During the last video, I got a few questions about the handlebar bag I had on the Sherco. As I did a bit more research on other brands making handlebar bags, I noticed there are quite a few smaller brands making bar bags. I also found that Tusk has a bar bag, & you know if Rocky Mountain ATV is making a Tusk version, they’re hot ticket items.

I’ve been rocking a trailbound handlebar bag for quite a few years now. I’m currently using their small and medium size bags, and they have evolved a lot. I believe chatting through why riders use them, how riders could use them, and which size might make the most sense for you could be helpful for all dirt bike riders and racers.

What is a handlebar bag?

We’re not going to spend too much time on this. It’s a bag that attaches to your handlebars so you can hold stuff. The bigger it is, the more it can hold. But the more crap you put it in, the more you sound like a traveling gypsy bouncing down the trail.

Why use a handlebar bag?

Butt packs were the original way to carry tools, extra parts and snacks while riding. I still utilize a butt pack today while riding and racing. When I go on all day rides, like in Colorado, I utilize a larger butt pack, so I can carry more fluids and small parts (be prepared). I like having a few different ways to keep certain things organized. 

A handlebar bag allows you to take some, or all, of that weight from the butt pack, or backpack, and put it onto the handlebar. This is a fairly central location, so you’re not throwing the balance of the bike off too much. Front and rear fender bags are another option, but they can redistribute weight in a weird way sometimes, depending on the type of riding you’re doing.

It’s also a lot easier to reach into a handlebar bag to grab your phone, a snack, or a small toolset over a butt pack or backpack. Taking your butt pack or backpack off isn’t the end of the world, but when your riding buddies are staring at you wanting to get back on the trial, every second counts.

History Lesson – The Trailbound Bag Evolution

I don’t even know anymore how long I’ve been riding with Trailbound handlebar bags, but I currently have three different versions of their handlebar bags. 

The phone pockets, on all models, have always been a huge help. I don’t like the idea of riding with my phone in a pocket on my pants, because, well, I crash. 

The inside of the older bar bags was a bit more of a big hole. Even though there were dividers and some ways to organize everything, the newer bags have stepped it up in the organization department. 

The old strap system worked really well. You’d use their stretchy, adjustable straps, wrap it through the molly panel, and then around your bars or top triple clamp. 

But as everything in life that’s given intention and care, the Trailbound handlebar bags have evolved.

New Strap System & Similarities

The first thing I noticed was the new strap system. Even though it seems less adjustable out of the box, it actually works extremely well, and holds the bag really tight. I haven’t figured out how to mount the bags quickly yet, but I’m sure someone will make a race out of it. 

I also noticed how they’ve streamlined the organizational pockets and straps inside the bags. So a bigger bag isn’t just a bigger hole to stuff things into, you actually have more ways to organize those things.

Small Bar Bag

The small handlebar bag for me is perfect for daily rides. It easily holds my phone, a few gopro accessories, and SNACKS! The organizational pockets and straps certainly make it a bag you can carry some tools in. I choose to still wear my butt pack because it’s packed and ready to rock.

I should consider doing the same with these bags though. If I kept them packed and at the ready, I’d be able to have less dangling off my person. 

Medium Size Bar Bag

The medium handlebar bag has been my go to race handlebar bag. If you’ve been following the Seat Time videos this year, you know I’ve been making race recaps from each enduro I’ve attended. To do this, I have to have a USB charger, extra SD Cards, and my phone at the ready.

I’ve also been focusing a lot more on my nutrition this year during the races. The bar bag is where I keep my Ucan Gels, caffeine gum, and ibuprofen. If you want to know more about enduro nutrition, check out the Enduro Nutrition Cheat Sheet and The Importance of Electrolytes articles.

I also carry a small washcloth in the bar bag. It’s nice to have during a race to wipe the sweat away, or clean my goggles. 

The medium bar bag is ready for your tools and extra parts. It’s fully equipped with stretchy straps, pockets and zippers to hold all sorts of odd things particular to your trail needs. 

Wrapping It Up

You know I love being organized, I did create the Utility Can Caddy, and the Trailbound Handlebar Bags help me stay Organized AF while I’m on the trail. The quality hasn’t let me down, they continue to evolve their products, and they’re tough sons of bitches; they’re a small business worth supporting. 

If you use a handlebar bag, which one do you use? How do you use it? Is it mainly for tools, are you a snack guy, or is it for the trailside beverage? Whatever you put in it, I hope it helps you enjoy getting seat time.

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