When it comes to bikepacking bags, the first name that usually comes to mind is Revelate. The Alaskan company was one of the first to mass-produce the type of bags that are now becoming the go-to solution for bikepacking, with many bigger companies joining a band of small artisans producing frame, seat, bar and top tube bags. We consulted NZ distributor Cyclewerks who set us up with an ensemble to suit our needs for road/gravel weekend and day trips.

Some smaller companies tend to specialise in custom bags made to order, whereas Revelate makes a range of various ‘standard’ sizes that are designed to fit most bikes. ‘Most bikes’ that are a traditional frame shape that is, as full suspension bikes and some more funky frame designs probably won’t be able to have any old bag jammed in. We measured up our test rig and settled on a small size Tangle half-frame bag for the 54cm frame. Revelate also make full-frame bags for those heading off on major missions or carry a lot of stuff on their day-to-day commutes or trips. For the two-or three day adventures we were doing, the half bag was the best choice for travelling light but with all the essentials and a few ‘luxury items (beer). We used it for tools, pump, proper food and any other sundry items necessary for a weekend away (yes, beer). The large pocket

We teamed up the Tangle with a Pika seat bag, which Revelate tout as a ‘minimalist’ bag and good for smaller bikes with less room between saddle and tyre. Despite its claimed minimal capacity, there was plenty of room for street clothes/shoes, rain jacket, random bags of food and a couple of bottles of (of course) beer. Once packed and cinched down tight, it did a good job of staying stable over rough ground and didn’t move from side to side. Accessing the contents when needed was an easy process without having to undo a ton of straps.

Our favourite bag though would have to be the Gas Tank top tube bag. Once called Bento Boxes and scoffed at as just a triathlete thing, these are the most useful bags for any bikepacker or gravel rider/racer (or even mountain bikers now that backpacks are out and on-bike storage is in), keeping all the stuff you regularly need at close hand. The big zipper loops are easy to use with gloved hands when you’re riding and need to get a gel or snap that selfie. You could probably fit a can of beer in here too.

About the only problem we had with the set-up was the Velcro strap interface between the frame a TT bags. No matter which bag was mounted first, it would be very difficult to get the other’s strap to work neatly. If we mounted the frame bag first it would be near impossible to wrap the TT bag’s strap between the top tube and the bag, and if we mounted the Gas Tank first then it would be a bit less of a mission to tuck the Tangle’s long top strap under the back edge of the top bag. Quite annoying for those of us that like things tidy and foolproof to use, and overall it didn’t adversely affect the security of the bags, but it’s something that needs a better solution for sure.

While we didn’t get to test the waterproofing of the bags, they did keep things dry in light rain over a couple of hours, and a couple of deep creek crossings failed to let any wet nature in. The stitching and fastenings and zips are all holding up well with no signs of coming apart, but there’ll still be a lot more use for these bags to come to really put them to the test of durability.