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A saddle bag lets you carry bike tools and personal items on your bike “discreetly”.
I often use them, especially for carrying spare tubes and levers to get the tyres off.
First up, my picks for the best saddle bags for all bike riders, from bike commuters to serious road riders.
Then, the ins and outs of how to choose a saddle bag for your needs, how they attach, and what the heck do you put in them!
Click this table of contents to get to where you want in this guide:
Top 15 Best Bike Saddle Bags Reviewed
1. Lizard Skins Cache (Best Overall)
- Capacity: 0.79L
- Weight: 1.92oz
If you are a road cyclist who doesn’t like to interrupt the sweeping lines of your fast frame, the Lizard Skins Cache Saddle Bag is a great fit.
It is a small, aero wedge that goes almost unnoticed behind your saddle.
Inside the small compartment, there is enough space for an inner tube, tyre levers, a multitool, and a CO2 cartridge.
Features:
- Aero – discrete saddle bag that stays out of the wind.
- Water repellent – keeps items inside safe from road spray.
- Rear light tab – well-positioned and beefy tab for a rear light.
2. Arundel Dual (Best Value Bag)
- Capacity: 0.4L
- Weight: 3.2oz
The Arundel Dual Seatbag, so-called as it is built to carry two inner tubes, is a simple bag that offers lots of space for all the spares you would need on a ride.
The minimalist design looks great and stands-out compared to the other, more functional-looking, saddle bags on bikes.
Features:
- Great looking – more of a traditional look compared to other saddle bags.
- Capacity – decent storage capacity and a large opening make it easy to get what you need from the bag.
- Easy Installation – one Velcro strap holds it all together.
3. Lezyne Road Caddy (Best For Road Bike)
- Capacity: 0.54L
- Weight: 22.54oz
Nothing ruins the sleek lines of a road bike like a bulky saddle bag dangling preposterously in the wind.
The Lezyne Road Caddy is practical, simple, and barely noticeable on the bike.
Features:
- Compact – this is about as small as it gets but there is still room to squeeze an inner tube, tyre levers, and a multitool.
- Safety – there is a loop for a rear light and well-placed reflective strips.
- Secure – the thick Velcro straps pull the bag snug against the saddle.
4. Evoc Seat Bag (Best For Mountain Bike)
- Capacity: 0.7L
- Weight: 2.54oz
The Evoc Seat Bag is a no-frills saddle bag that gets on with its business.
It is simple to attach to the bike, using two Velcro straps around the saddle rails and another to loop around the seat post.
Features:
- Looks – Evoc always make great looking kit, and this saddle bag is no exception.
- Secure – three Velcro straps stop the bag swaying and rubbing on your legs.
- Capacity – just the right size for hitting the trails.
5. Topeak Micro Wedge (Best Small Saddle Bag)
- Capacity: 0.46L
- Weight: 2.82oz
The Topeak Micro Wedge is the saddle bag equivalent of Mary Poppins’ magical carpetbag. It looks ridiculously small but you will be surprised just what you can fit in.
Small, mighty, and built to the highest quality this is a bag for riders who want something discrete yet practical.
Features:
- Durable – the 1000 Denier Teflon fabric is built to withstand abuse on the road.
- Wide-opening – easy to access the tools when you need them most.
- Light clip– 3M reflective scotch tape and a loop for a rear light improve safety.
6. Ortlieb Saddle-Bag Two (Best Large Saddle Bag)
- Capacity: 4.1L
- Weight: 9.6oz
For longer adventures, you need something bigger and the Ortlieb Saddle-Bag Two is less of a saddle bag and more of a seat pack.
The foundation of the bag is a c-shaped shell that adds rigidity and makes it easy to pack spares and even some clothing.
Overall a great alternative to riding with a backpack.
Features:
- 4.1L capacity – big enough for all your spares, some clothes, snacks, and a smartphone.
- Compression Strap – pulls the bag tight to stop any loose items rattling on the ride.
- Roll closure – keeps the weather out of the bag.
7. Topeak Wedge DryBag (Best Waterproof Bag)
- Capacity: 1.5L
- Weight: 8.2oz
If you do a lot of your riding in the rain or like to build some base miles during winter, then a waterproof saddle bag could be a wise investment.
The Topeak Wedge DryBag will keep your contents dry and, more importantly, keep your tools rust-free.
Features:
- Waterproof – the waterproof construction combined with the roll closure keeps the rain out.
- QuickClick – quick-release mount is fast and secure.
- Safety – rear light attachment and reflective details.
8. Ortlieb Seat-Pack Saddle Bag (Best For Endurance/Bikepacking)
- Capacity: 16.5L
- Weight: 15.2oz
Designed along the same lines as their legendary handlebar bags, the Ortlieb Seat Pack is more than your usual saddle bag.
