Review - Restrap Top Tube Bag and Handlebar Bag

On my 'Coasts and Cols' tour, I used a seat-pack and frame-bag from Yorkshire-based brand Restrap (read my review of the bags here). For my upcoming #7Countries7Passes trip, I will again be employing kit from the brand; with the Restrap Top Tube Bag and Handlebar Bag being two new additions.


The Restrap Handlebar Bag

My #7Countries7Passes tour contains close to 50,000 metres of elevation gain, over its 3,000 kilometre length. With that in mind, I have been scrutinising my kit list; stripping back any unnecessary weight and volume. I used an Arkel Handlebar Bag for my last tour, but the Restrap Bar Bag system will allow for a lower overall weight.

The dry bag holster design used in the Restrap Handlebar Bag is a simple but faultless concept. An 8 or 13 litre roll-top dry bag is easily strapped into the holster, and secured safely; perfect for housing a small tent or sleeping equipment.

The handlebar bag holster system has been chosen by many bikepacking luggage producers. This is largely because of its adaptability to many handlebar designs, as well as the way that it sits the load neatly against the headtube of the bike, without obscuring the front wheel too much.

The Restrap bags handlebar bag model is predictably a very well designed and executed example.

The holster itself attaches to the handlebars using two webbing straps, with a further third strap looping around the head tube or fork for a secure fit. The branded dry bag then clips into the holster with two of Restrap's patented magnetic buckle straps, which allow for fast removal of the bag, without needing to remove the holster.

The whole system feels and looks beautifully made. This is a theme that resides throughout the Restrap range that I have seen. It reflects the small-batch production that the brand employs; producing all their products in-house in their Yorkshire factory.

A great little addition that you can make to the Restrap Bar Bag is the pop-on 'Food Pouch'. This neat little rectangular pocket clips onto the holster using two magnetic fasteners, and it is useful for small valuables and snacks.

Overall, this is a bag system that can certainly go the distance. Made to deal with the rough stuff, and also last the test of time. It is simple design, but superbly executed.


    Review - Restrap Top Tube Bag and Handlebar Bag
    The Restrap Bar Bag attaches to the bike using strong webbing straps


    Review - Restrap Top Tube Bag and Handlebar Bag
    Unlike traditional handlebar bag systems, this set-up still lets you clearly see your front wheel



    The Restrap Top Tube Bag

    Top tube bags are great for adding easy-to-reach storage to your bike. Whether on a round-the-world bike tour, or a daily commute; the little bag can safely house your phone, nutrition or house keys.

    The Restrap model is made from robust Cordura, and uses two soft Velcro straps to secure it to the top tube, with another Velcro strap to keep it against the fork steerer tube.

    I had a minor issue with fitting the bag the first time, because my 'slammed stem' meant I couldn't strap the bag very easily onto the steerer. A neat work around was to use a longer length of Velcro to hold the front of the bag in place; after that, the bag has remained secure, with no wobbling or knocking against my knees.

    This is a great little pouch, which adds some valuable carrying capacity. Another beautifully made product from Restrap.


    Restrap Top Tube Bag Review
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