I am Carradice fan. Not once has water breached the cotton duck for me. I like that they are 'hand-machined' in England, signed by the machinist and made of cotton and leather rather than plastic.
Since one of my Carradice bags is over 20 years old and still looks great and the other one has been used daily for well over ten years and still shows no wear at all, I've got no complaints, but I agree a lot of the modern iterations have some great features. Are they worth 2-3 times the price? Not to me, but I'm glad they're finding a market for their makers.
Do you always run mudguards? Im taking my carradice off road touring and dont have room for mudguards which means the bag becomes the mudguard. In proper rain I imagine that becomes a shit show. What do you reckon?
100% agree. My Carradice Camper Longflap has never leaked any water, and even the old, faded and somewhat weatherbeaten Carradice Nelson (over 18 years old) is still very waterproof.
@@patientswim6888 the Carradice will not leak even if you have no mudguards. It WILL get dirty, and that may cause fabric wear issues over time (10-15 years) but it is simple enough to wash off the dirt.
As a long time Carradice user, I can accept that the newer materials and design offer improved functionality. However, for me the big downside of the new materials is that they are all basically plastics. Despite no doubt having great longevity, these materials are all destined for landfill, and aren't bio-degradable like cotton, leather and wood. IMHO It would be great if Carradice took some of the modern features offered by the new bags and interpreted them in their traditional materials.
@@joshuajoakley Maybe, but it'll wear out one day, and when it does there's nowhere for it to go but landfill. I'm not saying that Swift Industries and others aren't making great products, probably better products in fact in terms of function than Carradice. However, it would be great to see the new bag makers, and indeed all manufacturers consider the entire lifespan of their products. ie what happens to it when it's done?
@@philtomlinson8220 A number of XPAX / RX materials are made from recycled plastics / PET - other constituents often likewise recyclable, e.g. taffeta, as are TPUs. So it's not beyond belief that they can be recycled themselves (where facilities are available) - if not back to identical materials then to others.
Well Leather comes from an animal and they have a bigger carbon footprint than these fabrics I believe. Not just that you're supporting animal cruelty when buying leather. If a bag lasts long and can be repaired its worth it over leather.
My carradice is very easy to take off and put on because I use a bagman expedition with a quick release. I haven't touched the straps since I set them to the right length.
I can buckle and un un unbuckle my Carradice Camper from the outside, no need to open the bag. My oldest Carradice is more than 20 years old and still going strong. Cotton Duck and leather straps last a liftime, plastic do not. Stiffeners? Who really care about stiffener when the bag is full? Last but not least the “new” bags cost more than double of original Camper Longflap . Buy a Carradice and be happy for the rest of your life.
I have a Nelson, Barley, and Zip Roll from Carridice. Different sizes for different rides. Saying that, the bag makers that have sprung up in the last ten years really do wonderful work. Putting your own spin, and making changes on an old design is great. Cheers from Chicago!
Interesting video Russ - I had a similar thought process when I was looking for saddle bags. I settled on Carradice for a few reasons. Firstly I live in the UK where these bags are quite inexpensive to buy. Secondly, I like the company and the personal service they give (One of my bags was custom made for me). Thirdly, I like the look and feel of the bags which gets better with age. To address a few of your points - I have a Barley bag and a Camper Longflap (Custom made without the side pockets to reduce the profile - they actually charged me less!). I would however never use either bag without the bag support and the quick release which clamp o your seat rails. This stops the bags swinging completely and keep them way back away from your legs - you cant say that about the modern ones which are strapped to the seat post! Undo a quick strap then pull two pins together and bingo you bag is free. Add a shoulder strap to the D rings and you can take your valuables into the store. It can be a bit fiddly to re attach but is much quicker than any form of strap and is very secure (Not a fan of their SQR system though!). For those wanting plastic and space age materials, they do those as well but still hand made by a human being! Finally, the hi tech versions you show are not easily available everywhere, especially in the UK where they are very expensive. I get you points and you have some fantastic manufacturers in North America and, if I lived there, I would probably choose those but my point is, the difference is not as great as you may think. Oh and to the person who said they are very 80's - they were actually designed in the 30's!
