We love bag makers and the bag making community: a true cottage industry full of passionate and innovative craftspeople. Last year, we published a list of our favorite indie bag makers from around the world and were surprised by the response. So, we decided to make it an annual thing.
This year, we have another 28 bag makers for you to check out. Some of these companies you may have heard about, but others may be new to you. Most of the companies listed are one person shops that design and sew everything in-house. If you're looking to upgrade your 2023 setup this is the place to start.
1. Aravis Bagworks π¬π§
Aravis Bagworks is an East London based company that designs and handmakes bikepacking bags for adventure cyclists. With a range of products including handlebar, frame, stem and saddle bags, they have all your storage needs covered. You can choose from a variety of colors and materials including XPac, Cordura, and Ecopak. These bags feel fresh.
2. Atwater Atelier π¨π¦
Atwater Atelier is headquartered in the vibrant city of Montreal, Quebec. Not only is it one of Canada's premier bikepacking and messenger bag makers, but it also boasts a solid range of custom and off-the-shelf bags that cater to every riding style. From inner triangle bags to top tube bags, hip packs to totes, they've got you covered. Every bag comes with a 'Craftsmanship Guarantee', ensuring that you won't have to worry about any defects in workmanship.
3. Bags X Bird πΊπ²
Bags By Bird from Tucson, Arizona is crafting some of the slickest bags in the game packed with smart design decisions. With a range of colors and materials to choose from, including the versatile XPAC fabrics and the durable Martexin Cotton/nylon blend material that can be waxed, there's a bag for every rider. Make sure to check out BXBs top entry Big Tail Grab bag, so nice.
4. Buckhorn Bags πΊπ²
Buckhorn Bags is a one-man shop based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, run by Sam who was a carpenter before pivoting into making handmade bikepacking bags. Using locally sourced quality materials, Sam offers a solid range of framebags, top tube bags, wallets, and some slick waxed canvas panniers. All designs and patterns are created in-house, making every Buckhorn bag a unique and personal product. Whether you're an avid biker or just love handcrafted goods, Buckhorn Bags is definitely worth checking out.
5. Bullmoose Softgoods πΊπ²
Bullmoose Softgoods is a one-man shop from Boston, MA run by Wes Holland. Just like many other bag makers, Wes started his company through trial and error, creating his own bags. His product line includes handlebar bags, hip packs, wallets and more. The driving philosophy behind Bullmoose Softgoods is simply happiness and love for the craft. So if you're looking for high-quality, handmade bags made with passion, look no further than Bullmoose Softgoods and remember, Loose the Moose!
6. Choike Bags π¨π±
Choike Bags is a bikepacking company born in 2015 and the first bag company to appear on the site from Chile. The name Choike refers to the native bird rhea pennata, also known as the American cousin of the ostrich. Choike is focused on developing high-performance equipment for adventure enthusiasts, with a focus on durability and comfort. Their designs always prioritize comfortable use and modularity, ensuring that every Choike product is a perfect fit for your next adventure.
7. Donut Sack Bike Bags πΊπ²
Donut Sack Bike Bags is a one-man studio based in Columbus, OH, run by Dave. The first custom bag I ever ordered was made by Dave. I still use it daily. Today, Donut offers a range of stem and handlebar bags, wallets, and tool rolls, all made with durability in mind and available in a range of materials and colors. If you're in the market for high-quality, handmade bike bags, be sure to check out Donut Sack!
8. Farther Bag Co. πΊπ²
Farther Bag Co. is a company based in Memphis, Tennessee that creates handcrafted bags for all your adventure needs. Their product line includes stem bags, huge handlebar bags, and various sizes of frame bags for all your bikepacking needs. They also offer a range of beauty duffel bags, wallets, and totes, all made by hand and with a focus on quality. And with a range of vibrant colors and patterns to choose from, there's sure to be a Farther Bag that fits your style.
9. Fierce Hazel πΊπ²
Fierce Hazel is a female founded company by Frankie in California, with a mission to create high-quality, sustainable bags for adventure-seekers. With a background in fine arts, photography, and printmaking, Frankie honed the skills necessary to bring her vision to life. After being overwhelmed by the amount of plastic she encountered during a project in Europe, she vowed to do something about it. Today, Fierce Hazel puts a strong emphasis on sustainability, using only eco-friendly materials in her creations. Fierce Hazel is truly - Simply Fierce. Specially Fashioned.
