Are BIKEPACKING Bags OVERRATED? 

Don't ever feel like you need to apologise for having an opinion and doing a review. It's why we watch your reviews for your honesty. Like you said it's no reflection on the brand or the item, it's just what you like and don't like. We all have those opinions and preferences. If people don't the opinion, then just move along, no need for a thumbs down people.

I am really glad that I found your channel. That is exactly what I wanted to watch

I intend to use my rando bag from now on, I will surely miss gripping to tops of the dropbar

I have tried the bikepacking method only to end up having to add panniers. I can see the new bikepacking method for races or timed ultras, or short fast long distance trips, or even trying for a fast long distance trip. The minimallist approach would be what I would go for in those situations. But for long tours where I just want to travel and explore, I would still rock some old school panniers or the bags you used .... By the way, thanks for another great vid....

Good to hear a different take on bikepacking bags! It gets pretty overwhelming hearing the waves of recommendations for the new thing on the block. I love the versatility and affordability of panniers that you hit on really well. It's always a bit frustrating seeing things in the camping+ community always going to more expensive(and now waste!)

I would love to try the saddle bags, but in our east coast environment that is a subtropical forest, waterproofing is a must. So, I have the dry bag setup and it works well for me.

Great breakdown, thanks Russ. Glad to hear I was right to go the longflap route!

yeah, I use a Carradice Nelson Longflap for commuting on a Bagman Rack. I love the set up. You do good work Russ, I'm loving your content.

Cool video! I only use my sausage front bag when I'm out multiple days and I only load lightweight stuff that I access once a day when I get to camp. So easy to just yank out my sleeping bag, pad and tent ft print. I hate a heavy front loads. I use frame and top tube bags for things I need often. Other stuff goes in my Swift zeitgeist on rear or other bag. I def HATE the dangling sausage seat bag. Nope...as you said, too difficult to access. I think itcs a matter of personal preference and how one intends to use it in certain situations. Use whatever you want whenever you want....just ride and have fun.

One thing that I noticed when shopping for a "sausage bag" was most seem to be designed for flat bar MTB bars. Clearance becomes an issue with the tire, so they are wide, but not deep. When using drop bars you lose a lot of the width of the bag. I went with a harness and a 20L dry bag. had full use of the diameter of the bag, just had to close it down a lot. It fit a one person tent (rainfly and stakes), sleeping bag, inflatable pad and pillow. None of it was expensive or ultralight gear. Ultimately everyone has their own uses and preferences, but this set up worked for me.

"Flaccid kind of casing on your handlebar" is a look we should all strive to avoid. Life lessons, thanks Russ!

You mentioned cost and it's worth noting that the Carradice Super C - which all these other bags are copied from - can still be had for ~$150 and is still made in the UK. I use one in the back with a SQR quick release so I can quickly remove it in just a couple of seconds. Also helps lift it a bit higher for clearance and keeps it from rubbing the backs of my legs.

Interesting post. Actually your channel helped me do my first bike packing tour. I rode the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia a couple of months ago. I modified my Roubiax with a larger rear cassette (11-40), Cowchipper handle bar (46 cm) and front middle and rear bags. I went with the Salsa Anything Cradle and bag and really liked it. I loved the fact I had had room on my bars and could swing it closer to the bike to bring the weight in. I also loved the fact I could easily slip off the front and back bags for the night. We were going from inn/motel every night, so I didn’t have to worry about tents, etc. My mates had traditional racks and bags on their touring bikes. My setup blew them away on the climbs, decents

Love your channel, reviews, and especially the scenery on some of your rides. I recently purchased a 2019 Surly Big Dummy. It is now my only bicycle and I use it for everything from commuting, to just leisure rides, grocery shopping, etc.. As soon as the campgrounds open back up I will use it for camping also. I have found that the bags that come with the big dummy with the addition of some outdoor products 20 liter dry bags (Walmart $6.00 each) works well for me. I know a lot of people will say that the Big Dummy is to heavy of a bicycle for touring and whatnot but my belief is, you pedal a heavy bicycle you become stronger. Its no different than going to the gym, you lift 10 pound weights you become 10 pound strong, you lift 50 pound weights you become 50 pounds strong. Review of my new bicycle coming to my channel soon.

Great vid! I really like the saddlebag option (the one you showed is amazing), but I suppose the "sausage bag" system would be great for things you'll only need maybe once a day. I could see having my whole tent + sleeping system up in a waterproof Ortlieb. Then it is not so much of an issue whether there are compartments or whether or not it's all accessible.

