Waterproof bikepacking bags with welded seams were far from the norm when Apidura launched the original Expedition Series in 2016. Since then, the construction method has become the industry standard, competitors have closed the gap, and the market has grown considerably more crowded. Now Apidura are hitting back with a completely redesigned Expedition Series, built around an overhauled mounting system and new materials.
Apidura were founded in 2013 by Tori Fahey. Having raced long-distance events such as the Tour Divide herself, she struggled to find technical bikepacking bags that met her demands, so she started making her own. What began as a gap in the market has grown into a family-run company that still prioritises durable, long-lasting designs over seasonal product cycles.
The Expedition Series has never been particularly light or affordable. Its reputation rests instead on keeping your kit dry, even after weeks of riding in the rain. If fast and light is your priority, Apidura’s Aero System, which we’ve reviewed separately, is the better choice. For long, demanding adventures, though, the Expedition Series has been the benchmark for years, and that’s the standard this latest generation has to live up to.
Apidura have set out to address three key shortcomings of the previous generation: the Handlebar Pack’s less than secure mounting, the Saddle Pack’s tendency to sway when fully loaded, and the Frame Pack’s bulging under load. Whether these updates really make a difference in the real world can only be answered on the trail. So let’s find out.
In detail: what does the new Apidura Expedition Series promise?
At first glance, the new Expedition Series looks cleaner than its predecessor: fewer visible buckles and straps, a more streamlined silhouette, and a unified design language across the entire range. Apidura are now promoting a completely rethought mounting concept without conventional straps, built around a three-layer material construction and fully welded seams for absolute waterproofing. The most obvious step forward is the integration of GPS and lighting mounts. Instead of clamping accessories to the handlebars as before, they’re now built directly into the system. Even the Saddle Pack now features a dedicated rear light mount.
Apidura also claim to have tackled the two other long-standing weak points. To prevent saddle pack sway, a guiding channel works in combination with silicone grip strips to keep the bag securely aligned with the seatpost. A more rigid base shell is designed to lower the centre of gravity and improve stability. On the Frame Pack, internal guide rails running along the zip are meant to prevent bulging under load, which helps the bag retain its shape even when fully packed. Whether all of this translates into real-world performance is something only a proper field test can reveal.
Apidura Expedition Series on review
We tested each bag individually over several rides in a wide range of conditions, both on and off road, including a multi-day bikepacking trip. The following models were included in our test:
- Bolt-On Top Tube Pack: 1 L, 100 g, € 66
- Handlebar Pack: 9 L, 446 g, € 184
- Front Cargo Mesh: 90 g, € 38
- Frame Pack: 3,8 L, 245 g, € 142
- Saddle Pack: 9 L, 415 g, € 175
Weighing just 100 g, the Bolt-On Top Tube Pack is available in a single 1 L size and bolts directly to the frame’s mounting points. If your bike doesn’t have top tube bosses, there’s also a strap-mounted version. Thanks to the bolt-on attachment, it stays absolutely rock solid with no movement at all, even on rough terrain. After several wet rides, it stayed completely waterproof, and the zip continued to operate smoothly. The 1 L capacity is enough for energy bars, gels, a multitool, and a smartphone.
No bag in this range has been redesigned as extensively as the Handlebar Pack. It’s available in 9 L and 14 L versions, with our 9 L test sample weighing 446 g. The traditional strap attachment has been replaced by a new lace-up mounting system. It sounds like an elegant solution, but in practice it can be baffling at first. Without the video instructions, the setup is far from intuitive. A retaining strap holds the bag in place initially, but threading the cord through the eyelets is fiddly, and locking it into the toothed fastening mechanism takes some practice. Removing the bag is much the same. The cord has to be released again, which can test your patience after a long ride or with cold, tired fingers.
One particularly clever feature did stand out. A marker on the roll-top closure lets you see before fitting the bag how wide it is when packed, so you can check whether it will still clear your drop handlebars. The magnetic buckle closure works reliably, and even after hours of riding in heavy rain, everything inside stayed completely dry.
There’s one compromise, however. The lace-up mounting system sits close to the stem, forcing your cycling computer out of its usual position. Apidura’s optional GPS Mount and Accessory Arm solve the problem by allowing both your computer and head light to be mounted directly to the bag.
The Front Cargo Mesh costs € 38 and is a practical accessory for the Handlebar Pack. Weighing just 90 g, it attaches directly to the front of the bag to provide extra storage for items you want to keep within easy reach, such as snacks or a waterproof jacket. Once detached from the Handlebar Pack, it can also be used as a musette, making it easy to carry your essentials when you’re off the bike.
Unlike the rest of the Expedition Series, however, the mesh pocket is not waterproof. It’s also incompatible with the previous generation of the Expedition Series and works exclusively with the new Handlebar Pack.
