best bike travel bag mtb

Best MTB travel bags and boxes 2024 – the safest way to pack your bike for travel

Our expert round-up of the best mountain bike travel bags and boxes to buy for your next trip abroad

1. Best for big wheels

2. best for versatility, 3. best for easy packing, 4. best big size, 5. best budget hardcase, 6. best inflatable padding, 7. best cardboard box cover, 8. best free option.

• How to choose
• How to pack your MTB

Quick list 1. Best for big wheels 2. Best for versatility 3. Best for easy packing 4. Best big size 5. Best budget hardcase 6. Best inflatable padding 7. Best cardboard box cover 8. Best free option How to choose How to pack your MTB

Whether you're going on vacation with your bike or heading abroad for a big race, the best MTB travel bags, cases and boxes are a worthwhile investment for getting it there safely. 

It's scary to send your best mountain bike down the conveyor belt at the oversized baggage check-in and put it in someone else's hands for an extended period of time. You can be as cautious as you like, but overworked baggage handlers and automated baggage systems may not be quite as gentle. There are horror stories of airlines destroying bikes, but bike bags and boxes are pretty well designed these days and do well to deliver your pride and joy to your destination and back unscathed.

That's why it's important to pack it as well as possible, using the best mountain bike travel bags and boxes. These travel bags and boxes are specially designed to pack your mountain bike safely, with dedicated compartments and nooks and crannies for the most delicate components. Other things to consider include their portability, durability, and value for money.

To make this buying process easier for you, our expert reviewers have tested out the best MTB travel bags and boxes that you can buy today. Our top option is the Evoc Travel Bag Pro, while our budget choice is a cardboard box – usually free from your local bike shop. Read on for our complete list, or skip to the bottom of the article for our buying advice to help you choose the best option for you, and our tips and tricks for packing your mountain bike safely for its travels.

The best MTB travel bags and boxes

Why trust BikePerfect Our cycling experts have decades of testing experience. We'll always share our unbiased opinions on bikes and gear. Find out more about how we test.

The quick list

Best MTB travel bag for big wheels

Excellent protection with plenty of Velcro straps and padding, sturdy handles, and an internal stand.

Read more below

Best MTB travel bag for versatility

A lightweight, robust nylon bag with an aluminum base frame which connects to your bike at the axles.

Best MTB travel bag for easy packing

Designed for easy packing, the Scicon bag is built around an internal bike stand which is 12mm and 15mm thru-axle ready.

Best large MTB travel bag 

Lightweight, soft-shell case with an integrated mount, and multiple internal and external pockets.

Best budget hardcase MTB travel bag

With a hard shell offering superior protection, the case is held together by a self-tightening strap system.

Best inflatable padding MTB travel bag

The Jetpack uses inflatable air bags to offer great protection for your bike and its components.

See the next 2 bags and boxes ↓

Best cardboard box cover MTB travel bag

A box cover, made from water-resistant nylon with replaceable rollerblade wheels, and reinforced base and corners.

Best free MTB travel box

Lightweight, free, recyclable, and the easiest option for those who don't travel frequently.

Evoc Travel Bag Pro

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Around any bike event, you're likely to see a sea of Evoc bike bags, because they are some of the best you can buy. With room for anything from a lightweight roadie to a long and slack 29er enduro bike, the Pro version includes an aluminum tray that attaches to the axles of the bike inside the bag, and doubles as a work-stand when it's time to rebuild. 

Inside the bike is secured with a range of Velcro straps and purpose-built padding, and the external wheel pockets will hold up to a 29 x 2.6in wheel and tire. Inside the bag, there are internal pockets for tools and pedals and the removable plastic ribbing allows the bag to be rolled up for storage. 

The back features two ultra-smooth rollerblade wheels, and there is a third which slots into the front handle for easy transition from the baggage claim to your accommodation. 

Pro Bike Mega Travel Case

With room to easily swallow road, TT and mountain bikes, the Pro Bike Mega Case is huge and features an aluminum base frame which connects to your bike at the axles. With so much room inside the case, the seatpost doesn't need to be removed, just lowered.

The inside of the bag has plenty of well-padded provisions to hold your frame securely, and the four 360-degree wheels at the bottom make the bag move easily in a straight line, but can be cumbersome in crowded baggage claim areas or train stations. 

With handles galore, the outer fabric seems to mark a bit in transit, however, it's robust and, weighing just over 8kg, you should be able to get your bike and a bit of extra gear inside before you tip into overweight-baggage territory. 

Scicon AeroComfort MTB

The beauty of the Scicon AeroComfort MTB is you can pack your bike and hardly turn a bolt. Packing is as simple as removing the wheels. 

The bag is built around the Antishock Bike Frame (ABF) which is 12mm and 15mm thru-axle ready and designed to secure mountain bikes of all sizes with up to 29in wheels. The reinforced wheel pockets are located inside the bag and feature plastic caps so your cassette won’t poke through the bag. 

At 14kg empty it is a bit heavy, but the weight penalty is more than made up for in packing ease and convenience. The bike straps into the bag securely, and the 360-degree wheels allow for easy one-handed dragging . With all of that said, we’ve seen baggage handlers stack Scicon bags upside down on baggage carts on multiple occasions so they won’t roll away, so consider some additional padding for your handlebars and shifters.

Thule RoundTrip Traveler

Bike bags are expensive, and if you don't have a bundle to drop on a soft-travel case, the Thule RoundTrip Traveler does well to toe the line between price, performance and protection. Using removable plastic ribbing for shape, the RoundTrip Traveler folds down completely flat when not in use.

The bike is secured with a fixed-fork block which has adaptors for all modern axle standards and uses a padded bottom-bracket block, similar to the standard Evoc bag. Inside there are heaps of zippered pockets for items such as tools and pedals, and the bag sees padded wheel pockets big enough for 29er wheels and tires. 

At the back, there are two sizeable alloy roller wheels that don't get caught up on cracks or doorways and, at 7.7kg empty, it's noticeably lighter than pricier models.

B&W International Bike Box II

The B&W International Bike Box II is one of the simplest options on the market. There are no complicated packing procedures – instead, you get a few layers of foam to protect the frame from the wheels and box, and it all fits inside two interlocking plastic sides.

The clamshell design uses six self-tightening Velcro buckles to prevent the case from slipping open, and it features a surprising number of handles given the design. B&W International has updated the case with a new plastic designed to flex and not crack and there are no latches or hinges to break.

With room for up to a 62cm frame, the case rolls on four wheels, two fixed and two free rotating, and weighs 11kg with the included padding.

Biknd Jetpack

Using unique inflatable padding and strategically placed rigid reinforcements, the Biknd Jetpack is well padded and big enough for just about any bike. The Jetpack does well to keep everything separated and insulated from clanging into other parts of the bike during transit, and the inflatable cushions insulate your wheels from the outside of the bag without adding much bulk. 

The bag opens flat to simplify packing, and the bike connects at the axles to an aluminum frame – Biknd includes adaptors for every modern axle standard. With access to both sides of the bike, packing is simple, although you will need to remove your bars.

YT Industries Body Bag

The YT body bag combines the best aspects of using a cardboard bike box and purpose-built bag to travel with your bike. The Body Bag is basically a box cover, made from water-resistant nylon with replaceable rollerblade wheels on and handles galore. 

With reinforced corners, the bag features internal cinch straps, the zipper goes nearly all the way around the case, and YT even includes a TSA friendly lock. 

Weighing just 4.5kg, you’ll need to source a box that measures 34 x 90 x 134cm, which unsurprisingly happens to be the dimensions of the boxes YT uses.

Which brings us to...

Cardboard bike box

Yes, we realize the irony in recommending a cardboard box after we've spent all this time talking about the merits offered by purpose-built bike travel cases; but considering a box is how even the most expensive bikes are shipped from the factory, they work pretty well for travel, too.

First and foremost bike boxes are free. Boxes are also lightweight, meaning you can throw other gear in for extra padding. Sometimes it can be a struggle to manipulate your bike and get it securely packaged inside but it's the easiest solution for those who don't travel frequently.

That said, a cardboard box is not weather resistant and if it's raining or gets wet, the integrity of the box can be compromised.

How to choose the best mountain bike travel bags and boxes

Hard or soft shell.

Hard shell trombone-case-style bike bags were the best way to travel with a bike for quite some time; however, engineers at bike brands are pretty clever and softshell bags are nearly on par for protection, weigh less, and often have removable ribbing so they can be rolled up for storage. 

Does its empty weight matter?

With a plastic base, wheels, internal skeleton, and robust materials, bike bags are heavy before you put anything inside, and some are considerably bulkier than others. Most airlines will give you 23kg / 50lbs before they hit you with an exorbitant overweight baggage fee, and when your bag weighs 12kg empty, when you pack a 10kg mountain bike, shoes, and a track pump you'll be nudging up against that limit. 

Do I need to disassemble my bike?

No bike bag will take your bike fully assembled, but some require considerably more disassembly and mechanical acumen than others. At the very least you’ll have to pop your wheels off, but some bags also require you to remove your seatpost, handlebars, and even the fork. 

What size box do I need?

Are you just looking to travel with your bike, or will you be taking trips with your mountain bike, too? Does your roadie have an integrated seat mast or aero bars? Are you riding an XL frame? These are all things to take into account when shopping for a bike travel case because some of the more compact options are simply too small for certain bikes and frame sizes.

Are wheels and handles a useful addition?

For something designed to help you move around with a bike in tow, bike travel cases are surprisingly awkward and cumbersome to move around with. At the very least you'll want plenty of handles to help you hoist your bag onto a conveyor belt or into the back of a car. If you'll be walking much after you land, a good set of wheels will make your life easier.

How to pack your bike into a bag or box

All bike boxes and travel cases require a different amount of disassembly, but these tips and tricks to packing your bike should help you make a smooth job of it.

1. Remove the derailleurs and rotors

Just about every bike bag out there comes with some sort of protection for your rear derailleur and brake rotors, but airlines have a knack for rendering them ineffective. Learn from our mistakes and just take the suckers off, as there's nothing worse than beginning to unpack your bike to find a bent rotor or a broken derailleur hanger. If you are removing rotors, don't forget to put a brake block in the caliper to prevent the pads sticking together or the pistons getting stuck – in a pinch, a folded over business card works too.

2. Deflate your tires

When you’re packing your bike, take a second to let the air out of your tires because airlines don’t allow anything pressurized into the cargo hold because it violates civil aviation safety regulations. Before the engineering types slide into the comments, yes we know that the cargo hold is pressurized to ~10,000ft which will only add 3-4psi to your tires, and it’s extremely unlikely a tire will burst in transit. The reason you need to take this step, is because if you do send your bike through with the tires inflated, there is the distinct possibility that an airline employee will pull your bag up and attempt to deflate them – we’ve heard horror stories of bags and tires cut. Avoid the drama and just let the air out. 

3. Add some extra padding

Yes, we have just spent the last few hundred words saying how great bike bags and boxes are, but there's nothing wrong with a bit of added peace of mind. Some bags come with foam tubing, however pipe insulation or a sliced up pool noodle is perfect for an extra layer of protection. You can also pop into your local bike shop and, if you ask nicely, they might even give you some of the packaging from a newly unboxed bike.

4. Fill the gaps

If you have a few spare kilos in your bike bag once it's packed, throw your shoes, riding clothes, bars and gels and whatever else will fit without tipping your bag over the limit. If you've paid for 23kg / 50lbs, you should use it.

5. Invest in a paint pen

Saddle height and bar roll aren’t something you often think about until either one is a little bit off, and the last thing you want to do on your riding vacation is to pull over constantly and faff with minor adjustments. A couple of dots and lines with a paint pen will allow you to replicate your preferred position on the bike first try every time.

Born and bred in Colorado, and now based in Australia, Colin comes from a ski racing background and started riding as a way to stay fit through the summer months. His father, a former European pro, convinced him to join the Colorado State University collegiate cycling team, and he hasn't stopped since. It's not often he pins on a number nowadays, and you'll likely find him in search of flowy singletrack, gravel roads and hairpin corners. Colin has worked at Bikeradar and is a regular contributor to Australian Mountain Bike and Cyclist magazines. 

Rides: BMC Team Machine SLR01, Trek Top Fuel 9, Ibis Ripley

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Best bike bags and boxes for cycling travel 2024

Protect your bike and reduce stress when you travel with one of these best bike bags and boxes

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The quick list

• 1. Best overall
• 2. Easy to use
• 3. Best value
• 4. Most portable
• 5. Most versatile
• 6. Most robust

How we test

Best bike bags and boxes 2024

The list in brief ↴ 1. Best overall 2. Easy to use 3 . Best value 4. Most portable 5. Most versatile 6. Most robust

Advice How we test

Riding new roads and exploring different places bathed in warm sunshine is one of the great joys of cycling, but getting you and your bike there safely can be the most stressful part of a cycling holiday . Some riders choose to hire a bike whilst on holiday, but for others, part of the attraction is the opportunity to ride their familiar bike up famous climbs or through beautiful landscapes - no one wants a week of cycling spoiled by an ill-fitting bike or uncomfortable saddle.

If you decide to fly with your own bike, then you have the choice of using a hard box or a soft bag, each with pros and cons which we will investigate below. If you choose to drive to your destination instead, however, you can read our guides to the best bike racks for cars  and the  best caravan and motorhome bike racks .

Best overall

The AeroComfort's soft exterior houses a metal structure to which you fasten your frame so it's held securely. There is very little disassembly required and as the bag is pretty light there is plenty of potential to pack extra kit inside and still be within your airline's limits.

Read more below

Best for ease of use

As the Evoc Bike Bag is soft, it's light and easy to store when not in use. There is plenty of padding provided to protect your bike when it's in the bag, and the large side opening makes it simple to put the bike in place.

Best value 

Very light and compact, LifeLine's EVA Bike Pod also offers excellent value for money. Its semi-rigid design offers more protection than a soft bag but they are still quite flexible and as it only has two wheels it can be a little awkward to manoeuvre around an airport.

Most portable

Another light option, the Orucase B2 even includes rucksack-style straps which are handy if you have packed very light. There is a fair bit of disassembly required though and it can feel a bit lopsided when wheeling it around.

Best with integrated stand

Thule's RoundTrip Pro XT bike bag uses an internal frame that can also double as a workstand whilst on holiday, which is very handy. It's more of a reinforced bag than a hard case though and as such is quite pricey.

Most robust

One of the heavier boxes available, the VeloVault2 provides very reassuring protection for your bike. Its quality construction and overall sturdiness will ensure that your lightweight carbon frame should emerge unscathed, but there might not be much weight allowance left once this gets on the scales.

Best bike bags and boxes for cycling travel: Our picks

Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 Bike Bag

1. Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 Road Bike Travel Bag

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The AeroComfort 3.0 from Scicon is a firm favorite among the Cycling Weekly tech team. We've flown test bikes all over the world, and we like to use this carry case because it makes travelling by bike easy, hassle-free and incredibly quick. It takes just 15 minutes to pack the bike away, and even less time to put it back together.

How so? The outside is a soft, fabric bag, but inside you'll find a metal structure. You simply remove the wheels, loop your chain over a specially designed T-bar and use your quick releases to stand the bike on the metal frame, so it's immovable inside and thus a lot more secure. It couldn't be easier.

There's no need to remove anything aside from the wheels, the handlebars stay straight and don't need twisting. This does make the front end quite bulky, but we found that the protection is good, with a thick soft fabric, designated pockets for wheels, helmets and shoes, and most importantly the rear derailleur is kept off the ground. 

Read more: Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 Road Bike Travel Bag full review

Evoc bike travel bag

2. Evoc Bike Travel Bike Bag

Whilst hard cases give the ultimate reassurance that your bike is well protected, they also take up a lot of room when out of use, and, they're heavy - limiting your ability to pack kit alongside your bike and stay within airline limits.

Enter soft cases, and this Evoc bike bag is an excellent option. Yes, it offers less protection - but the Cycling Weekly team has used it to transport press bikes on plenty of occasions (NB, we once even used a cardboard box for a personal bike, the theory is that baggage handlers will be more careful!).

This Evoc Bike bag excels in terms of ease of use, too. The side opening makes getting the bike in a cinch, and the handy Velcro makes getting the parts in the right place a piece of cake. The newer model reviewed here now has a reinforced front zip, meaning it should last longer.

Read more: Evoc bike travel bike bag full review

LifeLine EVA Bike Pod

3. LifeLine EVA Bike Pod

Although it's a reasonably compact bike box, the LifeLine Bike Pod will take a smaller-sized bike without too much disassembly. It rolls on two rear wheels, with two front feet to stand on. Quick-release wheels, although not wheels with thru-axles, can be secured to the outside of the case.

Our tester found that the LifeLine Bike Pod is relatively easy to move around, although since you have to lift the front end and the carrying handle doesn't let you wrap your hand through it, longer carries can be tiring. 

The sides of the bag are quite flexible, so it would be advisable to wrap wheels and frame well inside to prevent crushing. We were also concerned about how robust the feet would be and how well the zip would stand repeated use, but overall, the LifeLine Bike Pod is a relatively inexpensive option for the less frequent flyer.

Read more: LifeLine EVA Bike Pod full review

Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case

4. Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case

We've taken the B2 bike case on several domestic and international flights and were left impressed. It sports many welcomed features, including backpack straps and a rollable chassis. Combined with its compact, space-saving size it makes for a sleek, highly portable and trustworthy bag that we think is a great option if space is limited or you'll be traveling on serval modes of transport during your trip.

We did find that it's not the easiest to pack, and required some disassembling of your bike - so you'll need to be confident of putting your bike back together once you've arrived. It's also far from cheap, but in our opinion, it's likely a worthy investment given the ease of portability and the posibbility to save on extra fees due to its smaller size.

Read more: Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case full review

Most versatile

Thule Round Trip Pro XT bike bag

5. Thule RoundTrip Pro XT Bike Bag

The Thule RoundTrip Pro XT falls into the not-quite-a-bike-bag category. It's a softshell but has some structural implants that should keep your bike safe through the worst of it.

However, the bag does have some weak areas and for the price you pay this doesn't induce confidence. But, maybe we're being picky. This is a solid purchase, undoubtedly, and we always add extra bubble wrap around our frames, whatever we're packing them into.

The base, which holds the bike static in the case, can have three legs added, transforming it into a workstand for when you get to your destination - which is a rather 'nice to have' too.

Read more: Thule RoundTrip Pro XT review

Blue Velovault2 bike box

6. VeloVault2 bike box

We really liked the VeloVault2 bike box when we had it in for test. It's big and robust, which is what many cyclists need to achieve peace of mind when flying with a bike.

However, weighing in at 12.5kg means it should sneak under most airline weight controls. The company has sweated the small stuff, too: the clasps are quality, it's easy to close and it rolls well.

VeloVault2 bike box has a new carrying handle, longer wheelbase, improved strut design and it is roof box ready. Oh, and it's now bright blue... other colours are available if that's not to your liking.

Read more: VeloVault2 full review

How do I pack a bike into a bike bag or box?

Packing the bike into the bag or box sometimes takes quite a bit more effort than expected. The process may differ slightly depending on the specific box or bag, but the general process goes something like:

- Remove the pedals - Partially deflate tires and remove the wheels - Remove the seatpost and saddle - Remove the handlebar from the stem or remove the handlebar and stem together from the steerer - Undo rear derailleur (but leave it on the chain) - Secure the frame and components in the box via the manufacturer-approved method - Pack the tools required to rebuild the bike!

There are a few more mechanical adjustments you might make, and if you’re handy with a spanner they shouldn't cause too much grief. For example, you might have to remove the chainset. This will keep it protected en route but it’s worth bearing in mind that you’ll have to reassemble it when you arrive on your hols, so if you're no spanner wizard it might be best to avoid this. It may also mean packing extra tools, which means extra weight to carry around.

Best bike bags vs best bike boxes: which is better?

You might think this is an easy question: it's surely a box, right? However, that's probably before you’ve taken weight into consideration.

A lighter weight bike bag influences two things: how comfortable it is to carry and lug about but also how much of your baggage allowance it eats into - and how much the baggage supplement might be.

The trade off is in the level of protection: a hard flight case like box is going to take the knocks better than a soft bag. That said, soft bike bags will usually protect your bike from the worst of it and they also tend to be cheaper than bike boxes.

There is an in between option. The best bike bags tend to have some more structural inserts inside but retain more of a bag's lightweight nature. Other bike bags can have nifty, in-built storage techniques. For example, some have built-in dropouts that allow you to stand your frame upright and hold it tight.

Do I need to add extra padding to my bike bag?

Regardless of how tough your bag or box might be, you’ll definitely want to pad the important parts inside it. We’d recommend bubble wrap and foam piping. If you’re lucky, your local bike shop might have excess from all the bikes they get sent in. Don't forget to put it around the frame in places where other items in the box might rub against it.

Riding in the mountains

A good bike box or bag has to tread the line between providing the best protection for your bike and yet still being light, easy to carry and simple to pack. These boxes have been used to carry various bikes on multiple flights, being packed and unpacked several times each. They all protected the bikes from any transport damage and none were particularly difficult or awkward to pack but each has its advantages and disadvantages that may clinch the deal for you.

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Simon Smythe is a hugely experienced cycling tech writer, who has been writing for Cycling Weekly since 2003. Until recently he was our senior tech writer. In his cycling career Simon has mostly focused on time trialling with a national medal, a few open wins and his club's 30-mile record in his palmares. These days he spends most of his time testing road bikes, or on a tandem doing the school run with his younger son.

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The Best Bike Bags and Cases for Travels in 2023

• By : Nicholas Watts
• Updated : April 11, 2024

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With air travels, I often hear horror stories and seen videos where the baggage handlers treat the bike bag just like another suitcase.

One of the primary concerns most cyclists have is whether their bike makes it out from transit safely. The first thing I’d do when I pick up my bike bag at the airport is to do a quick inspection before leaving the airport.

Packing your bike in a cardboard bike box provides very little protection, and you risk it getting damaged during transit.

It’s worthwhile to invest in a bike bag, and even more importantly, know how to pack your bike correctly . No bike bag is 100% damage-proof but at least they do offer wy more protection compared to a cardboard bike box especially if the bike costs thousands.

On this page, I’ll discuss the difference between bike bags and share some of the popular ones used by cyclists to travel.

A Quick Glance : Our Favorite Bike Bags and Cases

Soft Shell Bike Bag : Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 “One of the lightest and easiest to pack bike bags.”

Hard Shell Bike Case : B&W Bike Box 2 “Value for money for a hard shell in terms of price vs the amount of protection.”

Soft Shell Bike Travel Bags

Scicon aerocomfort 3.0.

• Type of Bike : Road
• Compatibility : Quick Release, Thru Axle
• To Remove : Wheelset
• Weight : 8 kg

Scicon is arguably the most popular bike bag brand today.

It’s used by 7 out of 18 World Tour pro cycling teams in 2018 which includes the likes of Bora-Hansgrohe, Mitchelton-Scott, Bahrain-Medida, AG2R La Mondiale, and Quick-Step Floors.

The Aerocomfort 3.0 is the improved version of the very popular 2.0 version. Scicon has made several improvements based on customer feedback. The 3 most significant improvements are the addition of the thru-axles compatibility, new wheels system which was prone to breaking previously, and a reinforced internal bike mount.

It’s still without a doubt the lightest bike travel bag in the market today .

At only 8 kg, it’s even lighter than its already lightweight predecessor. With the bike packed inside, you’re definitely way below the 20 kg allowance that most airlines impose.

The thing I really liked about the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 is the ease of packing and the minimal disassembly required. I’d say most first-timers would probably need less than 10 minutes to have their bike securely packed and ready to go.

• Pros : One of the lightest and easiest to pack bike bags.
• Cons : Smaller base can be unstable and prone to tilt over.

Evoc Bike Travel Bag

• Type of Bike : Road, TT, CX, MTB
• To Remove : Wheelset, Handlebars, Saddle, Seatpost
• Weight : 9.1 kg

Evoc is a German brand well-known for its outdoor and travel bags. This Evoc bag is among their most popular products in their lineup. The unique feature about the Evoc Bike Bag is its one bag fits all concept. The same bag can fit all bike types from road to time trial, cyclocross, and mountain bikes.

Evoc uses an interchangeable internal bike stand to mount bikes. Each type of bike would require a different type of stand due to its shape and design. If you’re buying this bag for your road bikes, make sure you remember to get the bike stand!

Packing wise, the Evoc Bike Travel Bag requires a bit more work by removing the pedals, seat posts, twisting the handlebars sideways, and removing the standard wheel.

The good thing with such removal is the bag packs down into a compact size, which makes the baggage handlers’ work easier. I bet you wouldn’t want an aggressive baggage handler handling your bags, don’t you?

• Pros : Fits all types of bikes.
• Cons : Outer layers are not as durable as advertised.

Thule Roundtrip Pro XT

• Weight : 8.6 kg

Thule is a Swedish company well known for its travel products. This mid-level bike bag has an internal bike mount that doubles up as a work stand, which will make assembling and disassembling your bike quick and easy.

Most road bikes will fit comfortably into the Thule Roundtrip Pro XT bag unless you’re riding anything above size 60, and it includes an adapter for thru-axles. It has a separate wheelset compartment so that your wheelset doesn’t come into contact with your bike frame.

The two roller wheels make it a snap to pull your bag wherever you need to go.

• Pros : Internal bike mount can double up as a temporary workstand.
• Cons : Soft case doesn’t provide 100% protection against rough baggage handlers.

Biknd Helium V4

• Weight : 9.0 kg

Biknd is a Canadian brand that is all about developing innovative bike bags. In fact, their first product is the Helium bike bag which is now in its 4th version, hence the V4.

What makes the Biknd Helium V4 special is the unique way the protection mechanism is implemented. It uses inflatable airbags that strategically placed at both sides of the bag.

Packing the bike would require some disassembly work by removing the wheels, pedals, seat posts and twisting the handlebars sideways. To make packing easier, both the side and front panels can be opened completely.

Now if you’re traveling with 2 sets of wheels, you’re in luck because the bag can fit all of them. Unlike other bags where you keep one wheel on each side panel, the Biknd Helium V4 can hold 2 wheels on each side.

• Pros : One of the best protection for a soft case.
• Cons : Costs more than the average soft case.

Hard Shell Bike Cases

B&w bike box 2.

• Weight : 11.5 kg

B&W is a German brand that has been making innovative outdoor bags since 1998. The Bike Box 2 is the successor to their original Bike Box and has won the prestigious 2018 German Design Award .

The B&W Bike Box 2 is among the lightest available. At almost 12 kg, you’ll most likely fall under the 20kg weight allowance most airlines allow.

However, take note that even though it can fit almost all types of bikes, you’d go above the allowable weight allowance should you fit a mountain bike, which is generally heavier than a road bike.

Packing is made easier with the two shells of the bag coming apart into 2 separate left and right. Once you’ve the bike disassembled, there are internal straps that hold it in place, and extra protection is achieved via the additional foam layers provided.

There’s no dedicated wheels storage compartment. B&W provides 2 separate wheel bags which are also placed inside the bag when you close it.

• Pros : Most value for money for a hard case.
• Cons : Smaller bag design means more to be removed when packing.

Thule Roundtrip Transition

• Weight : 12.0 kg

The Thule Roundtrip Transition is the hardshell equivalent of the Roundtrip Pro XT. In fact, it’s Thule’s top-level and most secure bike case.

It has a sturdy aluminum base and when combined with a strong ABS shell, it provides excellent protection to your bikes.

You can pack your road bike, TT, CX, or mountain bike with this bag, making it very versatile.

As a bonus, thru-axle adapters for 15mm and 20mm axles are included besides the standard quick release.

The unique thing about the Thule Roundtrip Transition bike case is the internal mounting stand can double up as a mobile work stand, making assembly/disassembly and maintenance easier when you’re traveling.

• Pros : Very high-quality build from a reputable brand.
• Cons : Heavier than the average hard case.

Scicon Aerotech Evolution X

• Weight : 11.0 kg

The Scicon Aerotech Evolution has been around for 10 years now and the 3.0 is Scicon’s latest version which was released in late 2017. The major improvement made in this version is adding the thru-axles compatibility.

Without a doubt, the Aerotech Evolution is Scicon’s one of the most secure bike travel cases out there. With premium pricing, Scicon has ensured no corners are cut. The bag has been thoroughly tested to ensure maximum protection for your bike.

The hard shell is made of very durable and hardened plastic, or what Scicon likes to call, thermoplastic . Internally, there is padding everywhere for your bike frame and straps strategically located to hold them in place. It would require some additional work to pack your bike into the bag.

Unlike the Aerocomfort 3.0 where only the wheels are removed, you’ll need to remove pedals, seat posts and twist the handlebars in addition to that.

You probably notice by now that most hardshell cases are bulky and heavy. While it’s still bulky (the shape and size remains), Scicon has managed to bring down the weight by 1 kg compared to its predecessor by using newer and more advanced materials.

At 11 kg, the Scicon Aerotech Evolution 3.0 is among the lightest bike case available.

• Pros : One of the lightest hard cases around and offers a very high level of protection.
• Cons : Be prepared to pay more.

BuxomBox Ventoux

BuxomBox is a small, UK-based company that specializes in bike boxes. In fact, bike boxes are their only product available.

The Ventoux Road is arguably the best one around when it comes to maximum protection. Its entire construction is top quality. With that, it also comes with a premium price tag. You’ve been warned.

For starters, the BuxomBox is made entirely from aluminum. It’s the same 6061 aluminum that’s used to make high-end aluminum race bikes. Not only do they look really good, but they’re also very durable and impact-resistant.

There are 3 sizes for you to choose from, depending on your bike size. Besides, you can also choose whether to support quick release, through-axle, or both.

