A flat tyre or mechanical issue can happen anytime - so it's always a good idea to carry spares and tools. There are several ways to store your spares, such as a saddle bag, frame bag, jersey pockets, or a storage bottle in a bottle cage.
In winter, debris on the roads is more common, increasing the likelihood of punctures, and you may also be carrying extra items, like a lightweight waterproof, buff and bigger gloves - making a saddle bag a neat way to free up some extra pocket space.
I think a saddle bag is the best option. The best cycling saddle bags keep all your essential tools and spares neatly stored under your seat, look good, and stay securely attached to your bike. It's a comforting feeling knowing you are carrying exactly what you need to fix the usual roadside mechanicals and get yourself out of trouble. Choosing the right saddle bag is just one part of the equation; pair it with the best saddle for comfort and a reliable one of the best multi-tools for quick fixes, and you're ready for anything.
Ultimately, the best cycling saddle bag depends on your riding style. That's why I've tested a range of saddle bags and have come up with a solid selection which should feature something for every rider, whether you're looking for a smaller, neat unit or a large bag to carry the works in.
The Blackburn Grid saddlebag takes the top spot for me as my best overall option. I've used it for the Paris-Roubaix Challenge and my 311km epic in the Swiss mountains. It's deceptively roomy, which is why I rate it, but it still looks neat and tidy on the bike; another key concern for me.
Keep reading to see my pick of the best cycling saddle bags or head down to the bottom of the page for more advice and pictures on what to carry and how to choose the right saddlebag.
Quick list: Best saddle bags
The Blackburn Grid gets the nod as best overall because it looks neat and tidy on the bike, but can crucially hold just that bit more than its rivals, which I've found valuable this year. The Velcro loop also fits aero seatposts, which is handy these days.
The Silca Mattone seat pack is a premium cycling saddle bag that uses a BOA dial for retention. It's well-made and is deceptively roomy. The BOA dial and pack strap itself can be used separately.
The Elementa saddleback from Topeak is a compact, stylish saddlebag. It uses the Topeal Rail wing system, which means it can stay mounted in place whilst you open it up and get your spares out.
The Topeak Aero Wedge Pack is something of a classic, and you see it on plenty of bikes. The saddle bag itself is extendable, meaning it's useful if you like to do longer trips or change what you carry from ride to ride.
The Lezyne M Caddy is a fully loaded saddlebag that comes with a multi-tool, tyre levers, pre-glued patches, two CO2 cartridges and a CO2 inflator. If you are buying your first cycling saddle bag, this will take care of a lot of the tool requirements you may have at first.
The Burrito Pack from Topeak takes the form of a fold-out tool roll. It would be at home on road, gravel or MTB and offers an alternate way to store and access your tools.
Last updated on 9th January 2026
The guide was updated, ensuring that all the saddle bags featured are current and available. Colour specs were added to each product and captions added to all images. The "How to choose" section has also been updated into a bullet-point list.
Best cycling saddle bags available today
You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.
Best overall
✅ You still want a neat yet spacious saddle bag: The Grid offers impressive capacity while maintaining a sleek, compact look. An excellent option for riders who need to carry extra spares without sacrificing style or space.
✅ You participate in longer events and require extra storage for convenience: This saddlebag comfortably fits all your essentials plus some extras like neoprene toe covers - without moving an inch, even on tougher terrains.
❌ You want the smallest possible bag: The Grid is compact, but if you’re after an ultra-minimalist saddlebag for just the bare essentials, this isn’t the best choice.
For its neat yet surprisingly roomy capacity, the Blackburn Grid seatbag takes my best overall spot.
I tested the Medium size and found it easily fit everything I needed. There's also a small internal pocket for emergency money or patches, which is useful. I rode the Paris-Roubaix challenge and Chasing Cancellara sportive using this saddlebag and chose it because it's tough and a bit roomier but still looks compact and neat on a road bike. I fitted in all my usual spares plus extras and it didn't move an inch over 146km of rough cobblestones. You won't be disappointed if you go for one of these.
It's worth noting that the Velcro straps are not attached to the bag, so you'll want to make sure they don't come off at the side of the road. The upside is that they're replaceable if the Velcro wears out over time. Crucially, the seatpost strap is compatible with many aero seatposts found on many newer road bikes.
The bag has a sleek design and high-quality construction, made from a 210T nylon ripstop material and nylon zipper pull loops which are easy to pull. There's also a lifetime guarantee.
Best premium option
✅ You want a luxury saddle bag, with a unique closure system: The Silca Mattone has a premium feel and features a high-end BOA closure that cinches the bag down securely while adding a sleek, techy look.
✅ You like a smaller, neater saddle bag: It's 0.5-litre capacity that fits all your essentials in a stylish, compact design.