Way more.
It is built for covering longer distances and giving riders a taste of light touring.
Features:
- Large capacity – built for carrying more than just a puncture repair kit, this is a bag for epic bike packing adventures.
- Stable – well-designed straps keep the bag in-line with the bike and prevent too much tail-wagging.
- Air-tight valve – a unique feature that helps to compress the bag.
9. Silca Seat Roll Asymmetrico (Best Saddle Roll For Tools)
- Capacity: N/A
- Weight: 3oz
Nothing ruins a bike ride quite like loose spares rattling around in a saddle bag.
The minimalistic Silca Seat Roll Asymmetrico has four generous internal pockets and once the pack is rolled-up it is held firmly under the saddle using the awesome Boa strap.
Once attached, this bag is not going anywhere.
Features:
- Boa Closure – more commonly found on cycling shoes, it is stronger than typical hook and loop Velcro straps and keeps the bag and contents firmly in place.
- Four internal pockets – big enough to neatly hold a couple of CO2 cartridges, an inner tube, tyre levers, and a multi-tool.
- Reflective – the black reflective print is great when riding in low light.
10. Brooks Saddles Challenge Tool Bag (Best Leather Saddle Bag)
- Capacity: 1.5L
- Weight: 7.5oz
If you are looking for something a bit more retro, then it doesn’t get more retro than the Brooks Saddles Challenge Tool Bag.
It was patented all the way back in 1896 and the design has barely changed.
Features:
- Durable – the high-quality leather keeps out the worst of the weather. It may be expensive but you are paying for longevity.
- Capacity – big enough to hold a couple of inner tubes, tyre levers, multi-tool, and spanners for your vintage bike.
- Looks – the understated design will not only complement but enhance vintage bikes.
11. Rockbros Bike Saddle Bag (Best Budget Saddle Bag)
- Weight: 2.08oz
The ROCKBROS Saddle Bag is proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a decent, hard-wearing saddle bag.
It is discrete on the bike but big enough to hold an inner tube, tyre levers, and a small multitool.
Features:
- Value – great budget saddle bag that won’t fall apart after one ride thanks to the high strength nylon.
- Easy Installation – a couple of hook and loop Velcro straps hold it securely to the saddle to keep sway to a minimum.
- Safety – binding for a rear light and reflective logo.
12. OrtliebMicro Two Seat Bag
- Capacity: 0.5L
- Weight: 4.8oz
The OrtliebMicro Two Seat Bag takes the best bits of Ortlieb bag technology and shrinks it right down to a small saddle bag capable of carrying what you need to fix a puncture and no more.
It has everything you would expect in a larger Ortlieb bag including a scaled-down roll-closure.
Features:
- Quick Mounting – the bag attaches to its own mount under the saddle.
- Waterproof – packed with the usual Ortlieb features to keep everything dry.
- Safety – large reflective patch at the back of the bag.
13. Topeak Aero Expanding Wedge Saddle Pack
- Capacity: 0.66L
- Weight: 3.5oz
If being aero is your thing, then you will love the Topeak Aero Expanding Wedge Saddle Pack.
It attaches, using the QuickClick mount, discretely under the saddle and has an expanding volume that gives the bag some extra storage space if you need it.
Features:
- Aero – road cyclists obsessed with cutting drag will love the sleek shape of this bag.
- Expandable – the zip on the side of the bag can free up some more space or compress the content.
- Large opening – despite the small shape, the large opening makes it easy to pull out spares when you need them.
14. Lezyne Roll Caddy
- Weight: 3.17oz
Although designed to fit discretely under the saddle, the Lezyne Roll Caddy can just as easily be slotted into your jersey pocket or your commuting rucksack.
Within the bag, there are five differently sized slots for tools and spares.
Features:
- Secure – full-length Velcro strap to keep the bag snug against the saddle.
- Water-resistant – although not fully waterproof, it does a good job of protecting tools from road spray.
- Versatile –also works great off the bike for keeping tools together in a backpack.
15. Fizik Link Saddle Bag
- Capacity: 0.5L
- Weight: 2.33oz
If you don’t have a fizik saddle with a saddle bag mount, the Fizik Link Saddle Bag can be attached to any saddle.
It is small yet mighty and the length of the zip makes it much easier to get to your items than similar-sized saddle bags.
Features:
- Secure – three Velcro straps hold this bag in place.
- Safe – lots of reflective details.
- Side Opening – the log zip makes it easy to get to your puncture repair kit when you need it.
Why Use A Saddle Bag On Your Bicycle?