With 4 handles, 2 at the top and 2 at the sides, you can maneuver the bag around the airport with ease. The 2 fixed and 2 caster wheels make things even easier.

• Pros : Good looking, lightweight, and maximum protection.
• Cons : Packing can be a chore for first-time users.

Bike Travel Cases Buying Guide

1. type of bikes.

This is the most important thing to consider when buying a bike bag or box.

The type of bike you’re planning to travel with will determine the bag’s shape and dimension and the box you’ll need.

Some newer ones like the Evoc Bike Bag , Buxom Box Ventoux , and Thule Roundtrip Transition can fit all bike types.

While it’s obvious that the bike frame of a road, cyclocross (CX) , time trial (TT), and mountain bike look different, there are more to that.

Among other differences are the handlebar’s shape, wheel hub width, and wheel size and diameter.

Geek Tip : Some bike travel cases are bike-specific, whether it’s for road, TT or mountain bike. Make sure you’re buying the right variant.

2. Quick Release vs Thru Axles

Today there are 2 types of braking systems for road bikes.

Traditionally, all road bikes use caliper brakes but disc brakes are getting popular recently for their better braking capabilities especially in the wet.

The mechanism used to attach the wheels to the bike is different between these two.

• Quick Release. The QR was invented by Tullio Campagnolo and has been around for more than 90 years. It’s a wheel locking mechanism found in all road bikes with caliper brakes.
• Thru Axles. The TA was first introduced in mountain bikes in the ’90s. Today, it’s used in all disc brakes road bikes. The axle needs to be pulled out completely to remove the wheels.

Why is this important?

The bike frame has a different design at the dropouts to accommodate either Quick Release or Thru Axles. And so does the bike bag to fit the different dropouts especially if they have an internal mounting stand.

Geek Tip : Newer travel cases are compatible with both quick release (caliper brakes) and thru axles (disc brakes) through an adaptor.

3. Ease of Packing

You’ll need to do some disassembling to pack your bike. You’ll need some of the common bike tools such as hex and torx wrenches .

The amount of disassembly needed depends on the bike travel case, but in general, this isn’t too hard to accomplish. If in doubt, you can always check out YouTube .

All bike travel cases are designed to fit bikes without the wheels, so no matter the make or model, you should expect that removal of the wheels will be necessary.

Some travel cases like the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 require minimal disassembly, while all bike boxes require quite a number of components to be removed prior to packing.

Generally, the list below needs to be removed :

• Rear Derailleur

Geek Tip : How good you’re with the wrench is an important factor when it comes to choosing a bike bag or box that suits your needs.

4. Airline Weight Allowance

If you’re planning to fly with your bike, weight can be an important consideration. Most airlines have a check-in baggage weight allowance between 20 to 30 kg.

Bike boxes weigh more (anywhere between 12 to 18 kg) due to the hard and solid materials used.

On the other hand, bike bags weigh less, between 8 to 12kg, and can be carried more easily when you’re on the move.

Depending on your bike’s weight, you’ll probably end up with around 16 to 25kg baggage check-in weight.

Bike Bags vs Bike Cases : Which is Better?

You’ll often see cyclists pack their bikes either in a bike bag or a bike case. So you’d probably be wondering;

Which one is better to transport for you?

Bike bag or bike case?

• Bike Case is the harder version and provides the most protection for your bike and is very durable. They’re made from tough materials like thermoplastics. It’s also sometimes referred to as a hard case or hard shell.
• Bike Bag is the softer version that typically has internal structures to maintain the bag’s shape and protect your bike. The soft outer sides are made from nylon or canvas which could be vulnerable to tears over time. Some refer to it as soft shellbags.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which bike bag can fit my road, TT, and mountain bikes?

I understand that some of us have a few bikes and the bike we travel with depends on the type of riding we’re going to do.

In this situation, I recommend you consider a bike bag that is one size fits all. Generally, these bike bags don’t have internal mounts which limits your choice of bikes.

Have a look at the Biknd Helium V4 or the B&W International Bike Box 2 .

2. How do I provide additional protection to my bike on top of what’s provided by the bike bag or box?

There are several ways to do this. You can either,

• Buy additional foam paddings and wrap them around the top tube, down tube, seat stays, and fork. 
• Use a cable tie to tie the chain to the chainring to avoid it from falling off.
• Remove the rear derailleur if it gets in the way.

3. What is the lightest bike bag and box available today?

Many cyclists concur that the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 is the lightest bike bag today. At only 8 kg, you’ll have plenty of weight allowance left to pack your bike.

For the bike box, you can choose from either the Scicon Aerotech 3.0 or the B&W International Bike Box 2 .

Author Recommended Reads

• How to Pack Your Bike for Air Travels
• How to Ship A Bike and How Much Will it Cost?

Nicholas Watts

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Best mountain bike travel bag: boxes and cases to keep your bike protected when you fly

• Danny Milner
• September 6, 2022

The best mountain bike travel bags can make flying with your bike a less stressful experience and ensure your pride and joy is in good shape when you get to your destination. 

Going on a riding holiday can be an amazing experience, and with so many great destinations just a short flight away, there’s never been more opportunities to expand your mountain biking horizon.

But do you leave your rig at home and take a chance on the hire bike lottery – often expensive and the quality of machinery can be rather questionable – or do you go take your own bike and suffer the stress of navigating through the airport and praying that it doesn’t get damaged by the baggage handlers?

Investing in a good bike bag will definitely ease your journey to and around the airport as well as protecting your bike from potential damage.

Chain Reaction Cycles Pro Bike Bag

Low-cost alternative to the classic evoc.

Weight: 8.8kg | Size: 1,400mm x 280mm x 790mm | Folding: Yes | Rating: 8/10

Pros: Great value. Includes dropout spacers and internal organisation. Folds for storage.

Cons: Narrow wheel track makes it less stable than rivals when manoeuvring.

Chain Reaction’s in-house bike bag is obviously, ahem, inspired by the classic Evoc design, but the price is a lot more palatable. It’s big enough to take a modern 29in enduro bike with a wheelbase of up to 1,360mm – more if you let the air out of the suspension. Internal fixings keep the frame and fork stable while CRC usefully includes dropout spacers to prevent crush damage.

Read our full review of the Chain Reaction Cycles Pro Bike Bag

Evoc Bike Travel Bag

The original and still the best.

Weight: 8.6kg | Size: 1,380mm x 360mm x 850mm | Folding: Yes | Rating: N/A

Pros: Great quality. One of the most stable designs. Folds for storage.

Cons: Expensive if you only use it occasionally.

The OG bike travel bag and still the best today, if your pockets are deep enough. Evoc actually makes several different bike bags, but for most people the basic version is the one to get. Separate wheel pockets are large enough for 29in hoops (with tyres partially deflated) and the frame is cosseted snugly by a series of blocks and straps to stop movement and rubbing. It’s all adjustable to fit different frame sizes and designs and has proven itself durable on numerous trips we’ve undertaken. The wheel track is broad, so the Evoc Bike Bag is one of the more stable designs on the market.

Scott Bike Transport Premium 2.0 Bag

Semi-rigid design.

Weight: 8.7kg | Size: 1,380mm x 300mm x 800mm | Folding: Yes | Rating: N/A

Pros: Internal pockets for organising parts.

Cons: Shorter length makes it tricky for long wheelbases.

Scott’s take on Evoc’s classic bike bag design sees thin aluminium poles maintain the upper shape – a bit like tent poles. Inside there’s a series of adjustable straps and blocks to hold the bike in place and separate compartments house the wheels (up to 29in). Maximum wheelbase is only 1,280mm, which is a bit less than rivals, but letting the air out of your suspension will help a bigger bike squeeze in.

Cardboard box

Weight: From 2kg | Size: Varies | Folding: Yes | Rating: N/A

Pros: Cheap/free. Eco-friendly.

Cons: Awkward to transport/carry. Not great if it rains. Requires more disassembly and packing material.

How can we round-up the best bike travel bags without including the humble cardboard box? Afterall, it’s good enough for shipping a bike from the factory to the retailer, and favoured by all of the downhill racers on the World Cup circuit when flying between rounds. Best thing about the bike box is that it’s cheap. And if you ask nicely at your local bike shop (paying in biscuits always helps) they’ll probably give you one for free. Which, considering the price of some bike bags is over £400, means you’re effectively saving a big chunk towards the cost of your holiday. But, this option is not without its problems. The biggest of which is that a bike box is huge and unwieldy. Fine if you have help and can use a trolley at either end of the journey, a massive pain if you can’t. Then there’s the fact that you’ll need to pack it carefully with loads of protection to keep everything from being damaged. And if it rains you might end up with a pile of soggy cardboard and an exposed bike.

What to look for in the best travel bags for mountain biking

Evoc pretty much revolutionised the bike bag market with its benchmark design nearly 20 years ago and still holds the gold standard for frequent flyers. Since then, the basic Evoc design has won numerous awards and inspired many competitors, but it remains a serious investment.

At the other end of the scale, the humble bike box represents the cheapest – even free – solution and is still favoured by pro mountain bike racers. However, it’s not the slickest or most convenient method if you need to use public transport.

Whichever you choose, it might be worth investing in an Apple Airtag to attach to your bike or hide in the bag, so if the worst does happen and your bike bag goes missing, at least you can track it.

Pack a bike travel bag

Top of the list of priorities when looking for the perfect travel bag is protection, afterall, a bag can be super light and easy to wheel through the airport, but if your bike ends up as scrap after a flight then it’s a complete waste of time. So the base needs to be tough, the corners need to be reinforced and the material needs to be abrasion and puncture resistant. Internally, the frame should be securely stabilised within the bag, the wheels should be separate and there should be provision for small parts that get removed from the bike such as the rear mech, disc rotors, handlebar and pedals.

Although you can get hard case designs, we would only recommend these for XC race bikes and road bikes as they tend to be too small for modern mountain bikes. They’re also more difficult to store at home as you can’t fold or roll them up.

How do I pack a bike bag?

• There are many different ways to pack a bike, but for ultimate safety and protection, we’d recommend removing the disc rotors and storing them in a separate (clean) plastic bag. Use pad spacers in your calipers to stop the pistons from moving. Think about chucking a spare set of pads in the bag as well, particularly if you’re heading somewhere with long descents.
• Remove the rear mech and the hanger together. If it’s a SRAM UDH then we’d leave it in place as you’ll need it to secure the rear axle between the dropouts. Wrap the rear mech in an old t-shirt or rag and secure with a strap.
• Cut two dropout spacers from lightweight alloy or plastic tubing (from a plumber’s merchant) and use the front and rear axle to hold them in place – this protects the frame from being crushed.
• Mark your bars with a permanent pen at the gap between the stem and the faceplate – this will let you set the angle easily when you build the bike up at the other end. Remove the faceplate, drop the bars out (with controls in place) and reinstall the faceplate so you don’t lose the bolts. Alternatively you can remove the stem and bars in one piece and use another stem (150g or so) or a spacer cut from a plastic pipe in its place to keep the fork and headset in place.
• Use bike packing material (your local bike shop probably has surplus being thrown out) to pad the frame, fork and bars.
• Deflate your tyres slightly. This will help them fit into their compartments and adhere to airline advice.

Manoeuvrability

The best bike travel bags are relatively easy to steer around a crowded airport given their weight and bulk. Large, robust skate wheels at one end allow you to wheel the bag around while holding a comfortable handle at the front. Widely-spaced wheels and a low centre of gravity help prevent the bag from tipping over when cornering. Some bags have a third castor wheel at the front to allow you to pull it along without having to lift the front.

Weight is always a concern when travelling with a bike, especially given most trail/enduro bikes now tip the scales at around 15kg on average. Evoc’s bike bags weigh around 8-10kg, so that doesn’t leave a lot of headway to sneak under airline baggage limits. Obviously different airlines have different rules and different price structures for carrying bikes, but here are a few of the most popular:

• Easyjet – Bikes are treated as ‘Large Sports Equipment’ with a weight limit of 32kg. Cost is £45 each way if booked online.
• British Airways – charges £65 each way for any bag over 23kg, which includes bikes up to 32kg. Your standard baggage allowance depends on the route you are flying.
• Ryanair – The maximum weight for a bike is 30kg, lower than other airlines. Cost per flight is £60.
• Air Canada – Maximum weight is 32kg and a bike costs $50CAD each way.

With the advent of longer wheelbases and 29in wheels bike bag size has increasingly become an issue, especially if you’re riding an XL size or larger, or own something like a Pole or Geometron. But, letting the air out of your fork and shock could reduce the wheelbase of your bike by as much as 70mm.

With 29in wheels you will probably need to deflate the tyres to some degree to get them to fit into their specific compartments. Try to leave some air in there to ensure that your tyres don’t become unseated or leak sealant into the bag.

The Best Bike Travel Case in 2024

Whether you are transporting your bike in your car with luggage and other items or on an airplane at the mercy of baggage handlers, a bike travel case protects your bike and the money you have invested in it.

In addition, if you are taking your bike with you, then you are planning on using it. So you are not only protecting your bike, but you are also protecting your investment in your trip. So either way, a bike travel case makes sense.

We have created a buyer’s guide to discuss the important features you should consider when choosing a bike travel case.

How To Fly With Your Bike

Packing a bike safely, dragging the bike transport bag or box around, and paying the exorbitant excess baggage fee is frustrating, but it’s part of our sport. Let’s make the experience as low-stress as possible by taking a few precautions.

There are two ways to get your bike to the race site: ship it days before, or bring it with you on the plane. Shipping your bike means packaging it and sending it via a carrier that will take large items. You can send it to a bike shop or any other physical destination that can take daytime deliveries. If timed properly your bike will be there waiting for you, perhaps assembled and ready to ride of you sent it to a bike shop. The downside is the planning involved and time without your precious training buddy.

Most athletes do take their bike on the plane with them though…

Taking it with you on the plane has its benefits and drawbacks. You’re always with your bike (unless the airline loses it); you can ride it the day you pack it and as soon as you reassemble it at the race site. On the other hand, you’ll need to find a vehicle big enough to transport the bag or box to and from the airports (perhaps a companion’s bike as well), and it’s going to cost you plenty in excess baggage charges unless it’s an international flight (note: this policy is changing on many airlines).

Like it or not, there’s an excess baggage charge on bikes for domestic flights, hopefully none for international flights if you have only 2 pieces of checked baggage. The fee has steadily risen from $12 since I began flying with a bike many years ago, to $60-$100 now. To me the high fee says that the airlines would really prefer not to take checked bikes, and this attitude often comes across through ticket agents and baggage carriers.

If you believe baggage handlers really don’t want to deal with your bike, you’ll understand why you’d better pack it carefully. I’ve seen bikes dropped from significant heights, luggage weighing hundreds of pounds loaded on top, and generally handled with contempt. This doesn’t mean that it’s always the case, but it happens.

The case you use and the care you take in packing your bike can make all the difference. There are padded nylon bags with supportive metal frames inside, hard ‘sandwich style’ cases with foam layers inside, and hard cases with a metal framework inside to secure your bike’s frame. All the different types of bike cases work well, but none is a guarantee that your bike will be impervious to damage. If you don’t want to spring for the $250 to $750+ price to buy your own bike case, look for a bike shop that rents them for a fraction of the cost.

If you’re doing the packing job yourself you’ll need some basic tools and minor disassembly/assembly skills. You’ll need to remove wheels, handlebars, seat, and pedals, then reassemble it at your destination. Teaching you how to do this is a job for a bike shop or a mechanically skilled friend, but I can give you a few packing tips.

Your goals are to crush-proof the bike and avoid metal against metal contact. If your bike case doesn’t have a supportive framework, you should put spacers where the wheels’ axles would normally be in the frame’s fork and rear triangle. This does much to strengthen the frame, thus avoiding damage from outside forces like weight or dropping the box/bag. When you remove the handlebar with brake and shift cables still attached, it will have to rest next to, or beside the frame. This is fine as-long-as it’s secured with substantial padding at contact points. I like to use old-style toe straps to keep the handlebar from moving around and potentially denting the frame or damaging paint.

I recommend that you be self-sufficient and bring all the tools you’ll need. Also bring rags for padding and cleaning, as well as lubricant, a pump, spare tubes and tires. Bike cases allow room for other items that may not fit into your luggage. Use this space as needed for your gear, but don’t overload, as very heavy bike cases make for irate baggage handlers!

Allow extra time when checking-in with your bike. Bicycle transport bags and cases move more slowly than normal luggage on their way to the plane and ticket agents are often baffled when presented with a passenger traveling with a bike (if you’re lucky, they may not charge you).

Make sure you have an extra day at your destination before the race. For whatever reason, bikes often don’t make it there with you. But, every airline I’ve flown with has a policy of delivering the bike for free to you at your destination.

For me, luckily, this has always occurred within 24 hours of my arrival. If the bike doesn’t make it with your other luggage, don’t panic. I’ve found that the more connections you make, the more likely your bike will get ‘lost.’ On flights with connections, my bike has been ‘delayed’ about 20% of the time!

In many years of flying with my bike, it’s always made it to my destination – eventually. But just in case it doesn’t and you’re waiting there in a panic, make an alternative plan. Maybe you could borrow a friend’s bike who’s in another race, or perhaps a loaner/rental from a local bike shop could save the day. Traveling with your bike is a drag, but it could be worse: Be glad you don’t have to travel with a surfboard or a kayak!

How to choose bike travel case

Bike bag or bike box.

The first choice is whether you want a bicycle transport bag or box, and by box, we mean a hard case, not a cardboard box. Some people will say that they have used cardboard boxes and have not had any problems. They will say they know how to pack their bike in a cardboard box so that it is safe.

As mentioned earlier, you have money invested in your bicycle and on your trip. A hard or soft case will better protect your financial investment in your bike and your trip, provide you with a better chance of never having your bike damaged when you are traveling, and prevent you from suffering the disappointment of not having your bike available to use on your trip. So we recommend that you do not try to cut corners and use a cardboard box to transport your bicycle.

For transporting your bike, you can choose a soft bag, a hard case, or a hybrid-combination bag. Softer hybrid cases can have inserts in the base and upper frames that provide some structure and protection, or they can use the wheels to provide structure. These are still lightweight and made of soft materials. Other hybrid cases are made of the semi-rigid polymer that provides more protection and weighs a little more than the cloth of the softer versions. Hybrid cases are in the mid-price range between soft and hard cases.

Soft bike travel cases are the least expensive of the three choices. They also use less of your baggage weight allowance. Therefore, they cost less to transport by airplane than hard and hybrid cases. In addition, soft cases are easier to carry than hard cases, especially if they have more than one handle such as an over-the-shoulder strap and a hand carrier. An additional advantage of a soft case is the ability to use it for a variety of bikes if you are among the cyclists who have more than one bike. As for storage when you are not using a soft case, it can be easily folded and stored out of the way. However, soft cases do not offer as much protection as hard cases or even hybrid cases once your bicycle has left your care. So the softer the bike travel case, the more carefully you need to pack your bike.

Hard cases will protect your bike the best if the case falls, is thrown by a baggage handler, or ends up at the bottom of a stack of luggage. They have hard plastic shells with interior reinforcement. The hard plastic does make these cases more likely than soft cases to slide off elevated surfaces and fall on the floor. Since they are not as flexible as a soft case, it can be harder to get your bike parts to squeeze into open spaces in hard cases. This can be an additional issue when airport employees examine and repack your case. Hard cases also pose the problem of where to store them, both at home and when you are traveling. Additionally, hard cases are the most expensive and weigh the most, so they use more of your baggage allowance and cost the most to ship.

Many cases have built-in dropouts that help your bike stand securely in the case. You can also go to a bike shop and get the dropout protectors that were used in shipping to protect your frame in case your bike is mishandled. Another consideration is whether or not the bag you choose mounts the bicycle to the base, if it does, then you need to make sure that the axle of your bicycle is compatible with the base.

With soft bike cases weighing up to 17 pounds empty, they and most hard cases do have wheels to make it easier to handle them. Recessed wheels are better protected from damage, and wheels that can be replaced prevent your bike suitcase from becoming less functional because of a broken wheel. So be sure to check the durability of the wheels on the cases you are considering. In addition, before you are ready to pack it for a trip, check the condition of the wheels to make sure that none of them need to be replaced.

Besides the wheels, you will also need sturdy handles to help you transport your case on stairs, over curbs, and over unpaved areas. Our suggestion is to look for a case with both a sturdy top handle for carrying by hand and a sturdy shoulder strap to distribute the weight better and free your hands. Not only should the straps be sturdy, but you should check how the straps connect to the case to make sure that the connection will not break with you. Also, check to see if the straps can be easily replaced like the wheels. Additional handles on the sides will give you something to grip so that you can roll the case in tight spaces. Just as we recommended with the wheels, you should check the handles before trips to see if they need replacing.

If you are taking your case on an airplane, then locks either have to be TSA-approved or left unlocked so that airport security can examine the contents of your case. So while you are choosing a case, if the locks are not TSA-approved buy some that are TSA-approved.

Measure your bike and decide on your preferred way of packing it. With a standard 56-centimeter road bike and a normal seat post, you should be able to use most cases. Size issues arise with larger frames, integrated seat posts, and mountain bikes with full suspension. Also if you are among the cyclists that have more than one bike, you will want to make sure that the case you choose fits all your bikes.

Transporting a bike in a case can also mean considering what type of vehicle you will need to get to the airport and when you arrive at your destination. Soft cases with some disassembly can create a smaller bundle than a hard case, and you will not need a larger vehicle. Also, as mentioned earlier, hard cases present a storage issue both at home and when you are traveling

Obviously, you will be doing some amount of disassembly on your bike, and you will not want the parts just piled in the bag to scratch and bang against each other. Many cases attach the wheels to the sides of the case with quick-release skewers. Using older skewers with some padding protects your new skewers from damage. Some other cases have wheel bags. Removing the pedals and padding them is another preventive measure along with padding your tools. One recommendation for padding the various parts of your bike is pipe insulation from the hardware store.

Weight and Airline Restrictions

Remember you will not only be carrying other luggage, but you will be adding the weight of the case along with the weight of your bike and anything else you pack in the case. All of that will be calculated into your airline baggage weight limits. We suggest that you determine the weight of your bike’s case with everything packed inside. Then check the different airline policies and charges before you book your flight. Check to see if there are any airlines that transport bicycles for free . Some airlines with higher base ticket prices may be cheaper in the end when you add baggage fees.

Be sure you also check the maximum dimensions for luggage from various airlines before purchasing tickets. In addition, check for other restrictions such as how far in advance to book to be sure that the airline will accept your bike. Since working with a passenger who is traveling with a bicycle is a less common experience, when you find all of this information, print a copy of it and take it with you to the airport as proof in case an airline employee doesn’t know the company policy.

We have already mentioned several times that purchasing a good bike travel case is protecting what you have already spent on your bike and your trip. However, there is still quite a price range between good, protective cases. So you should be able to stay within your budget and protect your bike. If you choose a case at the higher end, you will get a more durable, protective case that is easier to transport. However, there are less expensive cases that provide adequate protection, although some of them may be smaller and require more disassembly of your bike. So while shopping for a case at the good price may not be the top reason for selecting a particular case, you can let it be a consideration without worrying that you might be buying a case that is not quite as good.

Packing Your Bike

As you are considering different travel cases, think about how you will disassemble and pack your bike in each case. For most cases, you will take off the wheels, the rear derailleur, the pedals, and the seat post. If you can leave the seat post, you will probably lower it down to the frame. You will also turn handlebars so that they are parallel to the frame. If you are considering removing the chainset, we advise only doing it if you are good with a spanner. Strapping removed parts to the frame keeps parts more secure and organized in your case.

Another step in packing your bike that cyclists debate is whether or not you need to deflate the tires. While it may not be really necessary, it saves the stress of dealing with an airline employee, who thinks it’s something that must be done. This final step in considering how your bike will need to be disassembled to fit in a case should help you with choosing a case.

Travel Insurance

A final recommendation is to buy travel insurance for your bike even if your case makes it unlikely that your bike will be damaged. As stated previously, you have an investment in your bicycle and your trip. Travel insurance will protect that investment so that your bike is covered and so is the part of your trip that centers around riding your bike.

The Best Bike Travel Case in 2023

1. scicon aerocomfort 3.0 tsa – best triathlon bike travel case.

The Scicon Aerocomfort travel bag was designed with input from time trial riders and triathletes. You do not need to remove the seat post or the handlebar, so your bike is out of the case and ready to ride quickly. The case measures 50.7 inch x 17.7 inch x 38.5 inch. It is lightweight at 17.64 pounds empty, which will add less to your baggage weight limit and fees.

The case is made of nylon and includes padding and rigid inserts to protect your bike. The base holds your bike upright in the case and can be used as a bike stand. It is compatible with both the quick-release and thru-axle systems. For maneuverability, the

Aerocomfort’s eight ball bearing wheels rotate 360° to help it turn corners. For security, it includes a TSA padlock that allows airline security to easily inspect the bag. It also offers a 3/4 length zipper and two wheel pockets.

2. EVOC Road Bike Bag Pro – Best Hybrid Soft/Hard Shell Bike Case

The EVOC Road Bike Bag Pro has a hybrid soft/hard shell design to help you pack and unpack your bike easily.

How easy? The only pieces you’ll need to disassemble are your wheels and pedals. The bag was designed with an extra wide wheel chassis so it’s sure to fit most road and time trial bikes.

To ensure that your precious bike is protected the case has aluminum slide rails from front to back.

All the extra protective materials sound heavy to some, but EVOC thought ahead. The travel case has clip on wheels and extra handles so you can maneuver through airports, bus and train stations, or just getting into your hotel room.

The case’s lid is made of highly durable polycarbonate and the pressure-proof P600D PU sides are strengthened with removed hard plastic rods.

Along with the bag, EVOC also provides a bike stand, wheel bags, and a clip-on front wheel for those who want a little extra protection.

If you travel by plane, the bag has a TSA approved lock if they need to look in your bag.

Bikers who have bought the bag like it because it’s makes packing their bike easy. There’s minimal assembly because it’s a soft and hard traveling case. And, when not in use, the bag can be folded up and stored in a discreet spot. It’s not the best for overseas trips but the bag is ideal for short trips close by.

I’d recommend this bike bag if you frequently travel within your country or make short trips with your bike. The case will be perfect and you can be assured your bike will be in good hands.

3. Evoc Bike Travel Bag – Most Versatile Bike Travel Case

The size of a case is one of the most important factors. How much will you have to disassemble your bike for it to fit in the case? If you are among the cyclists that have more than one bike, will this case fit all your bikes? How will the case fit in your car, and how will it fit in a vehicle when you reach your travel destination? Where can you store it both at home and on a trip?

This case measures 53.2 inches x 31.5 inches x 15 inches. The weight of the case packed with your bike is not only something you have to manage with other luggage, but it will also be calculated into your baggage weight limit and baggage fees. This soft case weighs 18.9-pounds empty.

When Evoc was designing this case, they took into consideration the extra protection provided by a hard case versus the weight, maneuverability, and pliability of a soft case. They chose to create a soft case. The Evoc bike travel bag is made from rip- and tear-resistant ripstop nylon with a polyurethane coating that provides water-resistance. It has 10-millimeter padding and rubber reinforcement to protect your bike. This bike bag provides a full-zippered enclosure, a zippered pocket on the front, several handles, two wheel bags, an accessory bag, and 2.5-inch inline skate wheels with reinforced wheel pockets.

To fit your bike in this bag, take off the wheels, turn the handlebars parallel to the frame, and use the padded straps provided to secure your bike in the bag. Place the wheels in their bags. This bag will easily hold 29-inch bikes, road bikes, time-trial bikes, and cyclocross bikes

4. Thule RoundTrip Transition – Most Protected Bike Travel Case

Thule makes hard-shell bike cases that make it one of the most protective cases on the market. It would be a good choice for those who travel internationally with bikes for pleasure or races.

The bike’s safety is guaranteed since the bike case is made from ABS shell with a durable rail of lightweight aluminum. This construction cradles and protects your bike during transport.

This would be especially important during air transport since bag attendants never handle any luggage with care.

Additionally, the bike case has multiple functions and can be used as a bike holder and work stand. If you bring your own tools, it would save you a trip to the bike store after landing. You can adjust and assemble your bike. And, it would ensure your bike is put together properly.

The inside of the case has a built-in fork mount that makes it easy to disassemble and assemble your bike.

As this is a hard-shell case, it won’t be easy to lug around everywhere. Luckily, the case comes with wheels and handles which makes it less burdensome to “carry” around an airport.

Bikers like it because it’s easy to travel with on planes. And, is easy to use once they understand how everything works. The case does a great job of packing everything in so nothing gets damaged- no matter how the airlines treat it. And, most didn’t have a problem wheeling the case around the airport.

I highly recommend this for people who go on long journeys with their bikes. You’ll see all the damage done to the case and your bike will come out unharmed.

5. Scicon AeroTech Evolution X TSA Hard Case

The Scicon AeroTech Evolution X TSA hard bike case offers bikers padded protection and enough space for all the bike parts while being lightweight. Of course, there is minimal disassembly on your part when you need to travel with your bike.

The case was specifically designed for race bikes and can accommodate nearly every bike size.

Inside the case, you’ll find a suspended frame system that holds the bike in place while offering stability and protection. Just like what a seatbelt does for you.

The case has special storage space for your pedals, saddle, and wheels when you take apart your bike. To make things easier, you won’t need to remove your handlebars. However, you will need to loosen them and turn them to ensure they fit into your bike box.

If you travel by plane, the case is built with TSA approved key locks. This ensures that your bike is safe and customs has access to the bike if needed. This holds true for airports in the USA, Canada, and other major international airports.