❌ You're looking for a budget-friendly saddlebag: The Silca Mattone is definitely a more premium option with high-end features. If you're on a budget, there are more affordable alternatives available.
Silca is well-known for making premium tools and accessories, and the Mattone seat pack lives up to that standard. It's a stylish saddlebag, complete with a Silca logo on the top and along the strap.
The Mattone is available in a single size, which is listed as having a 0.5-litre capacity. With official dimensions of 125mm x 80mm x 50mm, it's certainly roomier than the smallest saddlebags. Silca says it can hold a tube, tyre levers, CO2 regulator and canisters. That said, I found it offered more space than I expected and easily fit everything I needed.
I'll admit, before testing the saddle bag, I thought the BOA closure system was a little silly. What's wrong with a strong velcro strap? However, the BOA seems to work well in use and cinches the tough Hypalon strap of the bag down tight. It also brings a premium, techy look to the table and if you want to pay top dollar for a saddlebag and treat yourself, why not?
The Mattone has a quality feel and, as mentioned, is stylish to boot. You can also use the strap with BOA on its own to maybe carry just a tube, pump and levers, giving you a bit more versatility.
Best compact
✅ You don't need to carry lots of spares: While there are three size options, the Elementa is designed for riders who are packing light with only the essentials.
✅ You want a hassle-free attachment system: The Elementa's 'wing rail' Velcro design keeps the bag secure and firmly in place, allowing you to open it without removing it from the bike.
❌ You require a larger, more versatile saddlebag: While the Elementa has Velcro loops for CO2 canisters, it lacks the capacity to carry bulkier items or multiple spares.
The Elementa is a great pick if you want a saddlebag that carries the essentials without being too big. All three sizes are compact, neat and small.
I tested the green version of the bag in a size small, which looks smart. It still offered plenty of room for a butyl tube, comprehensive multi-tool, patches, CO2 inflator - all the essentials I typically bring.
The bag also uses what Topeak calls the 'wing rail' system, which is extra velcro straps to go over the seat rails, meaning the bag can stay in place whilst you open it and doesn't need to come off the bike, saving time and effort. There are also two external velcro loops for CO2 canisters or whatever extra spares you fancy.
Best high-capacity
✅ You require a spacious saddle bag for extra gear: The Aero Wedge is one of the largest options available and, therefore, is a fantastic option for riders who want to pack more for longer rides or events.
✅ You want versatile mounting options: Available in both a Velcro and QuickClick version, the Aero Wedge gives you the choice between a traditional strap system or a convenient plastic clip mount.
❌ You have a smaller seatpost and want a perfect fit: The Velcro strap on the standard model can feel a bit short on a 27.2mm seatpost, so some riders may need to trim or shim it for a better fit.
❌ You don't have a lot of seatpost showing: The lower velcro strap sits quite low on the seatpost, which may limit fitting on some bikes.
A bit of a classic, the Topeak Aero Wedge is often seen in bike shops or tucked under riders' saddles. Being one of the larger bags in this guide, it’s worth considering if you need extra storage.
It comes in four sizes and unlike the other saddlebags in this guide, it can extend its length by a few centimetres thanks to a built-in zippered section - a handy feature for longer rides or when you want a bit of extra storage.
I tested the regular velcro-mounted option, but Topeak also makes another version that mounts using a plastic clip that the brand calls the QuickClick system to the saddle rails. There is also a light clip on the front to mount a rear light and reflective band, as well as an internal mesh pocket for small items.
Mounting is done via a velcro seatpost strap and two buckled straps on either saddle rail. I found the velcro strap to come up a little short on a 27.2mm seatpost, trimming it or shimming it out would probably improve the fit.
Best value
✅ You're buying your first saddle bag: The M Caddy CO2 Kit comes pre-filled with CO2 cartridges, tyre levers, a multi-tool, and patches. You get a solid starter setup without having to purchase everything separately.
✅ You have an aero or D-shaped seat post: The bag fits well on larger seatposts, providing a more secure attachment compared to smaller, round 27.2mm posts.
❌ You prefer to customise your own repair kit: If you've already got tools and spares, then this pre-filled bag might not be the best option for you, unless you're looking to double up on equipment.
If you're buying your first saddlebag and need essential tools and spares, I think the Lezyne M Caddy CO2 Kit is an excellent choice. A pre-filled saddlebag is a convenient solution that covers both your storage and spares needs in a single purchase.
The M Caddy CO2 comes with a Twin Speed Drive CO2 Head, 2x 16g CO2 Cartridges, RAP II-6 Multi-Tool, Smart Kit pre-glued patches and double-ended tyre levers. While it doesn’t include a spare inner tube, it provides a solid foundation for getting started or refreshing your gear, and a tube is easy to source separately. Lezyne also offers some other pre-filled seat bag options.
