Choosing the right bikepacking frame bag can be crucial for a successful adventure. This review compares three popular options: Moosetreks, Revelate, and Salsa, all in medium size, to help you navigate the choices. We delve into a detailed comparison focusing on capacity, weight, design features, fit, and material quality. Each bag offers a unique set of advantages and disadvantages, making the selection process a careful consideration of your specific needs and riding style.This head-to-head comparison explores the nuances of each bag, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. We examine the differences in their capacities, weighing the advertised specifications against real-world user experiences. We also analyze their respective weight, design elements, mounting systems, and how well they fit on a standard bike frame. The final verdict considers price, performance, and ultimately, which bag provides the best value and overall riding experience.
Pros And Cons
- Gentler on the bike frame
- Brilliant design
- Minimally designed while maintaining strength
- Doesn't fit as nicely as Moose Tracks on a 2020 Salsa Cutthroat size 56
- More expensive
- Settles in well on the frame
- Less expensive than Revelate
- Stitching may be at risk with heavy load
- Flaps stick out and can hit legs
- Material is thinner and may mush in
- Fits perfectly on a size 56/medium frame
- No velcro straps
- Awesome strapping process
- Direct mount means it cannot be easily transferred to different bikes
- Potential for stitching to come undone, scraping the frame, and ruining paint
Read more: 5 Must-Have Cycling Frame Bags
Size and Capacity: A Closer Look
All three bags – Moosetreks, Revelate, and Salsa – are medium size. However, their capacities vary significantly. The Revelate boasts 6.3 liters, while the Moosetreks is advertised at 12 liters (though user reviews dispute this, suggesting a more accurate capacity of around 6.5 liters). The Salsa bag, a direct mount option, also holds approximately 6.5 liters.
Weight is another key factor. The Revelate weighs a mere 14 ounces, the Moosetreks slightly less at 13 ounces, and the Salsa direct mount comes in at 10 ounces. These differences are minor but could influence the overall feel of your bike during long rides.
Design and Features: Similarities and Differences
The bags share some design elements: all feature two zippers on one side and an inner velcro shelf. This shelf provides organization but can be removed if extra space is needed. The differences become more apparent on the other side. The Revelate and Salsa feature an additional upper zipper, absent on the Moosetreks. This extra pocket, while shallow, can be useful for smaller items like bike tools.
The Salsa bag's direct mount design is a standout feature, allowing it to mount directly to the bike frame. This eliminates the need for straps, making it simpler to install, however, it also reduces the bag’s versatility. The Revelate utilizes a more traditional strap system, offering better frame compatibility.
Dimensions and Materials: A Detailed Comparison
The bags differ in dimensions. Moosetreks measures 19.7 inches across the top, while Revelate is slightly smaller at 18.5 inches. Other dimensions, including height and depth also differ slightly. These differences might not seem substantial, but they can impact the fit and packing efficiency.
Material choice also influences the overall performance. The reviewer notes a difference in material thickness, suggesting a possible reason for discrepancies in how the bags conform to the bike frame. While all are considered waterproof, minor design elements, such as added reinforcement areas, show attention to detail.
Fit and Performance: On-Bike Evaluation
The reviewer tested the bags on a 2020 Salsa Cutthroat size 56. The Moosetreks, when fully tightened, felt like it put strain on the stitching. A solution involved loosening the straps, allowing the bag to settle naturally into the frame, which worked perfectly. This method prevented strain on stitching and fit better to the frame.
The Salsa bag, being a direct mount, fit flawlessly on the bike since it was specifically designed for it. Its lack of straps, meant there are no adjustments to make, and avoids potential issues with straps interfering with your legs or potentially causing damage to the bike frame. The Revelate, although a higher quality bag, had a slightly less snug fit and left gaps compared to the Moosetreks.
Conclusion: Which Bag Reigns Supreme?
Considering price, performance and fit, the Moosetreks emerges as a strong contender. While slightly less refined than the Revelate, it offers excellent value and a secure fit with clever strap adjustments. The Salsa direct mount is ideal for those seeking a simple, perfectly integrated solution for their compatible frame. The Revelate, although a high-quality option, has a higher price tag, and in this particular review did not fit as well for the reviewer.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider factors like price, desired features, and the specific compatibility with your bike frame before deciding.