Yes, the case sounds bulky and heavy and hard to move, but no fear. Even for the smallest triathletes out there, it’s easy to travel with. The wheel system rotates in a circle so it ensures your bike case won’t fall down and you’ll silently traverse the airport terminals.

I recommend this bike case if you need one that will last for years and is durable. There is some disassembly required for this case. Be sure you’re comfortable with that part before you buy it.

6. Thule RoundTrip Pro XT Bike Case

First, measure the parts of your bike or bikes that you intend to leave in one piece when you are traveling. Then check the sizes of the different cases to make sure they are large enough.

The Thule RoundTrip Pro XT Bike Case measures 49.5 inches x 11.8 inches x 35 inches. Now calculate the weight of the items that you will be packing in your bike case and add that to the weight of the empty cases. This is what you will be transporting to and from the airport and your hotel. It will also be included in your baggage weight limit and fees. The Thule RoundTrip case weighs 19-pounds empty.

This soft case is made from durable ripstop nylon with aluminum supports and can be used for road bikes, cyclocross bikes, and mountain bikes with a 46-inch wheelbase or less. It offers four integrated wheels, five integrated handles, and two 29-inch wheel bags. Since it is a soft case, when it is not in use, it folds up compactly for easy storage.

7. B&W International Bike Guard Curv

The Bike Guard Curv® Case has been designed to provide you with the protection of a hard case at a reduced weight. This also reduces the concern of excessive baggage fees. It weighs 18.1 pounds empty without the protective inserts, which is in the range of soft cases. With the protective inserts, its weight only goes up to 24 pounds, which does not take that much extra off of your airline baggage weight limit for you to skip receiving the extra protection of a hard case. The Bike Guard Curv® uses self-reinforced polypropylene (PP) Curv®-material. It is weatherproof, scratch-resistant, eco-friendly, and 12 times stronger yet lighter than ABS plastic.

The two sides are not attached but instead interlock. This protects the case from “slide-by” compression. For storage, the two sides can be nested inside of each other, which saves space, especially in a hotel room. The case can be packed with only one of the two pieces. This case was designed for 29-inch mountain bikes, road bikes, and triathlon bikes. The Bike Guard Curv® has two fixed wheels and two free-rolling wheels. The four handles give you the option of two carrying handles, a handle for pulling, and another adjustable handle for pulling. A TSA pad-lock can be attached to lock the case.

The interior inserts include two wheel guards, foam padding for between the frame and the wheels, a rear derailleur protector, a foam spacer for the handlebar, a foam block for the chainring, and four frame accessory bags.

8. BIKND Helium V4

The BIKND Helium V4 bike case is a light and easy-to-carry case with air protection.

To ensure maximum protection, the bike has inflatable padding which is truly one of a kind.

And, what makes this case even more unique is its size. It’s the smallest bike case with the most protection. It can fit in the trunk of the smallest cars.

The case was designed with additional compartments for all your bike accessories and even an extra wheel set.

Although it is small, you won’t have to disassemble your bike that much.

Like the EVOC case, this one uses both soft and strategically placed hard materials to make it incredibly protective at a low weight.

The inflatable parts of the case are on both sides of the frame and give the same protection as a hard case but without the extra weight.

Bikers like this bag because it is light weight with strong protection technologies, which make it easy to fly with. The bag opens 360 degrees which makes it easy to pack and unpack the bike. It’s compatible with most road bikes which makes it useful for a triathlon family.

I’d recommend this bag once the company fixes the airbag technology issues. There have been reports of the bags not staying inflated for the entire journey.

9. PRO Mega Bike Travel Case

The PRO Mega Bike Travel Case is a larger soft case. The size makes it quick and easy to pack, including just dropping the seatpost. The large size leads to a debate over whether you need to remove the handlebars or not. Some just loosen the handlebars and turn them parallel to the frame. The PRO Mega Bike Case measures 51 inches x 10 inches x 30 inches.

Despite its size, this bag does not weigh that much more than the other soft cases. Even with all the packing inserts included, this case only weighs 18.1 pounds empty.

The hard plastic base with the aluminum frame and the packing inserts are the highlights of this bag. There are also two plastic poles at each end to add support to the bag. The base has movable brackets for attaching the front and rear axles. Since the brackets can be moved, you can adjust them for your bike’s wheelbase. The maximum wheelbase that can be accommodated is around 47 inches.

You take off the wheels and secure the dropouts to the base using your skewers. If you have some old skewers, you do not need to put your current skewers at risk. There are straps to hold the skewers in place. The brackets have two levels for attaching your bike. The lower level is intended for taller bikes and mountain bikes. There is a chain holder on the rear bracket that keeps the chain under pressure along with a chain cover.

The packing inserts feature large padded blocks that can be Velcroed where needed, including two for the head and seat tube junctions on the frame.

This case is made with foam-padded, ripstop nylon. There are pockets on the side for the wheels and accessories. Inside there is a mesh bag for accessories. It has multiple handles and four wheels that can rotate 360°. These type wheels can be hard to control especially on unpaved or uneven surfaces. The extra handles can be helpful, but you will also have other luggage.

In our product reviews, we presented four soft cases and one hard case. In our buyer’s guide, we recommended that, because of your investment in your bike and your trip, other issues were more important than cutting corners on the cost of a case. So for the best protection, a hard case is really the best choice. However, spending a little more to get a better case is a one-time expense. Transporting a hard case will mean an excess baggage fee every time you travel with a hard case. That is one reason that we are choosing a soft case as our top choice.

However, we reviewed the B&W International Bike Guard Curv® Hard Bike Case which, as one of the lightest hard cases, can reduce the excess baggage fee. It also eliminates the issue of the space needed to store it because it has two sides that can nest inside of each other. However, it does not offer enough internal restraints to keep your bike secure, and the two interlocking sides are complicated to restrap. Airport security may not restrap this case once they inspect it. That is another reason that we have chosen a soft case.

Our recommendation is still to get travel insurance that will provide you with coverage on your bike for loss, damage, or misdirection, including replacement so you have a bike for the portion of your trip during which you planned to use your bike. Then you are covered even when using a soft case.

After comparing the four soft cases, we have chosen the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 TSA as the winner. The base provides adjustable brackets for attaching your bike that accommodates different wheelbases and bike heights. It holds your bike securely and has a chain holder that keeps tension on your chain and derailleur. The base has large foam blocks that use Velcro, so they can be placed wherever they are needed to protect your bike. It is also the case that helps you pack your bike the quickest which is most important when you are at your destination. To us, all of this makes the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 TSA the top choice.

15 thoughts on “The Best Bike Travel Case in 2024”

Thanks, well written and useful!

Soft vs. Hard

American Airlines flies bicycles as regular luggage now, but states that if the bicycle is not in a hard-sided case it will be subject to “Fragile Handling”.

Is there a hard case for tri-bikes where you do not need to takeoff the handlebars and/or aero bars?

I know only next bike cases where you do not need to takeoff the handlebars: Evoc Pro bag and Scicon Aerocomfort Triathlon 3.0, but the Scicon is a soft case.

alan triathlon hard case, nothing to dismantle

is it available case and light weight bike made for exact fit?

For more options where you can leave handlebars on, have a look at the large aluminium Buxum Bike box, or the brand new Evoc Pro bag

Hello, I have a size 44 Trek Domane with clip on aerobars. Any recommendations for a hard bike case that will let me leave pedals, saddle, handlebars on? Or as much as possible! Thanks!

Hi Megan, Closest I can think are not hard cases: – Scicon TSA Tri Bike bag; – new Evoc Road Pro. I have the Scicon and I basically pop the wheels off my bike, set it in the bag, attach the padding, zip it and go. Please note that some airlines are requiring that handlebars are removed before accepting it regardless of what the bike case allows.

The Scicon looks like a good case but people have posted photos of broken frames when using the soft one versus the hard one.

I just flew back to NYC with my road bike in the Scicon TSA Tri Bike bag – easy to maneuver and plenty of room inside to pack all my bike and running gear and clothes – I basically didnt bring an extra luggage – bike survived the trip.

I loosensed the brake handles a bit as advised by some tri friends –

Surprised you didn’t include BikeboxAlan. Most common case I see at events, which is why I bought mine and love it.

the best one and with 7 years guarantee

I frequently use Fedex to ship my bicycling to avoid the problem of it not fitting in a rental car. Do you think any of the softsided /hybrid cases would be suitable for shipping by Fedex? Thank you, Jay

I have a carbon recumbent. Any recommendations in a cases?

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Best bike boxes and bike bags 2024 — bike-specific luggage options to keep your prized possession safe when travelling

First Published Mar 28, 2024

This article contains links to retailers. Purchases made after clicking on those links may help support road.cc by earning us a commission but all of our reviews are fully independent. Find out more about road.cc buyer's guides.

If you’re travelling with your bike, one of your biggest concerns will likely be making sure it arrives safely. The road.cc team has travelled hundreds of thousands of miles over the years with our bikes, using a variety of bike boxes, bike bags and flight cases, and below you'll find our selection of the best plus some handy bonus advice too.   

• Buy now for £680 from Bike Box Alan
• Find out more

• Buy now for £918 from Buxumbox

• Buy now for £746.49 from Bike Inn

• Buy now for £553.98 from Ebay

• Buy now for £545.99 from Merlin Cycles

• Buy now for £59.99 from Decathlon

The best bike bag, bike box or flight case will protect your bike from anything short of a direct artillery strike. It should require minimal faff to get your bike into it, can carry various bike genres and wheel sizes, and shouldn't make too big a dent in your luggage weight allowance. It should also cost a sensible amount of money, or if it's expensive, last you for many years. 

There's some tension between all those requirements. Extremely protective cases tend to be heavy and expensive, while cheaper bike bags don't protect your bike as well. Nevertheless, if you plan to travel with your bike even once or twice a year then a bike box or bag is a very worthwhile investment. Nothing ruins a cycling trip more than your bike lying crushed on the Tarmac before you've even cleared customs!

> How to fly with your bike

Even if you're not flying, a bike box, bike bag or flight case can be useful. Sure, you can just put your bike in your car, but if you want to get lots of other luggage in too, a bike bag will protect your bike from bumps and scratches.

How we review bike bags and boxes 

road.cc reviewers keep hold of a product for at least a month before submitting their verdicts, and when it comes to bike bags and boxes, that means travelling and experiencing what it's like to live with the product in a real-world scenario. All of the bike boxes we've reviewed have been taken on flights, stuck in cars and/or public transport and moved around on foot, and we'll spend plenty of time consulting the instructions to learn how to pack and unpack bikes from them to assess the ease of use. 

We score bike bags and boxes on build quality, durability, performance and value, and when sizing up against other similar products on the market we'll try to compare apples to apples; for example, we won't expect a cheap bike bag to provide the same level of protection as a super premium hard case. 

Why you can trust us

Only bike bags and boxes that have received good, very good or excellent scores will make it into this buyer's guide, so you can be sure we haven't just included a bunch of stuff we can make a commission from. Our reviewers also work completely independently when testing products and writing up their reviews, and are only put in touch with brands/distributors if they have a burning question or the product is faulty. We like to think all these steps reduce the chance of bias or ear-bending as much as is possible. 

As we've mentioned already, we road test bike boxes and bags properly, so only send them out to reviewers who are due a trip abroad and will be in a situation to assess all the features. It sometimes means we can't review them as quick as we'd like sometimes, but we don't do half jobs!

Without further ado, here are our top picks with everything from cheaper padded options costing as little as £60, right up to indestructible hard cases costing over £900. You'll find our top six in the quick links right below this paragraph followed by more detailed summaries and links to reviews, plus some extra honourable mentions, and finally a q+a section with stuff you'll want to know about bike bags and boxes... 

The best bike boxes, bags and cases

Bike Box Alan Triathlon Aero Easyfit Bikebox

The BikeBox Alan Triathlon Aero Easyfit Bikebox is a secure, easy-to-pack bike case that's brilliantly thought out. The wide section for handlebars means there's no need to start dismantling your bike, but that extra bulk can cause a few issues with car boots and check-ins.

The Triathlon Aero Easyfit immediately has a significant advantage over other boxes, because it doesn't require you to remove your handlebar. That's not just a good feature for those who are picky about position, it's also nice not to be wrestling with dismantling and reassembling an integrated front end – something we commonly see on road race bikes these days.

If you've got the cash and want an easy life, this is a brilliant choice, and certainly not just for triathletes!

Read our review:

Buxumbox Tourmalet bike box

Made of aluminium, the Buxumbox Tourmalet is super strong and easy to pack. Yep it's expensive, but there's no reason it won't last you a lifetime of cycling travel. 

The Tourmalet has fixing points for bike wheels with thru-axles or quick-release, and you just need to remove both the wheels, the pedals and the seatpost to pack it. It was all very simple according to our reviewer, with the seatpost and saddle stored at the bottom of the box, held in place by elastic cord.

It's not light at around 13kg, but this is a well thought-out bike case that’s built to take anything baggage handlers can dish out. In fact, it looks like it'll survive anything short of a direct artillery attack. 

To summarise, the Buxumbox Tourmalet will carry your bike as safely as it is probably possible to when flying. The price and possibly the weight are hurdles.

Scicon Aerotech Evolution bike hard case

This super strong bike box from bike luggage experts Scicon is made from a tough plastic polymer, and it provides superb protection for your bike. It’s also simple to pack and rolls on four wheels with proper bearings.

Our reviewer was able to pack it without swearing once, and it simply involves whipping off the wheels and one pedal, rotating the bars downward and taking the seatpost out before fitting your frame inside. Everything sits perfectly stable in transit without parts bashing into each other.

The price might be a sticking point, but you're unlikely to be disappointed if you decide to invest. 

Thule RoundTrip Road Bike Travel Case

The Thule RoundTrip Road Bike Travel Case is probably as close to a bike box you can get in what is technically a bike bag, with a sturdy outer plus an intgrated bike stand to keep everything from getting banged around inside. 

Our reviewer praised the innovative design, and how well it packs down for storage between or during trips. Your bike is fixed to an adjustable frame inside the case that can be removed and turned into a bike stand, which is really handy for doing bike maintenance or cleaning on your trip. Our reviewer managed to pack a bike in the RoundTrip in 10 minutes flat after some practice, so it's easy to live with.

It's expensive, heavy and you might struggle if your bike has a very long wheelbase, but for the vast majority of us who can afford it the RoundTrip is one of the best ways to protect your bike while travelling.

Evoc Bike Travel Bag Pro

The Evoc Bike Travel Bag Pro is a very good, lightweight softcase with excellent features. 

It's lightweight, packs down well and protects your bike while travelling by plane, train or automobile. This bag is also easy to assemble with four PVC tubes that reinforce the wheel pockets and four fibreglass sticks that strengthen each end of the case. Inside are a number of Velcro and clip fittings that wrap around your bike and secure it to the inside of the case.

A standout feature is the removable front castor wheel. This clips onto the aluminium handle so the bag sits level, allowing you to steer it in any direction with just your little finger in one of the three topmost handles. You could even secure a lanyard to your belt if your hands are full, which makes for a very convenient airport experience.  

While it's not far off the price of a hardshell, it's lighter at just 8kg, leaving more luggage allowance for other stuff, and folds down for storage so you don't need a huge cupboard under the stairs for it.

B’Twin Bike Transport Cover

This bag is really best used for transporting your bike by car, ferry or any place where baggage handlers aren't involved, because it offers very little in the way of protection but if you use a lot of extra foam padding and bubble wrap, it could be risked on flights if you're not overly attached to your bike. Even so, it's very good value and will keep your bike fully protected from the elements. 

It has a large bike compartment, two wheel compartments and a rigid base. It weighs 3.6kg and, like most other bags of this kind, it comes with a shoulder strap. It's amazingly cheap and light, but as we said you're probably going to want to add protective layers of foam or cardboard to beef it up a bit.

More bike box recommendations

Topeak Pakgo X

While it doesn't come cheap, Topeak's Pakgo X is a high quality box that is easy to manoeuvre around, offers great protection, and comes with some nice additions that make it an ideal travel companion

The shell is lightweight and flexible Makrolon polycarbonate, which stood up to several flights and trips during our reviewer's testing period. To pack your bike, a mini workstand of sorts is provided inside for you to mount your frame to before loading it back into the shell, the standout feature according to our reviewer and one which really helps to keep the bike secure. Unpacking is even faster, and you should be able to fit almost any type of bike in it with the wheelbase limit at 112cm. 

The final party piece is the upright design, with wheels that make strolling through the airport with the Pakgo an absolute breeze. Go for this if you want protection that is almost as good as the most super tough bike boxes out there, yet in a reasonably light package that is easy to cart around. 

Bike Box Alan Premium Bike Box

The Bike Box Alan Premium is more compact than the Triathlon Aero Easyfit, with the same steel catches to hold the sides together and good wheels to make travel that little bit easier. You can even choose your own stickers!

Our reviewer described it as a well-designed and sturdy box that will keep your bike well-protected through the vagaries of airport baggage handling. You can hire or buy one, which you do would depend on how frequently you travel. 

It's worth mentioning that this bike box, while still very good, is not compatible with thru-axles, as the design sees the wheels secured by the skewers that you screw back in via the outside of the box. Bikes with disc brakes take up a vastly larger slice of the market since our review of this box was published, so there's a good chance you'll need to upgrade to BikeBoxAlan's Triathlon Aero Easyfit, which is thru-axle compatible and is one of our top-recommended bike boxes. 

Still, if the bike you travel with comes equipped with rim brakes, this quality bike box is still very easy to recommend. 

Bikebox Online VeloVault2

BikeBox Online's VeloVault2 bike case is a sturdy, easy to pack and easy to transport option for keeping your bike safe when you fly. It is made from high-quality components that should stand the test of time. Like the options here from Bike Box Alan, you can't justify stumping up the cash to buy one, they're also available to hire.

B&W Bike Guard Curv

The Bike Guard Curv is a high-end bike case which gives excellent protection to your pride and joy. It comes in two halves, and there's no hinge holding them together. Instead, the edges of the case slot together, alternately inside and outside the other, around the circumference of the case. It's a bit fiddly the first time you do it according to our reviewer, but once you've done it a few times it won't take long. 

In our reviewer's travels their bike arrived unscathed, with the straps and dense foam blocks holding everything together nicely on the inside and the straps on the outside securing the shell.  

 At a little over 8kg it's light for a hard case, but it's also rather expensive. Go for this if you're prepared to invest but want a bike box for life. 

Merlin Cycles Elite Travel Bike Bag

The softshell Merlin Cycles Elite Travel Bike Bag allows secure, easy packing of your bike, with plenty of remaining space for all the items you would usually need when travelling with your bike. It has plenty of straps and handles to make travelling with the bag easy. 

The Elite Travel Bike Bag does a great job at an excellent price. Our reviewer found it was relatively easy to load into a car and manoeuvre onto baggage carousels too. It's also helpful that, when unloaded, the bag folds down to a small size, taking up roughly a quarter of the space needed when fully loaded.

Evoc Bike Travel Bag

Evoc’s highly rated bike bag comes with a reinforced fork mount, external-loading wheel pockets, compartments for smaller parts, and multiple handles. It’ll even take big mountain bikes and packs down for simple stowage.

Internal reinforcement strengthens and supports the soft out shell and pulled and picked up by the handle, it rolls easily on a pair of rear wheels. In that regard it's not quite as nice as Evoc's Bike Travel Bag Pro, our top-rated bike bag, but at typical retail prices it's a fair bit cheaper.

Scicon Aerocomfort Triathlon 3.0 TSA Bike Bag

Now in its third iteration, Scicon's Aerocomfort offers pretty exceptional protection for a bag, and does at least as good a job as many hardshell bike boxes. 

You fix your bike to a frame inside the nylon ripstop bag, and hold it steady with a strap system. A waterproof polyurethane base and high-density foam padding provides plenty of protection for your bike.

The internal wheel pockets are a very neat feature, as they allow customs officers (who might not care about your bike as much as you) to inspect what's in the bag without having to remove anything. It also comes with a padlock to deter impulsive thieves. 

Yes it's expensive, but this bag is a serious investment if you travel with your bike frequently. 

Read our review of the previous version of the Scicon Aerocomfort:

Post Carry Co Transfer Case

If you want to save on airline fees by carrying your bike as if it isn't one, Post Carry Co's Transfer Case is a great solution.

As we've mentioned, the main selling point is that this case is not much bigger than a large suitcase and can take a full-sized road or gravel bike. It's small enough to pass as normal luggage and avoid airline fees, yet doesn't lack protection and is impressively high quality. The dimensions do mean you'll have to spend more time and effort disassembling/reassembling your bike before and after travelling, but if you're ok with this and have the mechanical skills then you'll reap the rewards by not having to wait for oversized luggage after your flight. 

Best bike boxes and bike bags: how to choose and everything you need to know

Why should i use a bike box or bike bag.

Because you can't rely on anyone else to look after your bike the way you would! Travelling by air is the situation where you'll most commonly want to stash your bike in a protective case. After all, baggage handlers aren’t known for their finesse or delicacy of movement. No disrespect to those guys but they’re not going to move every bag and case as if it contained a priceless Ming vase, are they? Would you, if you were in their position? Luggage often gets flung about, dropped or stacked sky high, and you don’t want your bike to be subject to any of that with anything other than heavy-duty protection.

We’ve heard tales of people who thought they’d take their bike abroad in a soft bag or a cardboard bike box and it all going horribly wrong. You might get away with it, of course. You might get away with it many times. But what about that one time when your bike is at the bottom of a tower of cases being sorted by a bloke who’s already late finishing his shift?

It happens. Really, it does. And arriving in the Pyrenees with your bike frame snapped in two is, let’s face it, a disaster. Aside from needing to replace your bike in the long term, you need to salvage a trip for which you’ve already paid.

The best bike bags and bike boxes might be expensive but chances are they’re not as expensive as your bike or your holiday. Invest in something that’s right for your needs and it’ll likely last you years.

Should I get a hard or soft bike case?

Soft, padded bike bags are lightweight, easy to store, and they’ll protect your bike from scratches and scrapes. As a rule, they’re also cheaper than rigid boxes. Some come with aluminium frames and rigid spacers for the frame and fork dropouts to help prevent damage.

Next, there are boxes made from semi-rigid polymers that offer good impact strength. In terms of weight, they’re somewhere between a soft bag and a rigid bike box.

Then there are boxes with rigid walls that provide loads of protection, although these tend to be the heaviest and most expensive options out there.

Between that lot there are plenty of variations.

In short, rigid bike cases provide more protection than soft bike bags, but are heavier, more expensive and harder to store when you're not using them.

Should I get a bike box or bike bag with wheels?

All the bike boxes we know of and a lot of soft bike bags come with wheels that allow you to pull/push them to and from a car, around the airport and so on, and that’s a hell of a lot easier than carrying all that weight.

Wheels that are recessed into the base of the box are less vulnerable to getting broken off in transit and wheels that can be replaced after a mishap might save you needing to buy a completely new bike bag or box.

In related vein, you can’t drag your bike bag or box everywhere – you’ll inevitably need to lug it up some steps or over some gravel at some stage. That’s when some form of carrying handle or strap comes in useful; more that one option helps. A shoulder strap will save your arms doing all the hard work.

Should I lock my bike bag or box?

Locks might seem useful but, realistically, how often are you going to let a loaded up bike box out of your sight anyway?

Okay, it’ll be separated from you for the flight, but bear in mind that if you check in a locked bike box and the customs officials want to look inside, they’ll bust the locks open. They need to be able to check what’s in there and a simple lock isn’t going to stop them (otherwise drug smuggling would be really, really simple).

All things considered, it's better to leave it unlocked for the plane, but you might want to lock it if you're leaving your bike in the box at a hotel or elsewhere... and even then, a thief would likely recognise what's in the box was valuable, swipe it and worry about the lock later! What could be useful in this scenario is some sort of GPS tracker, but you can get discrete ones that slot into various places on your actual bike nowadays anyway. 

Does my bike box or bag need to be big?

You should make sure the solution you go for is big enough to take your bike easily. If you have a 56cm road bike with a normal seatpost, you’re unlikely to have a problem with any of the options out there; however, if you take a very big frame, have an integrated seat post (an extended seat tube rather than a separate seat post), or if you have a full-suspension mountain bike, things might get more complicated.

Check the minimum dimensions you need before you part with your cash, and allow a bit of wiggle room. You don’t want to have to remove every component and use masses of force to get your bike into a box; you need something that’ll take your bike easily. International travel is stressful enough without adding to it with bike packing pressures.

You can often fit other stuff inside your bike box or bag, in the spaces between the frame tubes, although this obviously adds to the weight and that might be a consideration when you’re flying. Some airlines, such as Easyjet and British Airways explicitly forbid putting anything in a bike bag other than your bike.

If you intend to drive to the airport rather than take public transport, remember to make sure your bike bag or box will fit in your car. As long as you can fold the rear seats down, that’s not usually a problem. Oh, and remember that you’ll have to store your bike bag or box somewhere at home. One of the drawbacks of a hard-shelled bike box as opposed to a soft bag is the extra storage space you’ll need for it.

Another thing you might want to think about here, when you've made sure your bike box or bag can be stored, will fit in a vehicle and complies with most airline weight limits, is the not-so-careful baggage handler on a long shift scenario. Something that is super light and easy to lob around is perhaps more likely to be treated badly than an object that is a bit trickier to lift and manoeuvre; so even if it's a bit more of a chore for you to move around, a bike storage solution with plenty of protection (and therefore more weight) and larger dimensions could actually keep your bike safer, and that's surely worth the slightly achy arm. 

How easy are bike boxes and bags to pack?

Getting a bike bag or box that’s large enough (see above) is the essential first step, but beyond that some options are much easier to pack than others.

You’ll have to take the wheels off your bike, either spin the handlebar or remove it from the stem, and remove a pedal (or both of them). You’ll likely have to remove the seatpost or push it down too (depending on the size of your bike). You’ll have to deflate the tyres for flying too. (Yes, we know tyre pressure is far too low to be hazardous, but as our commenters have pointed out, life's too short to teach airline check-in staff the laws of physics.)

If you have to remove the rear mech and/or the chainset, things can start to get boring. You obviously have to rebuild the bike at your destination, then take it apart for the return journey and rebuild it again when you get home. As long as you have half-decent spannering skills, that’s unlikely to be a problem. It only takes minutes on each occasion, but it just adds to the faff and might shorten valuable riding time.

Do I need extra padding in my bike box or bike bag?

You need some means of stopping the various bits of the bike from damaging one another. Some wheels attach to the walls of a bike box with their quick-release skewers (we've had a skewer take a knock and get ruined in this way, so you might want to consider using old skewers for the job) and have some form of cover to avoid harm, others have their own separate wheel bags, as do many bike bags.

Look for other means of storage for removed pedals, the tools you need for rebuilding your bike, and so on.

If you’re ever in doubt, you can always fall back on the cyclists’ favourite, simple pipe insulation from your local DIY store, to protect the various parts of your bike.

What do bike bags and boxes weigh?

There are a couple of things to consider when it comes to weight. First, you have to move your loaded up bike bag or box around so lightness makes life easier.

Second, you have to stick within airline weight limits. Currently, EasyJet allows you 32kg for a boxed up bike and the Ryanair limit is 30kg. Sticking within those boundaries shouldn't be a problem.

British Airways, though, say that items over 23kg may incur a heavy bag charge. Larger items (in dimensions rather than weight) like bike boxes can be carried for an oversized bag charge, although they waive this at the time of writing.

The point is, you need to check your allowances with your airline before you travel (and preferably before you book) in order to avoid expensive surprises.

I've found my ideal bike case and it's super secure. Do I still need travel insurance?

Yes! Even the best bike boxes don’t guarantee you against damage to your bike, so get yourself some insurance that covers the value of your bike.

Safe (and secure) cycling travels folks!

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Arriving at road.cc in 2017 via 220 Triathlon Magazine, Jack dipped his toe in most jobs on the site and over at eBikeTips before being named the new editor of road.cc in 2020, much to his surprise. His cycling life began during his students days, when he cobbled together a few hundred quid off the back of a hard winter selling hats (long story) and bought his first road bike - a Trek 1.1 that was quickly relegated to winter steed, before it was sadly pinched a few years later. Creatively replacing it with a Trek 1.2, Jack mostly rides this bike around local cycle paths nowadays, but when he wants to get the racer out and be competitive his preferred events are time trials, sportives, triathlons and pogo sticking - the latter being another long story.  

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12 comments.

For those who only bike-fly once or twice a year, rental is a great option. There's a guy in Marlow on Thames (for example) that I've used. He's got a garage full of boxes in good nick, and was very customer-friendly.

Saves you having to store one of these beasts, and all your club mates borrowing it foc.

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The original bikebox alan is still the best imo: had mine since 2015 and used it on six foreign trips to likes of channel Islands and USA without incident.

agreed - it's been faultless. Only concern i have is that I'm not sure how it will work with my new thru-axle bike?

It's increasingly difficult to continue using the original BBA with modern bikes. They just don't like the high degree of stem/bar disassembly now required. I also found that 30mm tyres didn't fit, and the 26mm were a pain. I run tubeless so drop the psi down to about 30 for flying.

On the other hand, their Aero EasyFit box at the top of the article is fabulous for modern bikes! A dream to drop an integrated cable, aero-ish modern bike into. Thruaxles etc well catered for, loads of tyre clearance. You'll still be jealous of the Thule guys integrated bike stand though when you're unpacking balancing in the corner of a hotel reception;)

Took my thru axle bike abroad in one.  It was a couple of years ago and I can't remember how I did it but you can attach the wheels with skewers still.  A bigger problem is removing then bars / stem with integrated cables.

Buxumbox owner here. It is great.