Apidura have tackled one of the previous Frame Pack’s biggest weaknesses head-on. Guide rails running alongside the zip help the bag retain its shape even when fully loaded, preventing it from bulging outwards and rubbing against your legs. It attaches to the frame using silicone-backed straps that hold it securely in place without slipping. Like the rest of the Expedition Series, the Frame Pack is fully waterproof and, inside, is divided into two compartments: a slim pocket for items such as a wallet or ID card, and a larger main compartment with an integrated mesh pocket to keep smaller essentials organised.
Our 3.8 L test bag weighs 245 g. If you need more storage, Apidura also offer the Full Frame Pack, which fills the entire front triangle and is available in sizes ranging from 4.6 L to 10 L.
The 9 L Saddle Pack weighs 415 g. Mounting is straightforward and can be done without any instructions. The guiding channel, which pulls the bag closer to the seatpost, and the silicone grip strips do exactly what Apidura claim: in testing, the bag sways noticeably less than on the previous generation. Compression is also impressive, with the contents packing down very effectively.
Mesh side pockets provide extra space for bottles and can be secured with an additional strap if needed. The roll-top closure also allows external attachment points, for example for a wet swimsuit after a swim stop. Compared to the previous model, the extra elastic cords for additional gear have been removed, which feels like a missed opportunity as there would still have been room for them.
A particularly useful detail is the integrated rear light mount, which lets you attach a light directly to the bag without needing a separate bracket. However, the critical issue shows up in the waterproofing test. Through the internal openings that allow air to escape during compression, water can also find its way inside. As a result, the contents do not stay dry, which is a significant drawback for a series that otherwise places full waterproofing at the heart of its promise.
We addressed this problem to Apidura directly, and they are currently investigating the issue with this specific bag. This is what they said:
“The SoftVent Air Valve has been part of our range for many years, and based on extensive internal testing as well as real-world experience, we have full confidence in its waterproof performance. Under normal riding conditions, we wouldn’t expect any water to enter via the valve.
However, the bag isn’t designed to be airtight and, like other bikepacking bags on the market, it doesn’t offer a completely sealed environment. Products like these are typically tested against water ingress standards such as IPX6/IP6K6.
While a small amount of water might penetrate in rare cases if a targeted, high-pressure jet is aimed directly at the valve, the amount of water observed in this review is higher than we would usually expect or have previously seen.
We take product quality very seriously and are actively working on a solution. Whether this issue is down to a flaw in the initial production batch can’t be confirmed just yet.”
As a complete set, the bags stand out above all for how well they work together. Visually, they create a clean, unified look on the bike, with none of the bags appearing like an afterthought bolted on later. More importantly, Apidura have refined the areas where the previous generation fell short. The new handlebar mounting system has finally put an end to the old wobble, the Saddle Pack sits more calmly against the seatpost, and the Frame Pack holds its shape right through to the last litre of capacity. At just under 1,300 g for the full set, this is not a particularly lightweight setup, but every single piece clearly reflects its long-distance ambitions.
Who are the Apidura Expedition Series bags the right choice for?
The Apidura Expedition Series is aimed at anyone looking for a complete, well-matched system for multi-day bikepacking trips or full-on expeditions. It makes particular sense for long-distance riders: if you prioritise stability over minimum weight and want a robust, modular setup that can be expanded with accessories like the Cargo Mesh or additional packs, this is very much in its element.
If, on the other hand, you’re counting every gram or simply don’t plan on tackling extended expeditions, you may be better served by more minimalist solutions such as the CYCLITE NANO series, which we’ve reviewed separately. There’s also no getting around the price, which puts the system firmly in the premium segment. Add to that the somewhat fiddly installation of the Handlebar Pack, which demands patience, especially in cold conditions. And if absolute waterproofing is your top priority, the Saddle Pack’s weak point is something you’ll want to keep in mind.
Shorts Gobik Revolution Bib Short | Shoes Sidi Dominator X
Conclusion
Apidura have noticeably refined the Expedition Series. The new strapless handlebar mounting system holds the bag rock solid, finally putting an end to the old wobble, even if fitting and removing it can still feel fiddly in cold conditions or with tired hands. The Saddle Pack also sits far more securely than before, yet it commits one error that’s hard to overlook: of all places, it’s the bag meant to keep your sleeping bag dry in the rain that still lets water in. At this price point, that flaw feels avoidable, and it dents an otherwise strong overall impression.
Tops
- New strapless handlebar mounting system, clean in design and rock solid in use
- Saddle Pack sits securely and stays stable on rough terrain
- Frame Pack retains its shape even when fully loaded
Flops
- Saddle Pack is not fully waterproof
- Handlebar Pack mounting and removal remains fiddly in practice
For more information, visit apidura.com
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Words: Sven Weinbrenner Photos: Jan Fock