I found it wasn't the tightest fit on my 27.2mm round seatpost, and the Velcro straps could be more secure. That said, it fits nicely on aero or D-shaped seat posts that are a little larger.
Fold out tool roll
✅ You want something that looks unique: The Topeak Burrito's stylish, fold-up design stands out from the traditional zippered saddlebags.
✅ You need a bag that's easy to work out of or travel with: The bag has plenty of compartments and elastic holders to keep everything organised and accessible wherever you are.
❌ You're looking for a compact or aerodynamic saddle bag: Depending on what you're carrying, this bag can be on the bulkier side - not the best fit for riders looking for an aero-friendly option
If you want something a bit different from a standard zippered bag, the Topeak Burrito Roll is a saddlebag worth considering.
When unfolded, there are three compartments to stow spares in one of which has internal elastic holders. It's nice to work out of at home or roadside, should you need it. I particularly liked the two elastic straps at either end that help keep everything neat and organised.
Although it may appear a little bit bulkier on the bike, depending on what you pack, a well-organised setup will ensure a neat fold and a sleek, stylish bag. The construction feels quality, and the material has a water-repellent, stain-resistant coating. Water just runs off the surface making it well-suited for gravel and MTB use.
Also Consider
✅ You prioritise a small, stylish and functional saddle bag: The Pro Performance saddle bag looks sleek and has thoughtful design features like a rubber flap to protect your carbon seatpost from the strap buckle.
✅ You don't need to carry too many spares: The Pro Performance saddle bag is compact and has a handy mesh internal storage pocket too, perfect for carrying just the essentials.
❌ You have a wider, aero seatpost: The Velcro straps are strong and secure on standard seatposts, but they may struggle to fit wider seatposts
I think the Pro Performance saddle bag is a great bag that gets a lot of things right. It uses strong, sturdy velcro straps that aren't too long to affix to the seatpost and saddle rails. I also liked the thoughtful design features, such as the extra rubber flap that protects your carbon seatpost from the strap buckle.
You can leave the bag mounted and still access your spares easily which is always useful. Like some of the other bags here, there's a mesh internal pocket and reflective panel on the rear.
I tested the bag in a size Medium which comfortably fit all my spares without looking bulky, and it still looked good on the bike. It's become one of my go-to bags and is one of the sleekest looking here.
✅ You value the looks of your saddle bag: This is a really neat, compact bag that looks great tucked up snugly behind your saddle.
✅ You want to fit it easily to a range of bikes: The velcro strap is really sturdy, and I've fitted it to a range of road and gravel bikes easily; it never moves on rough terrain.
❌ You want to carry a lot: The Z road pack allows you to fit the essentials, but if you like to carry lots of extras or multiple tubes, you will run out of room.
The Zefal Z Road Pack is a sturdy and stylish saddle bag designed to carry all the essentials, and it comes in one size.
The Z Road Pack is made of tough Polyester and weighs under 100 grams. It's waterproof, though it's always best to double-check if you get caught in a really wet ride.
The pack can attach to pretty much any saddle using a very sturdy velcro strap around the saddle rails. I’ve found it to be robust and reliable, even off-road.
The pack will hold a single smaller tube, or two TPU tubes and the essentials, think multi tool, patches, tubeless plug. It's not designed for carrying lots and lots, but for the essentials, it's an excellent option. I used it to carry my spares on the Marmotte Granfondo, and it was perfect.
How to choose the best cycling saddle bag
- How do you want to store your tools? Do you want a single compartment or would you prefer pockets to give a little more organisation? Alternatively, you could opt for a tool roll style.
- How do you want to attach the saddle bag to your bike? There are a variety of methods to attach to saddle rails - velcro straps, Boa's, buckles or a proprietary mounting system.
- What materials should I look for? Most saddlebags will be made from a reasonably durable and water-resistant material like nylon or Cordura. If you frequently ride in the wet, then look for a saddle bag that states it's fully waterproof.
- How do I choose the right size saddlebag? Small saddle bags are ideal for carrying the bare essentials, while medium bags can hold additional items like a lightweight rain jacket. For longer riders or backpacking, a large bag will be more suited.
Everything you need to know about the best cycling saddle bags
How much do you need to carry?
It's good to be prepared and self-sufficient. You won't make many friends on rides if you never turn up with any spares and expect other people to lend or give you theirs. My advice would be to first work out what you think you want to carry in your saddle bag, choose a bag that looks to be the right size in a style you like and go from there.
If you make sure you carry what you need to at the very least be able to resolve a puncture and make adjustments to your bike with some sort of multi-tool, then that's a good place to start. You can add to your kit from there as you collect spares or work out what works best for you.