I had previously rented a B&W Bike Box II, very similar to the B&W curve above. It was good, but.... 1. There was enough flex to leave me just a little anxious about the bike getting through the journey unscathed. 2. The interlocking clamshell design can be fiddly sometimes. I got it together just fine on the way out, but on the way home, under time pressure to get out of the door and to the airport I struggled. I would get the interlock on one side to work, for it to pop out on the other, and so on.

The buxumbox is very sturdy. I've flown a few times with it, and I just have 0 worries about risk of damage to the bike. The downside is that it is heavy - 13+ kg odd. It is also large. You may need a larger rental car, or you may need to get a larger taxi. Other cases will have this problem too, but the Buxumbox is definitely just a little larger. On the plus side, there is 0 problem storing a track pump and other stuff in the bottom of the buxumbox - there are bungee cords there precisely for this.

I would just go buxumbox for piece of mind, every day.

very happy with my Velovault 2. Easy to pack, with plenty of space for a larger frame. The customer service was excellent too

The other thing you need to know about is inflatable roof racks.  They fit on most cars, excluding softtops and those with roof rails without a gap underneath them.  

It takes about 20 minutes to fit a rack and a bike box to a small hired hatchback at an airport.

HandiRack | Inflatable Roof Rack | Universal Roof Bars (handiworld.com)

The Scicon aerocomfort is terrific. My brother and I share one which has now been humped and bumped all over the place without incident.

Giro d'Italia stage 8 Live - A summit battle for the maglia rosa

Best bike bags 2024: Bags, boxes and cases that will protect your bike when you fly

The best bike bags to protect your pride and joy from heavy-handed baggage handlers

Best for roadies

Best for minimal disassembly, best for integrated handlebars.

• Best for MTB and road bike users

Integrated repair stand

Best budget bike box.

• Best for airbag protection

Best for low weight

• Best simple hardcase

Easy to manouvre

• How to choose

How we test

Quick list 1. Best for roadies 2. Best for minimal disassembly 3. Best for integrated handlebars 4. Best for MTB/road bike users 5. Best for an integrated repair stand 6. Best budget box 7. Best for airbag protection 8. Best for low weight 9. Best simple hardcase 10. Best for the nervous traveller How to choose How we test

The best bike bags, bike boxes, and travel cases for bikes are incredibly well-designed these days. 

Many cyclists travel abroad with their bikes for holidays or to compete. This means flying with your bike which can be a daunting proposition. Most of us have heard horror stories of riders opening their bike bag to find a damaged bike inside after a flight. Choosing the right bike bag or rigid travel case or box will ensure your bike is protected and will make your journey easier , meaning you can relax and just enjoy riding. 

Another thing you might want to consider while travelling with your bike is an insurance option. Even with one of the best bike bags things do occasionally happen. We have a list of the best bike insurance options, some of which cover your bike even when travelling, so if the unthinkable happens and your bike doesn't arrive in one piece, you'll want to have insurance in place to help ease the blow. 

You might also want to check out our list of the best bike torque wrenches . Modern bike components have specific torque specs and some of the options on our list will require some disassembly of your bike before use. Don't get caught at your destination without the tools you need to ensure your bike goes back together exactly how it's meant to. 

With those considerations in mind, please keep reading to see our list of the best bike travel cases and the best bike travel bags available today. We have flown with many of the bike bags in this guide, so that we can properly review packing procedures and durability on a flight. 

Best bike bags, travel cases and boxes: quick list

The Evoc Pro holds a road bike with pedals and wheels removed. A hard upper section adds protection.

Read more below

Popular with the pros, the Scicon AeroComfort just needs you to remove your wheels to be ready to go.

Bike Box Alan's largest box, the Tri Aero Easyfit will accept bars up to 50cm wide without disassembly.

Very large capacity means that this PRO bike bag can fit any type of bike with room to spare.

Bikes need disassembly to pack, but this Thule bag has an integrated workstand to make reassembly easier.

This B&W box makes packing easy, it closes with velcro and there are no latches or hinges to break.

Best bike bags, travel cases and boxes

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

1. Evoc Road Bike Bag Pro

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Road Bike Bag Pro pairs a soft lower and hardcase upper to offer protection without being too heavy. It includes an aluminium tray inside that attaches to the axles of the bike inside the bag, holding it secure and out of harm's way when in transit. This can double up as a workstand too, if you remove the pedals. 

To pack, only the pedals and wheels need to come off, and the saddle may need lowering. Then the frame is secured with a range of Velcro straps and purpose-built padding, the wheels go into individual wheel bags, and there's plenty of space to fill with kit, which doubles up as extra protection. 

There are internal pockets for tools and pedals, as well as an external pocket for the roller-skate-style wheel, which can be removed to prevent damage. 

The internal braces that add structure to the soft lower half are necessary, but they are stiff, so can hurt your hands when trying to get them in and out. The stitching between the upper and lower might also need care, as ours has started to show signs of wear. 

Despite that though, this is still the best bike travel case if you want to avoid any wasted time on your trip. Just check out our Instagram reel for how quickly Josh can unpack his bike for proof. 

Read more details in our full Evoc Road Bike Bag Pro review.

2. Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 Road Bike Travel Bag

The beauty of the Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 TSA is you can pack your bike without turning a single bolt (unless you have thru-axles); all you have to do is remove the wheels. 

With a rigid Frame Defender metal base, the bike slots in using your quick-release or thru-axles, and comes with plenty of additional padding and a gear bag that's secured to the base under the downtube. 

At 9kg empty, the bike straps into the bag securely, and the 360-degree wheels allow for easy one-handed dragging. With all of that said, we’ve seen baggage handlers stack Scicon bags upside down on baggage carts on multiple occasions so they won’t roll away, so consider some additional padding for your handlebars and shifters.

Read more details in our full Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 TSA review.

3. Bike Box Alan Triathlon Aero Easyfit

Bike Box Alan makes a number of hard case bike boxes in Yorkshire, UK. The Triathlon Aero easy fit is the largest bike box the company produces and with a max width of 50cm means there is no need to disassemble the front end of your bike to pack it into the box. 

All that is required is to remove your wheels and pedals and you're good to go, making this box a great option for time trial or triathlon bikes, road bikes with more complex integrated handlebars or cable routing or for people who just don't want the extra hassle. 

The boxes are available in six different colours, we tested the red version. You can also choose customisable stickers and the box carries a 7-year manufacturing warranty as well as a range of spare parts. 

You can read more details in our full Triathlon Aero Easyfit review.

Best for MTB and Road

4. PRO Mega Bike Travel Case

With room to easily swallow road, TT and mountain bikes , the Pro Bike Mega Case is huge and features an aluminium base frame which connects to your bike at the axles. With so much room inside the case, the seatpost doesn't need to be removed, just lowered, and in most cases, you can get away with simply spinning your bars.

The inside of the bag has plenty of well-padded provisions to hold your frame securely, and even with the four 360-degree wheels at the bottom, the bag tracks easily in a straight line but it can be cumbersome in crowded baggage claim areas or train stations. 

The outer fabric seems to mark a bit in transit, however, it's robust and weighing a hair over 8kg you should be able to get your bike and a bit of extra gear inside before you tip into overweight baggage territory.

5. Thule Roundtrip bike travel hard case

There are some bike travel cases that require a lot of disassembly and others that don't. The Thule Roundtrip Bike Travel Case falls into the category that requires taking things apart but they've been smart to embrace the concept. Parts of the bag that add support and protection come out and assemble into a work stand. There's even a clever triangle that you rotate to match your desired front axle standard. 

You can use the work stand to keep the bike supported and at a comfortable working height while you either get it ready to travel or get it ready to ride. It's a good enough work stand that although we have a list of the best bike repair stands you might be able to get away with a two for one purchase if you aren't much of a home mechanic. 

6. B&W International Bike Box II

Sometimes simple is best, and that's precisely what the B&W International Bike Box II has to offer. There are no complicated packing procedures - instead, you get a few layers of foam to protect the frame from the wheels and box, and it all fits inside two interlocking plastic sides.

The clamshell design utilises six self-tightening Velcro buckles to prevent the case from slipping open, and it features a surprising number of handles given the design. B&W International has updated the case with a new plastic designed to flex and not crack, and there are no latches or hinges to break.

With room for up to a 62cm frame, the case rolls on four wheels, two fixed and two free rotating and weighs 11kg with the included padding.

Integrated airbags

7. Biknd Helium V4

Using unique inflatable partitions and strategically placed rigid reinforcements, the Biknd Helium V4 is one of the most well-padded cases of the bunch. With the ability to carry two wheelsets, the Helium bag puts two airbags on either side to absorb impacts while the rigid base and front cover protect fragile handlebar components.

The bag opens flat to simplify packing, and the bike connects to the frame at the axles. There are special compartments for your pump, helmet and shoes and sturdy end caps to prevent hubs from poking through the bag.

Even with the airbags, the Helium is not all that light tipping the scales a 9kg, but it does offer considerably more padding than any other soft case.

8. OruCase B2

While many airlines are abandoning the extra fees for checking bikes, some still haven't taken note, and that's where the OruCase B2 comes in handy. Travelling with the OruCase B2, when asked by desk agents what's in the bag we've told them everything from massage tables and trade show gear, to 'it's just a really weird duffel bag’ — just make sure you’re not wearing a bike t-shirt, trust us.  

The OruCase sneaks in under most airlines’ maximum external dimensions limits for baggage and features plastic armour panels that are backed by foam to keep your ride safe. You'll need to remove your pedals, handlebars, front brake, fork and seatpost, and the bag is still a tight fit, but it comes in two sizes to fit a range of frames.  

Weighing in at under 7kg empty, there is plenty of free weight for you to fill the bag with riding clothes (which also work great as extra padding), and there are plush backpack straps to help you get around with minimal fuss.

Best for simplicity

9. Bike Box Alan Original Premium

The Bike Box Alan Premium is a hard case box that claims to fit road bikes up to 65cm in size. Our 58cm test bike had plenty of room to spare, so we're confident the claim is true. It is a super sturdy, hard-wearing box that comes with a seven-year warranty. 

The solid plastic case takes the brunt of all heavy-handed impacts while your bike is in transit, and the inclusion of an anti-crush pole prevents lateral pressure on your chainstays and forks, should your chosen airline decide to stack your bike at the bottom of the pile. There is a weight penalty, however - an empty box weighs in at 11.2kg. 

Two layers of foam padding prevent damage from within, and the myriad Velcro straps and internal instructions make packaging a straightforward process. 

Removal of your handlebars, seatpost, wheels, pedals, and rear derailleur is required, which does take up some of your precious ride time but for the protection on offer, it's a sacrifice worth making. 

10. Topeak PakGo X

The Topeak PakGo X is a bit like the kind of carry-on luggage you'd recognize on every flight except it's super-sized. Once packed the bike sits with the fork facing the ground and the tail of the bike up in the air. This means a more upright outer silhouette that's easier to manoeuvre.

More important than the orientation of the bike though is the well-thought-out protection. There are a number of protective elements and each one has a label on it. As you are packing it's easy to find which piece goes where and every part of the bike is both protected and securely held to avoid movement in transit. You will need to remove the bar and stem, saddle and seatpost, rear derailleur, and wheels but there's a place for everything. 

The one thing to be aware of is the weight of the case. Topeak lists the weight as 10 Kg for the case only but that's not how you'll use it. Instead, you'll want to look at the 12.8 Kg weight that includes all the protective pieces. Unless you have a lightweight road bike it's unlikely you will avoid overweight fees. 

Read more details in our full Topeak Pakgo X Bike Carrier review.

What to look for in bike bags, travel cases and boxes

There are quite a few considerations when choosing the best bike bag or case for your bike. We'll break these down below, to help you to make an informed choice of the best bike bag for your needs.

Hard or soft shell?

Hardshell bike travel cases were the best way to travel with a bike for quite some time; however, engineers at bike brands are pretty clever and softshell bags are nearly on par for protection, weigh less, and often have removable ribbing so they can be neatly rolled up for storage. 

How much does empty weight matter?

With a plastic base, wheels, internal skeleton, and robust materials, bike travel cases are heavy before you put anything inside, and some are pudgier than others. 

Most airlines will give you 23kg / 50lbs before they hit you with an exorbitant overweight baggage fee, some budget airlines even less. If your bag weighs 12kg empty, when you pack a 6.8kg lightweight road bike, shoes and a track pump you'll be nudging up against that limit. 

What size do I need?

Are you just looking to travel with just your road bikes, or will you be taking trips with your mountain bike too? Are you riding an aero road bike with integrated handlebars or TT bars? Are you riding an XL frame? 

These are all things to take into account when shopping for a bike bag because some of the more compact options are simply too small for certain bikes and frame sizes.

Do I need to disassemble my bike?

No bike bag will take your bike fully assembled, but some require considerably more disassembly and mechanical acumen than others. At the very least you’ll have to pop your wheels off, but some bags also require you to remove your seat post, handlebars, and even the fork. 

That's going to cut into riding or relaxing time once you get to your destination and require you to carry more tools to rebuild your bike. As mentioned above, a torque wrench is essential if you're going to have to reassemble delicate components.

Do I need to worry about wheels and handles?

For something designed to help you move around with a bike in tow, bike travel cases and bike bags can be, unsurprisingly, awkward and cumbersome to move around with. 

If you want to avoid a back injury, a set of wheels should be a minimum requirement, especially if you're walking much after you land - some bike bags even use easily replaceable roller blade wheels, as they're prone to damage when being loaded and unloaded. 

In addition, you'll want plenty of handles to help you hoist your bag onto a conveyor belt or into the back of a car.

Do I need to remove my derailleurs and rotors?

Take them off. Just about every bike bag out there comes with some sort of protection for your rear derailleur and brake rotors, but airlines have a knack for rendering them ineffective. 

Learn from our mistakes and just take them off. The last thing you want is to start your holiday with a bent rotor or a broken derailleur hanger. If you are removing disc-brake rotors, don't forget to put a brake block in the caliper to prevent the pads sticking together or the pistons getting stuck - in a pinch, a folded over business card works, too.

What's the fastest way to get my bike back together?

Saddle height and bar roll aren’t something you often think about until either one is a little bit off, and the last thing you want to do on your riding vacation is to pull over constantly and faff with minor adjustments. A couple of dots and lines with a paint pen will allow you to replicate your preferred position on the bike first try, every time.

Should I add extra padding?

Yes, we have just spent the last few hundred words saying how great the best bike travel cases, bags and boxes are, but there's nothing wrong with a bit of added peace of mind. 

Some bags come with foam tubing, however pipe insulation is perfect for an extra layer of protection. You can also pop into your local bike shop, and if you ask nicely, they're likely to have plenty of spare packaging from a newly unboxed bike.

If you have a few spare kilos in your bike bag once it's packed, throw your shoes, riding clothes, bars and gels and whatever else will fit without tipping your bag over the limit. If you've paid for 23kg / 50lbs, you may as well use it, although be aware that some airlines stipulate that a bike bag should contain nothing but your bike.

Do I need to deflate my tyres?

When you’re packing your bike, take a second to let the air out of your tyres. Airlines don’t allow anything pressurised into the cargo hold because it violates civil aviation safety regulations.

Before the engineering types slide into the comments, yes we know that the cargo hold is pressurised to ~10,000ft which will only add ~3-4psi to your tyres, and it’s extremely unlikely a tyre will burst in transit.

The reason you need to take this step, is because if you do send your bike through with the tyres inflated, there is the distinct possibility that an airline employee will pull your bag aside and attempt to deflate them. At the very least, it'll mean someone heavy-handedly rummaging through your neatly packed case, but we’ve heard horror stories of bags and tyres cut.

Avoid the drama and just let the air out. If you're running tubeless, drop them to a reasonable PSI that won't result in a sealant shower. 

Is there anything else I should consider?

If you need to remove your handlebars , put the faceplate back on your stem so you don't lose the four bolts. 

If you need to remove your stem, refit the top cap, then a zip tie around the steerer will keep your fork, headset and spacers from rattling loose. Be careful not to damage the steerer when cutting the zip tie off. 

If you have Di2, unplug the battery. At the very least, it'll save some battery life, but it may also prevent your tightly packed derailleurs from shifting in transit and overworking the motor. 

If you have an internal seatpost wedge clamp, remove and pack it safely. You don't want to spend the first hour of your trip fishing it out of your frame.

Take a spare derailleur hanger with you. For the price, it's worth having a spare anyway, not least when thousands of miles from home. 

Some airlines will let CO2 cartridges through, but others will stop the bike and remove them. If you're going to risk it, make them easy to find so the baggage handler doesn't have to empty your entire bag. 

If you're using zip ties to hold things in place, you'll need cable cutters or scissors in your case for unpackaging at the other end. You'll also need more ties for the return journey. Maybe pack a screwdriver that'll allow you to undo the zip ties without cutting them. Not only does it save you zip ties, it saves the planet from a little bit of single-use plastic. 

Take your tools. If you're having to disassemble your bike to fit it in the box, you'll need to reassemble it at the other end - make a note of the tools used and don't forget to pack them. Especially your torque wrench. You don't want a 90km/h descent of Alpe d'Huez with badly torqued carbon handlebars. 

Bottles are a great hardshell for storing potentially damaging things - e.g. allen keys, or items that will pop if crushed - gels, suncream, toothpaste. Wrap them in a carrier bag, though, or you might have oddly flavoured water on your first ride. Shoes are equally useful for this. 

If you've got space in the bike bag, wrap your cycling kit in plastic bags and fill the gaps. Not only does this leave room in your other bag, it will act as padding. 

Don't forget food. Your riding holiday is likely going to involve increased mileage, and speaking from experience, you can't always trust the local tuna sandwich. 

The crew at Cyclingnews is a dedicated group of cyclists who, just like you, care deeply about their bikes. When we travel, we have to trust baggage handlers just like you. 

We're lucky to be able to travel a lot in the course of sharing all kinds of relevant cycling technology with you, so we take the opportunity to try out different cases and hope we get a working bike back at the other end. 

Every experience informs the next and we are sharing a collection of options we think are the best available for a whole range of different needs. 

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Based on the Gold Coast of Australia, Colin has written tech content for cycling publication for a decade. With hundreds of buyer's guides, reviews and how-tos published in Bike Radar, Cyclingnews, Bike Perfect and Cycling Weekly, as well as in numerous publications dedicated to his other passion, skiing. 

Colin was a key contributor to Cyclingnews between 2019 and 2021, during which time he helped build the site's tech coverage from the ground up. Nowadays he works full-time as the news and content editor of Flow MTB magazine. 

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Mountain Bike Travel Bags: 5 of the best ones you can buy

Taking your pide and joy away on a plane can be quite stressful. When travelling with your bike, you put a lot of trust in the baggage handlers and the bag you put it in. I have heard many horror stories from people arriving to the French alps , finding cracked frames, bend derailleurs and other unspeakable damage, because they didn’t use proper mountain bike travel bags. Here are my picks of the best ones to have peace of mind when travelling with your bike.

Why use Mountain Bike Travel Bags?

Some people manage with an old cardboard box that their bike came in. In many cases this method works, as long as your travelling goes smoothly. I once saw a guy arrive in Morzine and his cardboard box had been left out in the rain while his flight was delayed. Luckily he was able to buy the missing parts from a bike shop. If you are travelling abroad or to another part of the country, a decent bike bag or case is well worth using. Your bike will be well protected and give you peace of mind.

Decent mountain bike travel bags should be easy to pack, provide protection and be easy to travel with.

Hard Cases vs Soft Bags

When it comes to choosing your bike travel bag, you have a choice between hard and soft. Hard cases give the most protection against impacts, but they also weigh more. This means that you may need to pay more for carriage when taking your bike on a plane. Hard cases also don’t fold up, so they are more difficult to store when you are not using them.

However, soft bike travel bags have improved a lot in recent years. Some nearly have the same level of protection as their hard shell counterparts. They are usually lighter too, and fold for easier storage.

Hard bike cases are rigid and made of a tough plastic. This is why they are great at protecting bikes. Most soft bike travel bags are made from a durable nylon and protect your bike with a lot of padding. Some soft bike travel bags have a rigid internal frame that helps to protect your bike from crushing forces. You can get hybrid bike cases with a fabric exterior lined with foam and plastic sheets.

Size and Weight

You really need to take note of the size and weight of a bike travel case. This is because it relates to the weight of your bike. Also, if you are planning on using it to fly your bike, the weight could affect how much airlines will charge you to carry it.

Click here to see tips for flying with your bike

You need to factor in the weight of the case, the bike, and other items you’re considering throwing in there before selecting a case. As hard bike cases are heavier, you will not be able to pack it with loads of other items, such as body armour or clothing . Soft bike bags are lighter, which means you can pack a heavier bike. This is why it is probably the best choice for. mountain bikes, especially downhill bikes. However, it won’t be protected quite as much.

Tips for Packing Your Bike Bag

Before you choose your mountain bike travel bag or case, you need a good idea of how much you are willing to disassemble and reassemble your bike. This is because it may determine the type of bike bag or case you go for. You may opt for a large bag, which would mean less dismantling and not much in the way of “forcing” your bike in to it. However, you run the risk of being charged for an oversized bag. Smaller bike travel bags and cases will require a bit more work with the Allen key, as you may have to remove both wheels, bar and stem, rear derailleur, pedals, seat post and possibly the fork.

If you have a light bike and bag, you should be able to stuff some clothing in with your bike. This will give your bike a bit more protection. Some riders, buy foam pipe insulation and fit it around their frames etc for extra padding. This is really cheap stuff that you can get from builder’s merchants and DIY shops.

You also need to make sure that you can fit all the necessary tools you will need to rebuild your bike when you get to your destination.

My choice of Soft Mountain Bike Travel Bags

From my experience and speaking to lots of riders that turn up to Morzine with their bikes, you can’t go wrong with EVOC .

The soft mountain bike travel bags from EVOC bike bags are extremely popular. Actually, they have options for road bikes, mountain bikes, fat bikes and BMX.

These offer loads of protection and are really easy to store, as they collapse down and can fit under a bed.

Evoc Bike Travel Bag Range

The Evoc Bike Travel Bag range is the best selling soft travel bag, and there is good reason for it.

Evoc have designed these mountain bike travel bags to make it especially easy to pack your bike, thanks to the removable plastic inserts. These are a great idea, and make the bag stand up, so loading and packing is really quick. Once you remove the inserts, the bag easily collapses, allowing easy storage.

Inside, there are a number of straps to keep your bike in place during transit. The standard size bag is big enough to fit everything from a road bike to a downhill bike inside. However, there is a large version for your Fat Bike too.

The Evoc Bike Travel bag’s large wheels and great centre of gravity at the heavy end, make it really easy to pull around. Have a look at the video below, for a close look at the bag’s features.

Which one to Choose

There are a few different Evoc bike travel bags to choose from:

Evoc Bike Travel Bag

The standard version in the range is excellent. With 285 litres of space inside, it has enough room for you to transport most bikes and some gear. All you need to do is remove the handle bars, pedals and wheels. As mentioned above, the bag has space for the wheels. These are on either side of the bag and have stabilisers, holding the wheels in place, protecting your spokes and rotors. The bag also has plastic discs to prevent your axels poking through the side of it.

To make sure your bike doesn’t move around, Evoc have created a mount that securely attaches your forks to a stiff block made of foam. This block goes through two buckles, fastening it in place, and is helped by the multiple straps that go round your bike frame.

Evoc Bike Travel Bag Pro

The Pro version of this mountain bike travel bag has all the features of the standard one, but with some improvements. Notably, Evoc have made  the bottom of the bag from hard plastic, rather than soft material. This makes it more sturdy and secure. Evoc have fitted this version of the bag with a tough metal handle, which is obviously stronger, and give it a more quality feel. Roadies would probably prefer the Pro, as it has an adapter included to make their road bikes fit inside it better. You can move the Pro around easier, because of its detachable front castor wheel. This is very useful, even on rough ground. However, it doesn’t seem that strong compared to the rest of the bag.

EVOC added extra length to the bag to keep pace with the longer, lower, slacker trend in mountain biking. Another nod to modern mountain bikes are wheel pockets that can swallow 29-inch wheels wrapped in 2.6-inch tires. It is also 310 Litres, so significantly larger than the standard version.

Evoc Bike Travel Bag XL

As the name suggests the XL is the big version, designed around Fat bikes and bikes with plus sized wheels. It has all the features you would find on the standard version of this bag, but everything is bigger. Its dimensions are 143 x 42 x 84cm (inside 134 x 39 x 79cm), 320L. This means you should have enough room for some clothing and your helmet too.

These Evoc mountain bike travel bags are very well made and will last a long time. Some bike bags don’t have room for the wheels, meaning you need an extra wheel bag. But these have a compartment for the wheels in the rear section, suitable for wheels up to 29″.

My Choices For Hardshell Mountain Bike Travel Cases

B & w bike box.

If a hard case would fill you with more confidence during your travels, have a look at the B & W Bike Box. The B & W Bike box is a tough wheeled hard case, designed to give your bike maximum protection. Its toughness comes from its ABS shell and aluminium frame. The inside is padded with foam and four straps to hold you bike in place. This box also has enough room for you to carry your wheels.

The B & W Bike Box is really easy to pull around the airport too, due to the handle on the top and a spring loaded one on the side. The very free spinning wheels at all four corners have reinforced axels to make them more durable. However, if you manage to break wheels, you can easily screw on some new ones.

This tough and secure box will protect your bike from careless baggage handlers. It may take you a couple of tries to pack the box properly, but once you get the knack, it is easy. The B & W Bike Box is also very good value for money.

Thule RoundTrip Transition Hard Bike Case

As good as the B&W Bike Box is, the Thule Roundtrip Transition Hard Bike Case is definitely a cut above. It offers the most protection and is a very comprehensive bike travel case, this is reflected in the price.

This bike box has a very strong casing, made from a tough ABS material. This will give your bike loads of protection from the most clumsy of baggage handlers. The bike is securely strapped down to the base of the box, ensuring that it won’t move around. There isn’t much in the way of storing handlebars and pedals, so you just have to squeeze them in where you can.

This case comes with thru axle adapters for 15mm and 20mm axles, as well as for a quick-release skewer. This locks your bike to the base, along with an adjustable strap to wrap around the base of the down tube near the bottom bracket.

This system makes the case suitable for road, mountain and cyclocross bikes, up to a 46″ (116.8 cm) wheelbase. What I really like about this bike travel case is, that it has an integrated bike work stand. The stand is made from light weight aluminium tubing, allowing you to assemble and disassemble your bike outside of the box with ease.

All in all, the Thule RoundTrip Transition Hard Bike Case is the most rugged bike box I’ve ever seen. The bike is firmly fastened in to the box meaning it isn’ t going to rattle around and get damaged. The work stand is a really nice touch. It allows you build, take apart and carry out maintenance while away really easy.

It is a heavy bike travel box though. It may be a bit too much for riders with heavy bikes. Unfortunately, if you are thinking about using this for a downhill bike, you don’t stand a chance of getting it on the plane.

It is more expensive than the B&W, but the level of protection will impress you. However, most mountain bikers may want to go for a lighter box that can be padded up with your clothes and kit. This would make it cheaper in baggage fees. However, If you only want to pack your bike in to it and protection is your main concern, it is certainly worth checking out otherwise, you may want to look at the Thule Roundtrip Pro Semi Rigid bike case . This is collapsable and and only weighs 8.6kg.

Which of these Mountain Bike Travel Bags Would you Buy?

Let me know what you think in the comments section below. Also, if you have any experiences with any of these mountain bike travel bags, please let me know. It is always good to get other people’s opinions too.

• ← How to Choose a Mountain Bike: What you need to know
• Best Mountain Biking Backpacks: Guide →

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5 thoughts on “ mountain bike travel bags: 5 of the best ones you can buy ”.

This Evoc Bike Travel Bag has exceeded all expectations, its solid and has great customizing to fit any bike. ​ It rolls well on its wheels and is easy to deal with. It also has the added benefit of not being quite so enormous as a hard case when you’re trying to store it. Overall, I am very happy with the purchase.

Excellent, It’s great to hear when people get what they need.

If you need to travel with a long-distance 29′ bike, this EVOC luggage is ideal. I have a BC edition of Rocky Mountain Instinct that fits perfectly. It also works well on a road bike.

Thanks for your comment, its good to get other people’s experiences of these products.

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Best Bike Travel Cases of 2024: Boxes, Bags, and Cases for Bike Travel

When you need to haul your bike hundreds or thousands of miles, there is no better option than a sturdy bike travel case.

More than just boxes, these high-tech bike travel cases are specifically designed for all different types of bikes, big or small.

I’m not sure what they did in the old days, but it was probably something along the line of ‘tape up the cardboard box and cross your fingers.’

Nowadays, bike travel is easier than ever with tens of different bike travel cases uniquely designed for bike travel.

A bike travel bag can come in all different shapes and sizes, hard shell or soft shell, and include wheels or shoulder straps. Whatever your goal, there is a bike travel bag designed just for you.

In this guide, we’re going to dive into the details of eight different bike travel bags. In the end, we’re going to help you decide which bike travel case is best for you.

Bike Travel Cases

Best bike travel cases, scion road aerocomfort 3.0 tsa, evoc travel bag, orucase travel bag airport ninja, dakine bike roller bag, b&w international bike box ii, thule roundtrip, freedom speed hound bike travel bag, how do bike travel cases work, how to choose.

Bike travel cases are used for transporting bicycles from one place to another and are usually used for long-haul travel. This includes being packed into cars, box trucks, and airplanes, places where the bike is likely to get moved around or pressed up against other cargo.

Consider also: Best Bike Racks For Cars

These travel bags are specifically designed for bicycles, including unique shapes and features that fit the curves of a bicycle frame, wheelset, handlebars, and more.

Bicycle travel cases are quite large, though they are much more compact than a put-together bicycle. All bicycle travel cases require some disassembly, with some requiring more than others.

