My touring bike is also my commuter. It currently has a small "bento box" bag on the top tube with everything I need to fix a flat. There's a small multi-tool set on my seat post tube as well. When doing more than commuting, I will supplement my tools with a couple other items. These used to live in the external pocket of one of my front panniers. I recently upgraded to Ortleibs that have no pockets, so we'll see where the extra tools end up next time. I don't use a handlebar bag, but with the addition of the Ortleibs, I feel I like I might get my gear down to two panniers from 4, with a little stashed elsewhere on the bike. Likely either a bar bag or a rack bag. I do like to have one container that holds my valuables so I can carry it with me when I leave the bike parked. The panniers are a little big and cumbersome for that, so I need to find a solution, which may be a handlebar bag.

In my handlebar bag I generally never keep the stuff that I will likely want or need easy access to during the day's ride. Things like a camera, extra battery, map, phone, cash money/wallet and sun block. I put that stuff deep inside my panniers. Common sense dictates that the handlebar bag should be used primarily for stuff you likely won't want or need easy access to.

??

huh?

It's Dave's way of being a d*ck. He's good at it.

It was also a problem for me. I selected the Lone Peak LP-10 set instead of the Orties (which are otherwise excellent).

I think the LP bags look better overall and are fully USA product (company, materials and labor) which was a must do for me.

/K