One or two points... - Carradice has produced at least 2 fast-release systems for years. You can choose whether to attach via the straps if you want to leave in in place, or use quick release fittings. - Durability. Carradice saddlebags are renowned for their durability. They last forever, spares are easily available and Carradice offer a repair service. - From my experience with rucksacks and panniers, plastic buckles are all very well, but sooner or later one will get broken (you step on the bag in the night, etc)... which can be a pain mid-tour.
Question Russ. Is it possible to take off the leather dowel-straps and thread them through from the outside? Surely then the Carradice would attach pretty much just like a Zeitgeist.
@@babylonbybike Interesting. So it's possible to do this? They're not permanently fixed or anything? I've been weighing up Carradice Camper vs Fabio's Chest, and the Carradice is literally half the cost.
Yeah, for me it’s Carradice all the way for a traditional saddlebag, but maybe a modern option if I want a larger drum bag style saddlepack that holds more but is far less accessible.
I have a Carradice Super C and the instructions advise to feed the leather straps from outside the bag, then arround the dowel and back outside the bag. This allows the bag to be attatched and removed without opening it. It also has nylon straps elsewhere with plastic D rings and tough plastic buckles that are easy to use with winter gloves.
Nice vid Russ. I’d also be interested a comparison in terms of durability and lifespan of new vs traditional materials. One example could be that plastic buckles can break over time with use or become brittle in cold temps. Etc.
I love my Carradice “Super C” bag! The quick release system (no strapping in) + leather base give it a leg up on the Carradice bag you showed. Also, it’s waterproof! I love my Swift bags too, but they can’t say it’s waterproof
I had one of the ultra-huge Rivendell saddle bags. Very expensive. It was the best bag I ever had and I could put everything for an overnight trip in it. I had to use a rack underneath it but it still made for a pretty light rig. Then it got stolen because I was too cheap to buy a quick release saddle bag attachment thingy holder. Plus, there’s no stylish way to walk around with a saddle bag, so you end up opting to stupidly leave it on your bike. And then it gets stolen, and that’s it. You never get another one because you’re never going to spend that much money again. Just a heads up.
Its worth checking out the Carradice 'SuperC' range. They probably sit somewhere between the their traditional bags and the Swift Industry bags. The Super C range ditches the leather straps and buckles for nylon webbing and plastic push fit closures. The Audax saddlebag in this range is a favourite.
I have both Carradice bags and a nice new one from Wizard Works. Yes, they both do the same thing. The Wizard Works is easier to use on the front of my bikes. It has to be remembered that it is always easier to improve on an existing design, I know some of the critics have sited price here. Although Carradice bags are less expensive they are a bigger (although still small in the great scheme of things) and well established. Many of the new producers are small companies (or one and two person bands) who need to charge more to break a profit. Both styles of bags have there place (I use both on my Surly) You can reposition the straps on the Carradice bags so that they undo outside - makes life a bit easier 👍
I have both types of bags as well. Each one checks different boxes. Neither one is “the best” - they both fill niches. I’m glad we have both options. Thanks for highlighting what to look for in modern and classic saddle bags, Russ. I think I have bag envy though...
The newfangled cottage industry bags look great. But I was also grateful that I could quickly pick up a Carradice Nelson Longflap in Europe to try out on a first bikepacking trip. Surely there's room for both!
I like the light weight of the zeitgeist, but one thing I notice about coated nylons etc. is that the coating generally deteriorates on a scale of 5-10 years, at least for the tents I buy. I have a 45 year old karrimor that is just starting to have problems - the leather on two of the buckle straps just broke. I am considering repairing it, or buying new, etc. I sometimes hate how it doesn't have stiffeners to maintain its shape, yet because it "slumps down" I think its easier to throw my leg over the saddle. One thing I have noticed is that most of the time, I don't have to use the straps on the flap, stuff just stays in there, if its only a few items.
This is getting yelled at, but not actually “yelled at,” by your dad. He’s not angry, he’s just disappointed. That being said, enjoyable content as always!