Ranging from hard shell to soft shell casing, bike travel cases offer many forms of protection for the bike inside. In most cases, you won’t have to worry about your bike being thrown around or dropped down a luggage chute when it’s packed in a bike travel bag.

Most commonly used for flying, bicycle travel cases are also used for long-haul travel in cars and trucks. Especially when packed into tight spaces, a bicycle travel bag can protect against bumpy car rides, other luggage, and the slipping and sliding of long-haul travel.

Here is our list of the top 8 best bicycle travel bags.

MSRP: See on Amazon

• Minimal disassembly required
• MTB and triathlon-specific bags are available

Traveling is stressful enough, let alone doing it with a hefty bike bag. So it’s time to remove the stress, minimize disassembly, and make traveling with a bike as easy as possible. The Scion Road AeroComfort 3.0 TSA is designed to do exactly that – all you need to do is remove the wheels.

Scion’s specialty case comes at a cost, but we argue that it’s one of the best bike travel bags available. The Road AeroComfort 3.0 is light, sturdy, and well-padded to provide the best protection for your bike. Even so, it uses a soft shell case which can be packed down when the bike is no longer inside.

The standout feature of the Scion Road AeroComfort 3.0 TSA is the minimal disassembly. Unlike other bicycle travel bags, you won’t need to remove the pedals, handlebars, or rear derailleur from your bike.

Instead, it’s only the wheels that need to come off. There is even a special design around the rear derailleur to completely protect it from travel.

Its base is made of a metal frame defender that is strong and rigid, yet the entire bag weighs just 9kg without the bike. The 360-degree wheels are both good and bad – they give you the most flexibility around tight corners, but they can also take you on a bit of a rollercoaster ride.

Check Current Price on Amazon

• Includes internal bike stand
• Removable wheels

EVOC bike travel cases are known for being some of the very best, and it’s easy to see why. Not only does this soft-shell bike travel bag have everything you’ll need, but it comes with a number of handy features that you’ll struggle to find elsewhere.

For one, the EVOC Travel Bag Pro comes with an internal bike stand and removable wheels. This makes the (dis)assembly process easier than ever.

At 47 x 36 x 85 cm, the EVOC Travel Bag Pro is large enough to accommodate anything from a large road bike to an enduro MTB.

There is a tray inside the soft shell case which attaches to the bike’s axles. This feature helps secure the frame for all travel scenarios.

There are also velcro straps and plenty of padding inside the case, plus pockets for tools and more.

Overall, the EVOC Travel Bag Pro is arguably the best all-around soft-shell bike travel case. It folds up into a fraction of its original size. And on the plus side, there’s plenty of padding to protect your bike from all sorts of travel.

• Best for avoiding bike travel fees
• Super lightweight
• Includes shoulder straps

The Airport Ninja caught the cycling industry’s eye a few years ago when it claimed to be the first bike travel case that would avoid bike travel fees.

Indeed, the case is incredibly small and stealthy at 69cm x 82cm x 30cm and weighs just 11lbs without the bike. It looks like a large backpack or carrying case.

As small as it is, the Airport Ninja still has plenty of padding including plastic panels and reinforced foam. However, the biggest downside of the Airport Ninja is the amount of disassembly required.

In order to fit your bike into such a small case, you’ll need to pull off the wheels, pedals, and handlebars at least. For most bikes, you’ll also need to remove the front brake, fork, and seat post.

Once your Airport Ninja is packed and ready to go, you can carry it around on your back. Surprisingly, it’s not as painful as it sounds.

You’ll need to be relatively fit to carry 20+lbs on your back, but it is logistically easier than wheeling a large bike travel case through an airport.

You’ll be surprised at how much room is inside the Airport Ninja, and the case costs significantly less than most others on our list of the best bike travel bags.

MSRP: $535.00

• Lockable main zipper
• 360° bike protection with five internal padded sleeves

Dakine Bike Roller Bag has one of the best user-friendly designs for any bike travel case.

To keep your bike safe during transit, the case features 360-degree coverage with tons of padding and five internal sleeves to help keep your bike safe.

Dakine Bike Roller Bag is specifically designed for mountain bikes and it can fit downhill, trail, fat bikes, or a 29’er.

Of course, with all that space, you can easily fit a large road bike into the case, too.

Inside the case is a robust anchoring system and structure that is interconnected to maintain the most structural integrity and bike protection. The bike-specific EVA padding covers disc brakes, dropouts, and the entire drivetrain. There is even specific protection for the wheels and fork.

In addition to the padding and protection, the Dakine Bike Roller Bag comes with a roll-up tool bag that fits right into the case.

The entire case rolls on replaceable urethane wheels and includes multiple grab handles which is a feature that we surprisingly don’t see on most bike travel cases.

Related: Best Bike Storage Solutions

Finally, the entire bag is collapsible (without the bike inside, of course) so that you can easily move and store it.

Get From REI

MSRP:   See on Amazon

• Very affordable
• Protective hard shell case

For those looking for a bike travel case on a budget, the B&W International Bike Box II is one of the very best. Costing a third of many of the other bike travel bags on this list, the Bike Box II isn’t as failable as you might think.

Built with a hard shell casing that offers tons of protection against outside forces, the Bike Box II has room for up to a 62cm frame and weighs 24lbs without the bike.

However, your bike won’t be as secure inside the box as in other bike travel bags. Inside the Bike Box II are layers of foam that you can use to pack your bike and all its parts. In order for it to fit, you’ll have to disassemble your bike quite a bit.

Outside the Bike Box II, there are six Velcro buckles that help hold the box together. There are lots of handles to use, plus four wheels for easy transport.

The biggest takeaway here is that you need to pack your bike carefully inside the Bike Box II since it doesn’t include many of the easy-use features of other (and much more expensive) bike travel cases.

MSRP: $999.95

• Great use of hybrid shells
• Includes repair stand
• MTB version available

The Thule RoundTrip is one of the best bike travel cases with a repair stand . That is the standout feature of this bike bag and one that is rare to find.

Even with the stand included, the entire case weighs 27 lbs. 9.6 oz. and packs down tightly without the bike. There is even protection for disc brake rotors.

However, 28lbs. is heavy in the airline world and it’s going to be difficult to back the Thule RoundTrip with a bike without incurring an overweight fee. The case does have a large volume at 48.8 x 33.5 x 13 inches including the work stand.

Thule RoundTrip requires a healthy amount of bike disassembly, but you could argue that this offers better protection for each part of the bike.

And of course, there is the work stand to help you put your bike back together. In addition to the original RoundTrip, there is an MTB-specific bike travel case as well.

• Fits most road, time trial/triathlon, or MTB
• Lightweight soft shell padding

FREEDOM Bike Travel Bag from Speed Hound is the classic bike travel case. It is a softshell case that is significantly lighter than hardshell travel cases. There is a separate compartment for the drivetrain to increase protection and prevent grease from smearing on the rest of the bag’s contents.

Bike-specific straps help anchor the bike securely inside the sea, including points on the frame, chainstay, bottom bracket, fork, and seat tube.

There are multiple internal compartments in the FREEDOM Speed Hound Bike Travel bag. The main compartment holds the bike frame, while there are separate compartments for the handlebars, seat, shoes, helmet, and clothing.

An added bonus is a separate compartment and protection for each wheel individually. There are even compartments to store your pedals, skewers, and tools.

The outside of the travel case has seven different handlers and large wheels which makes it easy to maneuver the case through the airport, along the sidewalk, or towards the taxi.

At 53″ x 31″ x 15″ (with the bike inside), this case fits most mountain, road, and triathlon bikes. The softshell case is made with ripstop nylon and uses a smooth and durable zipper closure.

When collapsed, the entire case measures just 53″ x 13″ x 15″ which makes it easy to store and travel with when you don’t have a bike.

• Super affordable
• Rated for ground transportation such as cars, buses, or trains

The Buds MTbag is the most affordable bike travel case on our list, costing just a fraction of many of the other cases.

Surprisingly, the MTbag still offers great protection and padding for almost any mountain bike. Specifically, the Buds MTbag fits any MTB up to 29″. The entire softshell case is flexible, easy to carry, and user-friendly.

All you need to do is remove your rear wheel and you will be able to fit your MTB into the Buds MTbag. There is even a dedicated pocket inside the MTbag to store the front wheel with extra protection.

With its relatively tight dimensions, the MTbag is perfect for quick ground transportation such as cars, buses, trains, or metros.

Larger bikes have minimal disassembly required. You can keep the rear wheel in the frame, though you may have to adjust the seat height or rotate the handlebars. All in all, it’s a simple process that should take just a minute or two.

The reason that this case is so affordable is that it is not rated for air travel . With its softshell casing, the MTbag does not offer as much protection as other bike travel cases, specifically those rated for flying.

However, the MTbag comes with its own shoulder straps so you can carry your bike in more ways than one.

Finally, the MTbag is made with high-quality and eco-friendly materials. The case uses PE600D with 0% PVC, a stronger material that is rip- and abrasion-resistant, making it ideal for protected bike transport.

With each bike travel case, there is more or less disassembly required. You will always have to remove the wheels, though you won’t always have to remove the handlebars or pedals. These parts stick out quite far from the frame, but some bike travel bags have plenty of extra room.

Many bicycle travel cases come with a rigid frame inside the case. Regardless of whether the case is a hard shell or a soft shell.

Here, you will attach your bike’s frame to the case via the front and rear axles. The wheels are typically packed around the frame. Some cases include extra sleeves or padding between the frame and wheels.

Some bike travel cases come with extra pockets or partitions that help add layers between the bike, wheels, components, and equipment. Every bike travel case works differently.

Make sure to check with the manufacturer before packing your bike for the first time.

Most travel cases are built for road bikes up to 60cm or 62cm in size. A few of the bike travel cases on our list have MTB versions available which are typically larger, wider, and better equipped to handle flat handlebars, wide tires, suspension, and large disc brakes.

Bike travel cases are always designed to be packed tightly. So don’t try to fit more than what is recommended into a bike travel case. If the manufacturer limits the case to 58cm bikes, don’t try shoving a 60cm frame inside.

Hard Shell vs Soft Shell Travel Cases

Between hard shell and soft shell bike travel cases, there is no “best fit” for any style of bike.

Each case has its own unique dimensions and features, and some are made specifically for one type of bike. Larger and more rigid cases, for example, may be better for mountain bikes which are larger and could be more fragile in regards to their suspension and brakes.

A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself how much you value your bike. If you are traveling with a $5,000 race-ready carbon fiber frame, it is probably worth upgrading to a more expensive bike travel bag with tons of specific padding and features to ensure maximum protection.

On the other hand, if you’re traveling with a more casual $1,000 aluminum frame, you could opt for one of the best value bike travel cases.

You may also ask: should I get a hard shell or soft shell bike travel case?

Hard shell bike cases are made of a stiff material that cannot be bent or folded. These cases offer the best protection for your bike, but they are also large and can be difficult to transport.

Soft shell cases are made of foldable padded materials which can be compacted for easier storage. Without a bike inside, many of these soft-shell travel cases fold up to a fraction of their original size.

Don’t be fooled by the flexibility of a soft-shell travel bag. They offer nearly the same level of protection as a hard shell bicycle travel case, despite being significantly lighter. You can also get around more expensive fees when it comes to flying with a soft-shell bike travel bag.

When it comes to road travel – cars and trucks – the weight of your bike bag doesn’t really matter. A lightweight bike case is easier to lift into the back of a car.

However, weight does matter when it comes to flying with a bike travel case. Many airlines have a 50 lb weight limit before they start charging an overweight baggage fee. These fees can range from $20 to over $200. All of a sudden you’re paying for half a plane ticket.

When you’re packing your bike travel case, you need to factor in the weight of the case, the weight of your bike, and any extra gear that you are going to throw into the case.

Some airlines have rules and limits regarding bike box dimensions . So make sure to check before committing to a certain case.

Smaller soft shell cases may sacrifice size and protection, but they will often avoid the oversize and overweight bag fees incurred by hard shell bike travel cases.

Protection Levels

Both hard-shell and soft-shell bicycle travel cases offer different levels of protection.

Hard shell cases are typically made from plastic and will not fold under any moderate load. Soft shell cases are usually made of nylon and include lots of padding to keep your bike protected.

Without a hard shell casing, there is a higher chance of a soft shell travel case being compressed in storage – but that’s the padding’s job.

The vast majority of travel situations won’t crush your travel case among other luggage, so a soft shell case will be more than sufficient.

Additionally, most soft-shell bike travel bags have a rigid frame that helps protect against these crushing forces.

The best bike travel cases have additional padding and structure to hold the frame, fork, wheels, and components in place. Especially that pesky rear derailleur hanger.

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Best Bike Travel Bag Comparison – Three Bags Field Tested

We field-tested three bags for traveling by your bike: Evoc Bike Bag, Scicon AeroComfort MTB, and the Shimano Pro Bike Mega. If you’re ready to ditch the cardboard box, considering putting one of these products on your Christmas/Hanukkah list this year.

Best Bike Travel Bags For Safe & Easy Air Travel

Evoc bike bag.

Evoc is commonly known as the brand that redefined how a bike travel case should be made: softshell to keep it very lightweight, collapsible for easy storage, and quick and easy to pack. Its Bike Travel Bag, shown here, is the one that sets the standard.

The bottom of the case has external hard-plastic skid beams that support and protect the case. Two removable glass-fiber rods at the front and back, along with two plastic rods inside each side wheel pocket, give the case support and shape. For portage, there are two inline skate wheels with sealed bearings at the back.

Evoc’s roomy wheel compartments are unique in that they zip open from the side as opposed to from the top, flapping open almost like little doors to make it incredibly easy to drop in your 27.5, 29, or 27plus wheel—and both pockets have hard-plastic reinforcement at the axle/rotor location. Inside, there’s a larger pocket on the side for pedals, tools, and the like, as well as a smaller pocket at the back.

The bag clamshells open for easy bike installation. Remove both wheels and pedals, then lower the saddle to make it fit in the bag. Next, remove the bars and stem, then use the included frame pad to wrap around the top tube and down tube. Evoc’s bag doesn’t have dedicated axle mounts; instead, the bottom bracket rests on a large reinforced pad. You then slide the fork into its padded area, with the dropouts resting on the bottom of the bag.

Because of the frame angle, this creates, rear derailleur removal isn’t necessary. Also, with this construction, there’s no need to worry about various axle sizes and designs, and it’s one of the quickest and easiest to pack, taking just minutes once you have the process down. With plenty of Velcro and buckle straps, everything snugs tightly into place, and there’s lots of room for extras like a helmet, shoes, a water pack, and some clothes.

With a whopping seven handholds and large, wide-stance wheels, maneuvering the bag around is easy. Weighing in at 19.6 pounds, depending on the style of bike you ride there might or might not be much leeway to pack extras before hitting that magic travel weight of 50 pounds. Nonetheless, Evoc’s reputation as one of the best bag makers in the world is well earned and the Bike Travel Bag proves that.

• evocusa.com

Scicon AeroComfort MTB case

Scicon Bags specializes in bicycle transportation cases and is used by several top pro road teams and triathletes, but it also offers a mountain bike case, pictured here.

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The case starts with a metal chassis to which the frame and fork are mounted. With both of the bike’s axles (QR or thru axle) mounted into place, it keeps the bike stable and off the ground. Beneath the chassis is a set of four casters that rotate 360 degrees, making it a breeze to roll through the airport.

The bag unzips entirely, with each side folding away to give you total access to the bike, which is useful for you and for the security folks who can open it and see your bike without having to unpack and repack anything.

Each side of the clamshell opening contains a special zippered pocket for your wheels, and I was pleased to see that they fit both 29-inch wheels and a 26×3.8-inch wheel and tire. They will likely fit even 29-plus wheels and tires if you deflate them. There’s also a stash pocket on the inside of the bag for things like tools, pedals, and other small items.

The handlebars are removed from the bike and slide into a padded sleeve to keep them protected. The sleeve then Velcros into place so it’s not flopping around. Included is a small metal guard that bolts on to protect your rear derailleur, but I felt safer not taking any chances; I unbolted the derailleur entirely and fastened it to the frame with a toe strap. Pro tip: Toe straps are super handy for all sorts of things—except securing your feet to your pedals.

The last piece is the saddle . You can either remove it altogether and stuff it in somewhere, or slam it down and slip the saddle cover over it. I found that even with it all the way down, the strap wasn’t long enough to reach up and around to secure it in place, but it doesn’t seem like a very vital step in securing the bike. When I traveled with a dropper post, I removed it from the frame and secured it in place with another toe strap because I didn’t want it popping up unexpectedly en route.

Some nice touches on the outside of the bag include plastic bumpers in high-wear areas on the sides, an integrated name tag, and pull handles to roll it along. I would like the bag to have more handles, though, especially down lower, as it is quite tall and can be difficult to lift up over a curb or into a vehicle with only the top handles.

With modern axle “standards” all over the map, you’re going to be able to use the Scicon only with traditional QR axles or 100×15 and 142×12 thru axles. One hang-up is that the rear thru-axle adapter is a small spacer that requires three hands: one to hold the bike, one to hold the adapter piece and one to slide the axle through the bracket. Plus, if you lose it on your trip, you are SOL.

Finally, you need to watch your weight when traveling, and this is likely the case with each of these bags. With just my bike and some small items, my case was right at the 50-pound mark, and some airlines may charge extra if you go over it. If weight isn’t a problem, there is plenty of room to stuff in some clothes, a helmet and other accessories.

• sciconbags.com/en

Shimano Pro Bike Travel Case Mega

Shimano’s component arm, Pro, makes not only quality handlebars, stems, posts, and saddles, but also this impressive soft-shell bike bag designed to carry road and mountain bikes .

Holding its upper shape via four removable rigid rods, the aluminum frame is also removable for easy access; it’s suspended above the bottom of the bag and has sliding resin brackets to compensate for various wheelbases that attach to the fork and rear dropouts. The dropout mounts are designed to easily accept quick releases or thru-axles, and the rear mount also has a built-in chain guide to keep the rear derailleur from hitting the bottom of the bag. The bag rolls on four small casters that rotate 360 degrees for easy rolling on smooth surfaces. It has a protective inner liner and plenty of additional foam blocks and specialty pads designed to protect the frame from the handlebars.

Each side of the bag has large external wheel pockets that easily fit 29er wheels and tires and some 27-plus (though some tires may need to be partially or completely deflated). Internally, there is a handy stash pocket for smaller items like tools, pedals, and extra-small parts, along with a large pocket on the side. It also includes a large mesh bag for clothing. The wheel pockets have hard plastic panels at the hub to protect rotors, and thick padding helps prevents damage.

What makes the Pro bag so amazing is how easy it is to pack. Remove the bag’s frame, take off your wheels and pedals, secure the bike with your wheel axles to the frame, drop the seat just enough to fit in the bag, then remove the handlebars and secure them to the frame with the large pad specifically designed for this, which Velcros into place. Now, simply slide the frame into place—the bag completely unzips on one side, so there is ample room—secure it with the bottom straps, tighten the seat post strap and you’re ready to travel.

At a light 17.2 pounds, there is some leeway (and plenty of space) to stash shoes, a helmet, a water pack, and some clothing while staying under 50 pounds, which is the benchmark for airlines and shipping companies. In use, I’ve never had any damage to my bike or wheels, and all zippers and straps are as durable as you’d expect.

The Pro Mega is one of the best travel bags you’ll find, and it sells for a comparably decent price. It rolls nicely, has five handholds for dragging or picking it up and packing it is incredibly simple and fast. If you travel by bike a fair amount, this is the bag for you.

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The Best Bikepacking Bags for Every Adventure

If you’re heading out for the day or overnight, having the right bag makes everything better.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

The good news is more brands are getting on board to fuel this trend. Manufacturers are delivering options that make using your bicycle as a means to get away more accessible. Whether it's credit-card touring (eating in restaurants, staying in motels), overnight camping, or even just heading out for a day trip, you’ll need the right bag or bags to carry your gear.

With so many types of bikepacking bags available, it can be challenging to figure out which bag best suits your needs. My recommendations cover every possible scenario. So go ahead and get out there, and best of all, enjoy the journey by bringing everything you’ll need no matter the adventure.

The Best Bikepacking Bags

Best Overall

Ortlieb back roller classic panniers.

Evoc Boa Seat Pack

Most Durable

Topeak mtx trunkbag dx.

Best for Spaciousness

Ortlieb seat-pack saddle bag.

Best for Long Trips

Ortlieb fork pack.

Best for Easy Access

Blackburn grid handlebar bag.

Best for Mountain Bikes

Topeak backloader seat bag.

Best for Essentials

Restrap top tube bag.

Best for Organization

Revelate designs ripio bike frame bag.

Most Versatile

Evoc multi-frame pack.

The Expert: As a professional gear tester for more than 20 years, I’ve had the opportunity to see some amazing places. I’ve written for and contributed to various publications including Backpacker, Men’s Health, Gear Junkie, 5280, and Elevation Outdoors. I’ve been bikepacking for more than a decade and still aspire to traverse some of the country’s signature treks. My specialty is one-night missions from my home base in the National Forests surrounding my home in Colorado and other multi-day bikepacking trips around the West. I delight in providing the context and experience that will help you make great gear choices—and have more fun outdoors. Find me on Instagram @definitelywild .

What to Look for in a Bikepacking Bag

Types of bags.

The idea of a bikepacking bag is that it attaches to your bike—whether by fixed attachment points or straps with buckles or Velcro—thus eliminating the need to wear a heavy backpack, which can weigh on your back and shoulders and cause discomfort and fatigue over time.

Pack Up and Go With These: Best Bike Helmets • Best Bike Tool Kits • Best Saddle Bags

Bikepacking bags are designed to attach to just about every part of your bicycle—from your handlebar to frame to seat post—and each serves a unique purpose, whether it’s to keep small necessities within reach or larger gear out of your way.

Handlebar packs sit front and center for easy access and security so you’re able to keep an eye on your valuables. Top tube packs fit the same bill but are generally smaller and more accessible mid-ride. Fork packs mount onto either side of your bike’s fork legs within your line of sight but far enough out of the way to clear your pedals.

Frame packs offer the sleekest option, tucked into the space between your top and down tubes. In this category, you’ll find a couple types—half-frame bags leave room for water bottle cages and work with just about any frame. The other option is full-frame bags, which can be challenging to use on some bikes, as their triangular shape can be limiting in some frame configurations.

Seat packs hold the workhorse title since they’re able to carry the biggest loads without interrupting your range of motion, but these demand some extra attention to minimize tail waggle.

Short and sweet trips may come down to only one or two storage bags, maybe a hydration pack or fanny pack for good measure, in which case you’re free to pick preferred placements from the lineup of options. But extended backpacking adventures call for a solid packing strategy, combining multiple bags in a variety of placements to make room for it all and spread out the load.

Gone are the days of canvas panniers and unsightly plastic buckets that were common back in the day (yes, people literally bolted empty kitty litter buckets to their bike rack and forks!). Sturdy, weather- and waterproof fabrics are key for protecting your goods, especially items in close proximity to gears, pedals, and the rear wheel—which can kick up water, mud and grit from the road—while still remaining lightweight. Nylon and polyester are common materials, with polyurethane coatings for increased water resistance and ripstop weaves for added durability.

Once you’ve determined which type of trips, and therefore which bag or bags will best suit your needs, you often (depending on the brand) can then choose the size of the bag. Some, like the Topeak Backloader Seat Bag and Revelate Designs Ripio Bike Frame Bag, are available in a range of sizes, from small to extra large (indicated by capacity in liters). Other bag sizes are determined by their placement on the bicycle. Typically, you won’t upsize a bag so much as just add bags in other places.

How We Selected These Bikepacking Bags

Based on my experience as a cyclist who has done a lot of single- and multi-day bike trips, I chose the best bikepacking bags for every type of cycling adventure, from fast-and-light day trips to overnight treks. When evaluating, I considered the value of each bag on its own, as well as when paired with other bags to create a larger storage and travel system. My recommendations prioritize organization, accessibility, durability, sleek design, and ease of use.

To make your shopping experience even more fulfilling, I chose bags from reputable brands in the bikepacking space and ones that are readily available through online retailers.

The Ortlieb Back Roller Classic Panniers are a staple for any bikepacking setup. Compatible with 8 to 16mm racks, these panniers are easy to mount and remove with a pull of a handle using Ortilieb’s QL2.1 system. A hook at the bottom of these panniers also keeps them from bouncing around like other models.

The heavy-duty, rugged fabrics keep spray and dust away from your gear during long trips or bad weather. When day is done or you’ve picked up your necessaries, remove the bag and use the adjustable shoulder strap to carry your panniers inside or to your campsite.

This waterproof seat pack is an innovative addition to your gear closet. Complete with a BOA fit system that helps to keep the bag well-adjusted, secure, and snug to your seatpost, it also features a roll-top design. It thrives on long-haul shoulder season trips when you’re not sure what type of conditions to expect. Ready to ride? This bag fits most of your needs.

The Topeak MTX stands out due to a heavy-duty build and ease of use. Once the Topeak rack system installed is on your bike, the bag slides on and off without a fuss.

Its robust build with molded panels and varied pocket system make this suitable for both short and long strips, providing enough carry space for everything you need for a day trip, and for the bulk of an overnighter including water, layers, and extra snacks.

This seat pack is perfect for storing light but bulky items like clothes and sleeping bags. The Saddle Bag extends far enough beyond your seat to double as a fender in dirty trail or gravel conditions (with reliable waterproof polyurethane coating to keep your gear dry).

Compression straps and roll closures pack down airy gear as tightly as possible to take up just as much space as you need—no more, no less.

The Ortlieb Fork Pack makes good use of otherwise dead space on either side of your wheels, front and back. The Quick-Lock mounting system makes on-and-off transitions effortless while still keeping a reliable grip on the bags during a bumpy ride.

Despite the close proximity to dangerously muddy territory on your wheels near the ground, supreme water resistance and superior fabrics ensure your gear stays safe from the elements. The whole setup, mount included, adds up to only 10.2 ounces, to keep from throwing off your center of gravity too much.

The Fork Packs are best for the bikepacker who has everything, and still needs more capacity, as well as for smaller frames. It’s the only product like it in its segment.

Store quick access items in this pouch. The Blackburn Grid Handlebar Bag is a must-have addition for any bike setup with its low-profile and fuss-free access to your phone, snacks, tools, gloves, and more.

Internal mesh pockets keep the contents organized, and the bag’s padded structure keeps all of your stuff safe. The bag’s multiple attachment points also keep the bag secure on rough terrain, without making it cumbersome. Plus, its full-length zipper means there’s no fumbling with a roll-top or cinch.

Mountain bikes can be finicky for bikepacking since their shocks and frames create less free space for carrying items. This Topeak bag is lined with a waterproof interior barrier, keeping your gear safe from the inevitable mud and dirt that your tires will kick up.

This bag isn’t easy to open on the go, but it keeps your extra layers, sleep kit, and food out of sight and out of mind while you hit the trail for a multi-day adventure.

This top tube bag takes great advantage of otherwise dead space on your frame. The Restrap is small and unobtrusive with durable Cordura fabric and a waterproof zipper. The size is ideal for stashing your phone, keys, multi-tool, and gloves for a day or overnight ride.

The small capacity is to your advantage—it keeps you from stuffing it tight so there’s no need to sift through junk to get a hand on what you really need right in the moment. Put it this way: this bag is your home for all the small essentials that you’d prefer to keep within reach and eyesight the whole way.

This full-size Ripio frame bag for road and gravel bikes features three different zippered pockets, each with multiple dividers and straps to please even the most particular rider when it comes to organizing.

The various compartments will save you precious time and energy by eliminating all the pointless digging around for the one thing you need that always seems to sink to the very bottom of your bag.

There’s a designated place for everything you can think of, from bike pumps and hydration tubes to keys, tech, and layers. The full frame design takes advantage of every inch between top and down tubes to maximize storage space.

Small but mighty, the Evoc Multi-Frame pack lets every rider, no matter what bike they’re on, ditch their backpack for good. Built to sit inside your bike's frame, this pack is great for riders with XS bikes and full-suspension frames who otherwise can’t fit much between their shocks and water bottle.

The easily adjustable (but sturdy) hook and loop straps mean that finding the perfect fit is easy. Opt for the medium size pack for a hardtail setup. Stick to size small for full suspension set-ups.

Ready to Go? Expert Aaron Bible Shares Pointers on How to Pack for Your Next Bike Trek

BI: What’s the best bike for bikepacking?

AHB: Any bike you’re willing to pedal uphill fully laden. People use everything from road bikes to mountain bikes, but the most popular bikepacking bikes fall somewhere in between, such as a gravel bike with endurance geometry and 650B wheels.

BI: When do I need rack mounts?

AHB : Rack mounts are pretty common now on gravel bikes and bikes geared specifically toward bikepacking or adventure cycling. You don’t necessarily “need” them to accomplish any bag fitting goal on a bike, but if you do have them, it can make outfitting easier and allow you to use certain bags that are made to work with rack mounts.

BI: What combination of bags do you prefer and why?

AHB: My preference is a small handlebar bag, a small hydration pack, a larger seat bag, and a low frame bag...this just seems to be a good combination/balance for bike handling and capacity.

BI: Any tips for how to pack a bag?

AHB: Yes! But this could be a whole article. You want your weight down low toward your center of gravity; lighter, quick access items can go on the handlebar. Don’t carry any more food, water, or gear than you need before your next stop, and don’t wear a heavy backpack. Ultralight backpacking gear packed in ultralight stuff sacks is the way to go!

