Alpkit Toploader

The Alpkit Toploader handlebar bag is great – a very useful size, easy to access and impressively weatherproof. It's built very tough in the UK, too. It's easy to recommend.

For more options, check out our guide to the best bikepacking bags – and our feature 15 easy ways to carry stuff on your bike for even more ideas.

> Buy now: Alpkit Toploader for £63.99 from Alpkit

At 4L this is just right for stashing anything you might need quickly – a waterproof, tools, phone, a neck tube, snacks. Or all those things at once. It's still small enough to be unobtrusive, though, and doesn't interfere with any hand positions on the bars.

I do wish it were big enough to take an OS map; it should just squeeze one in at a claimed 25 x 15cm, but I measured ours at 24 x 14cm. Those missing centimetres, and a 23.5cm zip, mean even a regular OS (24cm x 13.5cm) won't go. Shame.

> Cycling emergency essentials: the 10 things you should take with you on every ride

The very hardwearing outer fabric (X-Pac X11 three-layer laminate and 500D Cordura nylon, doncha know) is impressively water resistant, as is the YKK AquaGuard zip. And the big plastic T-handle on the draw cord is a welcome detail – it makes dragging it open and closed far easier, especially in gloves.

It dealt with plenty of downpours during the test period, and even a full hour of heavy, unceasing rain didn't get through to the inside. It's not totally waterproof, though, and the seams aren't taped; leave it drenched long enough (such as overnight) and the dampness will make its way into the contents. Still, the zip doesn't leak and it's protective enough for most single-day rides, especially if you use a plastic bag inside.

If you want complete waterproofing you're better off with a roll-top (roll-sides?) design such as (if you're sticking with Alpkit) the 3L, £19.99 Deluge, but you do lose the quick-entry convenience of a zip.

The Toploader's lining is PU-coated nylon, and (at least in this khaki version) bright red to help you find your things, and it's foam backed for protection. The end result cradles your belongings quite softly and keeps its canister shape pretty well – the wetter it gets, though, the more it will sag. Still, that never caused me any issues, and it goes back to cylindrical as it dries.

Attachment is easy via two hook-and-loop straps for the handlebar and one long one for the head tube. The length is good and they're very grippy. I had zero problems with them moving or the bag rattling, even on forest gravel.

You also get a loop on the front for lights and loops either end of the zip for attaching a shoulder strap (not included), should you want to turn this into a damp, filthy little handbag for some reason. Though you certainly don't have to explain it to me.

Value

At £63.99 this is priced reasonably against similar competition. Last year Stu reviewed the 23 x 14cm Topeak Tubular Barbag, which is £67.99, and the Carradice Baja Bar Bag, which costs £52. Strangely, Carradice claims a capacity of 3.5L for the 28 x 14cm Baja, while this smaller Alpkit is allegedly 4L. Something's a bit off somewhere...

Arguably boosting the value is the fact that Alpkit sells these with a 25-year guarantee, which goes by the name of Bond. Alpine Bond. "If one of our products does not meet your expectations upon delivery, or if during its lifetime does not live up to the demands placed upon it, please return it to us for repair, replacement or refund. If the problem is our fault then we will do this to your satisfaction." So says Alpkit.

Basically, if it fails because of the materials or workmanship during the next quarter of a century, Alpkit will fix it. That's a pretty impressive level of confidence, and not just in that we'll all still be here in 25 years time.

Conclusion

Overall, this is a tough and useful bag that's very easy to access, install and remove. Though not completely waterproof, it copes very well with prolonged rain, and while slightly smaller than claimed it's still plenty big enough for the essentials. It's a handy and dependable thing to have.

Verdict

Very well made and impressively weather-resistant bag that's easy to live with