My husband as used a Carridice saddle bag for years...no problems

One thing I really liked about the Moulton is having a front rack that is part of the frame rather than the steerer. It was absolutely stable, steering remained predictable, I could use the handlebar width I liked, and no cable rub issues on centerpull brakes.

Russ, long time listener; first time caller. I run the Specialized Pizza (front) Rack on my Specialized AWOL with a Surly Porteur House Bag (40cm x 27cm x 45cm, about 17L capacity). I commute with it and love it. Big bag when needed but will pack down to pleasing size when headed to the pub. I doubt I will ever go “sausage roll” for the same reasons you shared. Big fan of my set-up for functionality and price.

the saddlebag-style bag you show looks like a great piece of kit, i can imagine many different uses. Certainly more versatile than a h/b roll+accessory pocket combination, excluding the case of carrying winter shelter/sleeping gear. Hi from the Czech Republic.

I found one sausage bag mount that excels at commuting, the Specialized handlebar harness. Solid mounting (i.e., copy of the salsa anything cradle), but with built in clips so you just throw in any old drybag sack and clip two buckles. Super fast to mount/dismount, like panniers, but without the aero drag of panniers (was able to cut out 10 min off my 50 km commute).

Thanks for confirming what I've always suspected about bikepacking bags. The riding speed advantages of the bikepacking bag design can be easily negated due to them that much more difficult to pack and retrieve items.

Very helpful info thank you Russ. Ive just been lazy and going with the specialized pizza rack and basket, can add panniers if needed. Not light, but lazy packing approved! (Also 12 pack approved)

I love the Ortlieb handlebar pack for my commute. Enough space to put a change of clothes and anything else I need.

Totally agree with your assessment. It mirrors my experience precisely.

I dig your groove and how you guys enjoy bikes, cycling and travelling by bike. Thanks for another quality vid. What brand is the pink steel bike?

Ortlieb handle bar bag: holds its shape, waterproof, leaves space to hold the handle bar. It's smaller than the two styles of bags in your video so I use it with panniers on a multi-day or by itself on a long day ride.

Blast from the past - the straps that you used to stop tyre rub (@7:34) are exactly the same as a pair I bought in Palo Alto, 1995 to do SF to NYC. Still got them in my garden shed somewhere and still use them to keep a carradice saddlebag off my back tyre in the UK.

I’ve had a carradice saddle bag for years. Your right about the convenience of packing it. It’s very easy to use. But quite a bit heavier than a sausage bag. I think the convenience out weighs the weight penalty. Thanks Russ.

Excellent review Russ

I’ve been a long term Carradice user who has recently tried bikepacking bags. I’m trying really hard to like them but for general purpose commuting I think the Carradice and similar lateral style bags are just a better concept. Easier access. Easier to take on and off with an SQR or Bagman. Keep their shape. Look good full or empty. I have a Carradice Cadet that’s perfect for my laptop, lunch and office clothes. Never had an issue with stuff getting wet. (I use fenders)

hey russ, awesome review- can you put the product link in the description of products you review? thanks!

@Path Less Pedaled - What is the water bottle you have there on the pink bike in the video - I really love the design and looking for orange one

Thoughts on the "teardrop" version vs. the "goldback?"

I love the carradice style bags, but as you mentioned, there aren't many companies making them right now, which makes the cost very prohibited. Especially if you live in Canada where you have to factor in the exchange rate and additional shipping. You're looking at over $300 for the Bags by Bird bag you have there.

Hey Russ, I'm considering using the Goldback for commuting as it seems to be fairly easy to attach/detach. What size of the Goldback are you using? Not sure anyting but the small would fit between my handlebars and not sure that would be large enough if I used it for anything else.

I want to get a handle bar bag for my road bike but my cables are not tucked in to the handle bar like yours. My shifter cables are coming from the top inside of the shifters and the cables are angled down towards the bottom of the bike frame. Do you have any recommendations for a bag as it seems a handle bar bag won't fit on mine :(

Picked up the Marin Nicasio after watching your review and went with the Topeak sausage set up .

Hi Russ, love your site. I am surprised you did not mention the accessory bag that comes with the Ortlieb handlebar roll, this is great for accessing those bits you need during the day like sunglasses, sunblock, guidebooks etc. whereas the roll is better suited for sleeping gear etc. you need only access at the end of the day. Waterproofness is a big deal were I come from (New Zealand) too. Keep up the great work!