10. Fish Ski Designs πΊπ²
Fish Ski Designs is a company run by Fischer Olpin, specializing in custom and off-the-shelf bags for all your bikepacking and outdoor adventure needs. With a range of products including frame bags, fork bags, wedge packs, and more, Fish Ski has you covered. And with bright, vibrant colors and upcycled materials from old tents and gear their bags not only look durable, they also look alive. If you're curious about the process and fabrication, be sure to check out Fischer's Instagram account.
11. Framework Designs π¦πΊ
Framework Designs, run by the talented Tia Evans - a textile designer turned bag maker, is a Melbourne-based company that has been creating stellar bike bags since 2018. Tia's passion for design shines through in each of her creations, as she primarily uses locally made waterproof canvas for the exterior of her bags. From off-the-shelf panniers, handlebar bags, snack packs, basket bags, to fully custom frame bags, Framework Designs offers a range of options for any bikepacking adventure. These bags are some of the best designed bags out there. The waterproof canvas not only provides durability, but it also gives the bags a timeless and classic look
12. Goodday + Curiosity Bags πΊπ²
Meet Curiosity Bags, the brainchild of Chris Besnia from Gunnison, Colorado. Chris, also known as Gooday Bikes, is a jack of all trades, building not only wild bikes, but also some seriously creative bags to match. If you're looking for bags that are more like art pieces than just a functional accessory, then Curiosity Bags are for you. With their bold colors and large patterns, these bags are sure to turn heads. But that's not all, Chris is also expanding his skills by building components and even some pretty cool rack systems that can be paired with his bags or any other roll packs.
13. Hilly Goose π¨π¦
Hilly Goose was founded by Jeremy and Brittney from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. We think the name Hilly Goose is pretty clever, and the bags they create are just as impressive. With a range of bar bags, top tube, saddle bags, and custom frame bags, Hilly Goose offers a solid selection for all your cycling storage needs. These bags are practical, built to last, and designed with the cyclist in mind. If you're in need of some new bags for your rides, Hilly Goose is definitely worth a look.
14. Hungry π¦πΊ
If you're in need of some new bags, look no further than Hungry - a free range bag making company based in Yorta Yorta country, also known as Finley, NSW, Australia. Founded in 2018 by Harry, these bags are full of color and come across as a solid brand. With a range of stem bags, handlebar bags, hip packs, totes, and custom frame bags you're sure to find something that fits your needs. So why is it called Hungry? According to Harry, coming up with a name is difficult and there's really no good story behind the name - he just went with it! Nevertheless, the bags from Hungry are sure to leave you feeling satisfied.
15. JPaks πΊπ²
JPaks is a handmade bag making company based in Colorado. Owned and operated by Joe Tonsager, JPaks has been in business for 8 years, making it a seasoned player in the world of bikepacking bags. With a full range of bags available, the standout piece is the Modpak - a full frame bag that can be converted into a half frame bag. If you're looking for some inspiration for your setup, check out the JPaks in the Wild section on the website.
16. Pinchazo Bags π¨π±
Introducing Pinchazo Bags, our second entry from Chile on this list. Pinchazo offers a wide range of bike packing bags including frame bags, handlebar bags, and pretty much anything else you might need for your next adventure. And if cycling isn't your thing, Pinchazo Bags also makes some sweet hiking backpacks. We asked what the name Pinchazo means and found out it translates to 'Tire Puncture' in Spanish, which made us chuckle. But don't let the name fool you, these bags are well-made and durable, perfect for your next trip.
17. PTAP Designs πΊπ²
Get ready to add some style to your everyday rides and adventures with PTAP Designs from Baltimore, MA. With a range of tool packs, handlebar rolls, and stem packs, each featuring fresh patterns, you'll be sure to stand out on the road or trail. The name PTAP (pronounced p-tap) is a nod to the local Patapsco State Park in Maryland, just outside of Baltimore.
18. Reroot Outdoors πΊπ²
Say hello to Reroot Outdoors also known as Shan, Shan an engineer, farmer and seamstress. Reroo takes pride in their materials, choosing only the most durable options from US manufacturers and suppliers, and always looking for ways to incorporate recycled materials. The result is bags that are not only beautiful but also functional. From custom full frame bags to half frame bags and top tube bags, Reroot has got you covered for all your bikepacking needs.