You’re doing Carradice a slight injustice there Russ. They also have colourful saddlebags and ones with modern materials and hardware. I would have to say it’s easier to close a leather strap and buckle than a plastic clip when you’re on the bike. Another advantage of the Carradice is the make absolutely no noise on the bike whereas I find bags with stiffeners to be quite annoying if not completely full. Just my 2c 😉
The big downside to Carradice that no-one mentions is their ridiculous durability! I would love one of these newer style bags, but my 35 year old Nelson Longflap just won't die! It has gone a lovely silvery grey colour though. Like a patriarch mountain gorilla, distinguished and venerable.
Not sure what the issue with attaching the Carradice is? The metal buckles do not have to be fastened inside of the bag. They can be done externally. Almost everyone I know with a Carradice bag uses the Bagman Sport or Expedition quick release bracket anyway which is instantaneous and very secure. I have a Carradice Junior which belonged to my Grandad in the 60s and is still in weekly use - if you need proof that the cottonduck material lasts the test of time. I doubt newer man-made fabrics will be around in 60 years time.
After buying 1 or 2 bags I realized that I could just make my own bags for way cheaper. I use an old 1946 Kenmore rotary sewing machine. I bought quality material from Sailrite & bought the webbing & clips from eBay & got Arkel hardware. Doing it myself, I can control the materials, color, size ect... Way cheaper & exactly what I want.
Carradice’s SQR quick release solves the issue of instant on/off. I’ve used it for years on my Bridgestone and now on my Brompton, including some heavy loads.
In fairness to Caradice, they have a few bags that use modern straps and some that use lighter-weight fabrics as well. I have a few and I use them with Voile straps set up like shown on the bags shown in the video for more convenience. The bags don't have all the features shown here, but they were significantly less expensive than the other bags shown here. I'm new to bikepacking but the bags have been working out pretty well so far. Check out the Super C series, CarraDry series, and Bikepacking lineup for something a little more "modern". Not saying they are better than the others, just pointing out that they have options worth considering if you're on a budget.
I agree. I think the improved or modernised Carradice options were unfairly missed here with somewhat of a bias to the newer, smaller US manufacturers bags kind of implicitly being presented as the only more progressive options. The simple construction & design of the Carradice variations not shown; even those with the same essential design but with modern materials and cam-lock buckles available keeps the labor and thus total purchase price down. As well as seperate cradles & QR supports from Carradice being available there's plenty of non-OEM or unofficial hacks around for improving the traditional bags too.
Thanks for bringing the Carradice brand to my attention. I have a Nelson from them - possibly as old as 17 years - in daily service as an handlebar bag. It’s looking rather “theftproof” now. It’s still 100% functional. The BxB brand sure look good - at a higher cost. Sometimes I can’t have the best. And the one I can afford really is the best for me. I’m putting a Surly 8 Pack rack on my Straggler and want a huge h-bag. The Nelson can go to the rear. A Camper LongFlap w/ deleted side pockets looks perfect for my utility biking. Good luck on your move to España.
I have just ordered a brand new Carradice bag, the reason is that when I was a super keen cycle tourist in the 1980s, everybody had one and they are still going strong today, plus as I have just aquired a magnificent Green Dawes Super galaxy from Ebay.......so nothing else will do to complete the look :-) Good video
I do like my carradice bags and have managed to wear a couple out over the years, I find the 'longflap' essential for cramming extras. I think they've also branched out into more modern materials now and will probably try one of these next. On another note, I think I've finally found a solution to carrying my nice guitar in it's hardcase. It requires a rear pannier rack which I'm fitting tomorrow. It's called the Airpannier by a Welsh company Mundo music gear. I've no affiliation to the company just buzzing to try it out. There's some youtube vids and it looks ace for carrying guitars, cellos, conga drums and the vids show it carrying a surf board and a tree too! My fixed gear workhorse is about to get even more practical!
Another stellar performance from you Mr Path less traveled, providing a modern twist to traditional gear . Not so much reinventing the wheel but tweaking and enhancing a great design that has stood the test of time. I can personally recommend Swift Industries bags they are lightweight yet built to last , another quirky brand is six rolling wheels from Singapore 🇸🇬.