I am planning my bikepacking, and in Brazil there is simply no such thing as a "saddle bag", nor in the Ali Express, and the ones that are sold on American websites are extremely expensive for my pocket (yeah ... I get it in Brazilian currency and not in dollars lol). Which is a shame, as in Brazil there are many cyclist travelers who would buy these types of more spacious handlebars instead of just small bags or these sausages that for me only serve to store camping material. Greetings from Brazil, I really like your channel!

One thing you should have alluded to is how one removes either bag from the handle bar. Once I get to the camp site I want a fairly easy unclip/removal of the bag to store out of inclement weather.

Makes a lot of sense to me! I wonder handling wise carrying load up "high" in saddle bags front and back vs low in panniers? I get the idea of "traditional" bike packing style bags that don't have much hardware to come loose or brake and the weight saving thing but like you said, having the ability to organize things, to use the bag on commutes, to have easy access w/o having to fight for it are all important points to me, you want super light, buy some Dynema fabric and make a saddle bag that will be super light!! Anyway, thank you for an awesome video!

Not sure about the prices in the US but in europe you can get two carradice longflaps plus one or two thin drybag for your clothes and sleeping bag. Also there are "soft" harnesses like Restrap or Cordel which allows you to carry any drybag-like bag. I made one myself but I haven't tried it yet :/

funny how things go full circle,40 years ago i had a bike with 5 speed gears a rear rack and a saddle bag similar style !

Agree! I just bought a Tribulus front bag in X-pac fabric - super light and so much better for me as a system

Which size of the Ortlieb handlebar sausage bag do you have, Russ? I tried the smaller one, but I returned it - I had been hardly able to squeeze my sleeping bag into it. I am thinking about trying out the larger one, though. I agree that accessibility is an issue, but if you can put one or two bulky items there (say, a sleeping bag and a tent), that would work fine for me.

@Path Less Pedalled Cool hat. What brand is that?

Road Runner Bags makes great roll-top bags in three sizes, the Jammer series. I've got the middle one (called the Middle earth jammer) which is perfect for flared drops.

For handlebars I recommend something like a Billinghams camera bag. Make a hanger to hold it in place. Buy 1m of e.g. 5 - 7mm stainless steel wire, loop it underneath the stem, over handlebars, down to nice height, then forwards 15+cm, finalize with 180° loops. Have forks 15+cm apart from each other. This "forklift" will support the bag from below. Add bag, wrap an elastic through loops and back to handlebars. For stabilization add a couple of thin straps between bag and handlebars. Some Billinghams have metal loops for this. You can add some waterproof membrane between the forks to keep the bag clean. Also add a few layers of duck tape between bike parts and the hanger to reduce wear. Billinghams are nice looking padded waterbroof bags that look smart in cities. Of course if you go to some wilderness you can forget this tip, buy something that fits you. :D

Any thoughts on bags using a KLICKfix type bracket like the Ortlieb Ultimate 6 mentioned below or the Arkel touring bag that has a bracket that extends a structured bag away from your bars a bit? The bags don’t look as nice as this BxB, but the don’t take up hand space on the bars and don’t require frame mounted racks. Thanks for the great reviews!

What company is the saddle bag made of? WOuld you recommend carrying DSLR camera in the front or the rear of the bike? Am not sure how much these things bounce around. Will be carrying some heavier gear for Astro photography on a bike packing trip early next year.

Running the RoadRunner Middle Earth Jammer, which is a different take on the saddlebag-ish style, and love it for commuting trips, etc. Its a little harder to get into since it is a roll-top, but it is easy to get organize and get stuff out of once you unroll it

I do a lot of randonneuring and touring, and the functionality of being able to quickly access gear (food, raingear, etc.) is so important. I did a bikepacking race last summer, and definitely the rando-set up (rando bag and rack) didn't hold up (broke rack), so definitely looking for an alternative. Still not convinced that there is much choice for handlebar bags that don't introduce wheel rub, or if you have a fork crown mounted light. Thanks for the comparison and providing the overview of the BxB bad which seems like the only one available that might fit the bill

I would love to hear your opinion on the Wizard Works Shazam saddle bag if you can get your hands on it. Seems to be the least expensive quality saddlebag.

Front roll, frame bag and panniers for me!

