The Blackburn Outpost Carryall Bag is a lightweight handlebar and stem-mounted bag designed for carrying cycling essentials. This review explores its performance and versatility after extensive use on varied terrains, including mountain biking trails and bikepacking routes. We delve into its capacity, examining whether it lives up to its "carry-all" claim, and assess the practicality of its three-strap attachment system for secure mounting. The durability of the bag's construction, its ease of cleaning, and the overall user experience are key aspects of this evaluation.This in-depth review considers both the advantages and disadvantages of the Outpost Carryall Bag. We'll examine the convenience of its compact size versus its limited capacity, exploring its suitability for different types of rides and riders. We'll also discuss its usefulness beyond basic gear storage, highlighting unexpected applications that add to its practicality. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a balanced perspective, enabling readers to determine if the Blackburn Outpost Carryall Bag is the right fit for their cycling needs.
Pros And Cons
- Lightweight (3.2 ounces)
- Holds a water bottle securely, even over bumps
- Has two mesh pockets for small items (gels, bars, snacks)
- Includes a drainage hole
- Mounts on either side of the stem or handlebars
- Can be used on multiple bikes without modification
- Easy to reach while riding
- Durable and easy to clean
- Quick mounting (less than two minutes)
- Smaller than some feed bags; may not fit larger bottles (like Nalgene)
- Mesh pockets are relatively small
- Padding is minimal; not suitable for fragile items
Read more: 5 Must-Have Cycling Frame Bags
Design and Features
The Blackburn Outpost Carryall Bag is a handlebar and stem-mounted bag designed for carrying essentials on bike rides. It features a unique three-strap system for secure attachment; two straps attach to the handlebars and stem, while a third secures it around the crown of the fork. This design ensures stability even on bumpy terrain.
The bag itself is surprisingly lightweight, weighing in at around 3.2 ounces. It includes a main compartment that easily accommodates a water bottle and two smaller mesh side pockets, perfect for snacks, tools, or other small items. These pockets may be small, but they are great for quickly grabbing things on the go.
The inclusion of a drainage hole is a nice touch, preventing water from accumulating inside the bag if you get caught in the rain or spill a drink. The bag can be mounted on either side of the stem, providing flexibility for customizing your bike setup.
Capacity and Usage
While marketed as a 'carry-all,' the bag's capacity is relatively modest. It comfortably fits a standard water bottle, but larger bottles like Nalgenes might be a tight fit. The two small side pockets are ideal for energy gels, bars, or small snacks, and are enough for smaller day trips.
I found the bag particularly useful for organizing trash during rides. I would place empty wrappers and trash under the water bottle to keep it somewhat organized and away from other belongings. This dual-purpose use makes it quite handy.
The bag’s relatively small size is both a pro and con. On one hand, it's unobtrusive and doesn’t interfere with handling, while on the other, it limits the amount of gear you can carry, particularly water and larger items.
Durability and Performance
After 700 miles of use on various terrain, including mountain biking trails and bikepacking routes, the bag shows no significant wear and tear. The material feels sturdy, and the straps remain secure. The bag’s lightweight nature is both a benefit and a potential downside as it may make larger items slide around more easily.
The three-strap attachment system keeps the bag remarkably stable; I didn't experience any noticeable shifting or bouncing, even on rougher paths. The slight padding on the side walls offers some protection for items but isn't sufficient for fragile objects.
The bag is easy to clean. Mud and dirt wipe off easily, keeping it looking presentable even after intense rides. The ease of mounting is a definite plus, taking only a couple of minutes.
Final Verdict
The Blackburn Outpost Carryall Bag is a solid choice for riders seeking a compact and convenient solution for carrying essentials. Its lightweight design and secure attachment make it ideal for daily rides and shorter bikepacking adventures.
While the limited capacity might restrict its use for longer trips with significant water needs, its strength lies in its versatility and unobtrusive nature. Its use for trash disposal is a welcome additional feature.
Overall, the Blackburn Outpost Carryall Bag provides excellent value, especially for its price point and reliable performance. While a slightly larger size for the side pockets or a bigger main compartment would be beneficial, its strengths far outweigh its limitations for many riders.