As an example, I used to like to get away with the smallest possible saddle bag I could because I liked the look. I'd fit a tube, instant patches, a small tyre lever and perhaps a little multi-tool and that would be it. These days I like to go for a slightly bigger one that holds a few more spares and gives a bit more security.
If you're going long, check out our guide to the best bikepacking bags for some high-volume options.
Do I need a saddlebag?
A saddle bag certainly isn't necessary for cycling. It is however one of the most useful and popular accessories you can fit to your bike.
As mentioned in the introduction, there are other ways to carry your spares. But it will only take one experience of being stranded on the side of the road with no way of riding your bike home or fixing it to make you wish you were carrying the relevant spares. A saddle bag is an easy way to ensure you have what you need to get you home.
If you don't have any spares or tools yet and want to get set up straight away, then I'd recommend going for the Lezyne Caddy. It's a good starting point and you can go from there.
What do I carry in my saddlebag?
A well-maintained bike should behave out on the road. However, I always want to know that I have the right spares with me. I also don't want to carry a huge saddlebag as I'm not keen on the aesthetics, so cap my spares at a certain point.
I choose to carry a small mini pump in my jersey pocket and keep everything else in my bag. In my own, I have: Inner tube, CO2 canisters, CO2 inflator, instant tube patches, multi-tool with a chain breaker, valve core tool, tyre levers, tyre boot in case my tyre rips badly, chain quick link.
Extra tips and tricks on what to carry
There are some handy, everyday items that are sometimes a good idea to put in your saddlebag if you have space that can help get you out of trouble.
- Spare cash, just in case.
- Contact lenses case filled with grease
- A few zip / cable ties
- Chain lubricant
- Latex gloves
- Electrical tape - wrap around pump or tyre levers
- Use cut-up sections of an old tyre as tyre boots to fit in your tyre in case you slash it.
Can you cut down on stuff?
Plenty of riders want to carry the smallest, lightweight bag and range of spares they can get away with and like lots of things, there are smaller, lighter-weight options you can go for.
There are options to reduce the size and weight of items you're carrying. Modern TPU inner tubes are compact and super light, making them one of the biggest space savers in a saddle bag. They're a bit more expensive, but you're probably only ever going to need one or two and if you do have to use them, you can swap them back when you get home, particularly if you're running tubeless tyres.
Likewise, you can shed some weight by opting for a more compact multitool. The best bike multitools can pack a lot of tools into a compact device. It's worth doing an inventory of the bolts on your bike; there's no point in carrying a tool with Torx heads if you don't have any Torx bolts on your bike. Don't go too small though or you might not have enough leverage for some bolts.
Do you need a chain breaker on your tool? Chain problems are rare, so you might be prepared to risk not having one, or if you usually ride with mates, you may only need one between you. Some seat packs have tyre levers built into them, so you may not need to carry separate items.
How do you want to attach your saddle bag to your bike?
Many saddlebags use basic velcro straps attached to your saddle. This is the lightest weight and arguably the most secure option - just make sure to watch where the loop goes around your seatpost and where the rough side of the hook and loop ends. If it's in a bad spot or peels up a bit you may wear a hole through your shorts, or an expensive carbon seatpost.
Of course, every brand in the bike industry is continually searching for a point of difference, and thus seat packs that use a bracket on the seat post or saddle rails also exist. These are often a bit heavier, and we have seen a few hit the eject button over rough sections of the road.
Often, they'll have a quick-release system though, making it easy to take your bag and its (often pricey) contents with you when you leave your bike. Get a second clip and you can quickly swap your bag between bikes.
Regardless of how they attach to your bike, most bags will utilise a zip to keep everything inside, while strap-on tool rolls may use buckles or even Boa dials.
How weather-proof do you want your bag to be?
With the best will in the world, sometimes water will just get into saddlebags over time. If you've been riding off-road or in the rain without full-length mudguards, I'd recommend opening up your bag once you get home and checking things and or drying them off.
Put key essentials in a plastic bag if you prefer and it never hurts to give metal tools a light spray with WD-40 or similar to keep rust at bay.
How we test
Testing is the backbone of the tech department at Cyclingnews and how we test is taken seriously, so read on to find out more.
I started by weighing and photographing each saddle bag as well as visually inspecting it for any defects or flaws.
I tested how easily and quickly each bag was to install underneath my saddle and then filled them with all of my usual spares, ensuring each bag had enough space to allow me to carry at a minimum all the spares I needed.
I tested each bag for at least several hours and regularly checked the mounting systems' effectiveness.
I also tested waterproofing by removing each bag after a wet ride and seeing how much water had made its way inside.