I am with you on upgraded materials and improved design. One thing you might want to mention too, if you are biking longer distances, is the weight. Leather straps, canvas and metal buckles all add weight. The overall weight and capacity of the Zeitgeist bag is what sold me on it. As for being made of plastic and subsequently ending up in landfills...if someone puts anything in a plastic bag, it's not going to bio-degrade. If you take care of your gear and buy things you enjoy using, it's not going to end up in the landfill anytime soon...so I wouldn't make that big a fuss about that point as some commenters have. Having just bought myself the Swift bag, I had some thoughts on the matter.
I've been using Carradice saddle bags since the early eighties when I joined my local cycling club at 13 I started by using my father's Nelson longflap he had been using in the late fifties when he was a club cyclist and just never got rid of his gear. I bought a new one a few years later when I started work as I didn't want to destroy his ( it was just starting to wear holes in it) that I still use now though i Can see the benefits of the modern versions I'm to much of a traditionalist though my touring panniers are made by Ortlieb easier to keep my stuff dry U.K.touring usually means you get caught in the rain at least once on a tour.
I have 2 Carradice bags, a Junior and a Barley, and an Origin8 clone of a Carradice Nelson. I put some coroplast stiffeners into the 2 Carradice bags to get them to hold their shape better. Cheap and effective. I actually found a padded camera bag insert that fits perfectly into the Nelson clone. Totally agree on the buckles, but it's about style, I think. The Origin8 was well used and broken in when I got it and the buckles are much easier to use once the leather is broken in and soft.
Always enjoy your videos! One small note, you can always run the straps through the inside and attach through the saddle on the outside... Isn't as secure but if you need to attach/remove often is certainly helpful (security isn't an issue for me as I am typically close to the bike/bag). Keep up the great work!
We need to get past the, It's just a.. keep what works, upgrade what you feel no longer fits your needs. Improvements in quality of materials and build are most important to me. If both can be had along with the tweaks, I will highly consider.
I wish xpac was more waterproof and the colors didn't fade so much...and that new makers had a better color selection. I love my older Swift Zeitgeist with dowel. It's more waterproof than the new xpac ones. I am looking for another one. I bought a Fabs Chest a few yrs ago, but it didn't fit well, so I gifted it away.
I have a canvas bag which uses leather straps that attach to my handlebar. Since I use it on my handlebar, I route the leather strap tip from the outside top opening, into the bag, around the dowel, out the bottom opening, then buckle it up over the handlebar for easy on/off. I can see how this routing and attachment would be difficult around saddle rails, but maybe better than the internal buckle strat? Either way, it won't matter to me soon since I'm getting one of those lovely Jack Supply bags. : )
I was once drawn in by the allure of pretty green cotton duck bags to go along with a lovely steel framed touring bike. One reality of long distance riding is that it rains, and that cotton duck is a terrible material to coexist with water. Would have appreciated such stylish and functional bags as those at the time. Great presentation!
I've tried a few of the Carradice QRs and for me they are meh. Some require a fairly tall saddle rail to tire which I don't have as a shorter rider so they're useless. Also, I move bags constantly from bike to bike and getting multiple QR blocks for all the bikes would add up quickly.
I like my 15 year old Carradice Barley but it does look a bit rudimentary compared to my new Wizard Works Shazam which is a whole new level of design, materials and craftsmanship.
I had a set or Cannondale bags 50 years ago. They were nylon with a stiffener and had plastic/nylon straps that could be tightened anywhere along the strap. So I don't understand your point. I have never used canvas bags, or leather saddles for that matter. I started cycling in '71. Use what works. But durability is workmanship as well as materials.
I've got an older Carradice style, and totally agree with you. The dowel hardware is always unscrewing on mine, it is a PITA to take it on and off the saddle (I have totally been in the same situation of frantically pfaffing around with it while trying to catch a bus or train), and leather buckles look cool, but are not very functional
Glad you used the Gravel is just 90’s MTBs… of course we see what’s out there and how we could improve it. If we didn’t do that we wouldn’t have bikes with longer chainstays like that other video you posted.
