Talk to me about small frame bags / seat packs please

[Solo]

I appreciate this isn't solely a bikepacking question, more an MTB / out for a ride thing but thought you guys are the best ones to ask.

I took the 29er out for a 20 mile spin this morning, nothing major just tow path / bike trails. I wanted to test out my new bars (which, BTW, were fine although angle needs adjusting as I now have terrible neck ache!)

Anyway, I usually take a bottle but a small rucksack which was once a small hydration bag but the bladder has long since been ditched.

It is warm today so to be frank, I had a soaked back! Ew! So I'm looking for a small frame bag or even a seat pack that doesn't hinder the bikes flickability for fun rides.

It need hold a few basics, so multi tool, puncture kit, tube, small pump, keys, phone, ID, etc.

If it could be swapped onto the FS for fun blasts in the woods, then all the better.

Hopefully that isn't too 'moon on a stick'!!

[Ben98]

https://www.alpkit.com/products/possum
I can totally recomend the alpkit possum, it lives on my KM now with just tools and spares in it, brilliant!

[Bearbonesnorm]

I've got a slightly earlier version of this. Mines a large so plenty of room in there and 100% waterproof.

[composite]

I got an earlier version of this. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/deuter-front-triangle-bag/



Used it on the BB200 last year. You wouldn't even know its there in terms of bike handling. You can get even cheaper versions on ebay. Still allows use of bottle cages, especially if you use a side entrance one on the down tube.

[Dan_K]

I have the Deuter one and the small version of the Ortleib one. both are excellent.
On my cross bike, I have to use a 610ml bottle if I use the Deuter one. Being velcro, it is easier to swap between bikes.
The Ortleib one uses a plastic clip you attach to your seat rails with allen bolts.
If you plan on carrying a phone, you'll need the medium sized Ortleib bag as the smaller one barely carries a tube, levers and tool. Also the larger ones have a velcro strap to attach it to the seatpost. I've read reports of the micro one like mine uncoupling itself (no additional velcro strap).
I'd steer clear of Specialized saddlepacks - all the ones i've owned have either worn through on the seat rails or the velcro has separated from the straps.

[benp1]

I used to have a large topeak wedge on my mtb but can't use it with a dropper so have the deuter front triangle bag too, very good value

For the WRT I used a normal post with a proper seat pack so used the Deuter bag as my frame bag. Meant I could have a bottle in each bottle cage within my XL frame

Think mine was £11