Earlier this year I began looking for handlebar bag solutions for carrying a compact camera on rides that I could gain quick, easy access to. In the hunt for the perfect handlebar bag, I discovered just how useful they can be.
Restrap Canister Bag
The Restrap Canister handlebar bag is a 1.5l capacity Nylon bag that conveniently sits out front carrying your essentials, and easy access snacks.
Fitting the bag is simple, and feels like a well considered solution for a temporary bag, meaning I’ll happily remove the entire thing after a ride to go and sort the contents out in the warmth of my house instead of in the garage. It also means you can dry it out for the next use without much faffing. There are two straps roughly 10cm apart, tensioned by pulling them tight and clipping the buckles down. For a more secure fit and to protect your bars from the fabric rubbing, there are two foam stoppers. If you attach the bag right, it doesn’t move when riding.
The capacity is deceiving. I think the shape of this bag really makes the most of the 1.5l, because it’s up to you to negotiate oddly shaped items. The bag itself doesn’t restrict because it’s just a vast canister shape.
Elasticated side pockets that keep their elasticity over time Big, easy grab zipper
There are elasticated side pockets to stuff smaller items that you’d like handy, or in my case, energy bar wrappers ready for the next available bin. The top is sealed with a sturdy, weatherproof YKK zip with a big orange cord pull so you can easily grab it with gloves on. I’ve had no issues getting into this bag whilst riding, obviously just on the smoother flat sections, but it’s easy enough to grab your phone to take a photo of your mates, or a cute farm animal you’re passing.
Restrap Tech Bag
The Tech Handlebar Bag is a 1.2l roll top design that is completely waterproof. It attaches to the bar and has a strap on your forks to secure it in position. It fits any bike, and I’ve found it incredibly useful to transfer between mine when I know it has all the tools and bits that I need.
Fork strap does a great job of holding the bag in place The less you put in, the neater the fit (obviously…)
The shape and/or closing mechanism of this bag seems to reduce the capacity. Going down to a narrow seam at the bottom means you need to be strategic with your packing, putting smaller items in first, if you plan to really make full use of the 1.2l. If you just put the essentials in, it’s one of the handiest designs I’ve used. Zips can be fiddly with gloves on, and especially when moving, but you can one-handedly get in this bag in seconds.
The Tech Bag is 100% waterproof. The inner lining is waterproof and the outer nylon lining adds another layer of protection.
Overall
The Restrap Canister handlebar bag is really deceiving. It seems to fit as much as a small backpack, so if you have a bottle cage for your drink and don’t want anything on your person, this is great. The Tech Bag is perfect for wet weather, keeping your phone and cakes dry. It’s good for gaining access to things mid-ride, even at speed on a blast down the road.
Review Info
| Brand: | Restrap |
| Product: | Canister and Tech Bag |
| From: | https://restrap.com/ |
| Price: | £44.99, £34.99 |
| Tested: | by Amanda for 3 months |
Comments (5)
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What’s the rubber loop on the front of the cannister bag for? Any specific use or is it “anything you like”?
Fitting a light, I expect.
barrel bags like this only really work if you have not shortened your hoses properly and they can fit inside the loop of brake and gear cable. if you’ve shortened them to the correct length then (usually the front brake) the cable gets in the way of perfect fitment. something to consider before buying.
Perfect, that’s my wife’s Xmas present sorted.
Or, if positioned over the cables for a long, muddy ride can rub marking the bag and cables.