No nod to Fab's Chest? It seems like that bag influenced this whole generation of new style Carradice bags. Ron has even commented on how many copies have sprung up since they introduced it.
If you asked me which bag to get 5 years ago I’d definitely choose the Carradice bag (and then buy a Rivendell bike to go with it :D) but now I’d choose one of the modern bags. Putting aside the functionality, I even prefer the aesthetics of new bags. Maybe it has something to do with the horrible 2020 we’ve gone through. I just want cast off old, comfortable retro designs and choose new, modern and more daring stuff for 2021. So give me one electric purple Zeitgeist bag with high viz yellow straps please.
I've always thought Carradice as a brand were the poorer UK provincial cousin of Brooks. There's a lot of simple ways of improving the basic, trad Carradice bag ... and Carradice themselves even offer improvements as products. Not just the simple bags with modern materials and buckles.. but retro compatible simple supports and QR mechanisms. Just because something has been surpassed subjectively in some detail doesn't make it immediately obsolete. This is Russ's opinion, still veiled behind keyword & YT monetization. Of course, this is all about buying a 'new product' vs. 'hacks' and improving basic stuff. Carradice just don't have the social media army championing them these days.
I was / am a Carradice fan. I dragged a Camper Longflap for 3 years on continuous tour. I still own it. It’s over 15 years old. I don’t care if you don’t buy a new one or not but i think unquestioned blind reverence for heritage products is dumb and occludes where things have improved.
@@PathLessPedaledTV I'm not denying there are improvements to the basic design as you've quite well demonstrated. It comes down to marginal gains for significant price difference, really... especially if you're buying against the USD or GBP from either or another currency as I am. I just feel that some of Carradices improved offerings and options were left out here. They seem to be only presented as their heritage products by many.
I love my Carradice bag, but I think God forbid it ever wore out, I would replace it with something with easier straps, and closures. Like a Swift Zeitgeist.
Russ, don't let people who have never tried the bag you're reviewing get you mad with narrow minded comments. Just remember all the money you make and shrug off the haters. Some people love the wrong bag and they're taking about it.
I like Carradice but to say it’s better is a little ignorant IMO. It comes down to personal preference. I own Carradice and Swift Industries and nobody has convicted me of blasphemy. Thanks for this upload.
So Nelson where they are made is in Lancashire which has a red rose, why is there a white rose on the label? Interesting. That maybe how to suss out a rip off.
I find it hilarious how often you get “Well this is just a new version of this...” while the auto industry has been producing new versions of old stuff for over a century. “The F-150 is basically just a Model A” 😂
Good reviews. I'm interested in you calling these "saddlebags" though. I would have called them front bags or handlebar bags. Aren't saddlebags the little ones that go under your saddle, or possibly panniers that go over your rear rack, like a saddle?
'they're never going to make a pink and teal and purple bag' You say that as if it's a bad thing. If fashion is your thing go for it. I've just bought a Carradice Barley. It's burgundy with a tartan interior, so that's you shot down right there. Why not try one of their Harris Tweed versions hmm? The bag I bought will last the rest of my life. There's no such thing as 'modern materials equals better.' It's all about cost reduction. Carradice don't do that. If wood is what they use now then wood is a modern material, they could have swapped that for plastic years ago but they know that it's shit. Carradice Super C SQR bags are rigid bags that hold their shape and have a quick release system. A cursory exam of their website would have told you that. Then again that 'modern' design doesn't fit your argument so exclude it right? I've got other bags from other companies, they serve their purpose. Some are actually nylon.
I have Carradice Junior which sits nicely on the Carradice Classic Rack, and it has never let me down and I love the look. But, I must admit the leather buckles do become tiresome when you're in a hurry.
And that's why duck tape is called duck tape... Cos the fabric it was made from is cotton duck. The number of smug bawbags who've rolled their eyes at me and then tried to 'correct' me and say it's duct tape is mad lol
