Choosing the right bikepacking seat pack can be crucial for a successful trip. This review compares four popular options: Ortlieb, Moosetracks, Revelate, and RockBros, offering a detailed analysis to help you make an informed decision. We'll delve into key aspects including capacity, weight, price, compatibility, waterproofing, and attachment mechanisms. Each bag's strengths and weaknesses will be examined, highlighting design features, material quality, and ease of use. Ultimately, this comparison aims to provide a clear picture of what each seat pack offers, allowing you to select the best fit for your individual needs and budget.This in-depth showdown explores the performance of each bag in real-world conditions, covering everything from packing capacity and ease of use to attachment security and overall durability. We’ll consider the pros and cons of each model, weighing factors like weight, price, and compatibility with different seatposts. Additionally, we'll explore an alternative approach using a Bindle Rack, evaluating its benefits and drawbacks in comparison to dedicated seat packs. By the end of this review, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each option, empowering you to choose the perfect seat pack for your next bikepacking adventure.
Pros And Cons
- Relatively inexpensive ($70)
- Additional strapping on top
- Not carbon seat post friendly
- No air release valve
- Allows use of any bag
- Requires adjustment and tightening
- Safety concerns regarding tightness
- Adds weight
- Air release valve
- Waterproof
- 16 liters capacity
- Most expensive ($185)
- Lightest (15 ounces)
- Air release valve
- Waterproof
- Flat, smooth rubber attachment
- 16.5 liters capacity
Read more: 5 Must-Have Cycling Frame Bags
Capacity and Weight Comparison
Let's dive into the core specs: capacity and weight. The Ortlieb boasts a generous 16.5 liters, followed closely by Moosetracks and Revelate, both at 16.5 and 16 liters respectively. RockBros lags slightly behind with 14 liters. Weight is a critical factor for bikepacking, and the Ortlieb emerges as the lightest at 15 ounces. RockBros and Moosetracks weigh 1.4 and 1.3 pounds respectively, while the Revelate is the heaviest at 1.8 pounds.
Price significantly varies. The Ortlieb commands a premium price at $175, followed by Revelate at $185. RockBros is the most budget-friendly at $70, with Moosetracks priced at $80.
Design and Features
All bags, except RockBros, are compatible with carbon seatposts. The Ortlieb and Revelate include air release valves, useful for maximizing space when fully loaded. Waterproofness is a standard feature across all four. The Ortlieb and Moosetracks share a strikingly similar diamond pattern and orange strap design, leading to speculation of one company copying the other. However, details like cinching cables and strap placement differ slightly.
Moosetracks extends further towards the seat, while RockBros adds extra top straps. All feature two main straps and buckles, with similar rubberized reinforced slots. The material quality seems highest on the Ortlieb, followed by Moosetracks, with noticeable differences in stitching and material thickness.
Attachment and Stability
Attachment to the seatpost is crucial for stability. The Ortlieb uses a flat, smooth rubber attachment, the RockBros is similarly flat, while Moosetracks features a rounded, potentially less secure design. The reviewer highlights the importance of adequate clearance between the tire and the bag.
The RockBros' attachment system, with its velcro strap, offers excellent stability. The reviewer mentions the importance of checking the required distance between the top of the tire and the bottom of the bag for proper clearance. This is a significant factor to consider before purchasing any seat pack.
Packing and Performance
The Ortlieb's performance is impressive, with its strong construction and laser valve for easy air release. The reviewer successfully packed a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, poles and rain fly into the Ortlieb. Despite its slightly smaller capacity compared to the Ortlieb, the RockBros provided surprisingly good functionality, and its secure attachment is a highlight.
The Revelate design, while visually appealing with its integrated splash guard and platform, posed challenges in achieving the claimed 16-liter capacity. The reviewer found that it was difficult to fully utilize the available space effectively.
Alternative: Bindle Rack
As an alternative, the reviewer considered a Bindle Rack by PDW, which allows for greater flexibility in bag choice. However, even with the Bindle Rack, there's a necessary tension adjustment, and the reviewer expressed concern about the long-term stability and security of this setup. The additional weight and complexity of the rack also need to be considered.
Ultimately, the Bindle Rack offers flexibility but adds complexity and weight. The reviewer notes that combined weight of the rack and any bag used will be comparable to the dedicated seat packs.
Conclusion and Recommendations
After a thorough comparison, the Ortlieb emerged as the winner for its combination of lightweight design, high-quality construction, ample capacity, and secure attachment. Its air release valve was also a valuable feature. The RockBros offered a great budget-friendly option with a surprisingly strong attachment system, which might be sufficient for riders with lighter loads. The Moosetracks and Revelate have some strong points, but fall slightly short in some areas.
The choice depends on individual needs and priorities. The Ortlieb is a premium option for those prioritizing weight, durability and features. RockBros is a good choice for budget-conscious riders, while the other bags provide intermediate solutions. Consider individual capacity needs, budget, and desired features when making a decision.