When it comes to gear, few have made a lifelong career of testing and writing about new products in the outdoor world the way Aaron H Bible has. With three decades of experience as a content specialist, creative director, and journalist, Bible is an award-winning writer, photographer, and multimedia producer. In addition to outdoor gear, Bible has written about everything from technology and home electronics to healthcare and home furnishings. He is a contributing writer, editor, and photographer to publications including SKI, Freeskier , Men’s Health , Sunset , Gear Junkie , 5280 , Elevation Outdoors , Vanish , Runner's World , Bicycling , and more. Bible holds an MFA in photography from the Savannah College of Art & Design, and has worked as a photographer, gallery director, and educator. A ski bum at heart, he lives with his family in the high-country of Colorado where he and his wife are raising two girls to love thin air, fresh pow, and the flow state.  

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Six of the best bike boxes and bike bags for travelling

Our pick of the best travel cases

Immediate Media

Mildred Locke

If you take your bike on holiday with you, a good-quality bike box or bag can make the difference between it arriving safely or in several pieces.

In fact, one of our most important tips for planning a cycling holiday is to know how to properly pack your bike for flying .

Whether you're going on a once-in-a-lifetime luxury trip or wondering how to plan a cycling holiday on a budget , a sturdy bike box or bag could pay dividends.

Here are our favourite bike bags and boxes for protecting your pride and joy in transit.

And read right to the end of the reviews for our full buyer's guide and advice on how to choose the best bike box or bag for your needs.

The best bike boxes and bike bags 2023, as reviewed by our expert testers

Evoc bike travel bag pro.

£499.99 / $TBC

• Size: 147x85x36cm
• Weight: 8kg
• Highs : Packs small, light, easy-rolling
• Lows : Premium price

Evoc’s Bike Travel Bag Pro offers a good balance of protection, low weight and portability. This robust bag is given extra in-use support with removable composite canes and PVC tubes.

The frame sits on a plastic block that uses Velcro to attach it to the moulded base, while the fork is housed in a padded sheath. Everything is held securely with Velcro straps.

It’s easy to pack once you’ve done it a couple of times.

• Read our full review of Evoc Bike Travel Bag

BikeBoxAlan GPRS Race

£570 / $TBC

• Size: 105x90x30cm
• Weight: 11.74kg
• Highs : Solid, neat-packing, easy-rolling
• Lows : Fewer grab handles than some

BikeBoxAlan has become the hard-case benchmark, offering excellent protection without excess weight or costing a fortune. But the USP of Alan’s top-end GPRS is its tracking device that can be monitored by SMS or smartphone app.

The wheels use a skewer to attach to one side, with Velcro securing the frame and components to the other. The fixing clamps work well and have provision for a padlock or zip ties.

Buxum Tourmalet

£786 / $TBC

• Size: 113x78x30cm
• Weight: 12.6kg
• Highs : Beautifully finished, easy to pack
• Lows : High price loses it a mark

The Tourmalet is a work of art with its cool-looking 0.5mm-thick 6061 aluminium panels, which are riveted to supporting skeletons.

Wheels fit around the frame in the bags supplied, and QR and thru-axle adaptors are available. There’s lots of space and a crush pole to keep everything solid.

The top is held secure with quality latches, while sealed-bearing wheels and sprung handles make it easy to manoeuvre.

• Read our full review of Buxum Tourmalet bike box

Chain Reaction Pro Bike Bag

£249.99 / $TBC

• Size: 140x79x28cm
• Weight: 8.7kg
• Highs : If you can handle it, it’s good value
• Lows : A little unstable, fixings are crude

This padded soft bag fits a range of bikes and does a good job for the money.

Attaching the bike to the base is crude, with lots of Velcro, blocks and ties, but it works well. It’s quick-release and thru-axle compatible. Zipped wheel compartments keep your hoops safe, plus there's hard plastic hub protection.

Dragging the Pro isn’t easy because the low handle lifts the bag high, making it a little unstable.

Polaris Bike Pod Pro

£549.99 / $TBC

• Size: 116x86x30cm
• Weight: 11.4kg
• Highs : Superior build quality, very secure, compact size
• Lows : Requires significant dismantling of the bike

The Polaris Pod Pro is constructed from polypropylene and it’s not only supremely rigid but also very crack-resistant. All the hardware, handles, wheels and clasps are bolted into place and fully replaceable. Of the four clasps, two are lockable for added security.

Inside, on each side of the box, are fitments for the wheels that allow the hubs to centre. These are locked into place with integrated position guides and reusable zip ties.

The frame is then sandwiched between the included foam and plenty of straps are included to lock it down.

Scicon Aerocomfort TSA 3.0

£565 / $TBC

• Size: 109x103x50cm (top) / 103x93x25cm (bottom)
• Highs: Packs down small, light, smooth-rolling
• Lows: Price is the biggest one

The Aerocomfort 3.0 uses an integrated stand with adjustable wheelbase that’s compatible with quick-release and 12mm thru-axle systems.

The bike’s held securely using straps across the saddle and bar, wheels slot into side pockets and there’s a stash pocket for skewers.

The bag is secured using straps across the top tube. Balanced packing stops it tipping and its 8kg weight allows you to pack additional kit.

Choosing the right bike box or bag

Choosing the right case for bike travel is important if you want it to arrive in one piece. There's always some anguish when you hand over your pride and joy at the airport and see it disappear into the unknown, so having faith in your choice of box or bag can make a difference.

More of us than ever are travelling with bikes, whether it’s for a holiday, training camp or a race, and it shouldn’t be difficult as long as you do your research when choosing which airline to travel with and how to transport your bike.

Just because an airline charges to take a bike, it’s no guarantee your ride will be cared for as you might hope. Some don’t have a separate bike allowance, but will let you take it as part of your luggage allowance, and some charge by the kilo.

A bike box is an invaluable piece of equipment for any travelling cyclist. There’s no perfect answer as to which is the best, because they all have their trade-offs, so it’s important to weigh up your needs before you buy.

Things to consider when choosing a bike box

Handles can make a huge difference to transporting your bike. One handle might work well for pulling it along, while others make lifting easier. It’s a small addition that can make a big difference.

2. Hard cases

These are made from tough plastic or aluminium. They’re the most robust, offering good protection. The trade-off is that they’re usually heavier and more cumbersome than soft cases.

3. Soft bags

These are made from soft, hard-wearing fabric and usually feature added padding and hard bases for extra protection. They’re lighter, which makes it easier to hit airline weight limits.

4. Portability

When you have a week’s worth of luggage, your bike bag or box needs to be as portable as possible. Wheels are a must, and having at least two that steer is helpful. Drag handles make life easier too.

Make sure the box will fit in your car or hire car, and check airline size restrictions. Not all bike boxes are easy to carry, but if yours is, it might mean it’s less likely to be dropped by airport staff.

6. Supports and crush poles

Crush poles, made from aluminium or carbon, are used in the centre of a hard case to avoid crushing your frame and components. Supports in soft bags help to keep their shape.

6 tips and tricks for boxing a bike

1. deflate your tyres.

Most airlines require you to deflate your tyres because of potential changes in pressure that could cause them to go bang. They don’t need to be pancake flat, but it’s worth reducing air just in case. Some airlines check, some don’t.

If you carry CO2 inflator cartridges, check your airline’s policy – some allow them in limited quantities, while others won’t take them at all.

2. Know your setup

The last thing you want to be worrying about is whether your mountain bike or road bike is set up the same as before you left. A piece of electrical tape around the seatpost before you remove it will mean you get the same saddle height .

Use a marker pen or take a photo before removing the bars so you know how many spacers you need above and below the stem.

3. Make the most of your box

Whatever your choice of bike box, it's worth making the most of the space and weight available. Your bike box is the perfect place for packing tools, a track pump , cycling shoes and nutrition products .

Remember, these can get thrown around during transport, so pack smartly for damage limitation, especially if you have a carbon bike. Clothes can also be packed for added protection in soft bags.

4. Protect it

Foam lagging (used by plumbers to insulate pipes) is cheap and ideal for wrapping around your bike's tubes for added protection during transportation. Alternatively, some quality bubble wrap or similar will help keep your bike safe and shiny. Also, both will avoid scuff marks from securing straps or other things floating around in your box. If you're in a rush and don't have either, an old T-shirt should do.

5. What to remove

All the bike boxes here require the removal of wheels, which is easy. Some also require removing pedals, bar and stem, saddle and seatpost, and derailleur.

When packing, it's important to make sure the items you've removed are protected and secure, so as not to do damage to them or other parts. Be considerate when it comes to any cables, (electronic or not), making sure to avoid any kinks or stretching.

6. Use baby wipes

A pack of baby wipes is a useful item to have in your bike box. They're brilliant at removing any dirt and grease from your hands after working on your bike, and equally good for cleaning your bike if the need arises.

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The best bikepacking bags 2024: clever kit-carrying solutions for your pedal-powered adventures

Gearing up for bikepacking? We’ve trail-tested some of the best bikepacking bags and cycle-touring cargo holders available

• Long frame bags
• Frame bag for MTB
• Urban adventures
• Top tube bag
• Top tube pack
• Handlebar bag
• Tough handlebar bag
• Urban handlebar bag
• Pannier-style
• Comparison table
• How to choose
• How we test

1. The list in brief ↴ 2. Best long frame bag 3. Best frame bag for MTBs 4. Best for urban adventures 5. Best top tube pack 6. Best big-volume saddlebag 7. Best handlebar bag 8. Best tough handlebar bag 9. Best urban handlebar bag 10. Best pannier-style bag 11. Best snack pack 12. Best tool bag 13. Comparison table 13. How to choose 14. How we test

Bikepacking is a brilliant way to explore tracks, trails and lost lanes, but how you stash and carry your gear makes all the difference between an incredible outdoor adventure and a calamitous ordeal – here we suss out the best bags for bikepacking, from frame, saddle and bar bags through to packs and panniers.

Keeping your kit tidy and your steed perfectly balanced is crucial to any successful overnight or multi-day cycling escapade, and you need to be careful about how and where you pack heavier essential items such as your sleeping bag , camping mat , lightweight tent or bivy bag , little cooking stove and camping food . To get it right you really need the best bikepacking bags you can get your hands on. Fortunately, the soaring popularity of the pursuit means there is now a much larger choice of bespoke, purpose-built bikepacking bags on the market, and the days of improvising with whatever you can find are long over.

Rationalizing your gear, packing smart and being as minimalist as you can comfortably get away with remains pretty important. And, of course, the kind of bike you are using will often determine the style of pack you can use, especially in regards to frame bags, with full-suspension mountain bikes often proving a lot more problematic to pack than less-cluttered gravel bikes. But whatever you’re riding and wherever you’re planning on pedalling to, using the best bikepacking bags will immeasurably improve the experience. 

Author of  Caving, Canyoning, Coasteering… , a recently released book about all kinds of outdoor adventures around Britain, Pat has spent 20 years pursuing stories involving boots, bikes, boats, beers and bruises. En route he’s canoed Canada’s Yukon River, climbed Mont Blanc and Kilimanjaro, skied and mountain biked through the Norwegian Alps, run an ultra across the roof of Mauritius, and set short-lived records for trail-running Australia’s highest peaks and New Zealand’s Great Walks. Follow Pat’s escapades on Strava  here  and instagram  here .

The quick list

Here's our Quick List, starting with our top performers when it comes to quality bikepacking bags. For a more detailed look at these excellent holdalls, navigate further down this guide.

Available in three sizes this easy-to-clean bag sits rock-solid beneath the top tube. The narrow profile means your legs don’t brush against it while you’re pedalling but there’s still plenty of space to stash essentials (in all sizes).

Read more below

Fitting securely in the triangle of your bike frame, and boasting zips either side, the Bilbie is ideal for carrying smaller items you might want to access mid-ride without stopping. Actually, you’ll be amazed what you can fit in it.

A stylish pack with two separate compartments, but the big gimmick being you can detach it from your bike frame and use it as a crossover bag. Better for urban rides than rough tracks, though.

This robustly-built bag sits on top of your top tube, and is ideal for stashing treats. And it’s fairly waterproof too if you want to keep your smartphone dry. But it is a bit wobbly on rough tracks.

A versatile bag with an aerodynamic design and multiple attachments point options, it’s also fairly waterproof. Ideal for stand-alone day rides or as part of a more comprehensive bikepacking setup.

A capacious 17L saddlebag for cumbersome kit, you can actually buy it and use it as a standalone, roll-top bag. But if you buy the rack as well, the pair combined create a sturdy, reliable setup.

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A retro-looking, 9L rack-mounted bag that’s a collaboration between Specialized and Fjällräven. It’s a faff to set up and the main fastening method is questionable, but it’s robust has lots of room and pockets to hold stuff.

If you have an MTB with wide handlebars, this is a great bag – easy to affix, easy to get into from both ends. It’s a bit bouncy, though, unless you have another Alpkit bag’s frame going spare to use with it.

A stylish 5L holdall that can be detached and used as a crossover bag. It attaches via Velco straps and has an easy-access magnetic buckle, but is better suited to urban adventures rather than rugged trails.

Basically, a big (20L) plastic bucket that clips onto a pannier rack to sit beside your wheel. Great for carrying large items but you need additional kit (rack, lid) to make use of them and we wouldn’t use them on technical singletracks.

A little 0.8L snack pack that attaches to your bike with Velcro straps that fasten around the stem and handlebars. It’s not very waterproof and a little pricey, but you can fill it full of things to munch on.

A neat and compact bag that unfurls to reveal three inner pouches for housing items such as a multitool, pair of tire levers, a spare inner – plus, perhaps, a cheeky energy bar or gel.

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The best bikepacking bags we recommend in 2024

You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. Find out more about how we test and compare products.

Best long frame bag for bikepacking

1. Fjällräven Specialized Frame Bag

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Available in three sizes, so you can select the right option for your bikepacking steed of choice, this excellent bag is mounted beneath the top tube and fastens to the frame very securely in three separate directions, for a rock solid, zero-wobble fit. 

All three sizes have a narrow profile, so your legs don’t brush against the bag while you’re pedalling, but this pack still offers excellent capacity (the large model boasts an impressive 5L volume). Centrally and securely located on the frame, it is the ideal place to stash non-bulky but heavy items ranging from tent pegs and poles to tools, pumps, stoves, fuel and food supplies. 

The material (which includes some recycled fabrics) is tough and weatherproof, and you can wipe it down – useful, since the positioning means it gets oil and filth thrown at it from the drivechain.  Access is easy (even while you’re riding) with a double-action zipper with pull-tabs to help when you have gloves on; although it does favor right-handed people, as the zip is only on the right side.   

Best bikepacking frame bag for mountain bikes

2. Alpkit Bilbie

Designed to fit snugly and securely in the triangle of your bike frame, and boasting an access zip on both sides (with oversize pull loops so you can operate them with gloves on), the Bilbie is ideal for carrying smaller items that you might want to access mid-ride without stopping, such as sunglasses , snacks and your smartphone. A protected front-facing cable port enables you to run wires out from a device that’s being kept safely inside. 

It’s half-sized, so it can be used on most full-suspension mountain bikes, but being extremely secure and centrally positioned, you can also use it to stash heavier items like tools and a pump, or perhaps tent pegs. You can even fit water bottles or other heavy fluids in it (it accommodates at least a couple of beers, according to our tester). 

Made primarily from lightweight but tough and tear-proof VX21 fabric (or wax cotton, for an extra tenner) with YKK Aquaguard zips, this is a reliably weatherproof bag that can take plenty of punishment. There are multiple loops on the front and top of the Bilbie, so you can choose where to employ the three Velcro straps (included), but since these are removable, care needs to be taken not to misplace them.   

Best frame bag for bike-based daypacking and commuting

3. Chrome Industries 4L Doubletrack Frame Bag Medium

A stylish pack with two separate compartments, the Chrome Industries 4L Doubletrack can be fastened to your bike frame during cycling trips and then unattached and used as a crossover bag when you’re booting about town. 

Three straps fix the Doubletrack within the triangle of the frame, two looping over the top tube and one going around the upright, all of which can be tightened and fastened with a buckle. Access to the two compartments is via zips with chord pull-tabs, which can be operated with gloves on. 

Separating the inner into two compartments makes sense from an organization point of view, but it does severely limit the storage capacity of the pack and, despite its name, this bag is far better suited to commuting and day riding than serious bikepacking. 

Best top tube-mounted bikepacking bag

4. Alpkit Fuel Pod

Designed to sit on top of your top tube, with a single full-length zip that’s easy to open with its oversize pull loop, this handy little bag can accommodate all kinds of tempting treats, from bananas and trail mix to energy bars and gels. 

The two Velcro straps are secured to the bag, so they can’t get lost, and the front one fits around your handlebar stem while the rear one hugs the top tube. It’s robustly made, with waterproof material and a YKK AquaGuard zip, so you can keep a phone in the bag pretty safely, but there is a little bit more wobble in the Fuel Pod than in the Bilbie, so we don’t recommend stashing anything too heavy inside (a cradle is available, sold separately). 

This nifty bag – perfect on its own for day trips, or as part of a more extensive setup for multi-day escapades – fits on any kind of bike. 

Best small-volume and versatile top tube pack for bikepacking

5. Fjällräven Specialized Top Tube Bag

A really versatile little top tube bag with an aerodynamic design and multiple attachments points that can be securely positioned at the front of your frame, Velcro hooked around the handlebar stem, or at the back connected to the seat post. 

Waterproof in all but the most torrential rain, with excellent two-way double-zip access, this is the ideal storage place for everything from snacks and tools to smartphones, and a weatherproof portal allows you to run a cable out of the bag from a digital device. 

The zips have cord pull loops that can be operated with gloves on. There are mesh pockets on the inside of the bag, which help with organization if you want to keep certain small items somewhere you can quickly put your hand on them. 

Ideal for stand-alone day rides or as part of a more comprehensive bikepacking setup.

Best big-volume saddlebag for bikepacking

6. alpkit big pappa 17l bag and harness.

This capacious saddlebag from creative British brand Alpkit can hold a huge amount of your most crucial and cumbersome kit (bivy bag, tarp, small sleeping bag, camping mat) without it getting in the way while you’re pedalling. 

Essentially it’s a 17L dry bag with a custom-made cradle to keep it securely in place while you ride over any sort of terrain. Stick your gear in, roll the top over at least three times, clip and secure it into the rack holster and you’re off. 

It’s possible to buy the bag on its own, but you can’t mount it on your bike without the rack, which is nice and easy to affix to your saddle and seat post, and keeps the whole ensemble from wobbling too much even on technical trails. At camp you can leave the cradle on your bike and take the bag off, which makes loading the bike up the next morning very quick and easy. 

The bag material is very robust and weatherproof, which it needs to be as it cops a lot of muck coming off the back wheel (and the fabric finish does get grubby over time, because it’s not overly easy to clean). 

The Big Papa is fiddly to use with some full-suspension mountain bikes because, unless you have a very rigid lock-out system at the back, and you’re happy to dispense with the travel, the bag can rub on the rear wheel.

Best handlebar bikepacking bag for tracks and lanes

7. Fjällräven Specialized Handlebar Bag and Rack

One of the hero products from the recent collaboration between American behemoth bicycle brand Specialized and Swedish outdoor apparel and pack specialists Fjällräven, this rather retro-looking handlebar bag is capable of holding a huge amount of kit. 

Rack mounted, with a very secure fit once everything is assembled correctly (which does require some degree of faff to begin with) you can stash all sorts of stuff inside this 9L space, from cooking stoves to clothing, but we would advise against packing anything particularly heavy in here if you’re riding technical tracks (the rack-supported bag can cope with weight no problem, but being bar-mounted it will affect the way your bike handles on tricky trails). 

Once the rack is installed on your bike, the bag can be removed and reattached easily, which makes packing hassle free. Easily accessible from the saddle while you’re riding, and simple to open with one hand, it’s ideal for holding maps, waterproof layers, cameras and food, and the mesh pockets on the top and side increase the carry capacity even more. 

The semi-rigid construction is protective and will keep all but the worst weather out, but the closure method (a popper) is a weak point (you can buy a fully waterproof cover if you want to spend yet another 25 notes).

Best handlebar bikepacking bag for technical routes

8. Alpkit Kuoka

A large bar bag, the Kuoka can accommodate bulky items that aren’t too heavy, such as puffer jackets and other layers of clothing, and/or a lightweight sleeping bag. A double-ended dry sack, you can close one end and then stuff it full before closing the second end and attaching it to your handlebars. 

One of the main advantages of this system is being able to get access to adjust weight distribution or locate a specific item from either end, without having to remove the bag from the bike or unpacking all the contents. 

The Kuoka straps to your handlebars ridiculously easily, and doesn’t require the use of a mount (which keeps weight and cost down), but although the rear has been reinforced to reduced movement, it can bounce around a little bit on rougher terrain and technical trails. (If you’d prefer rock-solid stability, you can use the frame from Alpkit’s Kanga or Joey bags with the Kuoka.) 

The X-Pac X11 fabric (made with 100% organic cotton and recycled polyester) is tough and hardwearing, and waterproof in all but the must biblical deluges. 

Although capacious in use, the Kuoka packs flat when empty, so it’s easy to transport. Other features include a Hypalon loop for attaching a front light, and webbing ladders to use if you’d like to add more straps, or change where the main straps sit. The Kuoka can be fitted on any bike, but it works best on a mountain bike with wide bars.

Best handlebar bag for bike-based daypacking and commuting

9. Chrome Industries Doubletrack Handlebar Sling

This handsome bag from Chrome Industries might not be especially large or well-suited for long bikepacking escapades on rough, tough trails, but it can be useful for day trips and overnighters. 

It attaches to handlebars with two Velcro straps and a third strap with a buckle, which goes around the bar stem. The lid closes shut with a magnetized buckle, which is easy to open when you’re on the move. Internal mesh storage pockets make organization nice and easy, and you can carry various things in this pack, from snacks to smartphones and sunglasses, or perhaps gloves when the seasons are on the turn, or a lightweight waterproof jacket. There are two mesh pouches on the outside too, for additional carry capacity. 

Despite the three-point attachment system, this bag can wobble around if you overload it, and it’s not designed for anything too wild. When you’re in town, however, it can be removed from the bike and used as a crossover bag.

Best pannier-style bag for bikepacking

10. Fjällräven Specialized Cool Cave

Without wanting to be too reductive, the Cool Cave is basically a big plastic bucket that clips onto a pannier rack to sit beside your wheel. 

Nothing wrong with that; they’re very handy for carrying large and bulky items such as bigger tents, food and cooking equipment when you’re bikepacking with a group of friends or your family. But you need to combine the Cool Cave with additional products – either a general-use dry bag, or the bespoke Cool Cave Lid Pack , which is a truly cool piece of kit that doubles as a cross bag – to get any degree of weather protection for the contents. 

Whatever you carry in the Cave will also move around quite a lot if you’re riding rough trails (it won’t bounce right out, though, so long as you use the included cargo nets to prevent this happening). 

Although quite simplistic, these pannier buckets are great in certain circumstances – such as bikepacking adventures primarily on tracks and lanes – but they wouldn’t be our first choice for long trips on technical singletrack.

Best snack pack for bikepacking

11. Fjällräven Specialized Snack Bag

This little snack pack attaches to your bike’s bars via Velcro straps that fasten around the stem and handlebars. Once positioned it can be very easily accessed with one hand, via a cinch-and-release snowlock closure, which might keep snow out, but isn’t rainproof (it’s fine in drizzle, but water will get in during proper downpours, so although it’s tempting, we wouldn’t put a smartphone in this pack). 

The best thing to do is fill it with treats, gels, energy bars, trail mix and all sorts of other small edible items – which is, of course, exactly what it was designed for. You can also stick sunglasses, cash/credit card, keys and other items you might need to access quickly and easily in there. 

With a semi-rigid construction, it’s a nice looking piece of kit, but does seem a tad pricey for its limited functionality. 

Best tool bag for bikepacking

12. Chrome Industries Doubletrack Saddle Roll

Designed specifically as a tool-holding pack, this little saddlebag does its primary job brilliantly. The neat and compact bag unfurls to reveal three inner pouches for housing items such as a multitool, pair of tire levers, a cartridge of CO2 gas (if that’s how you roll) and a spare inner – plus, perhaps, a cheeky energy bar or gel. 

When it’s loaded, simply roll the bag back up and use the Velcro band to attach it to the saddle. Once it’s in position you can pretty much forget about it until you suffer a puncture or something else goes wrong. 

There’s no room for any extra kit, but it’s so compact that it won’t obscure rear lights and can be used for everyday cycling, commuting and daytrips, or in conjunction with other, larger saddlebags and frame packs during proper bikepacking expeditions. 

The best bikepacking bags comparison table

What to look for when buying the best bikepacking bags.

There’s a bewildering range and choice of brilliant bikepacking bags on the market, and the designs and degree of functionality of these packs varies enormously. Of course, the golden rules when you’re carrying kit while cycling all revolve around packing smartly: taking only what you really need and making sure the weight is evenly distributed on either side of the bike, with the heavier items on the frame, keeping your center of gravity as low as possible (try to avoid using a backpack, other than a hydration pack , at all costs). 

The best bikepacking bags enable you to do all this, while still offering enough carry capacity for a comfortable and enjoyable adventure. When purchasing a bikepacking bag, we recommend considering the following factors:

Pack volume

For most bikepacking expeditions you are going to need at least one big bag that can swallow the sizeable items required for a night spent out in the wilds, such as a sleeping bag , a lightweight tent or bivy bag , a little cooking stove and some camping food . Large saddlebags like Alpkit’s 17L Big Pappa bag (held in place with a harness) provide the perfect place to pack some of this stuff, but the larger Fjällräven Specialized frame bags are also excellent, as is the Fjällräven Specialized Cool Cave (with the caveats noted above). 

If you’re looking at a large-capacity handlebar bag, beware how much weight you load into it ( puffer jackets and lightweight sleeping bags can work, but you don’t want too much hefty heavy stuff on your bars), especially when cycling off-road.

Compatibility and versatility

Some of the best bikepacking bags will work on virtually any steed, but plenty are only useable on specific bikes. Mountain bikes with dual suspension can typically only take a small top tube bag (if it’s designed to sit within the triangle of the frame), and the rear travel mechanism can also create a problem with larger saddlebags rubbing on the back wheel. Almost all bags fit on gravel bikes, but some are designed to work with a certain size frame. Check carefully before making a purchase.

Ease of use

The more time you spend setting your bike up, the less time you have out on the trails, so the best bikepacking bags are those that can be securely attached to your steed quickly, and which can be loaded and unloaded easily. Bags that work with frames, such as Alpkit’s Big Pappa and the Fjällräven Specialized Handlebar Bag, are time-consuming to set up initially, while you fit the rack to your bike, but once that’s done it’s really easy to take the bag off, pack it, and then reattach it ready to go.

Toughness & ease of cleaning

Riding rough tracks and trails can be hard on your gear, and this kit is not cheap to buy or replace, so the best backpacking bags need to be made from really hardwearing materials that can cope with getting knocked around. Bikepacking can also be a filthy, muddy and dusty pursuit, so it’s helpful if the bags can be cleaned relatively easily.

You will see dozens of features included on the best bikepacking bags, but some that we especially recommend you look out for include the following: internal compartments for keeping kit organized, external mesh pockets for extra storage, handily placed weatherproof zips so you can access packs even when riding, pull cords on the zips so you use them easily with gloves on, and hooks or loops for attaching lights to.

How we tested the best bikepacking bags

How we test the best bikepacking bags.

Our reviewers test all packs and bags by filling them up with kit and taking them out on the trails for genuine adventures, and bikepacking bags are no different. We have loaded each of the packs featured here with gear, secured them to the frames and bars of our gravel bikes and mountain bikes, and gone on overnight and multi-day escapades. Specific features (including capacity, build quality, ease of use and the security of the systems used to fasten the packs to the bikes) are tested against claims made by the brand, and we assess factors such as durability, environmental impact and value for money.

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Author of Caving, Canyoning, Coasteering… , a recently released book about all kinds of outdoor adventures around Britain, Pat has spent 20 years pursuing stories involving boots, bikes, boats, beers and bruises. En route he’s canoed Canada’s Yukon River, climbed Mont Blanc and Kilimanjaro, skied and mountain biked through the Norwegian Alps, run an ultra across the roof of Mauritius, and set short-lived records for trail-running Australia’s highest peaks and New Zealand’s Great Walks. He’s authored walking guides to  Devon  and  Dorset , and once wrote a whole book about  Toilets  for Lonely Planet. Follow Pat’s escapades on Strava  here and Instagram here .

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The 9 Best Bike Bags of 2024

We’ve gathered the most convenient bike bags for carrying all of your gear — from panniers to frame bags.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski

Whether you’re interested in commuting with panniers or packing ultralight gear in a frame bag setup, bike bags are a convenient way to avoid cycling with a backpack. There are a lot of different bike bag systems, and the one you choose depends on your comfort and style of riding.

Panniers are larger-capacity bags that sit on a rack above your rear wheel (or occasionally front wheel) and are ideal for commuting and front-country touring. These are easy to pack and access. More streamlined packing systems include frame bags, seat packs, and handlebar packs. These are ideal for weight-conscious bikepackers looking for a more aerodynamic setup. Whether you’re planning a long-distance trip or looking to enhance your daily cycling, we’ve gathered the best bike bags for every adventurer.

Best Overall

Ortlieb back-roller classic pannier.

This set works just as well for running errands and commuting as it does for touring.

We’d love a few more internal pockets for organizing gear. 

Ortlieb’s durable, high-volume, convenient pannier setup has excellent capacity and versatility. These panniers work great for everything from farmer’s market runs to multi-day front-country tours. These bags come in a set of two and are built from a rugged coated polyester that is fully waterproof thanks to the roll-top closure. 

