Time to Plan Your Next Trip: 5 Companies with New Bike Bags at Sea Otter

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!
See the rest of our coverage here.

Riding back and forth from the Sea Otter expo this week I constantly want better bike bags and easier ways to carry my gear. At the same time I’m also planning a variety of summer rides that will involve carrying what I need to sleep under the stars or ride for more than a day. As such it seemed like an opportune time to see what was being offered for bikepacking and commuting bags here at Sea Otter.

Revelate Designs

For those looking to do anything lasting more than a day, Revelate Designs is an Alaskan brand and an innovator in the bikepacking and ultra endurance space with an outsized influence. Although the brand isn’t all that old, ambassadors such as Rebecca Rusch and Lael Wilcox put Revelate into a small group of companies that have become synonymous with pushing beyond what most people consider possible.

This year Revelate is showing a small waterproof seat bag, ultra racing aero bar storage system, an innovative cargo cage, and an update to the Mag-Tank cockpit bag. Check revelatedesigns.com for more details on the latest Mag-Tank, Tarsier Cargo Cage, Pitchfork aerobar system, and a waterproof pouch called simply The Stoat.

Capsuled

Sea Otter was my introduction to a small new brand called Capsuled. Volcanic Ash, Cloud Dancer, and Military Olive (in layman’s terms: light gray, white, and olive) are the three color offers across a range of five bags. So far the models are all commuter focused with various ways to carry a few things either on your body or on the bike. Each uses a lightweight construction, 100 percent recycled material, reflective stripes, and high-quality zippers.

Now the brand is taking those same core design principles and applying them to options for going a bit farther. There’s a new saddle bag, top tube bag, frame bag, and handlebar all with the ability to see what you are carrying. Each bag features a handy window that gives a glimpse of what’s inside while maintaining a cohesive style.

As I write this Capsuled hasn’t added the new bags to the brand’s website but if you are interested keep an eye on capsuled.cc for more information and purchase.

Evoc

While Capsuled is a new entry into the the on-bike backpack space, Evoc offers long history and a wide range of options. This year Evoc was showing new hip-packs and backpacks and adding both ventilation and options. The designs weren’t completely different from what we’ve come to expect from Evoc over the years but there’s been an update to the unique “Airflow Contact System.”

Admittedly it’s not a big one as the basic concept of large EVA pads behind an open mesh continue to enable a close fit without causing a wet spot on your back. There is an updated, coarser, mesh covering to further improve ventilation and the new design shows up on the Stage hydration pack series and the Hip Pack Pro 3. For those looking for a more dedicated hydration vest, compared to the Stage hydration pack, then there’s also a new, larger, Hydro Pro 6 hydration vest.

You can find more details and purchase at evocsports.us

Orucase

Orucase is best known for bike bags that don’t look like bike bags. Since the original model that sported a therapy equipment tag and tried to pretend it wasn’t a bike, things have actually expanded a bit. The B2 is still small enough to wear as a backpack but it’s a little bigger and a little easier to use. Orucase does make some clever products beyond just bike bags though. This year the brand was showing a disc rotor protector that eliminates the need to remove them for travel (what, you don’t remove them? Well now they are protected) as well as new sizes and colors for the Janus Duffel with padded pockets for helmets and accessories. Founder Isaac Howe also pointed out that in a remarkable turn of events he has updated some of the accessories and they are now selling at a lower price with a more durable material and with more color options.

Find more details and purchase at orucase.com

Selle San Marco

While Selle San Marco isn’t a new company, it might not be the first one you think of when you think about bags. I had plenty of questions about the decision to move from ergonomics into luggage but Selle San Marco communicated that adventure and ergonomics go hand in hand.

The partnership starts with a saddle and expands from there. The Regal is a classic saddle, first introduced 40-years ago, and now it’s back as a modern interpretation specifically designed for adventure. Further pushing into that category only made sense, and to make it happen, the brand partnered to gain experience. Missgrape is a well known and established company in the bikepacking bag space with 12 years of experience. The full range of Selle San Marco bags, nine in total, all bear both company logos.

Find more details and purchase at Sellesanmarco.com