Backloader X

The Topeak Backloader X is a bikepacking seat bag in 10 L or 15 L. A holster straps to your seatpost and saddle rails, a waterproof inner bag rated to 10,000 mm slides inside it, and up to 5 kg of gear rides behind the saddle with no rear rack on the bike.

Who it's for

Bikepackers and gravel riders who want their sleeping kit and spare clothes out of the way and off their back. It is the bag for an overnighter on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail or a week on the Munda Biddi, on a bike that has no rack mounts or a rider who does not want a rack. At camp you unclip the inner bag and carry it to the tent, and the holster stays on the bike.

Fitting it to your bike

The Backloader X is a holster held by hook-and-loop and buckle fasteners around the seatpost and saddle rails. Measure two things before you choose:

• More than 23 cm from the underside of your saddle to the top of the rear tyre
• More than 13 cm of exposed seatpost between the saddle clamp and the frame

Reinforced anti-slip, anti-scratch fabric sits against the saddle, so the bag grips where it touches and your saddle stays unmarked.

Capacity and what fits

• 10 L - 46 x 24 x 22 cm. A sleeping bag or quilt, a puffer jacket and a change of clothes for a fast overnighter.
• 15 L - 51 x 24 x 22 cm. Sleeping bag, mat and camp clothes together, for longer trips and colder nights.

Both sizes carry up to 5 kg. We'd pack the soft, bulky, light gear here - sleeping kit and clothing - and keep tools and water lower in the frame. The air release purge valve lets you squeeze the air out after you close the bag, so the load packs down tight instead of riding like a balloon.

Weatherproofing

Your gear lives in the waterproof inner bag, rated to 10,000 mm, which closes with a roll top and buckle. The outer holster is water repellent and stain resistant, built from polyethylene, anti-slip PU leather, nylon and engineering grade polymer, so road spray and trail mud wipe off.

Stability when loaded

The holster cinches the inner bag down with compression straps, and a strap on the tail takes a clip-on rear light for riding after dark. For rough tracks, Topeak's optional Backloader Wishbone adds an anti-sway brace and room for two extra bottle cages. The Wishbone is a separate accessory.

Weights

• 10 L - 575 g in Black, 550 g in Green
• 15 L - 605 g in Black, 555 g in Green