I think for my MTB the HB roll bag just feels pretty solid. I fit in there my sleeping bag and pad and poles and that’s about it maybe stakes. For commuting and touring the front bag like the bird or carr are nice but will rattle with your stuff if not fitted in nice they are super easy access though hands down! The good thing is that there are options! In my opinion I really don’t think the HB rolls are useless on flat bars.

Been using panniers, trunks and seat bags for years. Looking at frame bags on Amazon. I use a medium Wald basket on the front when needed. And a Wald basket is not expensive.

What about ortlieb ultimate 6 bag? How would you compare it to these two systems?

I agree about the overall versatility of the the saddle bag style. But when I'm bikepacking/touring, there are some things that I 100% do not need/want access to throughout the day, mainly my (hammock) tent, which fits nicely in my Revelate Saltyroll bag. I never need to fish around or even open it during the day. I can strap other things to the harness or roll, like an accessory bag for items I actually do want throughout the day. And the best part: when I get to camp, the roll comes completely off the bike, one hammock strap comes out of each end of the bag, and the hammock is strung up before it even leaves the bag. On a wet day, I can put the tarp up first, and the hammock never emerges from the waterproof roll until it's under the tarp. For commuting, yeah, it's not ideal. I've been using a Klickfix front bag, or the KlickFix Kanga rack around town for some real, front-end versatility. On the back, I still prefer panniers. I've gone with a "sausage-style" saddle bag when it was easier than packing my rear rack, and it's less convenient for all the reasons you mention. But that front roll bag, with stuff in it that I only need at camp, has been great, and it's the one piece of gear that's helped me avoid putting a front rack on the bike.

I have a Revelate Harness front system to mount my waterproof bag (sleeping bag) but a big problem I have is the interference it presents to my brake/shifter levers. Your system also looks like it also has the same problem as I have, are you finding this?

Love the look of waxed canvas, but my trips get seriously muddy. I run a 30 liter nylon drybag with 32 inch Volle straps at a whopping $45 total. Mud flap on front keeps it from rubbing. Love the reviews, keep 'em coming.

Add a clear plastic cover on the top to put a map under, and it's just a slightly bigger version of what I used to use bike touring in the early 70's, although the material sciences have probably improved quite a bit since then. Everything that's old is new again. I've never tried a sausage style bag, and I'm not sure I would, for many of the same reasons you cite.

Going through the comparisons for a lightweight cycle tour and saddlebags seem the way to go. Carradice have options with quick release etc not just leather straps and pricing is competitive vs ortlieb here in the UK. Still lighter than racks/panniers. I am concerned about’swing’ as I like to get out of the saddle on long rides.

What was the brand of the saddle bag?

Russ, which size BXB bag is that in the video, sorry if I missed it.

I’d like to get a holster style sausage bag for bikepacking. For quick release

I've got one of these and the biggest downside is inability to organize. I've started to use this for carrying my rain sandals and rain jacket. I don't need to access these items much and can separate from my other gear. When it stops raining I can stuff them back in the bag and keep my dry gear in my paniers dry. I'll still use this bag whether I need the space or not as they counterbalance the water bottle holders that I attach to my front handlebar. Save money by buying the nicest stuff and keeping it for 20+ years.

Completely agree, there is no organising with a roll bag like you say you just stuff things in and if that is clothes you look like a drop out with crumpled clothes at the other end. You mentioned about the saddle bag hitting the tyre at the front this is the problem i would have with a bag of that size as I am short.

Got to agree Russ, seems like everyone buys the most waterproof thing you can buy in the beginning before coming to the realization that it's not necessary. Have you tried the Middle Earth Jammer from Road Runner?

While normally a fan of your reviews, this one is somewhat biased (which you admit to) to say the least. Yes, 'sausage' bags by definition mean that you have to pack your goodies in a certain way, but I don't take my sunday best on a bike trail where I shall be camping and not worried about my gear being a bit squashed up, and if I am doing a long bike hike, I'd rather favour lighter kit than the heavy bags you favour. Another point, people often kit out with not just saddlebags, but a selection (or all) of half or full frame bags, top tube bags, handlebar bags, and food pouches - all these bags are positioned higher up on the bike and don't risk being damaged or soaked as with panniers. A last point concerns money which you touched upon, the BXB bag being reviewed here costs $230 MRP which is about $80 more than Apidura's mid range 14L bag, or Revelate's similar size bag pitches at $155 - and a lot of the niche bags you have reviewed on the channel have price points way above the 'sausage' bags. A small correction I'd like to make, is that many saddlebags do come with hard reinforcements for the bottom part, and some for the sides as well. Please do not misunderstand my comments, panniers are great, it's difficult to carry a laptop in a saddlebag, it fits obviously much better in a pannier, likewise, fishing gear requires also a different set up. Aesthetically yeah, the saddlebags are a bit samey and the niche producers use different more alluring colours/motifs etc, but tend to be heavier, less water-resistant and more costly. Having said all that, we all have different needs, budgets etc, so I guess both offerings will be on the market for people to decide. Lastly, just to say thanks for all your great reviews, bikes are not at all straightforward to understand and you help a lot in making things a lot clearer. Sorry to rabbit on for so long...