19. The Salty Boob πΊπ²
The Salty Boob is a company that's all about giving new life to old gear. Their bags are designed and made by hand and they're always looking for ways to keep retired gear out of landfills. One of their coolest products is the adventure bike basket which is made using mostly repurposed materials. This basket was originally designed for little shredders, but they now have a parent-sized version too. And if you're looking for a zip pouch or an adventure baby blanket, The Salty Boob's got you covered.
20. San Util Design πΊπ²
San Util Design, run by Adam Nicholson in Winter Park, Colorado, offers a range of high-quality bags for all your biking needs - be it mountain biking, racing, adventure, or just everyday life. From tool rolls to handlebar, frame, and saddle bags, Adam designs bags that are made to last and perform. In our recent interview with Adam, we were impressed by his passion and introspection, as much as his bags. Check out the full interview here.
21. Shaka Packs π¨π¦
Shaka Packs, run by Julian from Kelowna, BC, is one of the best custom bag makers in Canada. Julian has a strong appreciation for custom gear and caters to a wide range of cyclists including gravel, road, commuter and mountain bikers. Shaka Packs offers a solid range of bar bags, custom frame bags, hip packs, seat bags, stem and tube bags, all made with durable Cordura and X-Pac materials to ensure a rugged and strong final product.
22. Straight Cut Design π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ
Straight Cut Design is a company that takes pride in handmaking their gear in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland. It was founded by Ross in 2018, and since then, it's been delivering top-notch bike bags to riders of all kinds. They offer both off-the-shelf and custom-made bags, including frame bags, handlebar rolls, stem bags, and dry pack harnesses. All of their gear has been tested in the wild Scottish outdoors, ensuring that their products are both rugged and reliable.
23. Sturdy Bag Designs πΊπ²
Sturdy Bag Designs is a bike bag company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota and founded by Joe, whose upbringing was influenced by his mother's sewing skills and father's entrepreneurial spirit. It's no surprise that Joe ended up making high quality and durable bike bags. In addition to the typical stem, handlebar, and saddle bags, Sturdy Bag Designs also offers some slick looking cargo cage bags that we would love to try.
24. Traag Bags π¦πΉ
Traag Bags, founded by Zelda Aydin in 2016 in Istanbul, makes stunning gender-neutral bike bags with a clean and contemporary look. After moving production to Vienna in 2019, Traag now offers a range of messenger bags, frame bags, hip packs, and handlebar bags in a range of colors that are both stylish and functional. Whether you're commuting or going on a long ride, Traag's bags are definitely worth a look.
25. Twin Pines Co. πΊπ²
Twin Pines Co. is a bag maker based in Kansas City, Missouri that was founded in 2016. They specialize in making all terrain bicycle bags that are perfect for adventure and a bit of mischief. The team at Twin Pines is dedicated to producing the highest quality goods and they try to use sustainable materials whenever possible.
26. Urcu Bags πͺπ¨
Urcu Bags is a company based in Ecuador that handcrafts high-quality bags using the best materials available. Their bags are made with care and attention to detail, ensuring that each one is a durable and reliable companion for all your adventures. Whether you're a cyclist, hiker, or just someone who needs a reliable bag, Urcu Bags has got you covered.
27. Von Berg Bags π¦πΉ
Meet Jakob, the one-man-show behind the handmade bag company, Von Berg Bags, located in Graz, Austria. Jakob has a passion for creating gorgeous and stunning bags, not only for bikepacking and hiking but also for everyday life. His range of bags include stem bags, frame bags, handlebar rolls, and totes, all made with the utmost care and best materials available. Whether you're a serious bikepacker or just in need of a stylish tote, Von Berg Bags has you covered.
28. WaxWing Bag Co. πΊπ²
WaxWing Bag Co. is run by the talented Dave Cain. Not just a bag maker, Dave's experience in different crafts shines through in the functional beauty of his bags. While many bag makers use Cordura or X-Pac, Dave prefers to work with Cotton Duck or 100% cotton canvas to create bags that are built to last. With a variety of formats and colors to choose from, these bags are truly special and a true testament to Dave's craftsmanship.
