Touring - Can't decide what handle-bar bag to get....

Still trying to get my converted mountain bike set up for my first tour this fall. This is what I have got done so far, if your REALLY bored check it out.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/745363-Sooo-starting-to-plan-my-first-bike-tour...

Coming along pretty good so far. But I can't decide what bar bag to get. I think I want a somewhat large bag, that comes off easily so I can take it in with me places. Right now I have no front panniers (in the future maybe, depends on how much fun I have on the first tour...lol). I was thinking of one of these 2 bags... First one is a bit bigger. The second one is the Topeak with the quick release (I bought the Topeak trunk bag with fold out panniers, really like it so far).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00165Q4QW/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Tourguide-Handle-Bar-Bag/dp/B001T316RS/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=IVPLDZKSYXOC6&colid=5TNOV3Z62S2H

Any info, help, hints or suggestions are welcome.....

As always.... I still dunno what I'm doing... but I'm having fun doing it.

I have an Arkel--large, easy off and on, weighs a ton, expensive, but bomb-proof.

That seems like a really nice bag for sure..... I just don't know If I can fit it into my budget. I like all the details that are given when you go to the Arkel site. LOTS of pictures and info.

Thanks...

Sewn bags need rain covers .. a welded seam bag like Ortlieb does not. ..

Carradice, as a type, uses a dense weave cotton canvas, that fabric swells when wet,
to keep more from leaking thru ..

I have one of these. (http://www.amazon.com/Banjo-Brothers-Waterproof-Quick-Release-Handlebar/dp/B003D4EYI4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311370075&sr=8-1) Waterproof, quick release, comes with shoulder strap and map holder. Works great.

Ortlieb makes a padded camera insert for its handlebar bags, which also fits well in the Arkel Large. If you're planning to carry an interchangable lense camera in your bar bag, you might take this into consideration.

Thanks for the info everyone.. Much appreciated.

Bit late to the party...

I just ordered a Lone Peak H-100 (http://thetouringstore.com/LONE%20PEAK/LP%20H-bar%20Packs/H100%20H-BAR%20PACK%20PAGE.htm) from The Touring Store (http://thetouringstore.com/index.htm). I use Orleib classic rollers front and rear. I looked at the Ortlieb bag but it didn't do what I wanted. I have a couple of old bags in the Lone Peak style that have seen thousands of miles of use, so they are what I am used to.
Only recommendation is don't go too large and watch the weight you put in it.

Aaron :)

Bit late to the party...

I just ordered a Lone Peak H-100 (http://thetouringstore.com/LONE%20PEAK/LP%20H-bar%20Packs/H100%20H-BAR%20PACK%20PAGE.htm) from The Touring Store (http://thetouringstore.com/index.htm). I use Orleib classic rollers front and rear. I looked at the Ortlieb bag but it didn't do what I wanted. I have a couple of old bags in the Lone Peak style that have seen thousands of miles of use, so they are what I am used to.
Only recommendation is don't go too large and watch the weight you put in it.

Aaron :)

Not too late..... I'm still undecided LOL I don't think I'll end up with a lot of weight in the bag. Wallet, cheap smallish camera that will be mounted on the bars most of the time. Keys, small LED flashlight phone, maybe a few snacks... Hmm I don't have much money soooooo the wallet should NO be to heavy :D

I guess the thing that most concerns me the most, is how easy it is to get the bag off and back on the bike.

Bit late to the party...

I just ordered a Lone Peak H-100 (http://thetouringstore.com/LONE%20PEAK/LP%20H-bar%20Packs/H100%20H-BAR%20PACK%20PAGE.htm) from The Touring Store (http://thetouringstore.com/index.htm). I use Orleib classic rollers front and rear. I looked at the Ortlieb bag but it didn't do what I wanted. I have a couple of old bags in the Lone Peak style that have seen thousands of miles of use, so they are what I am used to.
Only recommendation is don't go too large and watch the weight you put in it.

Aaron :)

Thanks again..... I think I am going to order this bag too.

I need a small bag for around town, not for touring, so I ordered the Avenir Mini Metro: http://www.amazon.com/Avenir-Metro-Handlebar-Cubic-Inches/dp/B00165S9VU/ref=lh_ni_t

Thanks again..... I think I am going to order this bag too.

I think you will like it. I ordered a spare mount, rain cover and shoulder strap too. I have two bikes set up for touring so I can easily swap it back and forth depending on my mood. I used to use a similar bag for commuting years ago, it wasn't quite as easy to get on and off, but it served it's purpose.

Aaron :)

I have the Topeak one you're considering. Love it. Comes with rain cover and shoulder strap. There's a loop at the front you can clip a light to. It has just enough pockets for me, and love the padded interior as I usually have a camera there.
Mine is about 5 years old or so, so came with an older mount. That mount is the only downside of the bag, a bit hard to unclip. But new ones have better system, so I'd go for it.

I too have the Topeak linked and I think it is excellent.

Or..

http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-TT9805B-Handlebar-Dry-Bag/dp/B002B7N4NK/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2IA7JEEZ9Y85G&colid=1ATCVD1KET0R1

One thing that bugs me about the Arkel bags: expensive as they already are, they don't come with rain covers. You have to spend another $20 on them.

One thing that bugs me about the Arkel bags: expensive as they already are, they don't come with rain covers. You have to spend another $20 on them.

A lot of people don't want rain covers. FWIW I seldom use them. When I was long haul touring with my old nylon bags I used to use big garbage bags to keep everything dry. It also had the advantage is you spill something in the bag it didn't mess up the actual pannier. Now I am using Ortlieb Classic rollers so no garbage bag necessary.

Aaron :)