Best 10 cycling seat packs for handy bike storage

When it comes to finding the right seat pack for your cycling needs there are plenty of styles and sizes to choose from depending on how much kit you want to carry and where you want the extra weight while you ride.

Whether you want to store some energy gels for an especially long journey, an emergency set of tools, or simply need some space to tuck your phone and keys out of the way, a seat pack or saddle bag can bring some additional convenience without weighing your triathlon bike down.

We’ve put together some options below that should cover all the bases and make sure you’re stocked up ahead of your next ride.

Best seat packs to buy in 2025

1. Silca Mattone Grande Seat Pack

• £55/$55

When you’re riding, either in a race or when you’re training, there’s normally a lot you’re trying to carry. Nutrition, tools, hydration, spare inner tubes, extra layers, keys – the list goes on. Your jersey, jacket or tri-suit pockets are handy for some of that, as is a top tube bag, but on long rides you’ll definitely benefit from a saddle bag.

Step forward the Silca Mattone Grande Seat Pack. This is the larger of two versions of the Mattone saddle bag, delivering 77cm3 of space. Silca says that’s more than twice the space you get with the standard Mattone (for only £5 more). Of course, the bigger size means a bulkier pouch, but during several weeks of testing I didn’t once feel or notice it while riding.

That extra space is damn handy, too. It’ll take two inner tubes plus tools, or one inner tube and a mix of tools and nutrition (I even managed to squeeze a caseless iPhone 15 in there, just about). Stability isn’t an issue regardless of how full the pouch is, which is largely thanks to the Boa dial, which allows you to secure the bag and its contents nice and tightly to your saddle.

There are a couple of caveats, though. One being that the bag’s slight bulk does mean there’s less space for a rear bike light. This wasn’t an issue for me, but it might be for shorter riders. Plus, while the outer is water resistant, it’s not fully waterproof – fine if it’s only tools inside, but not so good if you have a car key or flapjack in there.

2. Lomo 13L Bikepacking Seat Pack Dry Bag

• £36 (UK only)

A good seat pack is the backbone of a bikepacking setup, and Lomo’s 13L Dry Bag proves spacious and easy to load thanks to its wide opening.

On the bike, it secures quickly to saddle and post but isn’t the most stable — sway becomes noticeable when standing and rocking the bike, which can get irritating on technical climbs. Weather protection is excellent, shrugging off rain without issue.

That said, the soft base lacks structure, so packing can feel a bit sloppy, especially with heavier items. The compression straps do their job of slimming the load, but the stitching already shows strain after a handful of tightly packed rides, which doesn’t inspire long-term confidence. At under £40 though, it’s hard to ignore the value!

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3. Altura NV Road Saddle Bag

• £18 (Europe only)

Tucked conveniently beneath the saddle, the Altura NV Road bag should provide a slimline and discrete bit of storage on your next ride, within easy reach when you need it.

Its look is just as subtle as its size with a black finish that means it will blend into a darker frame. However, the exterior is made with Altura’s darkproof technology, which basically means it should be nice and reflective in low light, with the option to attach a light if you want to be especially careful at night.

You can choose from a capacity of 0.4, 0.6 or 0.8 litres, giving you plenty of space for basics like your phone and wallet, as well as any snacks or energy gels to see you through the journey.

4. Topeak Wedge Bag

• £27.99/$40

Available in a wide range of sizes depending on your packing plans, this saddle bag from Topeak starts on the smaller side with a capacity of 0.66 litres, reaching right up to a much more substantial 1.97 litres.

It has a clip-on strap that’s designed to keep it firmly connected to your seat, with an aerodynamic design to help reduce drag.

The outer material features reflectors for added visibility, and Topeak has also designed the bag with a rear light in mind, which you can clip on for early morning or late evening rides.

5. Ortlieb Micro Two Seat Pack

• £27.50/$40

Thanks to the handy mount you can attach this 0.5 litre bag to your bike with ease, safe in the knowledge no moisture will get through even when the weather turns thanks to the totally waterproof exterior.

It should be just as easy to detach when you hop off the saddle which means you can take it with you during any rest breaks, or even clip it onto another bike and let someone else carry the additional load for a while.

It’s reflective to give you that extra bit of visibility, and will hold up to one kilogram of contents.

6. Castelli Undersaddle Bag XL

• £46/$60

This saddle bag has a compact shape that won’t get in the way, but will give you ample space for any tools, inner tubes or snacks that may come in handy on the side of the road.

It’s made from a water-resistant material in an attempt to keep the worst of the weather out and has a lengthy zip handle so you can access your items with minimal hassle.

Attaching it to your bike should be simple enough as well thanks to the hook and loop style, which promises a wobble-free experience when you hit the road.

7. Topeak Burrito Wrap

• £35/$54.95

Packing plenty of potential in a small bundle, this burrito-style saddle bag looks small and discrete until it’s rolled open to reveal three separate compartments.

Ideal for holding everything from spare inner tubes to C02 inflators, the bag is made from a durable water repellent exterior that’s said to keep your items nice and dry until you need them, and should attach firmly to your bike thanks to a sturdy Velcro strap.

8. Topeak Backloader 10L

• £75/$85

The Topeak Backloader 10L may be smaller on paper than the Lomo (see review above), but clever design means it carries just as much. Its removable dry bag with pressure valve is a highlight, letting you squeeze out air for a compact load and pull your kit out in seconds.

The waterproof liner and water-resistant shell kept everything dry in heavy rain, though the space outside the dry bag is only useful for items that can handle a bit of damp.

On the bike, stability is better than the Lomo’s, though the single Velcro seatpost strap allows some sway when climbing out of the saddle. It’s worth noting that mounting can also be awkward on bikes with limited clearance.

That said, the durable fabrics, top bungee for extra gear, and light-mount options make it a versatile, well-finished pack. For convenience and weather protection, it’s one of the smarter options available, even if stability isn’t flawless. The backloader is available in a 6L, 10L, and 15L.

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9. Zefal Z Light Pack

• £13.99/$18

Featuring a double Velcro strap to make sure it doesn’t budge when you’re on the move, this saddle bag from Zefal comes in a smaller size, which is ideal if you’re looking to limit the additional weight but need a few extra supplies.

The material is said to be both weather resistant and reflective so it’ll perform in rain or shine and night or day, with a dangling zip that means access should be easy to access the contents whenever you need to.

10. Lezyne Bicycle Saddle Trainer

• £24/$25

Sitting beneath your saddle, this small bag should be able to store essential items like an inner tube and tyre levers while taking the brunt of an intense ride thanks to its high-frequency welded seams that will keep the stitching intact.

It’s compact nature means it’s not the largest of saddle bags, but this results in a stable ride. Plus, you’ll hardly notice it’s there.

It should attach firmly to the bottom of your saddle thanks to a thick loop attached to the back, and the lengthy top zip has a handy hook so you can open it with ease whether you’ve pulled onto the side of the road or you’re still riding.