From their debut more than five years ago, I’ve loved Apidura’s Packable series of ultralight, mostly waterproof bags that pack down to such a tiny form factor that I always carry one on any adventure. Now, both the Packable musette and backpack get refreshed with the same carrying capacity, but increased durability, more eco-friendly fabric, more reflectivity, improved packability, and effectively the same low weight as before.
Apidura Packable Backpack & Musette: tougher, more compact
This pair of Apidura Packable bags was already incredibly small, simple, and frankly excellent in use. Their basic concept was simply to make the lightest and smallest-packed backpack and musette possible, to provide extra overflow storage for all those times bikepackers and ultra-cyclists needed to carry more stuff than they would have on their already-laden bikes. Think: quick trips into the convenience store to pick up snacks, bigger grocery shopping for you and your campmates, an end-of-ride beer run, sometimes just to separate wet/clean clothes from the rest of your gear, or to carry your toiletries to the camp shower. Those are things I’ve used my Apidura Packable bags for over the years. And then, when not in use, they pack down into their own tiny pockets and get attached to your bike with the included velcro strap.
So what have Apidura done to make the Packables better?
What’s new?
Form factor and storage size remain unchanged. But the first thing I noticed with the new bags is their simplified stability strap solution.
By switching to a simple cord & clip for the backpack’s sternum strap and for the musette’s cross-body strap, the benefits are twofold. First, the new cord solution is lighter than the original webbing strap. But also, the webbing is the thickest, stiffest part of these ultralight bags, so removing a substantial part of that will make these even easier to stuff into their tiny built-in stuff sacks.
Less obvious, but the new Cordura ripstop fabric of the main body is said to feature a tighter weave for increased durability and strength. Plus, it now gets a PFAS-free coating to keep water out without negative environmental impacts.
There’s also improved visibility, thanks to more reflective elements. Both bags now get reflective thread woven into their straps. And the backpack adds a couple of reflective tabs along its rear mesh pockets.
All that and they are just as light and tiny as ever. Officially, the backpack & musette are 5g & 3g heavier than the claimed weights of the originals. But that’s within tolerances for bags. And the new weights are said to be lighter than my original bags were, anyway. I’ll be curious to see exactly how much they weigh and how much more packable they are when I get ahold of a set to test.
Tech details
- made of ultralight, waterproof 30D Cordura ripstop nylon with taped seams
- new ‘daisy chain’ stability straps connect with ultralight cord & adjustable clip
- new reflective strap stitching & backpack reflective tabs
- now PFA-free
- 13L Packable Backpack storage with rolltop with buckle closure & 2 mesh outer bottle pockets
58g claimed weight - 7L Packable Musette single pocket storage with velcro flap closure
- both pack into built-in stuff sack pouch, including lashing point & velcro attachment strap
Apidura Packable bags – Pricing, options & availability
The new Apidura Packable bags are available now. The Apidura Packable Musette sells for $53 / 30€, and the Packable Backpack for $75 / 59€.
Get an updated Packable bag directly from Apidura or from a large international network of dealer bike shops. And get ready for more snacks to fuel your next ultra-long ride.