If possible, could you do a review about a water filtration system if you use one? I always wonder about how good they are and also how do you know if there’s a type of water that you shouldn’t try to filter?
Great review. Helped me in my decision to purchase. Went with the 15L. Worked great for riding the 243 miles on the Katy Trail in 6 days. Held my clothes and sandals just fine. Love, love, love the air release valve on the inner dry bag. The outer bag is water resistant. Even so I sprayed it with camping water repellent spray for extra protection. With the rain shower and misting we encountered, it worked great, water beaded up on the bag and everything was dry inside. Having the extra space in the larger bag was appreciated when I needed to pack my tights and jacket after it warmed up. When not full, I rolled it tight and cinched it down. No problems either way (full or not). Highly recommend. Get one. I think you’ll love it too!
Thanks for the video. The 1st thing that crossed my mind was the fact that this bag also kinda serves the purpose of a mudguard so I can imagine how dirty it will get overtime during long hauls. Happy to see that there is an inner compression bag provided. 👍
Really happy to find this TopPeak Backloader. Its so much more affordable than the Apidura and with the dry bag, the Backloader can stay on your bike and you can separately pull out and pack the dry bag... good stuff!
LOL! I TWICE ordered the 10L version from Amazon and TWICE received the 6L! After THAT, I contacted the seller and said just reimburse me the difference in price. I use the 6L when I don't need to use my large 16.5L Ortlieb seat-pack. The 6L, unless it's been updated, doesn't come with the waterproof liner like your 10L. Have a good weekend. Cheers!
I’ve used Topeak gear for years. Good quality but also readily available here in Australia. My only gripe is that their stuff seems to fade easier than other brands like Ortlieb. 🤷♂️
Excellent review! I'm going to get one just because of your review! I either use a small piece of Velcro to secure those long loose ends or a cut off piece of old inner tube slipped over the buckle end, which I prefer. That way, I always have a spare "rubber band" if needed. Bonus is that those old inner tube bands NEVER wear out, and I live in Phoenix where they are constantly exposed to sun and heat. Stay safe and healthy!
Awesome and thanks!! Yes I LOVE having an old piece of inner tube on hand. Darin actually used that instead of bungee cord to secure her rear bag to rack on our trip!
Hmm maybe you don’t have it tightened down enough (you really have to batten down the straps!) . I had a lot of clothes in there and it was pretty heavy.
I'm still thinking about buying that. I have the Midloader and Frontloader. We have to be sure to get the version we want with Topeak bags. They change designs without changing product names.
Great review! If I used this bag (still prefer panniers), I would attach small velcros to the ends of the straps to save some time by simply rolling and fixing them instead on trying to tuck under other straps. I use such velcros on by hiking backpack.
Great review - thanks for that - looking at various bags and wanted a 'real-life' review of the Topeak, and that is exactly what you have provided - many thanks. 👏
Really clear and helpful review! Thanks. I just need a bag for a few items for an overnight (hotel) trip for my wife and me. I think the 6L should work.
This bag keeps the Brooks clean underneath, too (a bonus); very nice review. Got any handlebar bag reviews coming? (Darin should get credit as your videographer 🤘🏻)
Love the aesthetics of these type of saddle bags. The reality for me is you can always feel them bouncing no matter how tight you cinch them down. Maybe because I'm a heavier rider? I dunno. Ended up putting a rack on with peace of mind knowing the extra weight is right on the axle. And not with me on a probably already strained 27.2 seat post. Looks less cool but load wiggles no more.
On bumpy trails I didn’t notice it much but yea, both kinds of systems work. It was nice being bit more narrow on the trail but might try micro pannier setup in the future, especially if we need to haul more water/gear
Nice review. I have the very same bag and I concur with your assessment. Solid piece of gear at a decent price point. I also have a 2016 Kona Sutra, before they switched to thru axel. Mine has the black leather Brooks B17 and black handlebar tape. I like to retro look of the brown saddle and tape that you are using. Keep up the great work and valuable content.
Good point George. I will be sure to make a follow up video showing everything I can fit in there (including weight!). From memory, I had a full change of clothes, a puffy jacket and my rain gear. Thanks for the suggestion!
07:35 What I do with bags like that is I stuff the bag "into" the bag itself then use a bungee to cinch it down around horizontally. Don't know if it's possible with that Backloader, but it might be worth a try if someone leaves their gear at a campsite and decides to go riding around.
I have the Topeak 10L backloader and it is the best thing for that size that you can find nowadays available. @Rad Bike Adv. Could you please share which frame bag you were using in this video? It looks it fits perfectly with two normal size bottles. Thanks!
Hi Pablo! The frame bag in this video is actually being used backwards but it did work pretty well that way! It's the Jaand frame bag: www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FFP
I was just about to buy new panniers but this has persuaded me to go the "rocket bag" route, great name btw. We look to have the same bike too, I love my Kona Sutra, didn't get on with the Brooks saddle though, persevered for 1500 painful kilometers before ditching. What handlebar tape do you have, my original Kona tape is almost dead but I want something that feels as comfortable to replace, any ideas?
Re: bar tape: Lizard skins are a popular option but I used Newbaums cloth tape over the torn up tape I already had on there (to add a little extra padding). You can also shallac it. It’s not to everyone’s liking but I dig it! I’d pop into a local bike shop and see what they have and what you like.
Thanks for the review. One question : do you feel any rubbing against the back of your thigh when you're pedaling? I do with my current saddlebag (Rapha), which is quite unpleasant.
Fitted mine and it was on the back wheel! I think mt saddle was a bit low anyway. Got about an inch of clearance now. Toppeak say 3.5" in minimum but that seems unnecessary. Will an inch be OK? I'm not doing any serious off read stuff. Don't have rear suspension.
An inch isn't much but if you're not going off road I think you'll be fine. You'll find out soon enough! I noticed mine would hit the tire if I went off a bigger drop on the trail.
@@radbikeadventure Thanks. I discovered eyelets above the axle and found out you can get a seat collar with eyelets so I’m moving to try out one of their racks.
The 10 doesn't have much movement at all and I think another 5 litres would be ok. Haven't tried the 15L, but if you tighten this thing SNUG, it's very stable.
Hey!! If you are gonna start a kick ass bike channel and make cool touring videos you need to give notice... Now I gotta ring work... Tell them I'm sick... Lot of watching to do
So far yes, it has been plenty big. We've been going on 1-2 night trips but even with a longer trip I don't suspect I'd take more clothing which is what I'm carrying there (with room to spare).
Jaand is great! Panniers are great too just not so great on narrow and bumpy trails, plus you have a tendency to pack more stuff with them. We had panniers while bikepacking in NZ and these bags make it a lot easier to bomb bumpy terrain and swiftly move through tight single track. Will def be keeping the panniers for road touring and grocery runs!