Greetings....Just wondering what shirt you are wearing....looks nice

What kind of rack where you using on the rear with the saddle bags?

(Oops, hit send before I was done). So, if you aren’t camping and want easy on easy off bike bags that are waterproof, you can’t beat the “sausage” bags. But you are spot on that they give you little or no ability to get into them easily. I will be interested to see if you continue to like your current bags. One question. Does the front bag impede your hand positions? Thanks

Great review! The Overlander looks like an outrageous copy of the Carradice, maybe Carradice should copy the best bits of the Overlander and put them on their bags... ;-)

One issue is that the "stuff bags" tend to work better on smaller size frames without having tire rub.

Okay, weird question but what's the shirt you are wearing here? It looks great and I'm looking for more 'trail to street" wardrobe options :)

front rack and a massive top loading bag saves faffing when travelling and allows me to run narrow bars. the rack brings the bag forward. perty rad

this looks very similar to a tenba camera bag i have. Multiple access points to the interior. side pockets. nylon loops in the back. I may just get some quick release straps and try using it as a commuter bag on my Surly sunrise bars. I'm sure there are cheaper or second hand camera bags that could function in a similar capacity for a day ride or commuting.

I'm very interested in the 2nd bag but there are no links to the actual products :( and if you said the name it was so fast that I have not been able to catch it. BUT I loved the video and learned a lot.

I appreciate the perspective you bring to the table in your video but you paint the category of bags too broadly to all aspects of cycling... or perhaps you don't dive into the various cycling disciplines where 'sausage' vs saddlebag makes the biggest difference IMHO. 'Sausage' bags and other bags like them, when used correctly reduce rattling more than a carradice-like bag. For gravel grinding and touring I also prefer the carradice style setup. Like you, I am a cycling photographer and those bags rock for carrying camera gear. But for big backcountry bikepacking expeditions on multiuse and singletrack, there's no doubt I'd turn to the more 'modern style' of bikepacking bag. Bags need to stay small and streamline in order to hold loads close to the bike and reduce sway and rattle when on singletrack. The further a bikepacking item is from the BB of the bike, the lighter it should be for stability and durability. Ideally, your heaviest weight is down low and center. Carradice style bags do not do this. This is why "bikepacking" became a thing in the first place, when traditional racks and panniers simply weren't cutting the mustard for aggressive off-grid cycling. If anything, I find many 'sausage' bags on the market to be too big. Saddles and handlebars should carry minimal amounts of weight when on rough terrain... think down bags and ultralight layers/shelter. With a big shift to gravel cycling, we're looking at a world in between traditional touring and modern bikepacking. This video hits perhaps an ideal setup for this discipline. No style of carrying stuff on a bike is better or worse, just optimal for different riders, styles, topographies, and equipment. I know you're only attempting to outline your personal opinion, my only fear is folks will take it at word and apply it in general strokes across all disciplines of cycling. Happy Trails,

Did you say you fit a laptop in that saddle bag? What laptop do you have? I'm looking for an option that'll fit my laptop without using a pack on the rear rack. My current setup consists of the Topeak mtx rack and bag with expandable panniers. It fits the laptop but it's so damn awkward off the bike I can't really utilize it. So I bought a timbuk2 pannier that doubles as a shoulder bag but it uses hook and loop to hold to the rack and it's not a convenient option. Much like you I have several bikes so I need an option that's got a fairly universal mounting system, laptop fit would be a huge huge bonus. Front mount. I don't really love having to move racks around depending on which bikes I want to ride that day! I know....first world problems lol. Thanks for your vids

This BXB bag will be a very welcomed edition to my gravel bike as opposed to my walmart pseudo saddlebag,. By the way Russ what kind of shirt were you wearing? I love it! It looks like a shirt that I could definitely where on a daily basis and where did you get it? Is it an Arcteryx type of shirt perhaps? Your answer would be greatly appreciated, Thank You...

