Bikepack Adventures
Chris Panasky and Carl Presseault
Chris has run the gamut in his search for the perfect top-tube bag. Over the past year, he has had the opportunity to use the Tailfin Top Tube Bag - Flip and the Long Top Tube Bag on a variety of adventures.
The Tailfin Top Tube Bag just might tick all the boxes for what the perfect top tube bag could just be. Made of 210D Hypalon and RipStop nylon the Tailfin Top Tube Bag is 100% waterproof and weatherproof. Utilizing V-Mount technology, the bag is extremely stable, even when mounted using the TPU straps as opposed to being bolted on. It also attaches with just two TPU straps, forgoing the usual strap that goes around the head tube. This is in part due to the HDPE internal frame upon which the top tube bag is built, along with the V-Mounts and TPU straps all combining together to create a bag with next to no movement.
After nearly a year of heavy use, Tailfin’s Top Tube Bags have proven to be exceptionally well-designed, durable, and thoughtfully engineered. The 1.5L Flip Top version offers spacious, weatherproof storage and rock-solid stability—even when mounted with TPU straps instead of bolts. Tailfin’s patented V-Mount system and thermo-welded construction ensure the bag stays firmly in place, protects your frame, and keeps contents dry no matter the conditions. The accessory port is a clever touch, enabling on-the-go charging from a cockpit-mounted device or dynamo hub. While the 1.5L size suits riders with a wider stance, those with a narrower Q-factor may prefer the 1.1L version to avoid knee rub. The Long Top Tube Bag elevates organization even further, integrating beautifully with Tailfin’s Half-Frame Bag and featuring a modular Accessory Pack with dividers, pockets, and internal loops to keep gear stable and easy to find. Across races, multi-day bikepacking trips, and trail-heavy adventures, the bags have held up flawlessly — proving Tailfin doesn’t just build gear, they refine every detail for riders who expect reliability and function from their equipment.
I still remember my very first top tube bag. Back in the early 2010s, while living in Malaysia and getting into triathlon, I needed a way to carry essentials on the bike—whether it was calories for long races or a flat repair kit, it marked the first time I truly needed gear at my fingertips while riding. At the time, I’d tape energy gels to the top tube and stash a few tools in a small saddle bag.
Fast forward to 2020, as I prepped for a month-long adventure across a large swath of Canada, I invested in a top tube bag that essentially became a permanent fixture on my bike for the next 20,000 km. I loved the convenience of the mesh side pockets for quick-access items. Inside the zippered compartment, I kept my power bank, cables, snacks, and other small essentials—batteries, caffeine pills, and more.
That said, the bag wasn’t without its flaws. On climbs, especially off-road, it flopped around and frequently banged into my knees whenever I stood up out of the saddle. My bike didn’t have top tube mounting bolts, so securing it properly to eliminate sway wasn’t an option. Eventually, I upgraded to a long top tube bag that added a seatpost mounting point and drastically reduced movement. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a significant improvement.
In late 2023, Tailfin came on board to support the podcast and sent me their Flip Top Tube Bag. After countless rides, it quickly earned its place as a go-to piece of gear. In 2024, they followed up with the Long Top Tube Bag, and I’ve been using both versions across my gravel and MTB setups ever since.
Tailfin Cycling began quietly in 2016 when founder Nick Broadbent launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund his vision for a sleek, integrated rack-and-bag system. The original product—dubbed The Tailfin—was a carbon fiber rack designed to eliminate excess material by integrating directly with a waterproof bag. As a passionate bike commuter, Nick was frustrated by the hassle of installing and removing traditional racks every time he wanted to ride unencumbered. He also disliked the bulky aesthetic of touring racks on his carbon road bike and set out to create something that was lightweight, visually streamlined, easy to mount and remove, and fully weatherproof.
The success of that initial campaign laid the foundation for Tailfin’s evolution into a premium brand known for technical bikepacking equipment. Their flagship AeroPack system redefined rear storage by combining the stability of a rack with the flexibility of a seat pack. Since then, Tailfin has expanded its lineup to include top tube bags, frame bags, cargo cages, and bar bags—all engineered with obsessive attention to detail and built from high-end materials like 210D Hypalon and Ripstop Nylon.
What sets Tailfin apart is its commitment to creating a fully integrated ecosystem. Their patented V-Mount system and Mag-Lock closures offer unmatched stability and ease of use, while the modular design allows riders to mix and match components without compromising fit or function. Every product is 100% waterproof, rigorously tested in real-world conditions, and designed to withstand the demands of long-distance touring, gravel grinding, and mountain biking.
Tailfin’s gear isn’t just functional—it’s elegant, durable, and purpose-built for riders who demand performance without compromise.
With a naturally wider stance, I rarely struggle with knee rub from top tube bags—even when climbing out of the saddle. That made the decision to go with Tailfin’s larger 1.5L Flip Top Tube Bag an easy one. I was drawn to the flip-top design for its intuitive access—just a flick of the fingers and you're in. Right out of the box, the bag makes a strong impression: the sleek, all-black aesthetic paired with thermo-welded seams signals that this gear is built for serious adventure. It’s not just stylish—it’s rugged, waterproof, and purpose-driven.
Mounting is refreshingly simple. Tailfin’s standard top tube bags are bolt-on compatible, and for bikes without mounting points, they include rubberized TPU cargo straps that grip securely without scuffing your frame. The Long Top Tube Bags come in multiple lengths and feature Tailfin’s patented V-Mount system, which eliminates sway and keeps the bag rock-solid—even on rough terrain. The use of 210D Hypalon and Diamond Ripstop Nylon adds durability without unnecessary weight.
