The bikepacking universe is more vibrant than everโa harmony of adventure, sustainability, and community. This year's list delves into this realm once again, exploring the innovative spirit of bike bag manufacturers who are not just crafting gear but weaving stories of ingenuity, creativity, and environmental consciousness.
At the heart of this are small, passionate companies, each with a unique story. From the scenic mountains of North Carolina where Stringbean Bags epitomizes functional design, to the historical shores of Brittany where Le Requin Qui Roule crafts eco-conscious gear, these brands represent a blend of tradition and modernity. We find a similar spirit in the urban setting of Los Angeles, where Road Runner Bags champions local production, and in the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand, where Paper Roads infuses bikepacking with a touch of Kiwi ruggedness.
Behind all these small and independent brands are people that challenge the conventional, champion sustainability, and foster community spirit, all while navigating the complexities of global commerce. Their stories are not just about selling products but about building a lifestyle and a movement.
See our past lists for 2023 , 2022.
1. C. Brenn Bags ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟ ๐จ๐ฆ
From the bustling streets of Toronto to the historic charm of Glasgow, C. Brenn Bags by Cory is a fusion of classic and contemporary. Cory, a full-time sewing machinist, started this journey in 2017, crafting bags that boast a timeless appeal. Each bag is a testament to practical elegance. With classic design principles and materials, C. Brenn Bags revives the vintage canvas and leather style, offering durability and a touch of nostalgia.
2. Cog Works ๐ฆ๐ท
Cog Works founded by Theo Lange in Buenos Aires, Argentina, marries a lifelong passion for cycling with bespoke sewing craftsmanship. Born from Theo's recovery after a cycling crash in 2019, he uses recycled materials like inner tubes and tires while making his urban focused bags. Cog Works is a proud sponsor of local alleycats and races worldwide. Good stuff.
3. Dead Donkey Bags ๐ซ๐ฎ
Dead Donkey Bags, a creative studio from Finland, is the handiwork of Jukka Heino, a designer who found his calling in crafting durable bags. Jukka's journey from interior design to sewing began with a simple project and quickly grew. Each unique bag, suitable for urban and outdoor adventures, is a testament to Jukka's seamless blend of sports, adventures, and design.
4. Dyed In The Wool ๐ต๐ฑ
Dyed in the Wool was born from Aleks and Charles bringing a unique blend of bespoke bicycle bags to the streets and trails. At the heart of DITW lies a commitment to nature and adventure. Whether it's a city exploration or a mountainous retreat, their gear, including slick handlebar bags, clever camera bags, and functional cargo bags, is crafted with sustainability and functionality in mind.
๐ธ @adamgassonphoto
5. Fast Nโ Light ๐บ๐ฆ
Founded in November 2010 in Ukraine by Andriy, this family-run business shifted its operations to Bratislava, Slovakia, just before the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Despite everything, they remain dedicated to creating sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing bike bags. Their product range includes custom frame bags, handlebar bag harnesses, and seatbags made from materials like X-Pac, Ecopak, and Cordura.
6. Farewell ๐บ๐ธ
Founded by Eric Puckett in Santa Fe's Sangre De Christo Mountains, Farewell stands out for its thoughtful, durable designs. Each product, from custom frame bags to vibrant accessories, embodies Eric's dedication to minimizing waste and supporting ethical manufacturing. Farewell's creations are a nod to sustainability by proceeds going to conservation and land access causes.
7. Field & Forest ๐จ๐ฆ
From Vancouver, BC, Field & Forest is the brainchild of Megan & Emanuel. Together the team crafts bespoke bicycle bags that are as versatile as they are functional. Megan, drawing from her global travel experiences and love for the outdoors, and Emanuel, inspired by his childhood in the snowdrifts of rural British Columbia, infuse each product with practicality and a love for adventure.
8. Fo.Goods ๐ฉ๐ช
Fo.Goods from Stuttgart, Germany, is the passionate project of Florian Schuster. Committed to sustainability, Fo.Goods designs and crafts functional, colorful, and bikepacking and lifestyle bags. They recently partnered with another manufafturer to produce a stellar toolless rack. Check it.
9. Gurp ๐จ๐ฆ
Gurp Stitchwork, steered by Peter in Montreal, turns fabric into gold for bikepackers. Born from a 2015 bike camping revelation, Peterโs shift from clunky panniers to sleek, custom bags marks the start of Gurpโs story. Offering everything from bolt-on frame bags to a kaleidoscope of colorways, these bags will add a hint of whimsy to any setup.
10. Le Rouquin Qui Roule ๐ซ๐ท ๐ฎ๐ช
Le Requin Qui Roule, located in central Brittany, France, is the eco-conscious craft of Patrick Pardy, a former bike mechanic turned artisan. Patrick creates eco-friendly bike bags and accessories with a focus on upcycling and circular economy principles. Using materials like factory offcuts and deadstock fabric, each bag is waterproof, durable, and UV-resistant. The workshop is also a small B&B and reflects Patrickโs ethos of minimal waste and local sourcing.
11. Loophole Bags ๐จ๐ฆ
Loophole Bags, crafted by Cass in Vancouver, is a testament to creative sustainability. Loophole Bags utilizes upcycled and recycled materials, transforming discarded textiles into functional and stylish stuff. Each bag showcases Cass's dedication to reducing waste and reimagining the potential of everyday materials. Loophole Bags is not just about utility; it's about a thoughtful approach to design and a commitment to ecological responsibility.