I've tried bikepacking bags, and don't like them. I'm currently using a rear rack and small panniers; this system works better for me than anything else I've managed to find so far. It's not very aero, but when you're hauling 10-15 lbs of gear in addition to yourself and your bike, how aero do you actually need to be?

Does front bag drop affects your bike handling? I noticed that you're a big fan of front loading bag

Hip/waist pack for me on daily use..

Should I drink everytime you say sausage?

Stupid question but can the bxb saddlebag also be used on a... Saddle?

The lack of compartments eventually turned me off the stuff bag systems as they are - and because you can't exactly open them up and rummage around on the move. In a way, like you Russ, I'm resigned to the fact that eventually its going to be time to buy a fairly exspensive bag..... but only after a fairly exspensive n+1 bike purchase that I'm working on. Keep the bag reviews coming, because I for one totally enjoy hearing your opinions and what you think does doesn't worl.

Frost River in MN is another company making some great bags

Russ, this vs Swift?

What kind of shirt/jacket are you wearing ?

The thing I've personally found is that I'm really not a fan of rackless bags at all, especially on the handlebars. I like racks and panniers and rando bags w/ a rack/decaleur. It's just so nice to keep weight off the handlebars + have the ability to completely dismount and pack everything in seconds. Plus it's easier to get to everything if you need it. I've tried those sausage roll style bags and I hated the ordeal of having to pack it, very morning you get to play Tetris and try to get everything to fit back inside. In fact I'm kind of puzzled as to why they're so popular unless your bike doesn't have mount points.

ok, I'm intrigued. I know you mentioned Bags by bird and Swift industries, but I'd love to know other makers so I can shop around. Who else is out there?

Without having tried the other, It seems the sausage style would be more stable for mountain-bike style bikepacking. Especially considering front suspension would change the bag's clearance throughout its travel. The other seems like a great option for anything non singletrack though.

Viewing this about a year afterwards, but I believe you do read the incoming comments. I've really taken a liking to the looks and utility of the big English style saddlebags. I have a Carradice "junior", an Origin 8 clone of a larger Carradice and a more modestly sized Brooks. (also have some rack trunks with fold out panniers, which are very useful but lacking the English style) Lots of room for toting a mirrorless camera or drone. One problem I have is that I am 5'7" and ride about a 51cm frame, meaning these bags drag on the wheel without support. I've used a cheap sunlite front rack as a rear bag support. Cheap, but will only work if bike has cantilever/V-brake bosses. Also bought the actual Carradice support, which was almost as much as the bag. Would love to see some discussion and reviews from you on such bag supports for us shorter folks.

Not even tried a sausage bag, but even while considering it i could tell it wouldn't be good for me.. This front pack looks awesome.woah... Expensive. Currently have a front rack and basket on my surly crossxcheck . Looking to do the same with my bikepacking mtb. So in the uk no one other than ladies use a front basket.. So im basically an ultra bike geek in the uk. Keep up the good work Russ. #supplelife

Late to the discussion, but having a bag that has easy access and few compartments to organize things would be nice, especially in that easy access location. I’m thinking about a setup with something similar in combination with dry bags for sleep kit, clothes, meals and such that would normally only be accessed in camp. I’m cheap though, and will probably use a rucksack or small backpack to fill that role. I have a front rack and could probably carry that, and a dry bag up there. I need to be careful not to overpack!

While I think smaller rolltop front bag like the catalyst or new Ortlieb QR handlebar bag are ideal for a bikepacking/touring set up, i do question whether the average load out is anymore organized in a larger bag like like bird bag in this video. Coming from the world of ultralight backpacking (which really doesn't require expensive lightweight gear as much as bringing only what you need), a single main compartment bag (like a dry bag) can absolutely be organized. You need to have a system so that everything goes in the same way every time. But yes digging stuff out of a dry bag isn't ideal. But I'd argue that's the purpose of bags like the ortlieb accessory pack you were using with the ortlieb dry bag is to put things used throughout the day in a convenient spot.

are the saddlebags waterproof?

Prefer the mullet these days. 'saddlebag' up front for easy access during the ride, and all the camping stuff i dont need to touch until i stop in the back sausage. That way i can annoy everyone with my bag choices.

Russ, agree with almost everything, yet the Carradice type of bag does not really work with commuting - if you are leaving your bike somewhere and you need your stuff, this bag is not easily detachable. While the sausage I just take off its holder and off I go.