We all know that things change and the inescapable hand of time moves one. But one thing that we think – we hope – will never change, is the enjoyment that comes with exploring the world under your own steam. 

For cyclists, that has traditionally meant cycle touring. But even cycle touring has undergone a bit of a re-branding in recent years. Nowadays ‘bikepacking’ is the buzz term when it comes to pedalling through the great wide yonder.

Bikepacking has brought with it a slight change of focus when it comes to on-bike luggage options. Traditional cycle tourists would favour pannier bags, with perhaps a handlebar bag and then any extraneous kit bungee-corded onto spare rack space. 

However, for bikepackers, the aim is to travel just a bit lighter and there is a plethora of strange-shaped, purpose-made bags to utilise every possible mounting opportunity – whether that’s inside the main triangle of your bike frame; above your rear rack or top tube; or even by reconsidering classic bag-mounting positions such as under the saddle or on the handlebar for more significant baggage.

One brand that is able to supply top-level bags to fulfil all these potential options is ACID. ACID is German-bike manufacturer CUBE’s range of premium-quality bike accessories and components, combining high-performing products with clever details and smart innovations. ACID says all of its designs follow the same approach “keep it clear, clean, functional and unique”. Which sounds just about perfect for bikepacking duties. 

So let’s have a look at some of the highlights of the range and see how you could combine them to form your very own ‘ultimate bikepacking bag’. 

ACID Frame Bag Pack Pro 4 - £119.95

ACID Frame Bag Pro 4.jpg, by Matt Lamy

Let’s start with one of those newfangled frame bags, then. This Pro 4 frame bag from ACID has an impressive 4 litres of total capacity, which is enough to carry a surprising amount, while the helpful long design is suitable for things like tent poles. Thanks to what ACID calls its ‘360° MOLLE’ attachment system – essentially webbing straps and buckles – it can be easily mounted to hang below your top tube. There are three sizes available – this largest Pro 4, then the smaller Pro 3 and the smallest Pro 2 – make sure you pick the version that best fits inside your ow specific bike frame. 

Product highlights

• Waterproof welded construction
• Abrasion-resistant outer material
• Reflective elements on both sides
• Side pocket
• Multiple attachment options inside bag
• 4-litre capacity
• Colours: green or black

ACID Frame Bag Pure 4 - £49.55

ACID Frame Bag Pure 4.jpg, by Matt Lamy

One of the most exciting elements of frame bags is that there is so much choice, so you should be able to find an option that perfectly suits your needs. If the Pro 4 frame bag we looked at above doesn’t do it for you, then this Pure 4 version – which also boasts a 4-litre capacity – is a fine alternative. It also comes with three rather than just two-point attachment for super-sturdy mounting, and a slightly different shape means you can make the most of the space in the front part of your bike frame’s main triangle.

Product highlights

• Waterproof welded construction
• Abrasion-resistant outer material
• Reflective elements on both sides
• Side pocket
• Three-point frame attachment for security
• 4-litre capacity
• Colour: black

ACID Top Tube Bag Pro 1 - £29.95

ACID Top Tube Bag Pro 1.jpg, by Matt Lamy

We’ve looked at bags that can be attached to sit below your top tube, but what about bags that can sit above your top tube? That’s definitely another good option for bikepackers and offers some specific benefits. For example, in the case of this ACID Pro 1 top tube bag, there’s a very handy clear top pocket that features a touchscreen film, so you can pack your smart phone away but still use it. In fact, with the Pro 1’s simple zip opening and easy access, it a great way to keep all your essentials in view and quickly to hand.

Product highlights

• Water-repellent welded construction
• Abrasion-resistant outer material
• Reflective elements
• Three-point frame attachment for security
• Integrated smart-phone compatible top pocket
• 1-litre capacity
• Colour: black

ACID Trunk Bag Pro 10 RILink - £109.95

ACID Trunk Bag Pro 10 RILink.jpg, by Matt Lamy

Let’s take that idea of top-mounted bike luggage and move it further back. Rack-mounted trunk bags are an excellent option, especially when it comes to transporting slightly bulkier items. This Pro 10 trunk bag uses CUBE’s RILink technology for super-secure attachment to compatible rear racks, which is reassuring because it can hold up to 10-litres of contents. Then, should you want to take it away and carry it off the bike, that’s easy to do with the included shoulder strap. 

Product highlights

• Water-resistant welded construction
• Abrasion-resistant outer material
• Reflective elements
• Shoulder strap for carrying off the bike
• Rear light mounting point
• 10-litre capacity
• Colours: black, blue or flame red

ACID Handlebar Bag Pack Pro 15 - £109.95

ACID Handlebar Bag Pro 15.jpg, by Matt Lamy

Handlebar-mounted luggage has been around for decades. However, ACID’s Pro 15 handlebar bag takes the concept but really maximises it in terms of carrying capacity. The two-piece system comprises a harness which attaches safely to the handlebar, and a waterproof drybag. The sturdy drybag simply slots into the harness and is secured in place with two quick fasteners, while a horizontal compression strap ensures a rock-solid hold. Also available as the 9-litre Pro 9.

Product highlights

• Two-part construction including harness and drybag and valve for compression
• Waterproof drybag with welded construction
• Abrasion-resistant outer material
• Side pocket and elastic drawcords on the drybag
• Optional horizontal strap for width compression
• Reflective elements
• 15-litre capacity
• Colours: black or green

ACID Saddle Bag Pack Pro 15 - £139.95

ACID Saddle Bag Pack Pro 15.jpg, by Matt Lamy

We doubt there are many cyclists who have never had a saddle pack before, but generally those are compact products used to house a multi-tool, a spare inner tube and maybe a credit card. Bikepacking saddle packs are something altogether different. As with the Handlebar Bag Pack Pro 15 above, this ACID Saddle Bag Pack Pro 15 utilises a two-part construction, comprising textile reinforced harness and then separate drybag that slips into it. It’s ultra-waterproof, attaches super securely, and can carry a whopping 15 litres of kit. Also available as the 11-litre Pro 11.

Product highlights

• Two-part construction including harness and drybag
• Waterproof drybag with welded construction and valve for compression
• Abrasion-resistant outer material
• Side pocket and elastic drawcords on the drybag
• Optional horizontal strap for width compression
• Reflective elements
• Rear light mounting point
• 15-litre capacity
• Colours: black or green

ACID Pannier Bag Pro 20/2 SMLink - £74.95

ACID Pannier Bag Pro 20:2SMLink.jpg, by Matt Lamy

Finally, just because pannier bags have been around forever, that doesn’t mean they can’t still offer some practical carrying capabilities, even for hip bikepackers. ACID’s Pannier Bag Pro 20/2 come as a pair and is available in three colours. They’re hugely useful, with 20-litre capacity per bag; ACID’s secure SMLink attachment system; a welded waterproof construction; and shoulder straps for off-the-bike-carrying. We reckon they make for ace rear panniers, and if you’d like to team them with bags at the front, there’s also the excellent but slightly smaller 15-litre capacity ACID Pannier Bag Pro 15 SMLinks in matching colourways.

Product highlights

• Water-resistant welded construction
• Abrasion-resistant outer material
• Reflective elements
• Shoulder strap for carrying off the bike
• ACID SMLink rack clip attachment system
• 20-litre capacity per bag
• Colours: black, blue or flame red

To see ACID's full range of bags, visit www.cube.eu.

This content is sponsored by Acid Bags.