Bikepack Adventures
David Burnford;
Summit photo by Serge Gouin
Shopping Canadian bag makers is a great way to get a custom-fit bag while supporting the local economy. But can you expect a quality product that will rival the top brands? David puts the full-frame and top-tube packs by Calad bags to the test on his new ATB bikepacking setup.
The Calad Framebag and Top Tube Bag are designed for rugged bikepacking adventures, offering a balance of durability, smart storage, and minimalist aesthetics. The Framebag features a slim profile that fits snugly within the bike’s triangle, with weather-resistant materials and internal organization to keep gear secure and accessible. The Top Tube Bag complements it with easy-access zippers and a stable fit, ideal for snacks, tools, or electronics on the go. Together, they provide a sleek, functional setup for riders who value simplicity and performance in demanding conditions.
This spring, I decided it was time to upgrade. My gravel bike had taken me on some incredible adventures, but I needed something better suited to hauling gear over rough terrain. The Panorama Taïga Exp checked all the boxes, especially its larger main triangle, which could accommodate a bigger frame bag and serve as the backbone of my new ATB bikepacking setup.
To find the right bags, I reached out to an Ottawa bikepacking Facebook group and got a fantastic list of Canadian makers. That’s how I discovered Calad Bags. Known for his popular stem bags, he’s recently started making custom frame bags too. He made me a frame bag and top tube bag, and I’ve been riding with them all season.
Relatively new on the scene, Brendan Calado has been selling his Snackie and Thirsty stem bags for a few years now, quickly earning him a reputation as a skilled craftsman. He started taking orders for custom frame bags this season, and he makes everything by hand right here in Ottawa.
Both bags are built with premium, responsibly sourced materials. Calad offers a range of Ecopak fabrics, modern laminates known for their durability and lightweight performance. For my setup, I chose EPLX200, which features a ripstop grid sandwiched between a polyester face and a waterproof backing, both made entirely from recycled materials.
Brendan’s innovative use of 3D-printed inserts along the outer perimeter helps the frame bag maintain its shape, regardless of the load. These inserts also distribute tension more evenly across the attachment straps, reducing wear on both the bag and the bike frame.
Since mine was an early prototype, the frame bag didn’t fully fill the main triangle. But rest assured, Calad frame bags can be custom-tailored to fit your bike frame.
The sewn-on daisy chain running the full perimeter of the frame bag offers endless mounting possibilities, easily accommodating frame bosses, derailleurs, and other hardware. Calad originally supplied light cam buckles for the eight attachment points, but I found them a bit flimsy and switched to custom-cut Velcro tape. It turns out Calad’s newer bags now ship with Voile-style straps, which are impressively sturdy. Honestly though, I find the bag supports itself so well that the light and low-profile Velcro straps are perfectly adequate for my needs.
The top tube bag features the same daisy chain along its underside, plus a pair of bolt-on mounts for a clean, secure fit. It’s the only top tube bag I’ve come across that works seamlessly on any bike, whether it has top tube mounts or not.
This is my first full-frame bag, having previously relied on various half-frame setups. I was curious how much I could actually pack, and where I’d stash my water. Surprisingly, the top compartment is at least as spacious as my old half-frame bag, even with the ATB’s smaller triangle. It easily swallowed my tent poles, plus the usual mix of food, tools, electronics, and miscellaneous kit. The pack's bright orange liner not only protects the outer fabric but also makes it easy to spot small items inside.
Initially, I used the bottom compartment for tools and spares, but moving those to a cargo cage freed up space for water, allowing me to get water out from under the downtube. The Apidura 1.5L bladder fits perfectly in the bag's bottom compartment, holding two refills for my Bivo bottle which lives on the handlebars. I don’t necessarily love bladders, but it’s hard to argue the convenience and hygiene of this setup.
The semi-rigid divider between the top and bottom compartments is removable, which could be handy for stuffing bulkier items like clothes or a sleeping bag. Since it’s held in place with Velcro, it does have weight limitations, especially when not properly supported underneath, such as when the water bladder is empty. It’s just a matter of being mindful when packing.
The top tube bag is perfectly sized and thoughtfully laid out, with mesh side pockets that are genuinely useful. The waterproof zipper works well, though I did wake up once to a soaked bag, possibly a result of leaving the zipper slightly open. A zipper garage could be a helpful addition. Worth noting that the frame bag stayed bone dry throughout.
This season I pedaled the Taïga through Algonquin Park, circled the Montagne du Diable, and climbed over the Appalachians of the Gaspé Peninsula. From the Canadian Shield Bikepacking Summit in the spring, to riding the Canadian Shield 400 in the fall, my Calad bags held up flawlessly, no signs of wear despite the miles and terrain.
I loved having the bulk of my gear packed low and centered on the bike. Even on rough surfaces and technical trails, there was never any kind of shifting or sway. My only minor gripe is wishing the zippers tucked away a bit more cleanly.
As core components of my various bikepacking setups this season, the Calad frame and top tube bags proved to be practical and reliable. They're tough, lightweight and easy to clean. Brendan’s frame bag design incorporates innovative features, and while the product is still evolving, you can count on a well-built, custom-tailored bag that's ready for adventure.