Saddle bags are great for storing things on the bike that you hope not to need too often; a inner tubes, tyre levers, and perhaps a multi-tool.
Saddle bags are discrete and free-up space in your jersey pockets for items that you need close to hand.
💭 In My Opinion: Saddle bags can be used for short city rides just as much as for the bigger rides and tours.
I mean, punctures and mechanical issues happen around cities 🏙 too, right?
You probably don’t want to leave your saddle bag (or any other type of bag) sitting on your locked up 🔐 🚲 bike in a city.
I wouldn’t expect it to be there when you get back!
With the rise in popularity of bikepacking, saddle bags have also evolved. If epic cycle trips are your thing, there are larger saddle bags that can carry just about everything you need.
For bike touring they are a viable and sleek alternative to full rack and pannier set-up. You can get super large panniers for this type of activity, but we’ll not get into it here.
How To Choose A Bike Saddle Bag
Capacity and Weight
A good bag will have at least a small pocket to separate your gear.
The saddle bag volume that you need will depend on the type of riding that you do and how much equipment you need to carry.
Anything bigger will be suitable to those going on some sort of bike tour or bikepacking .
At the small end of the scale, ideal for bike commuters 💻🚴, you should be able to fit an inner tube, tyre levers, and a multitool snugly. For most cyclists, this should be enough. Any other essentials can be placed in jersey pockets.
Attachment
Most saddle bags, especially the small ones, attach to the saddle using simple Velcro straps looped through the seat rails.
Some saddle bags forego the Velcro and use clip-on mounts that are quick and convenient and if you have enough mounts, great for swapping bags between bikes.
Waterproof
If you plan to commute year-round on the bike, it is a good idea to look for a saddle bag that prioritizes keeping everything inside dry.
For the best waterproof protection ☔️, look for saddle bags that have a roll-top closure. If your bag does have zips, make sure they are sealed and protected from the grimy road spray that could cause them to jam.
How To Attach A Saddle Bag To Your Bicycle
For the most part, attaching a saddle bag to your bike is straightforward.
There are a couple of different types of saddle bags.
Straps Only Bags
Some saddle bags attach to your bike using only straps, which are likely to be Velcro or nylon.
A benefit of this system is that it requires no tools.
Velcro straps around saddle rails and elastic band attaching to the seat post.
Attach Saddle Rail Straps
The bag will have straps that thread through the saddle rails to support the weight of the bag.
Secure Saddle Rail Straps
Each strap-only saddle bag has its own way of being secured.
Some have Velcro, or even a buckle on either side.
Others may have straps of unequal length, where the longer one wraps under the bag and passes back through a D-ring on the shorter strap before attaching to the bag.
Tighten Saddle Rail Straps
Make sure the straps are tight enough to prevent excessive lateral movement.
Test how snug the fit is by gently attempting to push the bag from side to side.
💭 In My Opinion: I like a fairly snug fit.
So the bag doesn’t rock about when cycling, but also not really tight that the bag gets damaged with wear and tear from going over bumps etc.
No-one wants a damaged bag or scratched paintwork! 🎨
Attach Seatpost Straps
A medium to large saddle bag is likely to be supported at the front by Velcro straps wrapped around the seatpost.
This helps prevent movement and keeps the bag stable.
Brackets & Straps Bags
A saddle bag that attaches to saddle rails via a bracket does not offer tool-free installation.
Prepare mounting bracket
You’re likely to need a 5mm Allen wrench or multitool for installation of this type of bag.
A saddle bag mounting bracket consists of two opposing metal plates joined together by one or two bolts.
You’ll have to loosen the bolt(s) with your Allen wrench so that the saddle rails can pass between the plates and sit inside the provided grooves.
Position & Tighten
Once you have the bracket positioned where you want it along the saddle rails, you can retighten the Allen bolts.
The position may need to allow for a front strap to go around the seat post.
Secure Strap
Bracket-style saddle bags are still likely to have a strap at the front to stabilize the load.
Usually Velcro, this strap wraps firmly around the seatpost to prevent excessive movement.
What To Put Inside Your Saddle Bag
The things I do for you lot 😆
Lots to think about here, and bag size matters, as they say.
Items you need easy access to are not usually put in a saddle bag.
Here are ten things you might store in a saddle bag:
- Multitool
- Chain tool
- Quick link
- Tyre boot
- Mini pump
- C02 inflator & cartridges
- Spare tubes
- Puncture repair kit
- Tyre levers
- Latex gloves
- Snacks
Let’s elaborate on some of this stuff and talk about why you might need to carry it.
