The summer is fast approaching, which means longer days, and the opportunity to pedal further. Whether you’re looking to cram in the miles, camp overnight, or explore new or familiar trails with friends, you’ll need some degree of storage. In the past, that meant a sweaty backpack or some bulky panniers. Thanks to the bikepacking revolution, there are now infinite ways to store your belongings efficiently.
Based in England, Restrap, began life in 2010 as a single sewing machine in a back bedroom in Leeds, where founder Nathan Huges first made pedal straps for himself and then close friends. Word spread, interest grew, and soon his work expanded to bikepacking bags, luggage, and accessories. Today the company occupies a large workshop and is made up of a “close-knit team of machinists, designers, family, and friends.” The operation may have expanded, but the focus on sustainable handmade products, which are functional, innovative, and durable, remains the same.
The company has put together an ideal kit for staying out longer, including several products that are new for 2022.
Saddle Bag (8- or 14-liter)
A rackless saddle bag that secures to your seatpost without the need for mounts or screws.
Alternatives: Revelate Designs Terrapin 8 or 14-liter, Porcelain Rocket’s Mr. Fusion 15-liter, and Ortlieb’s 11 and 16.5-liter Seat-Packs.
Bar Bag
A universal luggage solution that attaches to any bike in seconds. The harness is secured to the handlebars with spring-loaded cam locks and to the crown of the fork using two lower retention straps. The bag also incorporates an external elasticated shock cord that provides quick access storage for jackets, gloves, and other accessories. The holster comes with a durable 14-liter Double Roll Dry Bag made of tape-sealed and waterproof coated 6-ounce nylon.
Alternatives: Car Sick Designs Handee Randee, Wildcat Gear Lion Handlebar Harness, and Blackburn Design’s Outpost HB Roll & Dry Bag.
Bar Pack
This bar pack is a handlebar bag with two waterproof roll-top compartments offering 10 liters of capacity. Structural rigidity is provided by an internal stiffener, while a side-release tension and buckle system ensures everything is kept compact. Spring-loaded cam locks and foam spacers enable secure and painless mounting to the handlebar and headtube.
Alternatives: Ron’s Bikes Small Fabio’s Chest, Porcelain Rocket Nigel, and Swift Industries Zeitgeist Pack.
Frame Bag
Requires no mounts or screws to fit and is available in three different sizes to suit any frame. Thoughtful features include rubberised strapping and reflective paracord zip pulls for a secure fit, inner mesh pockets to keep things organized, a slot for dynamo cabling and Medium/Large bags featuring an additional document pocket.
Alternatives: Rogue Panda Partial Frame Bag, Alpkit Glider, and Wildcat Gear Ocelot Frame Bag.
Tech and Stem Bags
When it comes to convenience, “stem” bags are one of the best options. Designed with one-handed operation in mind, these bags are the ultimate quick access solution. Restrap offers two fantastic options: the Stem Bag, which is primarily intended for food or water-on-the-go, and a waterproof Tech Bag, designed for a phone or camera. Both bags attach seamlessly and require no screws or mounts.
Alternatives: Jpaks RukSak, Nuke Sunrise Giant Silo, and Alpkit’s Stem Cell.
Top Tube Bag
As the name suggests, this bag secures to the top tube (and headset) and is perfect for storing smaller items, such as tools, phones, spare inner tubes, or snacks. Restrap recently released their Race Top Tube Bags, which offer a greater capacity, and integrate a stretch mesh side pocket.
Alternatives: ATM Handmade Goods Top Tube Bag, Revelate Designs Gas Tank, and Jpaks FarvaPak.
Rear Top Tube Bag
The Rear Top Tube Bag is another convenient “cockpit” bag that provides easy access to small items required on the move. Featuring Molle accents on the base, users may adjust the placement of the velcro straps for the perfect fit.
Alternatives: Revelate Designs Jerrycan, Rogue Panda Rincon, and ATM Handmade Goods Rear TT Sack.
I’ve always been a fan of Restrap but haven’t checked in for some time, and I have to say I’m impressed. The products listed above are just a small selection of the gear they offer, including bags, cages and mounts, clothing, on-body bags, accessories, and more. I recommend checking out their website as there are some exciting new additions and a vast array of innovative storage solutions for the upcoming season.
Our No Compromise Clause: We carefully screen all contributors to make sure they are independent and impartial. We never have and never will accept advertorial, and we do not allow advertising to influence our product or destination reviews.
