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The Out + Back is a revised, pared-down version of the Outback Saddlebag. While the Outback was inspired by its namesake—the 300-mile Oregon gravel route—the Out + Back was conceived from shorter day rides that start and end closer to home. It’s essentially the same pattern as the Outback, minus the big side pockets, and attachment points suitable for front-mount only. The front flap has been redesigned with a greatly simplified subtle wool pattern, and a shape that’s maximized for shedding rain. In terms of volume, it’s a perfect bag for big all-day rides, daily commutes, or complimenting a bike touring kit.

In this batch I’ve added a color—Brown—which is similar to Tan, so I’ve included a side-by-side photo of the two bags for comparison.

Features:

• Super durable heavyweight waxed canvas + felted merino wool

• Two low-profile side pockets offer easy access while riding

• Multiple daisy chains for lashing extra gear to the bag's exterior

• Adjustable straps double back on themselves to eliminate danglers

• Multiple daisy chains across the back & bottom of the bag allow versatility in attaching the bag

• All straps are detachable—move, add or subtract straps as needed

• A lightweight plastic insert helps the bag hold its shape (and it’s removable if you’re not into that)

• DWR-coated waterproof nylon liner. It’s water-repellent and bright, making it easy to find stuff inside. In this batch, the liner is gray.

• Big drawstring closure keeps your load secure and dry, and allows for expanded capacity

• Volume/dimensions: 13” wide x 7” deep x 8” tall rolled, or 14” tall unrolled. Total volume is about 11 liters rolled to its minimum capacity / up to 20 liters unrolled

• D-rings above each pocket for attaching a shoulder strap, for off-the-bike carrying. Click here to see shoulder strap options.

Materials:

• Exterior: 18oz Martexin Original Waxed canvas & felted wool

• Drawstring, liner & flap backing: 2.2oz Hex Nylon w/ waterproof coating

• Hardware: Duraflex nylon (buckles & cord locks)

• Trim & webbing: nylon

Set-up considerations - please read it all before purchasing!

The Out + Back includes:

• Two 6-inch Nano straps from Voilé, which attach to your handlebars;

• One elastic shock cord for your head tube, and

• 3 half-inch foam spacer blocks for leveling and spacing the bag away from your head tube

Please note that bike setups vary widely; you may find you’d like additional or different straps for your setup. Some may need a rack or support to get the fit just right. I’ve included the straps/accessories that I think will be the most likely solution for most bikes.

You can add more foam blocks (add product here) for more spacing, either at the head tube or at the handlebar mounting points.

The 6” Voilé straps are appropriate for most handlebars, but if you think you’ll need 9” straps instead, just say so in the order notes (at checkout) and I’ll swap them out at no extra charge.

You could also add a 15” Voilé strap, which could replace the head-tube bungee strap (as shown in some photos). I’d also recommend a 15” strap if you plan to use a front rack or support—there are daisy chains across the bottom of the bag that can serve as rack attachment points.

If using drop bars, you’ll need a minimum of 14 inches of flattish space between the drops. If you’ve got integrated brake lever-shifters, you’ll need to check that you can actuate the levers without the bag getting in the way. You will also need at least 8 inches vertically from the handlebars to the top of your tire. Using foam spacers at the head tube can help the bag sit more level with the bars.

It’s recommended that your cables are wrapped under your bar tape for a bag like this, or set up in a way that they won’t be squished by a front-mounting bag. You may need to do some troubleshooting, or consult your friendly local bike shop for re-routing cables on your bike.

Bikes with cantilever brakes definitely need some kind of rack/support to keep the bag from touching your brake cables. The Rod Steward from Shovel Research would be a good option, and it’s made in Portland :)

About Colors:

Choose a color (Black, Tan, Brown or Gray) from the drop-down menu and its corresponding photo will appear.

To learn more about the fabrics and colors, check out my Color Guide! If you’re trying to match colors to another Makeshifter product, this is helpful.

If you live in Portland and don't want your item shipped, please select "Local Pickup" as your shipping option and I will email you pickup details. And you can always email me with questions.

The good photos of the gray bag were taken by Rie Sawada, courtesy of Sim Works USA :)