What do I put in my saddle bag? 🚲🤔
The absolute essentials to fix a puncture:
–Spare tube (two, if I’m going on a really long ride)
–Tyre levers to take tyre off
–Multi-tool
–Tyre Boot (if the tyre becomes damaged)
Multitools & Chain Tools
You never know when you might need to make an adjustment or remove a component during a bike ride.
A multitool is useful for that.
It can help you remove a thru-axle wheel, too, if the wheel has no built-in lever.
A multitool might include a chain tool or chain breaker, though generally the dedicated ones are more robust.
This is a vital thing to have on you if you snap a chain for whatever reason (e.g., wonky derailleur).
Mini Pumps, CO2 Inflators
If you’re using tubes, you’ll need to carry a pump or Co2 inflator of some type when riding so you can fix punctures.
A mini pump is small and compact to carry – but may not fit in your saddle bag.
Co2 inflators get you back in action quicker, however.
💡 Pro Tip: For Co2 inflators, always deflate the tyres and inflate with a normal pump once you get home.
Co2 inflators should only be used in emergencies!
Spare Tubes
Whether you ride tubeless tyres or tubed, it’s sensible to carry spare tubes.
On a tubeless tyre, a tube offers a way of getting home if you get a puncture that won’t seal.
On the left in the box.
On the right out of the box.
How do you carry yours?
For someone on tubed tyres, it’s a good idea to carry two spare tubes.
You’d be unlucky to sustain two punctures in one ride, but if you did get one in the first few miles, you’d feel more comfortable about carrying on.
Alternative products like Tubolito tubes take up less space in a saddle bag, expensive though they are.
Here’s a useful video on how to prepare a spare tube for carrying.
💭 In My Opinion: I just keep the spare tube in its original box.
I never had any problems doing this, but it does take up more space in the bag.
It’s just the way I do it 🤷🏻♂️
Puncture Repair Kit
If you carry spare tubes, you shouldn’t need a puncture repair kit on rides.
However, this is a small item that might bail you out if you’re on a nightmare ride with multiple punctures.
I would only use this as a last resort.
In other words, if my spare tubes failed and I had to repair a 2nd or 3rd puncture on a ride.
One problem with mending punctures on a bike ride is first being able to find them.
It’s easy at home, where you can dip the tube in water to detect escaping air.
💡 Pro Tip: Older riders might also want to carry glasses 👓 with them on a bike ride for better near vision when repairing.
Tyre Levers
You need tyre levers to remove tyres if and when you get a puncture.
You might get away with only two levers, but three is better.
Absolutely essential!
Make sure you’re confident in using tyre levers before taking them on rides.
They’re not all the same!
One useful feature is a thin lip that enables you to easily slip the lever under the tyre bead.
Latex gloves
If you “lose the chain” out on a bike ride (i.e., the chain comes off), it’s usually an easy fix to re-seat it.
However, your hands may get filthy in the process.
Latex gloves 🧤 take up very little space in a saddle bag and can prevent you from riding around with dirty oily hands after fixing the drivetrain.
This really sucks because the dirt gets onto your handlebar tape and you can’t properly clean it off again.
An alternative to carrying gloves is to carry a pack of wet wipes, though these are likely to take up more space.
Quick Link (aka Master Link for chain)
If you need to break a chain during a repair and don’t have a spare quick link available, you could compromise the strength of the chain where you rejoin it.
The repair should get you home, but it’s not ideal in the long term.
Tyre Boot
A tyre boot is handy if you get a fairly large hole in your tyre.
The boot could rub against the tube and cause a blowout 💨
They stick onto the inside of a tyre over said hole.
Some people use a bank note for this, but I use a dedicated boot.
Snacks
You’ll need food on long bike rides. Not really needed on commutes around the city (usually).
I usually keep them in my jersey pockets or my top tube bag.
But if there’s room, it’s totally fine to store them in your saddle bag.
Most food will be stored in your pockets, but a saddle bag is handy for a backup stash or snacks that might melt close to your body (e.g., Snickers bars).
Saddle Up! Our Final Thoughts…
A good quality saddle bag is one of the most essential accessories you can buy for your bike.
For road cyclists that care only about going fast, the Lizard Skins Cache Saddle Bag will not hold you back. Plenty of space for spares and enough protection from road spray to keep your tools dry.
If you want to see what all the fuss is about with the latest fad in seat rolls, the Silca Seat Roll Asymmetrico is awesome and might just convert you to this style of minimalist saddle bag.
Saddle bags don’t have to cost a fortune and, if you are on a budget, you can’t go wrong with the ROCKBROS Saddle Bag. Its low price tag belies great build quality.
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Goldener is also great to bike saddle bag. There is enough room to carry small items while the LED strip light gives additional visibility to the biker.
Thanks Patrick. I need to take a look!