At 20 liters each, these are big enough to fit camping gear, food, clothes, or your local grocery haul. The panniers fit on racks up to 16 millimeters in diameter, and also have adapters for narrower rails. They have an interior pocket for keeping smaller items organized, don’t flap around on the bike rack, and come with shoulder straps for when you may want to wear them around town. 

The Details: 20 liters each | 4.19 pounds | PVC-coated polyester | Waterproof

Best Durability

Thule shield bike pannier bag.

The bag sports a simple design and worry-free waterproofing.

The materials start out fairly stiff and can be tricky to roll at first.

Known for their ultra-durable luggage, gear racks, and storage, Thule also makes a similarly rugged line of waterproof bags with super secure attachments. These panniers come in a range of sizes, including a set of 13-liter bags, and single bags in 17-liter, 22-liter, and 25-liter capacities. They are hassle-free to attach securely to racks, and will fit anything from eight- to 16-millimeter rack bars without the need for adapters. 

This set features a padded laptop sleeve that fits laptops up to 15 inches, as well as a smaller padded sleeve for tablets and file folders. The external zippered pocket holds small items for easy access, and the hardware and straps are all extremely durable and reliable. 

The Details: 13-25 liters | 3.3-4.4 pounds | Welded nylon | Waterproof

Best for Commuting

Ortlieb vario ps pannier.

Backcountry

It’s a two-in-one backpack and bike pannier.

The bag is not entirely waterproof, so be careful with laptops and other tech items.

Combining the convenience, storage, and carrying system for use with both a bike rack and as a backpack, Ortlieb’s Vario PS Pannier is a no-brainer for bike commuters. Hop off your bike, unclip the bag, throw it on your back, and you’re ready for the day. The backpack straps tuck away for safe riding, and we appreciate the reflective details for early morning or evening commutes. This pack has convenient external pockets and a padded internal laptop sleeve making commuting a breeze. It also comes in fun colors with a retro-looking clasp to secure the roll-top closure. 

The Details: 26 liters | 3.44 pounds | PU-coated nylon | Water-resistant

Most Versatile

North street bags pioneer 9 handlebar pack.

North Street Bags

It’s easy to unclip it from handlebars to use as a clutch or crossbody bag.

It may be too small for transporting gear.

With simple attachments that eliminate the need to remove the straps from your handlebars (if you know, you know), this bag is convenient, secure, and versatile. This small bag has just over 2.5 liters of capacity, with a clear internal zippered pocket for cash and cards. The front zippered pocket is perfect for keys, and the pouch itself can hold small necessities and doubles as a purse, waist-pack, cross-body bag, or clutch. It attaches securely to your handlebars with nylon straps, then the pouch attaches to the straps with a simple clasp for added security. You can choose between a few different materials for the body of the bag, and the color range is so wide it feels almost custom. 

The Details: 2.65 liters | 0.36 pounds | EcoPak EPX or Cordura | Water-resistant

Best Handlebar Pack

Revelate designs sweetroll handlebar bag.

The dual-access points are convenient, and we love the extra capacity in the front flap.

If you have narrow drop-bars you may not be able to fill this to capacity. 

This waterproof bag is shaped like a tube and sits close to your handlebars, but doesn’t impede steering. The bag can be accessed from both ends, which means if you pack strategically, you can reach everything you need with a quick unbuckle-and-unroll during breaks. The bag comes with dense foam spacers to customize the fit and clear any brake lines, and it stays tight against the handlebars even after days of bumpy riding. 

This bag is ideal for hauling tent poles or other long, awkwardly shaped bikepacking gear, and the expandable front flap provides even more capacity for snacks or maps. The material is fully waterproof, and as long as you roll the sides as directed, will withstand even torrential downpours. Just be aware of your bike’s drop-bar situation as smaller bikes with narrower drop bars may need a smaller roll. 

The Details: 11 liters | 0.9 pounds | TPU-laminated nylon | Waterproof

Best Frame Bag

Blackburn outpost elite frame bike bag.

It comes in multiple sizes and heights to fit as many bike geometries as possible.

The gear loop and zipper attachment areas can delaminate after significant use.

There are so many bike geometries and measurements that the only way to ensure a perfect frame bag fit is to get a custom bag. However, the next best thing is a frame bag that comes in multiple capacities and sizes. Blackburn’s Outpost Elite Frame Bag doesn’t just have different sizes, it comes in different heights to fill as much space as possible on your frame, keeping packed weight at a lower center of gravity without increasing wind resistance. This bag is made with waterproof materials and sealed zippers, and has multiple pockets for organizing quick-grab items. It even has a hose port for carrying a water reservoir in the bag itself, perfect for those extra-dry stretches. 

The Details: 3.4-6.8 liters | 0.44-0.69 pounds | Nylon | Waterproof

Best Half-frame Bag

Deuter mondego fb 6 pack.

A half-frame bag leaves space in the frame for a water bottle mount,

It only comes in one size, so may feel large on smaller bikes.

A half-frame bag is a versatile option that still allows you to carry an accessible water bottle on your downtube without losing the convenience of gear stashed in the frame. This bag still has six liters of capacity, which is enough for snacks, a tool kit, and a spare layer. It also has a small side pocket and comes with the standard hook-and-loop closures to fit a variety of tube diameters, and is highly water-resistant. 

The Details: 6 liters | 0.38 pounds | Polyester | Water-resistant

Best Seat Pack

Revelate designs spinelock 16l seat bag.

The bag can be removed from the bike with just one pin.

Shorter riders may have trouble with this bag hitting their rear wheel when filled to capacity. 

The seat pack is the workhorse of a touring bike-bag system. With a 16-liter capacity and an easy-to-pack shape, this bag can hold compressible sleeping bags, solo tents, and spare clothes — basically your entire camping setup. The Spinelock system uses a set of clamps that attach under your seat, with a forged aluminum pin that connects through the top of the pack attachment. One hook-and-loop strap secures it to your seat post, and you’re ready to go. If you’re filling this bag to capacity you will need to stuff it on the ground like a compression sack, and then use the convenient air purge valve to reduce the volume for easy transport.

The Details: 16 liters | 1.5 pounds | Ripstop nylon, aluminum | Waterproof

Best Top Tube Bag

Rei co-op junction top tube bag.

It has a surprisingly large capacity and doesn’t move around as you ride.

The bag is not fully waterproof.

The humble top-tube bag is an unsung hero in commuting, bikepacking, and general riding. It’s also kind of hard to get right, but this 1.3-liter model from REI’s bike bag line nails it. Two hook-and-loop closures secure around your top tube, and a bungee can be tightened as much as possible around your stem to keep it stable. It has an internal pocket for small items like lip balm, cash, or cards, and the main pocket is deceptively large, holding important bike tools, snacks, and other essentials.

The Details: 1.3 liters | 0.37 pounds | Nylon | Water-resistant

Tips for Buying Bike Bags

Consider capacity and access.

If you’re running a pannier setup, keep your quick-grab items at the top, and consider supplementing larger bags with a smaller front bag. Commuters and casual cyclists probably don’t need more than 15-20 liters of capacity for in-town riding, but bikepackers can need upward of 30-40 liters, depending on itineraries and destinations. Accessibility is also key, and we love keeping a few small bags attached to the handlebars or top tube for items we may need quickly or frequently. 

Prioritize weight distribution

Biking with bags or panniers will change the dynamics and feel of your bike. Keeping your weight lower keeps your center of gravity in a more natural position, so pack your frame bag with care. If you’re riding with two panniers, weigh them equally as much as possible for easier riding. If you’re riding with just one pannier, be aware of the change in balance during riding, and start with smaller loads to practice staying upright. Biking with a frame bag and a handlebar bag eliminates a lot of the weight distribution issues, and remember that keeping your weight lower keeps your center of gravity in a more natural position, so pack your frame bag first. 

Think about waterproofing

Most bike bags and panniers are durable and water-resistant, and some are entirely waterproof. This distinction comes from material, material treatment, zipper construction, and closure. When used correctly, a roll-top closure on a bag built with waterproof materials is going to keep your gear the driest. 

DWR-treated materials will keep your gear dry for a while, but can eventually saturate, and bags with zippers have a higher rate of moisture seepage, as even a waterproof zipper creates a potential failure point due to delamination after significant use. If you’re transporting a laptop or other items that can’t get wet, buying an IPX-rated waterproof bag is your best bet.

For commuting, running errands, and front-country touring, panniers are convenient, easy to pack, and have a larger capacity. Many also come with carrying straps and can double as backpacks or shoulder bags. For lightweight bikepacking setups or extended gravel racing, bike bags will be more aerodynamic and afford easier riding.  “I look for convenience over weight savings,” Montana-based cyclist and gravel bike racer Hailey Hosken says. “I choose panniers because I can load all of my gear into two backpack-shaped bags and find it all easily.”

A fully weighted set of pannier will slow you down due to added weight as well as wind resistance. Your bike goes from being a narrow, sleek vehicle to having added width to catch the wind. Riding with weighted panniers takes some getting used to, and can make you feel less agile, but theyare still a great way to carry camping gear and town gear. Just be aware that your bike will feel different at first. 

If you’re looking for maximum protection for your gear, choose a hard-sided bike bag, but keep in mind that they are clunkier and can be harder to pack than soft-sided bags. A good option for protecting your items is a soft-sided bag with internal structural reinforcements, so you get the flexibility of a soft bag with extra internal protection. If you’re packing a laptop, look for a pannier with a padded sleeve. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Maggie Slepian is an avid hiker and cyclist with more than a decade of professional gear testing experience. She has cycled thousands of miles on bikepacking trips as well as running errands on her bike in town. She runs both a racing bag setup as well as panniers, depending on the circumstance and packing needs. To curate this list, she spoke with Hailey Hosken , a gravel bike racer and avid bikepacking enthusiast. 

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Best Mountain Bike Backpacks of 2023

From simple designs for lunch laps to high-capacity options for all-day epics, we break down our favorite mountain bike packs of the year.

Switchback Travel ( Jason Hummel )

We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Read more about us . 

Mountain biking can take on many forms, from hot laps on the backyard trail to long, winding singletrack through the alpine. Regardless of the riding style you gravitate toward, nearly every trip out requires you to carry water, snacks, tools, and other gear. The most common carry method is a mountain bike backpack, and below we break down our top picks for 2023. Designs vary pretty widely, and important considerations include carrying comfort, interior volume, water-hauling capacity, and pockets and organization. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks.   

Our Team's Mountain Bike Backpack Picks

• Best Overall Mountain Bike Pack:  Osprey Raptor 10
• Best Budget Mountain Bike Pack:  REI Co-op Link 15 L
• Best High-Capacity Mountain Bike Pack:  Patagonia Dirt Roamer 20L
• Best Bike Pack with Integrated Back Protection:  Evoc Trail Pro 10
• Best Minimalist Mountain Bike Pack:  CamelBak Chase Vest 50 oz.

Best Overall Mountain Bike Pack

1. osprey raptor 10 ($165).

With a versatile, do-everything design and plenty of practical features, Osprey’s Raptor 10 and women’s-specific Raven 10 earn our top spot for 2023. We’ve tested multiple variations of the pack over the years, and its all-rounder nature and premium build continue to impress: The Raptor’s 10-liter capacity is spacious enough to fit extra layers, lunch, pads, and a small bike pump for longer rides, but it’s equally easy to compress it for quick lunch laps. For organizing gear, the pocket layout is extremely well sorted with a grand total of 10 zippered and stretch pockets, including a dedicated space for tools with a built-in roll pouch at the base. Carrying comfort is another highlight, and in the techy stuff and during all-day efforts, the wide shoulder straps—Osprey dubs them their “winged” harness—nicely distribute weight and give it a well-balanced feel. Tack on a quality 2.5-liter Hydraulics LT reservoir, best-in-class helmet carry, and burly 210-denier nylon construction, and the Osprey was our runaway favorite.

No pack is perfect, however, and we did have a few quibbles with the Raptor and Raven during testing. Specifically, we wish the hydration hose had a stronger magnet where it attaches to your sternum. The bite valve pops off fairly easily, and we’ve found it dangling on a couple occasions mid-descent (one tip: feeding the hose through the stretchy fabric on the sternum strap will keep it close to you if it happens to pop off). Additionally, the hipbelt pockets are set back a little far and can be slightly hard to access, although they’re a nice size for storing small items like snacks or lip balm. Finally, the Raven and Raptor are a healthy investment at $165 for the latest versions. You can save a little with an alternative the CamelBak Mule 12 ($130), but no pack puts it all together as well as the Osprey. And if you need a little extra room, both the Raptor and Raven are offered in a 14-liter version for $175. See the Osprey Raptor 10   See the Women's Osprey Raven 10

Best Budget Mountain Bike Pack

2. rei co-op link 15 l ($80) .

You can often rely on REI for quality gear at a good discount, but most of their know-how is in the hike and camp spaces. That said, we were pleasantly surprised with their budget-minded bike pack, the Link 15 L. Organization is often compromised among cheap designs—a complaint we had with the $90 Osprey Katari below—but the Link has a large main compartment, designated pouches for your wallet and bike tools, and an included 2-liter water bladder (there’s also nice routing for the tube to snake up and out of the pack). Plus, there’s no shortage of outside pockets, where it’s easy to stow a muddy layer and kneepads mid-ride. It’s true you can’t snug it down as nicely as premium alternatives, and 15 liters is likely overkill for some, but the Link is pretty well balanced thanks to the moderately wide and cushioned hipbelt (most entry-level packs use more basic and less comfortable webbing designs).

What do you give up for the REI Co-op Link's lower price? Overall refinement is a step down from pricier alternatives, and the water bladder design in particular could use improvement. Specifically, we wish it were easier to re-insert after filling—a quick-disconnect tube would certainly help—and despite being positioned on your lumbar spine to keep the center of gravity low, we occasionally felt unwanted pressure on our lower back. Compounding this, the back padding tends to crease and rub around the lumbar, which isn’t ideal for hours-long rides. For these reasons, the Osprey Raptor/Raven 10 above and other premium alternatives like the CamelBak Mule and Evoc Trail Pro below outshine the Link 15 L when it comes to overall comfort and performance. But for new or occasional riders, there’s a whole lot to like. See the REI Co-op Link 15 L

Best High-Capacity Mountain Bike Pack

3. patagonia dirt roamer 20l ($159).

Patagonia entered the mountain bike gear arena with their flagship Dirt Roamer series (jackets, pants, etc.), but hydration packs are new to the stage. The Dirt Roamer 20L here stands out as a high-volume pack that sticks to Patagonia’s ethos with a sustainable and streamlined design. The pack has a generous main compartment that’s accessed with vertically oriented zippers (we appreciate that it has two zippers for opening small sections at a time) and a separate side-access sleeve for the water reservoir. And although the design is relatively simplistic, it doesn’t skimp on organization with internal elastic loops and small pockets for separating gear. Whether you’re headed out on an all-day ride or shuttling in camera gear for the perfect photo op, the Dirt Roamer is well equipped for the job.

Sweaty backs are part of the mountain bike experience, but we found that the Patagonia fell short of alternatives like the Dakine Drafter and CamelBak Mule Pro below in terms of ventilation. Even though it boasts a mesh backpanel, we were quick to heat up and often found salt deposits from sweat on the rear of the pack. Additionally, we noticed more movement and bounce than expected off jumps and drops despite the four-compression-strap layout. To be fair, some level of movement is to be expected given the capacity, and the wide, oversized waistbelt helped with stabilization. In the end, the Dirt Roamer 20 is too much pack for many riders, but its high-capacity shape and creative zipper design make it a quality option for gear-intensive adventures. See the Patagonia Dirt Roamer 20L

Best Bike Pack with Integrated Back Protection 

4. evoc trail pro 10 ($240).

If you gravitate toward steep and rugged descents or have a propensity for gap jumps, exposed skinnies, and other features that push the risk-reward ratio, a pack with integrated spine protection is worth considering. Within this category, we love the Evoc Trail Pro, which is snug and balanced on the roughest trails and boasts the brand’s Liteshield Plus back protector—a built-in pad engineered to absorb shock and prevent the spine from overextending in the event of a crash. On top of the helpful safety feature, the Trail Pro boasts the best hipbelt of any pack we tried: It’s supremely comfortable even when pulled snug, and stretchy Velcro straps that sit under the buckle reduce pressure and friction around the navel. And unlike many options here, the Trail Pro’s hipbelt pockets are large and easily accessible—great for on-the-go snacking and keeping your phone handy. A final bonus: The Trail Pro is offered in two sizes for dialing in a more precise fit, which is a rarity in the market.

We strongly considered the Evoc Trail Pro 10 as our top all-around pick—it’s that good. However, at $75 more than the next-most-expensive pack here (the top-ranked Osprey Raptor), it’s a hard sell for many riders, especially considering you’ll have to purchase a water bladder separately. In addition, those who aren’t pushing the limits in terms of terrain, air time, and/or speed will likely find the back protection superfluous. Another small complaint we had is that the spine protector negatively impacts breathability, so the Evoc lands on the warmer end of the spectrum (it’s noticeably hotter than standard designs like the Osprey Raptor or CamelBak Mule, although the panel can be removed). For a boost in breathability, Osprey’s Raptor Pro also includes built-in spine protection and features a slightly more ventilated backpanel design. That said, the Osprey is pricier at $280 and only available in an 18-liter capacity, while you can get the Trail Pro in 10, 16, and 26-liter versions. See the Evoc Trail Pro 10

Best Minimalist Mountain Bike Pack

5. camelbak chase vest 50 oz. ($105).

CamelBak is one of the original manufacturers of hydration packs, and their products are tried and true. The Chase Vest is no exception, featuring a thoughtful blend of running vest-like carrying comfort and organization with a cycling-specific feature set. One major draw of the vest style is its stability: The Chase is comfortable and doesn’t bounce or shift around, even on rugged trails or when catching air. The practical pocket layout is also praise-worthy, especially given the pack’s relatively low volume—the shoulder strap pocket even fits an iPhone, which has been particularly handy for checking our location on unfamiliar trails. In fact, we’d go so far as to say that the Chase Vest offers the easiest access of any design here.

One tradeoff to the Chase Vest’s snug, well-balanced fit is breathability. The nature of the vest style is that it covers more of your body—thereby making it feel warmer and more restrictive to airflow on midsummer rides. Another issue we ran into was that the CamelBak reservoir was hard to fill and felt heavy in the vest (there’s less pack to handle the bladder's weight and bulk when it’s full of water). Instead, we think of the Chase Vest as a great alternative to a hip pack: It has a larger capacity than most waist designs, includes a water reservoir and a nice array of pockets, and carries a load better thanks to the snug fit around the back—all at a very reasonable price point to boot. See the CamelBak Chase Vest   See the Women's CamelBak Chase Vest

Best of the Rest

6. camelbak skyline lr 10 ($135).

On the heels of CamelBak’s Chase Vest above is their Skyline LR (short for “low rider”), which is designed to maximize support along the lumbar region. How it works: By positioning the water reservoir and main compartment along the lumbar spine, the pack effectively focuses weight at the lower back and hips to keep your center of gravity low. We wore the Skyline LR on the Whole Enchilada in Moab—a trail with no shortage of drops, technical pedals, and chundery rock fields—and found it offered a supremely comfortable ride with minimal movement or shifting. We were also very pleased with the magnetic drinking hose attachment: It locks into place once attached, which keeps the hose from releasing and flopping around while riding (an issue we experienced with the Osprey Raptor above). And the tube easily disconnects from the bladder, which eliminates the hassle of having to re-route the hose after refills.

With its somewhat goofy shape, the Skyline LR 10 pack won’t be winning any fashion awards. But a positive of the layout is that the pack is a great breather, making it a solid mid-capacity option for riders who prefer the unrestrictive feel of a low-riding hip pack. Pocket access was another nitpick—a common theme with many of the packs here—as the side-wing pockets sit pretty far away from your hips and are tricky to reach without twisting your body. But if you prioritize function over looks (which many mountain bikers do), the Skyline LR 10 excels as a versatile and comfortable pack for when the going get rough. Note: There’s limited stock of both the Skyline and women’s Solstice at the time of publishing, but the packs are available at a hefty discount (around $70 on Amazon currently) while supplies last. See the CamelBak Skyline LR 10   See the Women's Solstice LR 10

7. USWE Airborne 3L ($120)

USWE (pronounced “you-swii”) is a Swedish brand with origins in dirt biking, and they brought that expertise into the MTB space with a unique—and eye-catching—harness design. The trademarked “No Dancing Monkey” system offers a secure, adjustable, non-restrictive fit that attaches to your chest with a single buckle (i.e., no sternum strap). The elastic straps stretch to accommodate heavy breathing but also manage to stay taut and snug enough for when your heart rate lowers. We were admittedly skeptical of the cumbersome-looking setup, but we found the harness effectively prevents major bouncing even with the 2-liter water reservoir filled. Storage is limited at just 3 liters (there are 9 and 15L capacities available), but we appreciate that USWE included a detachable 1-liter pocket, and you can purchase add-ons like a waterproof phone pocket and camera harness to boost organization.

The Airborne 3 is most similar to the CamelBak Chase Vest above, and we found that their fit and overall level of comfort were quite close. What pushes the Airborne down our rankings? For one, it lacks stretchy dump pockets for easily stowing layers, and without shoulder strap pockets, access to snacks and tools is slightly less convenient. It’s also worth noting that the design/location of the harness strap could be uncomfortable for women with larger chests. All that said, this pack has gained a lot of traction in the professional riding and racing community and for good reason—its figure-hugging, no-bounce harness works really well. See the USWE Airborne 3L

8. Thule Vital 8L ($160)

Thule likely isn’t the first brand that comes to mind for backpacks, but we’ve been impressed with the quality of their hiking, travel, and MTB collections. The Vital 8L here stands out in one key way: its secure and extremely practical hose attachment system. Rather than the button-sized magnets or plastic hooks used on other designs, Thule utilizes a strip of magnets (about 5 in. in length) along the right-hand shoulder strap to keep the hose in place while riding. You simply pull the nozzle as usual to drink and then release, and the hose reconnects to the strap automatically. It’s an elegant and very secure solution that we found works flawlessly.

For the rest of the pack, the Vital stacks up pretty well to big hitters from Osprey, CamelBak, and Dakine. Organization is good overall—we especially liked the mesh pockets right at the hips that are well sized for snacks and easy to access without having to remove the pack. And the Vital carries weight relatively low, which keeps it solidly in place even during steep and technical descents. At 8 liters for the biggest size, the Thule likely won’t do the trick for most full-day efforts or times of year when you need extra layers. Additionally, they omitted a helmet carry, which could be a dealbreaker for some. Overall, it’s not a home run and is a little less of an all-rounder than our top picks, but the smart hose solution and excellent all-around build quality make it a good offering nonetheless...  Read in-depth review See the Thule Vital 8L   See the Women's Thule Vital 8L

9. CamelBak Mule Pro 14 ($160)

If it’s not readily apparent, CamelBak leads the charge in mountain bike pack offerings, and their top-end design is the Mule Pro 14—a souped-up version of their bestselling Mule hydration pack. In terms of best uses, the pack’s larger capacity (the standard Mule is 9.5L), 3-liter water bladder, easy-to-use helmet carry, and highly breathable layout make it a great choice for long rides (the extra space also comes in handy if you haul kiddos around on a Mac Ride or Shotgun seat). For staying cool, there’s extensive use of open-weave mesh on the shoulder straps, and the sculpted backpanel has suspended mesh to keep air flowing. And injury-conscious riders will appreciate that CamelBak offers a compatible impact protection panel for an additional $55—at $215 all in, the setup handily undercuts the $240 Evoc Trail Pro above.

Why is the Mule Pro ranked here? While it has a lot of great features, including a second battery sleeve for e-bikes, it lacks the refinement of our top picks. The contoured shape impacts comfort—the base is pretty firm, and we had some complaints about rubbing along our lower back. Usable interior space is also impacted by the backpanel, and we found it difficult to truly leverage the higher capacity with bulkier items like pads. Finally, in contrast to the brand’s Skyline LR 10 above, the Mule’s hose magnet (which sits on the sternum strap) doesn’t hold well and pops off easily while riding. These complaints are enough to push the Mule Pro below alternatives like the Evoc Trail Pro (if you want back protection) and Osprey Raptor (for a traditional pack), but it remains a solid do-everything option.  See the CamelBak Mule Pro 14   See the Women's CamelBak Mule Pro 14

10. Dakine Drafter 10L ($160)

Dakine first made its name in the surfing and windsurfing market in the 1980s, and the brand has more recently zeroed in on the winter sports and mountain biking spaces. The Drafter 10 here meets many of our pack needs: It has a versatile 10-liter capacity, durable construction, and very breathable backpanel design (it rose to the top in this category, alongside the Mule Pro 14 above). It has some thoughtful features, too, including compatibility with the brand’s DK Impact Spine Protector (a $50 add-on), e-bike battery storage in the main compartment, and exterior straps that nicely accommodate knee pads. On paper—and on the trail—it checks many of the boxes for the average rider.

How does the Dakine Drafter 10 compare with Osprey’s Raptor 10 above? The option for spine protection is unique to the Drafter, and we prefer its hydration hose design, which can be fed and secured along either shoulder strap rather than the across the body. They also differ in reservoir placement—the Dakine’s is along the lumbar, while the Osprey’s is vertically oriented. In this case, we think it’s a wash: The lumbar location keeps weight concentrated lower, but the Osprey’s is more evenly distributed and closer to your back. What pushes the Raptor ahead for us, however, is its very comfortable carry. We struggled getting a good fit with the Dakine, and the flared shoulder straps put extra pressure on the inside of the strap, which led to rubbing. Along with a minimalist waistbelt and the fact that it weighs an extra half-pound (something both our testers noticed), the Dakine can’t match the standout carry-ability of the Osprey.  See the Dakine Drafter 10L   See the Women's Dakine Drafter 10L

11. Osprey Katari 7 ($90)

The Osprey Katari 7 rounds out our list with a sleek build and sub-$100 price tag. Like with the REI Link 15 above, it’s not all cost-cutting here: Even with its no-frills, essentials-only design, the Katari can carry a bunch of water (it comes with the same 2.5L Hydraulics LT reservoir as our top pick), is offered in three capacities (1.5, 3, and 7L), and features functional stretch side pockets for small items you want easy access to. For riders who need a lot of water but not much else—think multi-hour rides in hot or desert-like regions—the concept makes a whole lot of sense.

Unfortunately, the Katari has a few notable faults. Most significantly, all our testers complained that the pack puts essentially all the weight on your shoulders. Combined with a minimalist backpanel that priorities ventilation over structure, the pack felt floppy and bounced around far more than expected for such a lightweight design. And while we like the concept of the vertical main compartment zipper (similar to that of the Patagonia Dirt Roamer above), the Osprey only has one zipper, so you can’t strategically open certain portions of the pack and will need to be mindful to prevent items from spilling out. In the end, it misses the mark for us, and we think the $10-cheaper REI Link is the more complete and well-executed budget design. But if simplicity wins out for you—the REI is admittedly pretty big with its 15-liter capacity—the Katari is a worth having on your radar. See the Osprey Katari 7   See the Women's Osprey Kitsuma 7

Mountain Bike Backpack Comparison Table

Mountain bike backpack buying advice.

• Mountain Bike Backpack Capacities

Carrying Comfort: Shoulder Straps and Hipbelts

Pockets and organization, hydration reservoirs, additional mountain bike pack features, fit and sizing, women’s-specific mountain bike packs, breathability and ventilation, pack weight, build quality and durability.

• Mountain Bike Backpacks vs. Waist Packs  

Mountain Bike Backpack Capacities

Like backpacks designed for other activities, mountain bike packs are available in a variety of capacities depending on your gear needs and the length of your typical ride. On our list above, designs range from the small and minimalist USWE Airborne 3L to the super spacious Patagonia Dirt Roamer 20L. For all-day and remote outings that require substantial water intake and a full workshop of tools, a bigger option like the Dirt Roamer or CamelBak Mule Pro 14 makes a lot of sense. If after-work hot laps are more your style, a smaller model like the Airborne or 2.5-liter CamelBak Chase Vest might be sufficient. And the sweet spot for many will be somewhere in between (including our top-rated Osprey Raptor 10). Below we break down the various pack volume ranges by category and best use(s).

5 Liters and Under: Just the Essentials/Quick Rips Packs with 5 liters or fewer of carrying capacity, like the USWE Airborne 3L and CamelBak Chase Vest, are best suited for quick rides that require minimal gear and water. That said, 5 liters can fit a surprising number of essentials: keys, a bike tools, a phone, a thin jacket (like the Patagonia Houdini), and a bar. This volume can also suffice if you have additional organization on your bike in the form of an under-seat tool bag or a storage compartment on (or in) your frame. And finally, small packs are a nice option for races when you’re able to refill water and resupply at aid stations.

6-9 Liters: The Essentials “Plus” If you’re venturing out on a longer ride, you probably need space for the essentials and then some. With 6 to 10 liters, you can fit a more protective rain shell, additional water, and a heftier first aid kit. However, this capacity is a bit of a tweener size, in our opinion: slightly larger than minimalist designs (like the USWE Airborne and CamelBak Chase mentioned above) but not quite big enough to keep you comfortable and hydrated during all-day outings. In our experience, packs in the 6- to 9-liter range (like the Osprey Katari 7 ) are best for rides that don’t last more than a few hours.

10-15 Liters: The All-rounder Capacity The 10- to 15-liter volume is the goldilocks capacity for us and the range we’d go with if we had to choose just one pack. The versatility is hard to beat: You can use compression straps to reduce unwanted space during hot laps but then expand it into a voluminous pack for longer or more gear-intensive rides. At this volume, there’s enough space to carry a couple liters of water, and you won’t have to make as many compromises when packing (no need to decide between the brownie or the warm hat—bring them both!). We tested packs of this size on the Whole Enchilada in Moab—a classic big ride with 7,000 feet of descending —and had plenty of room to fill our reservoirs to the brim, stow additional layers for the cold morning, and bring an array of snacks and gels.

