Wearable Bike Bags: A Review of the Most Stylish, Most Durable, Easiest to Use, and Most Dreamy but Flawed Options Out there
*Some of the links here are affiliate links, and other are just regular links.
If you would like to see these bags in a video review (to better see how many of them perform in a visual manner), please watch the video below on YouTube.
If you are a commuter (like me), you’ve probably purchased some generic Ortlieb panniers or gotten a hand-me-down from a friend before to carry the things you need. As you cycle more, you realize that you want something more specific to fit your unique lifestyle and fashion. Maybe you bike to class and you want a cycling backpack, you bike to work and need a tote bag, or you just want to go to a baseball game and need something to carry your handful of items. Whatever it is, wearable bike bags are a game changer, and I have been on the hunt for something which can do it all without any fuss.
This article will be rather short, so if you want to get into more detail about it all, please watch my video above to get all that information.
Let’s get to it!
Wearable Bike Bags Which DO NOT Attach To Your Bike
What I own and have reviewed:
Outer Shell Magic Musette
Pros:
Packs down super small
Lightweight while also being very durable
Color lasts through years of use! Overall a good looking item
Over the shoulder w/stabilizing strap makes it perfect for cycling
Can fit a laptop and other semi-large items
Easy to use & has adjustable straps
Outer Shell is a very reputable brand and everything is made in San Francisco, CA
Cons:
No additional pockets to organize your goods (ex. if you have a waterbottle which leaks, it could contaminate what else is in your bag)
Rayon Vert crossbody
Pro:
Small bag with good carrying capacity- perfect for daily casual use
Designated bottle holder, side pocket, and bungees on the bottom for extra storage
Easy to use & has adjustable straps
Over the shoulder w/stabilizing strap makes it perfect for cycling
Con:
Expensive- you can find similar designs for cheaper. I recommend checking out the Alpaka Brand crossbody bag
Other brands/styles to consider:
Traditional messenger bags
Pro:
You can carry a lot of stuff
You look cool
Con:
It’s a lot of weight to have on your body and can cause soreness- at that point you might as well get a pannier to attach to your bike
Outer Shell Magic Tote
Pro:
It’s like the OS Magic Musette, but even bigger and with additional side pockets to hold your belongings.
Stylish, durable etc.
Basically all of the same pros as above!
Fanny packs
Pros:
No shoulder strain! Here’s one I’d recommend from PNX Bags
Apparently some can also be attached to your front handlebars AND be worn around the hips? Check out this design here from Fish Ski Designs.
Cons:
They tend to get in the way when you want to use the bathroom/can be annoying placement wise with whatever shirt you wear
Ornot Micro Musette
Pro:
The lightest weight, smallest packing item on this list! Also the cheapest.
Would be great for packing down and placing into a pocket when you don’t need it, when unpacking for use when needed.
Con:
No stabilizing strap can cause the bag to move while you’re riding (potentially falling forward and hitting your thighs)
Wearable Bike Bags Which DO Attach To Your Bike
What I own and have reviewed:
Garner and Tow Tote bag
Pro:
One of the most elegant looking bike bags you can find out there
Lots of little pockets to make organization easy (and accessing items simple)
Durable, USA-Chicago made
Made with waxed cotton, reflective strips, and has a special slot for a laptop
Con:
A bit difficult to get mounted to your bike- mine did not fit within the brake levers on my bike
Because it is so big, it can cause handling issues if placed on the front of your bike (due to the weight of it + your items inside)
EasiCyco backpack
Pro:
Doesn’t require a large/heavy rack on your bike
Can easily mount to a road bike (and any other bike), even if it doesn’t have any mounting points
Is a kickstarter program, so there is lots of room for improvement
Con:
The seatpost clamp is quite wide and causes thigh rubbing (not fun)
Instructions for installation were not quite clear
Lots of wiggling when the bike is attached to the seatpost mount
Outer Shell Drawcord Handlebar Bag
Pro:
Super durable- it can handle almost anything!
Color will last for years
Super easy to attach to your bike & take off
Outside pockets for adding things like snacks for easy access.
Con:
It is technically wearable if you add a shoulder strap, but it uses a drawcord to cinch around the stem of your bike, and when it’s off the bike, it doesn’t exactly close well. So it’s not the best for off the bike use (but would work in a pinch if needed)
Aventon Backpack Pannier OR Xtracycle Backpack Pannier (the general concept of pannier/backpacks)
Pro:
Probably the easiest option out there for people who want to carry a lot of stuff and already have a rear rack on their bike
Comfortable to wear and intuitive to use (I prefer the Xtracycle one more)
Con:
If you don’t like having a rear rack, then this isn’t the bag for you
The ones I’ve showed are not the most stylish options out there, but they are affordable! You can shop online for more options as you like.
Other brands/styles to consider:
PNX Bags “The Big Baddie”
Pro:
Designed effortlessly to be strapped onto a front rack and taken off to carry around town as a day bag- it’s a great day bag!
From a small queer-run business with amazing values!
Seems to pack down to a good size
Con:
Not that many color options to choose from
Garner and Tow Crescent Bag
Pro:
Same pros as before (waxed canvas, reflective strips, small outside compartments, beautiful look
You’ll probably have the most beautiful bag in the room with this one (and it can go on the bike and off the bike easily! I presume)
Garner and Tow Satchel
Pro:
Same pros as before (waxed canvas, reflective strips, small outside compartments, beautiful look
You’ll probably have the most beautiful bag in the room with this one (and it can go on the bike and off the bike easily! I presume)
Inside Line Equipment Porteur Rackbag
Pro:
Easy to mount to your front rack
Packs down quite small but expands when you need it to
Two sizes to choose from as well as over a dozen colors
Con:
Few outside compartment to separate your goods
Very casual look (if that’s what you like or don’t like)
Swift Industries Zeitgeist Handlebar Bag
Pro:
Super durable, strong bag- my friend biked 30 miles with a cast iron skillet in his with no problems
USA-Washington made
Con:
Technically wearable, not in practicality, not really. It’s the kind of bag you would mount to your bike and just leave there instead of taking on and off.
Outer Shell Mega Bar bag:
Pro:
All the pros of OS products- durable, great color selection, thoughtfully designed
Con:
I assume this bag is similar to the above one, where it’s technically wearable, but in practicality, not the most ideal bag to wear.
Fish Ski Convertible Backpack Pannier
Pro:
If you want to go on a bike tour with some backpacking time as well, these panniers can zip together to take you in the mountains, whether by bike of by foot!
Epic colors
Small, one-person business if you like that
Made in USA, Utah
Con:
Sold out :(
PoCampo Bags
Pro:
Unique fabric prints compared to other traditional brands
Attaches easily to a rear rack
Con:
If the prints aren’t your vibe, then you’re tough out of luck
Carradice Bags
Pro:
They look super durable (I have never tested out this brand before)
Made from natural materials (cotton, leather)
Lifetime warranty
Con:
Limited color selection
Potentially subject to tariffs? Because it’s UK made
Like what you read here? Please consider signing up for my newsletter on Substack and/or following me on YouTube and Instagram. Also, I lead group bikepacking trips, so sign up for one of those and test out one of these bags on a trip!