Any recommendations for a smallish handlebar bag?

[Tokie]

Hi! I am starting the second (1000 mile with full support) part of my crossing the northern US in 2 weeks. I used a fanny pack last year for small sundry items (phone, wallet, etc) but it got awfully sweaty. I think I would like a small handlebar bag instead. Can anyone recommend one? I don't need anything large to carry food or clothing, just the basics! Thanks! Tokie

[Tokie]

Ok, I found this bag which looks promising. http://www.topeak.com/products/Bags/BarPack I have size 38 bars with a Garmin mounted in the center. Can I still ride with my hands across the flat part of the bars (ie, not the drops or the brake hoods, but the other part of the handlebars) while using a bag like this? Does anyone have experience with these? I'll be needing to ride on the top part of my bars more than usual, as I am still recovering from the surgery on my poor thumb ligament, and I know it's going to be sore! Tokie

[Thorn]

I like the other small Topeak ( http://www.topeak.com/products/Bags/..._Handlebar_Bag ) when I travel. I move my Garmin up onto the bar extender of the clip so that frees up the handle bars for me.

The bag is just the right size for my camera (I have larger camera), my wallet and some snacks. I've used the fanny belt, but I found a light camera bag shoulder strap and attached it to the side loops.

I'm surprised at the number of "oooh, I gotta get one of those" statements i get about that bag. It is just the right size, comes on and off easily, and carries well when you're off bike.

Looks the the bag you've linked to has the same clip attachment to the handlebars. It should work just as well--perhaps a bit more durable.

[KathiCville]

I bought this Ortlieb Compact handlebar bag before going on a week-long bike tour: http://www.rei.com/product/737832. I love it! Big enough, but not too big. Easily carried my camera, wallet, a few other small items. Stiff and stable. Can lock it on the bike, or pop it off in a second. Shoulder strap, too, so you can carry it like a purse when off the bike. Ortlieb has a couple of larger versions, but I didn't want to feel like I had a piece of luggage on my handlebars, LOL!

I bought a plain black version from Wayne at thetouringstore.com. Wasn't listed on his website, but I contacted him and he had several in stock.

While I was at it, I nabbed an Ortlieb underseat bag. The two items together give me plenty of storage on the bike when I need it on long day jaunts.

[Tokie]

I like the looks of both of those bags! The Topeak model I was looking at doesn't seem to have the clip feature that would accept my Garmin - I knew I should ask the TE'ers for input. Maybe I'll buy all 3, then return 2. I also like the looks of the Ortlieb seat pack too - mine is a bit small for touring. I'll let you know what I end up with! Thanks! tokie

[F8th637]

The bag is just the right size for my camera (I have larger camera), my wallet and some snacks. I've used the fanny belt, but I found a light camera bag shoulder strap and attached it to the side loops.

Thorn, what kind of camera do you carry around? I'm looking for a way to carry a camera that is not a retractable lens point and shoot. Thanks!

[Thorn]

Thorn, what kind of camera do you carry around? I'm looking for a way to carry a camera that is not a retractable lens point and shoot. Thanks!

A Canon PowerShot S3 IS ( http://www.dpreview.com/news/0602/06022111canons3is.asp ). The camera fits in 1/2 of the Topeak bag "just right" with the lens pointing towards the center of the bag (I'd take a picture, but...uh...I'd need to take out my camera to take the picture ). The bag has a little adjustable divider so I set it up so that the camera is nicely buffered by the lining.

I really like having the camera in the handlebar bag--I don't have to worry about it and when I want to stop and take a picture, it is right there.

[F8th637]

A Canon PowerShot S3 IS ( http://www.dpreview.com/news/0602/06022111canons3is.asp ). The camera fits in 1/2 of the Topeak bag "just right" with the lens pointing towards the center of the bag (I'd take a picture, but...uh...I'd need to take out my camera to take the picture ). The bag has a little adjustable divider so I set it up so that the camera is nicely buffered by the lining.

I really like having the camera in the handlebar bag--I don't have to worry about it and when I want to stop and take a picture, it is right there.

Haa haaa, that's the camera I was talking about too! I have that one and have been wearing it around my waist on rides. I also have an SLR but I'm not sure how to carry that one around. Thanks!