12. Makeshifter ๐บ๐ธ
Makeshifter Canvas Works is a one-woman shop creating handcrafted and unique canvas bags. Based in Portland, Oregon, the company uses USA-milled canvas and wool to create durable, functional, and attractive bags. Makeshifterโs designs are intended to offer an alternative to synthetic, characterless cycling bags. Each Makeshifter bag is a nod to the vibrant, art-filled city of Portland and the rich landscapes of the Northwest.
13. Morrow Packs ๐บ๐ธ
From Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Morrow Packs is also known as... James :) James has carved a niche with his unique semi-strapless bags, tailored for the off-road adventurer. Each bag showcases James' flair for creative, minimal-contact mounting solutions. Beyond functionality, Morrow Packs has a spirit of adventure and originality. We like.
14. Nightingale Threadworks ๐จ๐ฆ
Nightingale Threadworks is Glenโs personal canvas where cycling goods transform into art. Operating from Toronto, Glen brings a craftsmanโs touch to the world of bikepacking. Every piece, from bags to pouches, is a story from raw fabric to a small treasure. Glen lives the relentless pursuit of Japanese Kaizenโcontinuous evolution. This is good stuff.
15. Outer Shell ๐บ๐ธ
From the heart of San Francisco, Outer Shell is Kyle, Xin and Jim. Founded in 2015, Outer Shell is a reflection of SF's vibrant spirit. Their ethos revolves around high-quality gear and environmental responsibility by championing climate neutrality and support for the planet. โค๏ธ
16. Oveja Negra ๐บ๐ธ
Nestled in Salida, Colorado, Oveja Negra crafts top-quality bags with a blend of community spirit and environmental mindfulness. Starting small in 2012, they've grown into a bustling factory with a team of 16. Their products are a testament to their dedication to sustainable practices, with over 90% of materials sourced from U.S. manufacturers. Their name, Spanish for 'Black Sheep', mirrors their approach in the bike and manufacturing worlds, embodying ingenuity and uniqueness.
17. Paper Roads ๐ณ๐ฟ
Paper Roads is Amy from New Zealand who specializes in custom and small batch bike bags crafted with a designer's touch. Based in Auckland, Paper Roads combines Amy's experience in design with her passion for bikepacking, resulting in functional and lightweight gear. Amy creates bags that are not only practical for bikepacking adventures but also reflect her commitment to bespoke craftsmanship. Killer bags.
18. Pemberton Bag Company ๐จ๐ฆ
Pemberton Bag Company founded by Nina Babiuk, combines her zoologist's passion for the environment with craftsmanship. From you guessed it, Pemeberton BC, Nina specializes in handmade oilcloth bagsโnot just stylish but weather-resistant. Emphasizing sustainability, she uses ethically sourced oilcloth from Scotland, ensuring durability and environmental responsibility. Each bag, whether for daily use or adventures, is crafted in small batches. Thoughtful, beautiful stuff.
19. Reisefix ๐ฉ๐ช
Reisefix is Sven Schirmeister from Halle, Germany. Sven's vision is where traditional craftsmanship meets environmentally friendly materials. Svenโs creative experimentation shines through in features like Fidlock detachable bags. From the sturdy PETRA saddle bag to the adaptable EDGAR handlebar bag, every product showcases a commitment to durability and design. Slick.
20. Ride & Get Lost ๐ต๐ฑ
In Poland, Ride & Get Lost is the personal odyssey of Paweล Ozimkiewicz. Specializing in bikepacking bags for lightweight off-road touring, each piece is designed, crafted, and tested by Paweล himself. Utilizing high-performance, climate-neutral X-Pacยฎ fabric, Ride & Get Lost offers durable, lightweight, and functional gearโfrom custom frame bags to versatile saddle bags.
21. Road Runner Bags ๐บ๐ธ
Operating from downtown Los Angeles since 2010, Road Runner Bags specializes in crafting high-quality bike bags. By choosing Road Runner Bags, customers support artisanal craftsmanship and contribute to a tradition of local manufacturing in Southern California.
22. Stringbean Bags ๐บ๐ธ
Stringbean Bags, nestled in the mountains of North Carolina, is the personal craft of Steve Koellmer. Since 2015, Steve has been designing and hand-making versatile, lightweight bags suitable for any backpacking adventure. Each piece is tested on trails like the Colorado Trail and tailored for durability and functionality.
23. Studio Ricochet ๐ซ๐ท
Studio Ricochet drom Lyon, France, is the creation of Arthur Richard. Studio Ricochet specializes in custom, practical bike bags that enhance any bikepacking experience. Arthur's attention to detail is evident in his waterproof framebags, versatile drybags, and handlebar bags. Love these.
๐ธ @bidaia.fr
24. Thief ๐จ๐ฆ
Thief Bikepacking from Jasper, Alberta, was conceived in 2017 by friends Mike and Doug. The brand stands as a testament to Thief's dedication, crafting each piece by hand, ensuring bags can withstand the elements and adventures worldwide. From the deserts of Turkmenistan to the peaks of Kyrgyzstan and beyond, Thief bags are simply top notch.
25. Whitebark Gear ๐บ๐ธ
Whitebark Gear, headquartered in Bozeman, MT, is the brainchild of Nicole who marries a love for nature with functional gear design. Whitebark Gear is a testament to sustainable craftsmanship, strategically using recycled and upcycled materials and fabrics. From wallets made of scraps to fanny packs from expired tents, each product is a piece of responsible art.
