Outback Saddlebag

Outback Saddlebag

$350.00

The current batch (winter 2023) is ready to ship-until sold out. The date of the next batch is undetermined.

These bags are only produced once or twice annually. If you’d like a restock notification, you can sign up below. The color combinations will change with each batch but don’t worry—you’ll be notified regardless of the color you select.

To see current colors, select a name from the drop-down menu and its corresponding photo will appear. Additional photos are intended to show the many details, various uses and setup options for this bag.

The Outback Saddlebag was originally constructed for the Oregon Outback ride--a dusty, self-supported gravel route that traverses over 350 miles of Eastern Oregon. This is a classic saddlebag design built for touring, bike camping and grocery-getting. It can also be used as a handlebar bag, and setup for easy on-and-off the bike when riding around town.

The latest version includes:

  • Multiple daisy chains across the back & bottom of the bag allow more versatility in attaching the bag. Attach to saddle + seat post, or saddle + rack/support, or handlebars + head tube, or handlebars + front rack/support…get weird!

  • All straps are detachable; move, add or subtract straps as needed. You’ll be prompted to choose your strap kit before checkout.

  • The dowel is external and easily removable. You can replace it with whatever you want, or use the bag without the dowel if you run it up front on some flatish handlebars (you’ll need at least 14” of width, plus room for the side pockets).

  • Deep drawstring closure increases the capacity of this bag, and keeps dust and rainwater out.

  • 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.

  • Volume/dimensions: 13” wide (+ 3” for each pocket) x 7” wide x 8” tall rolled, or 15” tall unrolled. Total volume is about 11 liters rolled to its minimum capacity, excluding the pockets—up to 15 liters unrolled.

Enduring Features:

  • Super durable & waterproof heavyweight waxed canvas

  • "Wings" on front flap deflect rainwater

  • Adjustable straps double back on themselves to eliminate danglers

  • Multiple D-rings & daisy chains for lashing extra gear to the bag's exterior, or attaching a rear light

  • Two covered side pockets with adjustable closures offer about 1L each of added capacity

Optional accessories: (you’ll need to add these items to your cart if you want ‘em)

Materials:

  • Exterior: 18oz Martexin Original Waxed canvas

  • Front flap design: 10oz natural waxed canvas & felted wool

  • Liner: Durable, highly waterproof coated 70D Hex nylon

  • Hardware: brass (d-rings, grommets), Duraflex nylon (buckles & cord locks)

  • Trim & webbing: nylon

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

There are two strap kits to choose from; when you add the bag to your cart you’ll be prompted to choose one.

  • Kit #1: Two leather buckle straps, one 15" nylon strap from Voilé. Best for setup through tabs on a saddle, with or without a rack. Nylon strap connects to head tube (front) or seat tube (rear).

  • Kit #2: Three nylon straps from Voilé (two 6” Nanos + one 15” strap). Best for setup on handlebars), quick & easy on/off if using this as a commuter bag.

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 solutions for most bikes.

You can add foam blocks (add product here) for more spacing, either at the head tube or at the handlebar mounting points. I like to use a few to push the bag out from under the saddle, preventing it from touching my legs, while keeping it rack-less.

The 6” Voilé straps (kit #2) 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.

If using drop bars, you’ll need a minimum of 14” 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’ll also need at least 8” 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.

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 with the pickup time & place.

Color (Canvas Outer/Wool Design):
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Add To Cart

The Erlen rack from Ocean Air Cycles is one of our preferred supports for a bag like this.

 I understand bike setups vary greatly, so please email me if you have questions about how to fit this bag to your bike.

For a full lowdown on colors and fabrics, check out the Color Guide.

If you don't have a saddle with loops under it (like a Brooks), you can add these nifty loops from Velo Orange--they're specifically made for carrying a saddlebag.

 

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Foam Spacer Kit (4 pack)

$5.00
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Martexin Original Wax 1.5oz Tin

$12.00
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Sold Out

"Nano" Strap by Voilé

from $4.50
Leather Straps for Saddlebag (pair) Makeshifter_Shaniko_1706_3075.jpg

Leather Straps for Saddlebag (pair)

$16.00
15-inch Strap by Voilé IMG_4643.jpg

15-inch Strap by Voilé

$8.00