Rack and Fork Bags
Rack Bags
For the first time in our history, we're stepping into the world of racks and panniers! But as usual, we're taking a singletrack-first approach and making gear that's ready for anything. 'Cause you shouldn't have to tone down your riding style just because you're running a rack.
Choose between top-opening and rear-opening rack-top bags, and two sizes of mini panniers using the Old Man Mountain FLIP system. All bags are super stable and rattle-free!
$150.00
$95.00
Rack and Fork Bag Knowledge Base
Need help deciding? No worries, we've got you.
I have a narrow rack - can I run the wide Picketpost Rack Bag for larger capacity?
The short answer is no. The long answer is, it's not a good idea so we designed the Picketpost to not allow it as an option.
While developing the Picketpost we tried it on lots of different racks and in lots of different widths, and we discovered that it just doesn't work well to have a top-opening bag that's much wider than the rack it sits on.
The only way to do it would be to add a lot of extra structure to the bag, which would add lots of weight.
Do you make traditional panniers?
At this time, we only make mini panniers using the Old Man Mountain FLIP system. These attach to a triple-mount set like on a rack or fork.
If you're looking for a streamlined traditional pannier instead, we recommend checking out San Util Design. If we did make them, we'd make something like theirs.
Should I choose a top-opening or rear-opening rack-top bag?
The answer really comes down to two things: what you want to pack into it, and when you want to access those things.
A top-opening bag is better for quick access to items during the day, and also better as a "kitchen sink" throw-everything-in-bag.
Where a top-opening bag runs into trouble is with items that want to expand, like layers or a sleeping bag. Expanding items work best with a smaller diameter bag, so that there's enough friction to counteract the item's tendency to expand.
In contrast, a rear-opening bag excels at stuffing items that will want to expand, like a tent or sleeping bag. But it's not great at access during the day, or at holding a lot of oddly-shaped items.
Our usual recommendation is to carry your sleeping bag in a dry bag on a handlebar harness, which opens up the option of a top-opening rack-top bag.
If you do choose this option, extra layers fit great in a Flip mini-pannier on the side of your rack - they'll be easy to access and won't try to un-stuff themselves as you close up the bag.
A Flip pannier is also a great choice for a tent, because the small diameter makes for easy stuffing and the Flip system allows for rapid removal of the bag from your bike when setting up camp.
Are racks or seat bags better for full suspension bikes?
Most of the time, a seat bag is going to be better on a full-suspension bike. This is a bit counter-intuitive, but it makes sense if you consider the bike geometry at full compression. Even on a large frame, you may have saddle interference with a rack when your suspension bottoms out.
Even without direct interference with the saddle, it's possible to hit your butt on the rack bag in unexpected ways, throwing you off your game. Most likely to happen when hucking to flat at lower speeds or throwing the front end of the bike down short steep rock rolls.
Some folks will say that you shouldn't bottom out your suspension or go off drops while bikepacking, and to that we say - phooey! You shouldn't have to change your riding style just because you're bike is loaded up. And you should always be ready to bottom out your suspension, even if you don't intend to.
Our Ripsey Seat Bag was designed for exactly this - it requires very little clearance and has a built-in skid plate to handle tire contact. And it's always in the exact same position under the saddle, so you won't have any surprises during technical riding.
The exception to this rule? Desert routes that require water capacity of 8 liters or more. For example, if you're taking your MTB down the Baja Divide, it's probably smart to use a rear rack to increase carrying capacity.
