First Look: Outer Shell Adventure Drawcord Handlebar Bag
Unique and versatile hand-made bar bag from the US
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We are a big fan of handlebar bags, and we’ve got a particularly nice one in from Outer Shell Adventure. First impressions are overwhelmingly positive with great construction quality and very nice functional details such as the quick-release closure. This should be a versatile bag for a wide range of riding.
This should be the perfect size to carry tools and spares, some food and a spare layer for those longer days out. It should even be able to cram a camera in there, and it all remains accessible because it’s right there on the bars. We particularly like the novel closure mechanism which is easy to open and close whilst riding.
Simply unhook the top flap from your stem, loosen the cord closure and you’re in. Do the opposite when you're closing it. Nice details include the way the storm flap closes automatically when you tighten the internal closure, and the looping of the storm flap around the stem, which ensures it shuts out the elements.
Construction quality is impeccable, and the main fabric of the bag is a hard-wearing polyurethane coated Cordura. The bag is lined with weatherproof X-Pac fabric, the de-facto standard for bike-packing bags nowadays. The white colour should make it easier to find things when rummaging around inside.
Inside there is one zippered pocket; apart from that fill it as you desire. The stiffened construction means it should hold its shape well whether over- or under-filled. There are also 3 outside pockets on the sides and front for slotting things in.
The bag attaches to the bars and headtube, with foam spacers available if there are conflicts with cable runs. You can also request a removable foam insert (free of charge) to protect your camera if you wish. The bag can be paired with Outer Shell’s Stuff Sack Harness if you need to carry even more. For extra versatility, D-rings will let you attach a shoulder strap if you need.
Handmade by Kyle at Outer Shell in California, pricing is high but reasonable for the quality and unique product that it is.
- $90 (X-Pac Main Fabric +$10)
- www.outershelladventure.com
