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Introduction to Rack Bags
Tailfin Panniers and Rack Top Bags are the ultimate combination of luggage for racing, bikepacking adventures, or the simple day-to-day commute. Reliable, secure, and easy to use. Pannier and Rack Top Bags include all bags that attach to our Rear Systems: the Tailfin Pannier Rack, CargoPack, and SpeedPack.
Video Guides
The CargoPack and SpeedPack Rack Top Bag
CargoPack and SpeedPack Rack Top Bags – what are they?
These bags sit on top of the Tailfin Rack, securely fastening to it with no rattle or sway. It works seamlessly with our Carbon and Alloy Racks. While some companies only design bags and others only design racks, we do both – resulting in a bag that fits securely in seconds.
What are the core features?
Like all our bags, they are 100% waterproof, made from a mix of hypalon and ripstop nylon. This means, regardless of the weather, your kit will be dry when you get to your office, campsite, or hotel. The large roll-top opening of the CargoPack ensures the bag is easy to pack and access – no more stuffing your kit into a small seat pack just to watch it sag. You have the option to close it in the centre or down each end (V2 Version only), and the central compression strap also helps to hold everything in place, as well as providing extra carrying capacity on top. The SpeedPack is accessed from the rear of the bag. It can be rolled closed to secure like a dry bag or down each side using our T-Hook straps.
The expandable external mesh pockets – 2 x 1.5L (CargoPack), or 1 x 3L (SpeedPack), provide extra, easily accessible storage for items you want to keep within reach. We’ve also included reflective detailing on the rear of the CargoPack and slots for clip-on rear lights, too.
How much can they carry?
The CargoPack Rack Top Bag has an 18L maximum capacity and can carry up to 9kg. Our SpeedPack has 10L of storage and can carry up to 8kg. Both of these weight limits are for on-road riding or light gravel. For more rugged terrains, we recommend choosing either of these as a ‘fixed’ integrated system instead. See our Packing Guide for an idea of what’s possible to fit inside the bag.
The 16L and 22L Panniers
What are the 16L and 22L Panniers?
Compatible with our Pannier Racks, CargoPacks, and SpeedPacks, the 16L and 22L Panniers are the perfect companion for the long-distance traveller, everyday commuter or the rider that places durability over any weight saving.
How much can they carry?
The 22L Panniers can carry up to 22 litres and 9kg when riding on the road, and 4.5kg for off-road riding. See our Packing Guide for an idea of what’s possible to fit inside the bag. The 16L Pannier has a smaller capacity, but the same maximum weight limits when riding off and on-road.
Core Features of the 16L and 22L Panniers
They share many of the same design features, but the 16L Panniers are more tapered towards the base of the bag. Both have a large weatherproof roll-top opening. They share a similar internal alloy frame design and the same hardware (Pannier X-Clamp and Lower Hook), which are both available as spares. Each Pannier comes with a set of Third Party Rack Inserts to fit it to a range of racks. Side-mounted buckles and T-Hook compression straps help to decrease volume and keep things streamlined with a featureless outer face.
Both Panniers are 100% waterproof, with all seams welded to keep the contents dry, and with reflective branding to aid with visibility. They feature an air valve for easy packing and compressing the bags when rolling them closed.
A Carry Strap is also an optional addition for your Panniers, to enable you to carry your bags with ease when away from your bike – perfect for commuters and bikepackers alike. They attach to the Panniers via the side T-Hook slots.
What size laptop can I carry?
We offer a Laptop Sleeve for both the 16L and 22L Pannier Bags. The 16L Laptop Sleeve can fit laptops up to 14 inches (230mm max width). The 22L Panniers fit laptops up to 17 inches (320mm max width). We always advise you carry your laptop in a protective case, too.
What’s the difference between SL and UD 22L Pannier?
The 22L SL Panniers are made of waterproof Hypalon and Ripstop nylon. The 22L UD Pannier, though, is made of thicker, more robust hypalon rubber laminate and is more resistant to abrasion.
5L / 10L Mini Panniers
What are Mini Panniers?
The Mini Panniers are a perfect addition to any Rack, CargoPack and SpeedPack setup for bikepackers who want to carry some extra kit, but don’t need the capacity of our larger Pannier Bags. They are available in 5L and 10L sizes.
How much can they carry?
Both the 5L and 10L Mini Panniers have a max weight limit of 8kg on-road and 4kg off-road.
Core Features of the 5L and 10L Mini Panniers
As with all our bags, the Mini Panniers are 100% waterproof with all seams welded to prevent any water ingress. This means you can travel with them no matter the weather and be confident your kit will be dry inside when you finish the day’s ride.
The Mini Panniers use the same precision-engineered X-Clamp that is seen on our larger Panniers. The clamp is designed to work perfectly with our Racks and CargoPacks and ensures a rock-solid connection with zero noise or rattles, and is also available as a spare.
When bikepacking, some riders want to fit as much kit as possible into their bags and have the option to carry additional items on the outside. For this reason, all Mini Panniers include two pairs of T-Hooks, which offer additional closure and packing options for your bags. Instead of rolling the bags and closing them like a dry bag, you can use T-Hook straps down the sides to secure them instead. These straps can also be used horizontally on the bag as compression straps, too.
Our Mini Panniers also have an adjustable Lower Hook, which can be angled to fit any rack, not just our Rear Systems. Each Mini Pannier comes with a set of Third Party Rack Inserts to fit it to a range of racks.
The Mini Panniers do not feature an air valve due to their smaller capacity.
For an in-depth look at the Mini Panniers, our blog post can provide more information.
