GearAdvent Day 24

The summer has flown since I started my Couch to Camping 2024 effort, and at this point I am happy to say my first week-long self supported ride is coming in 24 days. Since March I have slowly researched and accumulated gear, trying to stay within a budget. So in celebration of the first long trip I’m going to post one piece of gear a day, a sort of Advent calendar. Because gear* is one of the most fun parts of the sport!

At some point I want to talk about the order you might want to purchase gear in if you are cycling for the first time, or getting back into it. To that end today’s first feature is also one of the first accessories I bought for the bike – a Restrap handlebar bag.

I love this bag and have ridden with it on the bike basically since I first got it. I wish these particular bags got more love in the review-o-sphere because this thing is awesome. It looks a bit traditional like the Kona, but without being stodgy.

The main criteria I think one would want to consider when making the handlebar bag decision –

• What is the most useful size for you? Too small and you can’t carry necessary stuff, and too large and it will be bouncing around pointlessly.
• Is the fashion statement important to you? There’s definitely the concept of cycling fashion and “jewelry bags” – and why not? Have some fun with it!
• Will the bag install on your bike in a way that does not conflict with other needed gear on the bars, like a phone mount or front light, and with your options for hand position?
• Do you really need to get into the bag while moving? Are you willing to trade waterproof functionality for that?

I picked this one because it’s on the large side, and I know I am headed out for longer trips where I will want the space. It has a plastic sheet concealed inside that sort of wraps around the content of the bag and allows it to keep its shape, even when empty.

Part of the Pragmatic is not to get backed into a corner having to buy more than one of each item, so I look for a good fit for my functional needs, while having items be multi-purpose.

This bag can carry several meals, layers of clothing, either of my locks (a U and a cable). It has an extra, smaller pocket out front that I have used for tools, patch kit, phone charger, wallet.

It’s roll-top, waterproof and very easy to get into, though I do have to stop.

In mounting it on the bike I borrowed a suggestion from an online reviewer and purchased a bracket that keeps the bag pushed forward so that it doesn’t conflict with my brake and shift levers, and so that aesthetically it doesn’t sag down against the frame – a common problem with bar bags.

I especially like that it does not fill the whole handlebar width, leaving plenty of space for my hands in different positions to reduce fatigue.

More details at restrap.com

Here’s the tip for a “bracket” to keep the pack positioned vertically Review: Restrap Bar Pack | road.cc (There are some other versions of this idea out there as well.)

* I have no sponsorships or free stuff, and whatever I post here is an independent opinion.