Ortlieb. Its wide dealer network and consistent fit across modern frames make it the go-to for riders chasing minimal weight and proven aerodynamic performance.
Featherweight carry
Aero race-ready
Desert-dry shell
Ultralight laminated fabrics that keep weight down for long-distance riding.
Roll-top style closure and compression for shedding water and stabilizing cargo.
Featherweight carry
Aero race-ready
Desert-dry shell
Ultralight laminated fabrics that keep weight down for long-distance riding.
Roll-top style closure and compression for shedding water and stabilizing cargo.
$240-340 USD
Ortlieb Frame-Pack RC Toptube
The Ortlieb Frame-Pack RC Toptube excels where protection from the elements matters most, offering near-impermeable waterproof construction and highly durable hardware that outperforms most soft-shell competitors in wet climates. Technically robust and low-maintenance, it is heavier and generally more expensive than fabric-based frame bags like Apidura and Revelate but provides unmatched cargo protection for bikepackers who can't risk water damage. For expedition riders and commuters needing sealed storage, Ortlieb's engineering and long warranty make it a sensible investment.
Bombproof waterproof
Quick top-access
Bombproof waterproof
Quick top-access
Review Summary
"Customers consistently commend the Ortlieb Frame-Pack RC Toptube for its outstanding waterproofing and robust construction, making it a go-to for wet-weather bikepacking; criticisms are rare but include its premium price and a slightly bulky profile on compact frames. Long-term reviewers emphasize its reliability and near-zero maintenance needs."
Map-ready pocket
Fully welded construction and waterproof materials for confident wet-weather use.
Map-ready pocket
Fully welded construction and waterproof materials for confident wet-weather use.
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The Ortlieb Frame-Pack RC Toptube excels where protection from the elements matters most, offering near-impermeable waterproof construction and highly durable hardware that outperforms most soft-shell competitors in wet climates. Technically robust and low-maintenance, it is heavier and generally more expensive than fabric-based frame bags like Apidura and Revelate but provides unmatched cargo protection for bikepackers who can't risk water damage. For expedition riders and commuters needing sealed storage, Ortlieb's engineering and long warranty make it a sensible investment.
Bombproof waterproof
Quick top-access
Map-ready pocket
Fully welded construction and waterproof materials for confident wet-weather use.
Low center-of-gravity fit designed to sit neatly inside the main triangle.
Bombproof waterproof
Quick top-access
Map-ready pocket
Fully welded construction and waterproof materials for confident wet-weather use.
Low center-of-gravity fit designed to sit neatly inside the main triangle.
$160-220 USD
Arkel Frame Bag
Arkel's frame bag brings American-made practicality with roomy capacity, customizable internal layouts, and heavy-duty zippers that prioritize payload over minimum weight. It tends to be more affordable than Apidura's lightest offerings while providing greater volume and easier packing, though it is bulkier and not as aerodynamically trimmed as some competitors. That combination makes Arkel a compelling choice for riders who value cargo volume and rugged construction on extended tours without paying a high ultralight premium.
Bulletproof zippers
Tailored fit
Bulletproof zippers
Tailored fit
Review Summary
"Arkel frame bags are reviewed as very well-built and thoughtfully designed with good access and hardy zippers, favored by riders who want a tailored fit and longevity; downsides mentioned include heavier weight and higher cost compared with ultralight options. Most users find them dependable for frequent, long-term use."
Packing wizardry
Manufactured in the USA using heavy-duty, water-resistant textiles built for longevity.
Packing wizardry
Manufactured in the USA using heavy-duty, water-resistant textiles built for longevity.
Time-Saving Convenience
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Arkel's frame bag brings American-made practicality with roomy capacity, customizable internal layouts, and heavy-duty zippers that prioritize payload over minimum weight. It tends to be more affordable than Apidura's lightest offerings while providing greater volume and easier packing, though it is bulkier and not as aerodynamically trimmed as some competitors. That combination makes Arkel a compelling choice for riders who value cargo volume and rugged construction on extended tours without paying a high ultralight premium.
Bulletproof zippers
Tailored fit
Packing wizardry
Manufactured in the USA using heavy-duty, water-resistant textiles built for longevity.
Thoughtful compartment layout and reinforced mounting for heavy or irregular loads.
Bulletproof zippers
Tailored fit
Packing wizardry
Manufactured in the USA using heavy-duty, water-resistant textiles built for longevity.
Thoughtful compartment layout and reinforced mounting for heavy or irregular loads.
$180-280 USD
Tailfin Frame Bag
Tailfin's frame bag is designed for modern geometry bikes and emphasizes a secure, snug fit with premium finishes and thoughtful mounting hardware that reduces movement on rough trails. It sits at a premium price point but offers technical niceties like refined strap systems and aerodynamic shaping that can outperform bulkier Arkel or Revelate options in fit and finish, while not quite matching the full waterproofing of Ortlieb. For riders with performance road or gravel bikes seeking a compact, race-friendly frame pack, Tailfin strikes a balance between sleek design and everyday robustness.
Aero minimalism
Secure bolt-fit
Aero minimalism
Secure bolt-fit
Review Summary
"Tailfin's frame bag is praised for its solid construction, clever mounting and good capacity, with many reviewers happy with fit and ease of use on extended rides; some note the price is on the premium side and size choices can be limiting for small frames. Overall feedback from repeat users highlights excellent durability and thoughtful design."
Tool-friendly nook
Low-profile design that hugs the frame triangle to minimize pedal strikes and sway.
Tool-friendly nook
Low-profile design that hugs the frame triangle to minimize pedal strikes and sway.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Tailfin's frame bag is designed for modern geometry bikes and emphasizes a secure, snug fit with premium finishes and thoughtful mounting hardware that reduces movement on rough trails. It sits at a premium price point but offers technical niceties like refined strap systems and aerodynamic shaping that can outperform bulkier Arkel or Revelate options in fit and finish, while not quite matching the full waterproofing of Ortlieb. For riders with performance road or gravel bikes seeking a compact, race-friendly frame pack, Tailfin strikes a balance between sleek design and everyday robustness.
Aero minimalism
Secure bolt-fit
Tool-friendly nook
Low-profile design that hugs the frame triangle to minimize pedal strikes and sway.
Weather-resistant materials and reliable YKK zippers for everyday bikepacking use.
Aero minimalism
Secure bolt-fit
Tool-friendly nook
Low-profile design that hugs the frame triangle to minimize pedal strikes and sway.
Weather-resistant materials and reliable YKK zippers for everyday bikepacking use.
$140-200 USD