Since its inception in 2013, Moab-based Nuke Sunrise has built a reputation for producing quality bespoke bikepacking bags and accessories. A life-long passion for riding has been at the core of the company’s success with owner, Dave Wilson, considered by many as one of the pioneers of the bikepacking bag industry. I had the opportunity to field test a number of the company’s most iconic offerings and wanted to kick things off with the Giant Silo feed bag.
If you thought space and payload were limited when traveling in a 4WD, think again. Space on the bike is at a premium, especially if you’re planning a route that requires hike-a-biking and technical trails. Every inch of real estate needs to be utilized efficiently, and cockpit feed bags are a great way to maximize wasted space. These bags are traditionally attached between the bar/stem and fork crown (but could be mounted elsewhere) and are intended to be easily accessible storage while on the go. There’s no shortage of options on the market, but the Giant Silo is one of the very best.
First and foremost, it’s significantly larger than any feed bags I’ve previously tested. It was specifically designed as a storage solution for the Jetboil Flash cooking system but thanks to generous internal volume, it’s suitable for a wide range of applications (many of which would not be possible with a standard-size feedbag). The bag utilizes a Dimension Polyant XPAC VX-21 waterproof exterior (which kept my contents dry in multiple rain storms) with a yellow nylon pack cloth interior (improves contents visibility in low light). The bag also incorporates foam cushioning between fabrics, which provides an added layer of protection/insulation for your belongings. Other notable inclusions are the drain hole for any leakages, wide opening, and one-handed operation cinch closure with a high visibility reflective cord.
After spending a couple of weeks in the mountains with the Giant Silo, the question on my mind was, why would you settle for a smaller alternative? After all, it’s not like there’s any discernible weight difference (Giant Silo’s 3.5-ounces versus the Standard Sil0‘s 2.9-ounces), and the additional space was extremely useful. Thanks to the six horizontal lashing points, it remained secure with zero sag despite brutal punishment on rocky trails. The Giant Silo is an impressive value and offers class-leading volume at almost half the price of comparable alternatives. Dave’s mission to maintain uncompromising quality while remaining competitive against larger manufacturers (many of which outsource work overseas) is admirable and was recently discussed on the Rad Dog Bikes :: Ping Pong Pizza Party podcast. The Giant Silo is a fantastic addition to a bikepacking setup and showcases clear advantages over smaller alternatives with little to no drawbacks.
$30 | nukesunrise.com
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