One detail I especially appreciate is the dual zipper access—you can open the bag from either end, making it easy to grab just what you need without rummaging through everything. It’s a small touch, but one that speaks to Tailfin’s thoughtful design ethos.
Tailfin’s Top Tube Bag is as sleek as it is functional. The all-black design, accented with reflective logos, adds a subtle layer of safety while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. But the real brilliance lies in the engineering: a 3D-printed internal frame eliminates the need for a front stabilizing strap, reducing movement without compromising accessibility. Constructed from lightweight 210D Hypalon and 210D Diamond Ripstop Nylon, the bag is ultrasonically welded for a fully waterproof seal that protects your gear in even the harshest conditions.
One of Tailfin’s most impressive innovations is the aforementioned V-Mount system, originally developed for their Downtube Pack. These mounts are now seamlessly integrated into the bag’s structure, keeping it snug against the frame and eliminating sway. The use of TPU cargo straps—instead of traditional Velcro—prevents frame abrasion and allows excess strap length to be tucked neatly underneath for a clean, streamlined look.
Access is effortless thanks to the Mag-Lock closure, which can be operated even with gloves. The bag’s ergonomic shape is the result of extensive body mapping, slow-motion video analysis, and real-world testing, all aimed at eliminating knee rub.
Tailfin offers two styles: Zip and Flip. The Zip version comes in three sizes—0.8L, 1.1L, and 1.5L—while the Flip Top is available in 1.1L and 1.5L. The 0.8L is ideal for road and gravel bikes, the 1.1L suits road, gravel, and MTB, and the wider 1.5L is best paired with mountain bikes due to its broader profile.
For riders needing even more capacity, Tailfin’s Long Top Tube Bag is available in 1.6L, 2.2L, and 3.0L sizes. It’s zip-only and secured with three TPU straps. Like their frame bags, it features 3D body mapping to taper the shape and avoid knee interference, along with carbon fiber stiffeners to maintain structure and prevent bulging when fully loaded.
After a full year of using the Tailfin Top Tube Bag, I’ve come to truly appreciate the extra 1.5 litres of storage it offers. Initially, I mounted it using the included M5 x 18mm Torx screws, which is generally the most secure option for minimizing movement. However, since I frequently remove the bag to install a Mac Ride kids seat, I now prefer the TPU mounting straps—they make installation and removal quick and hassle-free.
Over the years, I’ve tested several top tube bags secured with Velcro or Hypalon straps, and in every case, they suffered from noticeable sway. Tailfin’s V-Mount system is a game-changer: it virtually eliminates movement, protects the frame from scratches, and keeps dirt and grit from working their way underneath. Even on rough singletrack, the bag remains rock-solid—I’ve never had to nudge it back into place with my knees, which is a common annoyance with other bags.
I’ve used this bag in everything from a 200km fatbike race in February to bikepacking Grand Departs and a 1,000km solo trip through the Canadian Shield. It’s proven itself in all conditions. One feature I especially appreciate is how seamlessly it integrates with Tailfin’s Half-Frame Bag—by sharing TPU straps, it reduces clutter and keeps the setup looking clean.
With 1.5L of space, I typically carry a power bank, cables, phone, electrolytes, and snacks—all easily accessible thanks to the flip-top closure, which offers a clear view of the contents. The thermo-welded lid ensures a weather-resistant seal, and the Mag Lock buckle works flawlessly, even with winter gloves.
That said, there are a couple of things worth noting. The 1.5L bag is fairly wide. I have a naturally wide stance, so knee rub hasn’t been an issue, but it does come close at times. If you ride with a narrower stance, I’d recommend the 1.1L version, which has a slimmer profile. Also, the way the flip-top integrates into the bag’s body causes the opening material to fold inward slightly—this can occasionally snag items during retrieval. It hasn’t bothered me, but a friend of mine finds it mildly annoying.
Since the release of the Long Top Tube Bag, I’ve taken it out on adventures with my gravel bike, fatbike, and MTB. It pairs beautifully with the Half-Frame Bag, using just three TPU straps for a tidy, unified setup. One of my biggest frustrations with previous long bags was how gear would slide to the rear unless the bag was fully packed. Tailfin solved this with their Accessory Pack, which includes an extra divider, two internal pockets for phones and power banks, and two internal loops for tools and pumps. The Velcro attachments are impressively strong, so it might take a few tries to dial in the perfect layout—but once you do, it’s not going to move no matter what.
After nearly a year of extensive use, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the level of craftsmanship Tailfin puts into developing their gear. It’s clear they don’t release products on a whim—each item is rigorously tested and refined by their R&D team to ensure every design detail serves a purpose. The 1.5L Top Tube Bag is a prime example: it’s impressively stable, even when mounted with the TPU straps, and offers generous storage without compromising accessibility. I never worry about the weather—thanks to its thermo-welded construction, everything inside stays dry.
Inside, a small stretch pocket helps keep tiny essentials in place, while the accessory port is a brilliant touch, allowing you to run a charging cable to your cockpit or connect a dynamo hub for on-the-go power. That said, riders with a narrower stance should be mindful: the 1.5L bag is designed with mountain bikes in mind, and on gravel or road bikes with tighter Q-factors, knee rub can be a concern. If that’s you, the slimmer 1.1L version might be a better fit.
Since adding the Long Top Tube Bag to my setup, I’ve been amazed at how organized I can keep my gear compared to previous bags. The internal layout and optional accessory pack make it easy to segment items and prevent shifting—something that used to drive me nuts. Over the past year, I’ve met plenty of riders using Tailfin’s top tube bags, and I’ve yet to hear a single major complaint. Once again, Tailfin has delivered a product that blends functionality, durability, and design excellence.
