In this article, I present the Restrap Frame Bag. Here's my review of this bikepacking bag after a comprehensive test lasting over 2 years.
Test video summary
My summary
I liked
- Not bad for its size
- Available in 3 sizes
- Very stable when attached
- Excellent quality
I liked it less
- Imperfect sealing
- Not always easy to close with one hand
- Mind the size for small frames!
How do I use the Restrap Frame Bag?
The Restrap Frame Bag is a bikepacking bag that fits inside the frame of the bike, but doesn’t take up all the space (unlike the Full Frame Bag), so you still have access to water bottles, for example. Available in 3 sizes (S, M and L, i.e. 2.5L, 3.5L and 4.5L).
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Choose according to the capacity you need and the frame size of your bike! For my S frame, the M size just barely fits, with a few creases in the fabric, and access to the water bottles is really impractical…
It’s a bag that completes a configuration with a handlebar and saddle bag, for example, depending on the volume of stuff you want to take with you!
The Restrap brand
Restrap is a brand specialized in bikepacking equipment and based in the UK, in Yorkshire, where all the brand’s products are made. Founded in 2020 by an enthusiast who started out with his sewing machine, Restrap is now a well-known brand among bikepackers, recognized for the quality and durability of its products. As for me, I’ve been using them for several years now, and I’m very satisfied!
Features
- Materials: waterproof textured nylon, with nylon lining and finished with a vegan PU leather label
- Capacity: 2.5L (size S)/ 3.5L (size M)/ 4.5L (size L)
- Weight: 137g/200g/238g
- Price: €75.99/€94.99/€107.99
- Colors: black
To help you find your way around, here’s the size guide provided by Restrap.
Our full test of the Restrap Frame Bag bikepacking bag
Design
This continues to be one of the Restrap brand’s strong points in my opinion: I really like the sober, uncluttered design of their panniers.
Bike mounting
The bag is attached to the frame at several points:
- Two large Velcro fasteners on top tube
- Two straps with buckles on the oblique tube
- For sizes M and L, an additional strap with buckle on the seat post.
The bike attachment is one of the things I really like about this pannier: it’s easy to install and, above all, super stable once in place. I hate panniers that move around even a little, so I appreciate that this one doesn’t move an ear đŸ˜‰
Bag organization
The bag features two compartments (one on each side) closed by zips. On the size M pannier, the one on the left is a large pocket, while the one on the right is the same size, but has two net pockets for better organization. What’s more, they’re all equipped with a cable pass-through for passing a dynamo cable, for example.
Bag closure
The bag’s two compartments close with zippers. The only problem is that the zips are difficult to close with one hand, as they are very “firm” and the fabric tends to twist a little. Not very practical when you want to take something in and out of your pannier while pedaling!
Waterproofing
The brand claims that the bag is 100% waterproof. It’s true that I’ve never found my stuff soaking wet, but still damp when you get a really heavy downpour. If you’ve got water-sensitive stuff, I’d still put it in an extra plastic bag in case of heavy rain.
Durability
It’s always hard to know over the very long term, but so far all my Restrap panniers are very durable and haven’t moved, even though I’ve been using them regularly for the past 2 years. The materials are top-quality and I think they’ll last for a long time to come!
Conclusion
This Restrap frame bag is quality and practical overall, I just wish the one-handed closure was easier, but that’s it!