Rogue Panda, known for their iconic Arizona-flavored aesthetic, has been making bags under the blazing southern sun for over a decade. Now, for the first time, Rouge Panda has created a collection of bags designed to integrate with racks and forks. Read below for all the details about one of Rogue Panda’s largest launches yet…
Rogue Panda has a laundry list of bag options, yet none of these were intentionally designed for use with bike racks or for fork blade accessory mounts. After 12 years of business, the Flagstaff, AZ-based brand is offering a collection of bags specifically designed to integrate with the ever-increasing number of minimalist and singletrack-specific racks on the market. The new collection features two styles of rack-top bags, mini panniers using the Old Man Mountain Flip system, and a variety of Old Man Mountain hardware to integrate with your bike. Below is a look at all of these products.
Picketpost Rack-Top Bag
The Picketpost is a top-opening, kitchen-sink throw-it-all-in-there type of bag that is designed to be easily accessed on the go. The biggest benefit of using a rack and bag of this style is not losing any dropper post compatibility or performance. This bag attaches to the rear rack with four short TPU straps on the corners. The rolltop closure also cinches down directly to the rack. Choose between cam-locking g-hooks for easy access, or Austere Mfg Buckles for the ultimate in USA-made durability.
Water resistance comes in the form of waterproof fabric and taped seams. It’s possible for a small amount of water to enter at the corners or through the rolltop, but not enough to ruin the day. The Picketpost is rack-specific, so make sure you order the correct width. There are two options. The wide version will fit the Old Man Mountain Elkhorn and the Tumbleweed T-Rack, and the narrow version will fit racks from 3.5-4″ wide, including the Mica Rat Tail. Neither version will fit the rack on the Trek CheckOut, if that is the bike you are looking to outfit.
Picketpost Rack-Top Bag Specs
- Volume:
- Narrow: 12 Liters or
- Wide: 14 Liters
- Length at base:
- Narrow:12.5″/320mm
- Wide: 12.5″/320mm
- Width at base:
- Narrow: 4″/100mm
- Wide: 6″/150mm
- Weight (EPX200 Fabric)
- Narrow: 8.5oz/235g
- Wide: 9.5oz/265g
Buckskin Mini Pannier
The Buckskin Mini Panniers use the Old Man Mountain FLIP system for a super secure, rattle-free ride. The pannier attaches to the fork or rack via a quick-release system. A base plate that stays attached to the rack or fork accepts the pannier. A lever locks or unlocks the pannier from the base plate. The result is a single-track-ready system that is easily removed from the bike at camp.
Unlike most panniers that use the FLIP system, Rogue Panda moved the attachment system completely outside of the water-resistant envelope of the bag – and added foam padding for extra protection. The Buckskin Mini Pannier is designed to be simple and effective, with a seam-taped design for extreme water resistance. There are no extra pockets or organization; the goal with this bag is simplicity and durability. There are two sizes to choose from, depending on your volume requirements.
Buckskin Mini Pannier Specs
- Volume (single pannier):
- Small: 3.5 liters
- Medium: 5.5 liters
- Width:
- Small: 6″/150mm
- Medium: 6″/150mm
- Depth:
- Small: 4″/100mm
- Medium: 5″/125mm
- Height (w/3 rolls on rolltop):
- Small: 12″/305mm
- Medium: 12″/305mm
- Height (unrolled)
- Small: 17″/430mm
- Medium17″/430mm
- Weight (EPX200 Fabric, without cage)
- Small: 9.5oz/265g
- Medium: 10oz/280g
Elden Rack-Top Bag
The Elden is an upcoming rear-opening bag for a rear rack. It’s not quite ready for prime time, but Rogue Panda wanted to let y’all know it’s coming. If you’re looking to carry a sleeping bag or other sleep kit items and want to take the bag on and off at camp, it’s worth waiting for the Elden instead of the Picketpost. Expected launch is sometime this June.
The Elden is best for folks who want a rock-solid bag that stays on their bike all day and is removed at camp. The main compartment is great for items you won’t need access to during the day, like a sleeping bag or tent. The mesh pocket on top is super roomy; big enough for a bag of chips or an entire tent rain fly to dry out before lunch. It’s a good pocket for wet gear, drying gear, or bulky items that you want access to like snacks.
Like all of Rogue Panda bags, the Elden is made with singletrack in mind. The front is angled for dropper post clearance. The rolltop closure buckles are attached to the upper front corner of the bag, which means that further tightening down the rolltop increases saddle clearance at drop. The Elden’s attachment to your rack itself is four girth-hitched straps with cam-locking g-hooks, which connect to a daisy chain across the bag. This gives tons of different mounting options for different racks.
Old Man Mountain Elk Horn Rack and Accessories
Rogue Panda is using Old Man Mountain parts and accessories in the design of their packs. As such, they are providing these parts to customers who can order the Old Man Mountain Elkhorn rack alongside Buskin Panniers and a Picketpost. If needed, customers can purchase the rear axle fit kit to adapt bikes without rack mounts.
We reviewed the Elkhorn and highly recommend it for riders seeking a singletrack-worthy rack.
Availability
All of these bags are made to order, so please allow at least three weeks for the team at Rogue Panda to cut, sew, tape, package, and ship your bags. Making quality products in the United States takes time and effort, we commend Rogue Panda for what they do.
See the rack focused collection at Rogue Panda.