Complete Guide to Rack Top Bags and Panniers

CargoPack and SpeedPack Rack Top Bags – What Are They?

These bags sit on top of the Tailfin Racks, securely fastening to it with no rattle or sway. They work seamlessly with our Carbon and Alloy Racks. While some companies only design cycle bags and others only design bike racks, we do both – resulting in a bag that fits securely in seconds. When using this system, the bag is removable, meaning the Rack can remain on the bike.

What Are The Removable Rack Top Bag Core Features?

The Rack Top Bags are the CargoPack and SpeedPack bags. However, the actual bags are the same across all systems. What makes them Removable as opposed to Fixed, though, are the different connector parts that attach the bag to the rack. If you have a Removable bag, then the connector parts will allow you to remove the bag from the rack, leaving the rack on the bike. It should be noted that there are different connector parts required for the Removable SpeedPack and the Removable CargoPack, too.

All Tailfin bike bags are 100% waterproof and 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 cycle 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 bike 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 on the Carbon Pannier Rack. The Gen 2(only) CargoPack, when used on the Alloy Journey Rack, has a maximum capacity of 12kg (pannier mounts version) and 10kg (non-pannier mounts version). When using the CargoPack as a Fixed system, it is max 9kg for both Gen 1 and Gen 2 CargoPack bags.

The smaller 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 system instead (where the bag and the rack are integrated), and carrying 50% less weight per bag. See our Packing Guide for an idea of what’s possible to fit inside the bag.

What are the 16L and 22L Panniers bags?

Compatible with our Pannier Racks, CargoPacks, and SpeedPacks, the 16L and 22L Pannier bags 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 Pannier bike bags can carry up to 9kg when riding on the road, and 4.5kg when off-road. 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 shorter, narrower, and 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 Pannier, 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 an optional Laptop Holster for both the 16L and 22L Pannier Bags. The 16L Laptop Holster 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 to always carry your laptop in a protective case, too.

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 bike 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 Pannier Racks, Fixed CargoPack/SpeedPack Systems, and ensures a rock-solid connection with zero noise or rattles. It is also available as a spare.

When bikepacking, some riders want to fit as much kit as possible into their bags and also want to have the option to carry additional items on the outside. For this reason, all Mini Panniers include two pairs of T-Hook straps, 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.

We have a Pannier Comparison blog available to see more key differences.