Toploader

The Topeak TopLoader is a 1 litre bag that sits on your top tube, right behind the stem, so the things you want during a ride are a reach away instead of buried in a seat pack. It is made from water-repellent polyethylene and nylon, has a padded, divided main compartment, and hides a rain cover underneath for when the weather turns.

Who it's for

Bikepackers and tourers first, and any rider who is tired of stopping to dig through a jersey pocket. On a long day on the Mawson Trail or a gravel loop through the Scenic Rim, the TopLoader keeps bars, gels, your phone, wallet and a multi-tool where you can grab them on the move.

Fitting it to your bike

Adjustable nylon straps wrap the top tube and the head tube, so the bag sits snug behind the stem rather than swinging on one strap. The head tube strap fits tubes from 38 to 52 mm. The bag is 23.5 cm long, 12 cm tall and 7 cm wide, so measure the top tube behind your stem before you order and check there is room for it.

Capacity and what fits

One litre sounds small until you fill it: a phone, a wallet, a multi-tool, a couple of muesli bars and a gel or two all go in, and the divider keeps the tool from scratching the phone screen. The padding gives the contents some protection from knocks on rough roads.

Weatherproofing

The fabric is water repellent and stain resistant, so a passing shower or a muddy splash beads off. When the rain sets in, pull the integrated cover out from underneath and stretch it over the bag.

Looking after it

Any bag strapped to a frame can dull or scratch the paint where it touches, especially once grit gets under the straps or the bag is packed with a hard edge against the tube. A strip of protective frame tape or a little foam under the contact points before you fit it keeps the paint looking new.