16L+: Long Epics and Gear-Intensive Days If you’re an adventurous rider who gravitates toward big, epic days like Gifford-Pinchot traverses and backcountry trips to the Chicoltins, a larger pack is likely your best bet. Packs in the greater-than-16-liter category, like the Patagonia Dirt Roamer 20L and Evoc Trail Pro 26L , provide ample space for multiple layers (even a puffy jacket) to accommodate unpredictable mountain weather. They have no problem fitting items like a water filter , robust repair kit, navigational gadgets, and even more specialized equipment like an SLR camera kit or trail work tools. Keep in mind that packs this big are more likely to feel unwieldy when stuffed full—you’ll want to be cognizant of weight distribution when packing—and are decidedly overkill for the average ride, but they have their place for lengthy and gear-heavy outings. 

Reading the product descriptions above, you’ll see we make numerous references to pack comfort. A lot of factors come into play for a comfy-riding design, including fit and sizing (detailed below), but first and foremost are the shoulder straps and hipbelts. Starting with the former, we prefer light padding that offers enough cushioning for hauling a laden-down pack—a full water reservoir can weigh a surprising amount—but isn’t so bulky that it feels like it’s too far off your body. Additionally, shoulder strap shape is important, and you’ll see a number of the best options have an opened-up, winged layout to reduce restriction and potential pressure points as you reach forward to the handlebars. In general, you get nicer padding and more thoughtful shoulder strap designs as price goes up, including on packs like the Osprey Raptor 10 , CamelBak Chase Vest, and Evoc Trail Pro.

Hipbelts fall into two basic camps: webbing-only or wider shapes that feature a mesh lining. If you’re wanting only the basics and don’t plan to haul much weight or water at a time, a webbing-only belt like what’s found on the Osprey Katari can do the trick. But there’s a reason that pack is ranked at the bottom of our list—it’s just not that comfortable. The webbing strap feels restrictive when you pull it snug, is unable to distribute much weight to take it off your shoulders, and doesn’t do as good of a job keeping the pack from bouncing around through technical sections. As a result, if you’re getting a standard backpack (i.e., not a vest-style design like the CamelBak Chase), we think it’s worth opting for a wider belt. Most are very lightly padded and have a wider shape at the hips that keeps the pack close to you for better support, and some include pockets for small items like snacks.

It’s hard to capture your friend sending a rock-roll with a cracked phone, and no one likes a soggy, squished granola bar. For these reasons (and many more), well-designed pockets and compartments are an important consideration when choosing a pack. Some riders prefer the simplicity of a single large pocket (like what you get with the Patagonia Dirt Roamer ), while others will appreciate a wider assortment of smaller spots for keys, a wallet, a phone, and bike tools. It’s also nice to have a separate space or external straps to stash a wet or muddy layer without dirtying or soaking your other gear. Final organizational features to consider include a dedicated tool kit pouch, a helmet attachment (like Osprey’s LidLock mechanism), an e-bike battery pocket, a water bladder sleeve (which we cover more in depth below) and a blinker light attachment—just to name a few.

In general, we’ve found that most mountain bike packs don’t prioritize pocket accessibility—perhaps as a way to discourage fumbling with gear while riding. That said, we appreciate the ability to quickly retrieve items like a snack or our phone, because stopping and taking off a backpack just to grab a bite of a granola bar can be a real annoyance. A few designs above are better equipped for the job than most. The CamelBak Chase Vest , for instance, has handy pockets on the shoulder straps (one major draw to the vest style), while the Evoc Trail Pro boasts large hipbelt pockets that are easy to access while riding.

Most mountain bike packs come with a hydration reservoir (also commonly referred to as a bladder), but some brands, like Evoc, require that you purchase one separately. On our list, Osprey, REI, Dakine, Patagonia and USWE all use HydraPak-brand reservoirs (though they might add their own design features), while CamelBak uses their own line of bladders. Below we break down important design considerations between the various sizes and styles. Reservoir Capacities Hydration-equipped mountain bike packs generally come with a reservoir in the 1- to 3-liter range—and most of the time, this decision is made for you when you purchase your pack. For example, the REI Co-op Link 15 L features a 2-liter reservoir, while the CamelBak LR 10 comes with a 3-liter bladder. That said, it’s often possible to mix and match reservoirs. If you’re biking in particularly warm weather or know you’ll be out for a long time without the ability to refill, bumping up to a larger model can be a good idea—just make sure it fits inside your pack. And while it’s also possible to swap in a smaller-capacity reservoir, the easier solution is to just fill your existing bladder halfway. Pro tip: If you go this route, invert the reservoir after filling and suction out air through the hose to mitigate sloshing.

Openings Styles: Slider vs. Twist Cap Reservoirs generally feature one of two primary opening mechanisms: a top opening that folds and seals with a slider (like those from HydraPak) or a large, threaded opening with a twist-off cap (like those from CamelBak). The slider on a HydraPak bladder is arguably easier to fill solo thanks to the bigger opening. We’ve also found the lid on many CamelBak designs to be a bit finicky—we’ve soaked our packs after failing to line up the threads precisely or tightly enough on several occasions. This is largely a matter of personal preference, however, and the opening style on your bladder may or may not be an important consideration for you.

Bite Valves Bite valves are a convenient way to hydrate while pedaling, and the mechanism is very simple: Gently compress the valve by biting down, and water will begin flowing through the hose as you suck. The primary difference between valves is the on/off mechanism: CamelBak’s and Osprey's feature a lever, while most HydraPak designs twist open and closed. We've found the majority of bite valves are fairly easy to use and leak-free, although we’ve found that CamelBak’s require less suction, which is certainly a bonus (they claim their Crux reservoirs  offer 20% more water per sip, which lines up with our experiences). Bite valves are imperfect and occasionally fall off—we’ve already lost one on our Patagonia Dirt Roamer—but fortunately, it’s an easy and cheap (typically under $10) replacement.

Hose Attachment: Magnet or Clip When you’re pumping corners and scaling rooty trails, your hands aren't free to reach to resecure your bladder hose as they might be when you’re running or hiking. With that in mind, we really value an easily accessible hose attachment, and especially one that doesn’t flop around while riding. Most hoses are held in place by a quick-release magnet or clip. The majority of packs above use the former, which makes attaching and unattaching very easy—place the magnets close to each other and let physics do the rest. The magnet is located either across the body on the sternum strap (common on Osprey packs but also found on the CamelBak Mule Pro) or on the same side as the hose (like the Dakine Drafter  and Thule Vital).

Of note: We’ve found that the hose occasionally squiggles out of place with the across-the-body design. To combat this, Patagonia, REI, and most CamelBak packs have a clip to keep the hose in place, which involves unclipping it in order to sip—a somewhat tedious step to execute while riding, but arguably worth the effort for the added security. 

Reservoir Shape and Placement Water is heavy and prone to leaking, so the location of your reservoir is a detail that shouldn’t be overlooked. Some packs, like the Patagonia Dirt Roamer, house the reservoir in a separate compartment to ensure it’s protected from sharp equipment (and to help keep your gear dry if it leaks). Others have a sleeve inside the main compartment with a clip for suspending the reservoir to keep it from slipping downward as it empties.

There are also differences in bladder positioning: Some packs have vertically oriented pockets, so the reservoir lays flush against your back, while others (like the CamelBak Skyline LR 10 and REI Link 15) position the bladder low on the lumbar spine. This will largely come down to what feels most comfortable for you, but we’ve found the low reservoir placement to be great in terms of overall stability. Finally, it’s important to note that some bladders—including those that come with the LowRider and Dakine Drafter—are specifically designed to fit in their respective pockets, meaning they can’t be transferred between packs.

Helmet Attachment A dedicated helmet attachment system is nice if you’re looking to stow your lid during an uphill car shuttle, on a hike-a-bike section of trail, or grabbing a bite après-ride. Some riders also carry their bike helmet on their pack during long climbs on forest service roads, particularly in hot conditions. Depending on your use of the feature, this could be an important consideration or inconsequential (we land on the former). But few things scream “gaper” more than a helmet dangling by its chin strap, bouncing and clanking around as you walk into the brewery after your ride. If you anticipate using a helmet carrying system, designs range from quite simple (like the compression straps on the REI Link 15) to fairly sophisticated (like the chin strap slot on the CamelBak Mule Pro ). Our favorite is Osprey’s LidLock system, which is essentially a well-laced bungee strap with a rigid plastic plate to secure the helmet in place.

Integrated Back Protection Riders pushing their limits and learning new tricks may benefit from a pack that incorporates back protection, like the Evoc Trail Pro. How it works: An impact-absorbing panel at the back safeguards your spine against rocks and other sharp objects that could cause damage during an unintentional spill while also preventing it from overextending. Importantly, there are two levels of protection available, and both the Evoc Trail Pro and CamelBak Mule Pro (with the $55 Impact Protector Panel add-on) boast level 2 protection (EN 1621-2), which meets the highest standard for impact absorption in the event of a crash.

In terms of downsides, protector panels inevitably add weight and bulk, but the good news is that they’re removable for less demanding rides. This also means they’re easy to replace—like a mountain bike helmet , a back protector’s integrity is compromised once impacted, and we highly recommend purchasing a new panel after a crash. Of note: Evoc will evaluate any of their protectors’ integrity and send a replacement for free if it’s been damaged.

Friction points are inevitable during long days in the saddle, and it’s essential that you find a pack that fits. In addition to being more comfortable, a well-fitting pack will also feel more stable while riding. Most designs are only offered in a single size (the Evoc Trail Pro and Patagonia Dirt Roamer are two exceptions), but the good news is that adjustable sternum, waist, and shoulder straps are nearly universal. With the ability to move and adjust the straps, we’ve had no issues sharing a pack among riders of multiple sizes. No two bodies are the same, however, and we highly recommend trying packs on before you buy to ensure you can get a snug (but not restrictive) and comfortable all-around fit.

While most of the packs on our list (and on the market) are one-size-fits-all, many do come in a women’s-specific version. However, the differences between men’s and women’s designs are relatively minor. In the case of the Osprey Raptor (men’s version) and Raven (women’s), the Raven has a slightly shorter torso length and comes in different colorways. For the Mule Pro, CamelBak states that the women’s model has a different fit and shape than the men’s version, including a more contoured shoulder harness. In the end, we recommend going with whichever model fits and feels best—regardless of the labeling.

Since mountain biking is a highly aerobic and often sweaty sport, breathability is a top consideration for many riders. And while many of the packs we tested advertise ventilated backpanels and sweat-wicking technology, overall performance varies quite a bit—striking a good balance between a snug fit and maximum airflow is no small feat. The Patagonia Dirt Roamer and CamelBak Chase Vest, for example, sit close to the back and don’t rank highly in terms of overall ventilation. Conversely, the mesh backpanels on the CamelBak Mule Pro, Dakine Drafter, and Osprey Raptor/Raven are positioned farther away from the body (or have offsetting to padding to create some space), allowing air to flow between your back and the pack. We called out any notable outliers—on both sides of the spectrum—in the write-ups above, but if you tend to run warm or prefer long, hard days in the saddle, you’ll likely want to opt for a suspended mesh design over a close-fitting backpanel.

Pack weight is dependent on multiple factors, including capacity, fabric thickness, and number of features—among others. On our list above, the lightest option is the CamelBak Chase Vest   at a scant 10 ounces, while the heaviest is Dakine Drafter 10L at 2 pounds even. While that’s a relatively small range, it’s important to consider what you’re getting for the added heft. In the case of the Dakine Drafter, that means thick fabrics that hold up well to long-term use, dedicated e-bike battery storage (among myriad other pockets), and exterior straps for accommodating bulky items like knee pads. By contrast, the Chase Vest is decidedly minimalist with its streamlined coverage, flimsier build, and limited feature set.

A final consideration is the weight of your typical load—stuffing the lightweight Chase Vest with an SLR camera and extensive toolkit would likely make for a bouncy, unwieldy ride. If you’re partial to long days in the saddle that require a lot of gear, we’d recommend going with a burlier (i.e., heavier) pack. From our experience, the most balanced designs land in the 1- to 2-pound range.

Given the inherently rough nature of mountain biking, the packs above are all designed to withstand considerable use and abuse. However, some are better equipped for the job than others. Fabric denier is a common measurement of fabric thickness, and we've included the listings for the pack body when available in the table above. Materials like heavy-duty nylon (often 200 denier and up) as well as strong, waterproof zippers are good indicators of overall durability. While none of the packs above threatened to unravel at the seams during testing, there were a few that stood out in terms of all-out toughness and build quality, including the Evoc Trail Pro and Dakine Drafter —the two heaviest designs on our list, which is no coincidence. 

Mountain Bike Backpacks vs. Waist Packs

Out on the singletrack, you’ll likely encounter folks who are adamant wearers of waist packs (also known as hip packs or fanny packs) and others who are proponents of traditional backpacks. At the end of the day, a decision between the two designs largely boils down to your intended use(s) and personal preference. By nature, backpacks tend to have more volume (7-25L), which translates to more water-carrying capacity and additional space for a windbreaker , snacks, and tools—a great fit for longer days out. Waist packs, on the other hand, are lower-volume (typically 1-5L) and better suited for shorter rides or days at the bike park. Most waist packs fit just the essential items (e.g., a granola bar, tool, and phone), and some offer detachable holsters for securing a water bottle.

One consideration to keep in mind is that overloaded waist packs can feel unstable and bouncy, while backpacks distribute weight more evenly and keep the load closer to your back. However, with more coverage comes less breathability. Waist packs are generally cooler on hot summer days, but don’t be fooled—your lower back produces a lot of sweat, and the thickness and construction of the hipbelt can have a sizable impact on ventilation. Some riders also like the added assurance of having full coverage along their back in the event of a fall—although for the utmost in protection, you’ll want to go with a dedicated protector pack like the Evoc Trail Pro. In the end, both have their places and we find ourselves rotating between designs depending on the adventure of the day. For our favorite waist packs, we currently swap between the simple Dakine Hot Laps 1L and feature-rich Patagonia Dirt Roamer 3L . Back to Our Top Mountain Bike Pack Picks   Back to Our Mountain Bike Pack Comparison Table

Read More From Switchback Travel

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CURRENT PRICES END MAY 12

Outside Festival feat. Thundercat and Fleet Foxes.

FROM JUST $44

Our Favorite High-Performance Trail Bikes This Year

Six Pinkbike writers and editors tested 15 trail bikes last year. These five picks impressed us the most.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Testers and PinkBike editors spent the last year hitting singletrack from Bellingham to Squamish to evaluate 2024’s newest crop of trail bikes. Fifteen bikes, ranging from hard-charging, downhill-oriented crushers to cross-country-style rippers, were in the mix, but when all the dust settled, these six impressed the most in overall performance.

At a Glance

• Editors’ Choice — Best Overall: Scor 2030 GX ($6,499)
• Editors’ Choice — Best Value: YT Jeffsy ($4,399)
• Best High-Pivot Trail Bike: Forbidden Druid ($7,199)
• Best All-Around: Cannondale Habit Carbon LT 1 ($5,550)
• Best for Getting Air: Commencal Tempo LTD ($4,900)
• Best Easy Ride: GT Sensor ($4,313)

How to Choose a Trail Bike

How we test, meet the lead testers.

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more .

Editors’ Choice — Best Overall

Scor 2030 gx.

$6,499 at Scor

Build: 2030 GX Weight: 29.9 lb (size M/L)

Pros and Cons ⊕ It’s a better descender than most 120-millimeter travel bikes ⊕ Very quiet, no cable rattle or excessive chainslap ⊗ Your enduro bike might start collecting dust

It only takes one three-letter word to summarize why the Scor 2030 is our 2024 Editor’s Choice winner: FUN. With its stubby back end and relatively slack head angle, the 2030 is incredibly entertaining, especially on technical, rolling terrain. Pumping, manualing, and jumping are the 2030’s strong suits, but it also squeezes every last drop of performance out of its 120 millimeters of rear travel. That trait allows it to shine brighter than most bikes in this travel bracket when faced with chunky, technical sections of trail.

The 2030 is more focused on the descents than some other bikes in this category (like the Yeti SB120 ), but Scor’s designers didn’t forget that it needs to go uphill, too. It’s an energetic pedaler, free of any wallowing or mushiness while still delivering enough traction to keep that low-profile Rekon tire from spinning wildly. The perfect balance between efficiency and grip can be tricky to achieve, but the 2030 does it very well. It has the quickness you’d hope to get from a 120-millimeter bike without any accompanying harshness.

The geometry plays a large part in how comfortable the bike feels in the steeps, but the suspension deserves a mention, too: the Deluxe Ultimate shock is very well controlled, with a smooth ramp up at the bottom of the stroke. It’s a trait we noticed with the Scor 4060 a couple of years ago—there’s no harshness towards the end of the travel, which makes it easier to plop off a drop or push through a pointy rock garden without worrying about running out of travel.

Yes, there are limits—we’re still talking about a 120-millimeter trail bike here—and I’m not about to say it can go wheel-to-wheel with a full-on enduro bike. However, the fact that it can handle those more technical trails while also remaining entertaining on mellower ones is worth noting. The suspension opens up nicely at higher speeds, and it can deal with quick impacts very well.

The frame itself ticks all the boxes when it comes to the features we’d expect to see on a modern trail bike—there’s in-frame storage, angle-adjusting headset cups, well-sealed bearings, and effective chainslap protection that keeps the 2030 satisfyingly silent. The 2030 is one of those bikes that makes you want to keep on riding, sneaking in as many miles as possible before it’s time to return to reality.

Editors’ Choice — Best Value

$4,399 at YT

Build: Core 4 Weight: 33.3 lbs (size S) Sizing: S-XXL

Pros and Cons ⊕ Easy and intuitive to ride ⊕ Good balance between stable and energetic riding ⊗ The suspension has its limits in rough, fast terrain

As a now-longstanding staple of the YT lineup, the main theme of the Jeffsy is alive and well: a 29er trail bike meant to get along with just about anything you might encounter. The all-mountain geometry of the updated model keeps the ride both stable and energetic—the ideal balance in a trail bike. But the third model also features a host of updates we’re seeing on many modern bikes, the most notable being the in-frame storage. The storage hatch stands alone above the bottle instead of doubling as the plate that carries the water bottle—eliminating the eventual loosening or rattling that might accompany the dual-duty designs.

I had an excellent first ride on the Jeffsy, and the positive feeling hasn’t waned much since that day. From quick laps on my local favorites to longer, very technical rides, the bike has felt predictable, fun, and simply easy to ride. YT seems to have nailed the tricky balance of a bike that is easy to cruise on while still holding its own when pushed hard or thrown into more serious terrain.

Climbing feels supportive and efficient—the bike remains energetic over technical terrain in and out of the saddle. Descending is intuitive and well-balanced, with excellent cornering performance and great pop on jumps and jibs. With the 145 millimeters of rear travel, I only bottomed out a few times on some serious hits. The bike has an active feel through chattery terrain, especially when you let off the brakes and push through the bike.

An immediate takeaway was just how quiet the Jeffsy is, with no rattles, creaks, or other annoyances developing over the past couple weeks of riding. Another rosy first impression is the dialed build kit—there’s nothing I’d change out of the gate on my Core 4 test bike. The brakes, drivetrain, suspension, wheelset, and cockpit are all pretty close to what I’d choose for a bike of this ilk, so I’m more than happy to stick with the stock options.

Direct-to-consumer brands like YT can still offer value that most shop model brands can’t compete with, as with the new Jeffsy. Topping out at $6,499, the Jeffsy lineup has 5 builds that cater to a wide array of budgets, depending on price, experience level, and component preference.

Overall this strikes me as a great bike for people looking for easy and intuitive handling, an unfussy layout, and a solid ride feel regardless of how hard you’re pushing the bike. But don’t let that dissuade you if you’re keen to ride hard, as Jeffsy is more than willing to get rowdy.

Read the full review

Best High-Pivot Trail Bike

Forbidden druid.

$7,199 at Forbidden

Build: GX FX Weight: 32.4 lbs (size M)

Pros and Cons ⊕ Descends like a longer travel bike ⊕ Extremely quiet ride ⊗ The extra idler wheel can require more servicing ⊗ A unique spin on geometry means the XL frame’s chainstay grows extremely long through the travel

If you’ve ever ridden an idler-equipped high-pivot bike—meaning the bike’s main pivot is placed above the top of the chainring and the rear wheel axle—you know the calming effect that the rearward axle path brings to the nature of the ride. Forbidden has taken that to a trail bike, something seldom utilized on a 130-millimeter-travel bike. The original Druid won over fans of shorter travel bikes with its ability to handle descents as if it had magical powers—now, it’s transcendent. Even with a longer-travel model in the lineup, Forbidden’s enduro racer, Rhys Verner, claimed the top spot this season aboard the Druid V2.

We took the Druid out on singletrack uphills and downhills with chunky rock outcrops, and the bike felt superbly balanced. Thanks to the high pivot design and the Super Deluxe rear shock, the Druid handled technical bumps with ease and had no trouble carrying speed. The Druid thrives in singletrack because you can stay seated upright and comfy, and you don’t lose much speed when pedaling across roots.

However, the admirable suspension qualities of high-pivot bikes don’t come easily—they typically require more upkeep to maintain maximum drivetrain efficiency. Due to the precise placements of the pivots on the Druid V2, you cannot adjust the geometry. To pick between a 64 or 64.5-degree head tube angle, you’ll need to choose the specific frame member that houses either a 27.5 or 29-inch rear wheel. Although the brake line’s routing passes through the seatstay, it’s not a swap you’ll be making in the parking lot. On that note of chainstays, Forbidden scales their front to rear center lengths proportionally per size, so the same ratio is kept on all frame sizes. Even taller riders may have trouble wielding the 466-millimeter chainstay found on the XL frame size.

Overall, the Druid is one of the more capable short-travel bikes for riders who prefer snappy handling. It might take a while for some riders to acclimatize to its lengthy rear triangle, but the unbelievably smooth descent is worth it.

Read the Full Review

Best All-Around

Cannondale habit carbon lt 1.

$4,163 at REI $4,163 at Cannondale

Build: Sram GX Eagle Weight: 31.4 lbs (size L)

Pros and Cons ⊕ Balanced and composed in tricky situations ⊗ Not super efficient on the uphill

When we covered the release of the Habit , it struck me just how sensible and conventional it was. There was no quirkiness to it, at least on the surface, and everything about it seemed to be pragmatic and well-judged. The Habit LT’s geometry, frame features, and simple layout all scream modern, sensible trail bike. The frame has some nice subtle features, with a rubber cover to stop your chainstay from gobbling up rocks, non-guided routing that is very easy to work with thanks to a removable panel on the downtube, ISCG threads, and a tried-and-true threaded bottom bracket.

Though it is a typical four-bar bike, the Habit has a comparatively low anti-squat value. This may be bad news for all-out efficiency on smooth roads, but it’s good news if you need your suspension to adapt to terrain on rougher climbs. The Habit is comfortable on undulating terrain thanks to that higher stack, and the suspension tracks and grips well. I sometimes used the climb switch for hard-pack fire roads or tarmac stretches, but for anything remotely rough, I set it to open and let it flow. It might not be the most suited to out-of-the-saddle pedaling hard, but the bike does strike a great balance between tracking and efficiency. The Habit LT is weighted on the front, balanced on most trails, and able to handle very steep trails because of this well-proportioned and pragmatic geometry. I’m not a believer in massive reaches, especially when combined with short rear ends—the grip the Habit achieves on any type of trail is a testament to this. Extra-regular is no bad thing.

Overall, this is a very well-executed bike that simply works very well. Balance, composure, maneuverability, and comfort can oftentimes seem like ideologies that are opposed to one another in bikes, and you can merely have two or three out of the four at best. The Habit LT makes a very strong argument that, as riders, we might just be able to have it all.

Best for Getting Air

Commencal tempo ltd.

$4,900 at Commencal

Build: Tempo LTD Weight: 30.9 lbs (size S)

Pros and Cons ⊕ Quick and lively ⊕ Never met a jump or corner it didn’t like ⊗ Thru-headset cable routing can make maintenance more difficult

No matter which direction the trail points, the Tempo is fast. It has a satisfying snappiness that rewards hard pedaling efforts, especially on rolling terrain where the bike can be pumped and pushed to maintain that momentum. It’s also a very energetic climber, which will be a welcome trait to anyone coming off of a longer travel machine with more subdued pedaling manners. Compared to longer, slacker bikes where you need to swing wide to navigate awkward switchbacks, the Tempo is happiest taking the inside line, following a tight, precise arc on its way upwards. I’d be tempted to call it a trail bike for riders who prioritize the climbs—except that it’s a blast on the downhills too.

The Tempo is the type of bike that can breathe new life into mellower trails while also holding its own on the rowdier stuff. Modern mountain bike categories can be nebulous at times, but this is a trail bike in the truest sense of the term, well-suited to spinning out the miles while also goofing off and hitting every lip and landing possible. Do I wish it didn’t have thru-headset cable routing and better-sealed frame bearings? You bet, but I wouldn’t consider either of those deal-breakers. The overall ride characteristics of the Tempo are overwhelmingly positive, enough so that I’d be willing to deal with a little extra shop time.

Best Easy Ride

Gt sensor carbon.

$4,313 at GT

Build: Carbon Pro LE Weight: 32.7 lbs (M) Sizing: S-XL

Pros and Cons ⊕ Feels like an old friend—easy to ride ⊕ Quiet ⊗ No in-frame storage ⊗ No flip-chips or ways to adjust the geometry

In 2023, it was nearly five years since the Sensor received a significant update, so it was high time GT revised its 29-inch trail bike. The Sensor’s frame still has that distinctive GT look, but the amount of rear travel has been bumped up to 140 millimeters, a change that’s accompanied by revised geometry.

There are five models in the Sensor lineup—three with carbon frames (except for the chainstays) with 140 millimeters of travel, and two with aluminum frames with 130 millimeters of travel. Prices range from $2,300 for the alloy Sensor Comp and go up to $5,750 for the Sensor Carbon Pro LE.

The Sensor’s geometry falls into what I’d call extra-normal-modern. The 65-degree head angle is moderately slack, but not extreme, and the 480-millimeter reach for a size large paired with a 77-degree seat angle is a familiar recipe. Compared to the previous version, the reach is approximately 10 millimeters longer per size, and the seat angle is a degree steeper.

After a series of almost suspiciously great rides, my conviction is growing stronger that the new Sensor is a good one. It climbs well, with enough support to leave the shock’s climb lever alone, and there’s plenty of traction even when set up with 25 percent sag. On the descents, the suspension does a great job of muting hits of all sizes. The tune on the RockShox Super Deluxe feels ideally suited to the Sensor’s kinematics—it’s fluttery off the top to take care of the small bump chatter, and then settles nicely into its stroke when dealing with repeated larger impacts.

The geometry may be fairly middle of the road, but it’s a recipe that works well, and the result is a bike that feels like a familiar, friendly companion almost immediately.

Read the full review here

The trail bike category is the most saturated in mountain biking, so it’s understandable if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are a few easy questions you can ask yourself to narrow the field.

What Kind of Riding Will You Mostly Be Doing?

As much as you may want to answer this one with flowy, singletrack heaven, it’s important to be realistic about what you’ll actually be riding. This can be determined by the time of year that you mostly get out there (which will determine what the conditions will be like), which trails are most accessible to you, and which region you bike in. Are you planning on taking big trips consistently, or will you mostly stay local?

Will You Be Riding Lift-Accessed Trails?

If most of the riding you’ll be doing is lift-accessed, you may want to look in the enduro category. If you’ll be doing a mix of both and are planning on hitting jumps, look for a bike that has enough travel but doesn’t compromise on the uphill either.

What’s Your Riding Style?

If you prefer to charge through steep, technical sections, you could be looking at a very different bike than if you’re a more playful rider who likes to find side hits. Again, be honest with yourself about this. How do you actually ride, and what’s aspirational?

What’s Your Budget Like?

Yes, mountain bikes are expensive. But you do have options. Consider buying used (the market has finally gotten more reasonable this past year), by checking out Pinkbike’s marketplace or looking on Craigslist. Or, check out our best value bikes page for cheaper new bikes. If you’re thinking about buying a used bike (which can be an excellent option), watch this video from PinkBike Originals.

Are You Able to Test it Out?

You must take a bike at least for a spin around the block before you pull the trigger. You might find that you’re uncomfortable on a bike with a certain geometry that you’re not used to—and although sometimes it does take some more time on the bike—you’ll know if you’re just not sitting right. Taking it for a spin will also help the shop determine which size is best for you.

• Number of Testers: 6
• Number of Products Tested: 15

PinkBike leads our mountain bike testing and just like in previous years, the team took out as many trail bikes as they could over the whole year. They tested trail bikes in Bellingham, Washington, and Squamish, BC, in a wide range of conditions that included everything from muddy, rainy days to ones with blue skies and perfect dirt. Testing was lead by Mike Kazimer, the managing tech editor for PinkBike , who is based in Bellingham, Washington and manages all mountain bike gear coverage.

Mike Kazimer : Managing tech editor for Pinkbike, alien skeptic.

Mike Levy : Tech editor for Pinkbike, believes in aliens (or lizard people at the very least).

Alicia Leggett : News editor for Pinkbike who sometimes moonlights as a tech editor.

Sarah Moore : Content manager for Pinkbike, former elite-level cross-country mountain bike racer.

• 2024 Gear Reviews
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When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, we may earn a small commission. We do not accept money for editorial gear reviews. Read more about our policy.

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