#4 on this list
Designs SWEETROLL®
Revelate
The Revelate Designs Sweetroll is an integrated, waterproof handlebar dry bag system engineered explicitly for demanding off-road touring. Unlike basic handlebar barrels, the Sweetroll features a dedicated dual-ended roll-top dry bag secured by a rugged mounting harness. This architecture allows riders to store bulky, lightweight sleep gear—such as a bivy, sleeping bag, and down jacket—in an arrangement that remains completely dry and locked tight against the bar. Real-world testing across backcountry routes confirms that the Sweetroll handles aggressive trail vibration exceptionally well. Thick EVA foam spacers lift the bag away from the handlebar, ensuring brake levers, shifters, and housing cables have adequate operational clearance. Dual roll-top closures allow quick access from either side without unstrapping the harness from the bike, a massive practical advantage during cold, wet camp setups. An exterior strap system provides an easy platform for strapping an additional pocket or wet rain jacket. Its primary limitation involves cockpit compatibility. The Sweetroll requires substantial vertical clearance between the handlebars and the front tire, making it less practical for small frames or bikes with short suspension forks that compress heavily on hits. Furthermore, packing drop-bar bikes requires rolling both ends tight, which noticeably restricts internal usable volume compared to flat-bar mountain bike setups. **Highlights** - Welded, fully waterproof seam construction for harsh storms - Dual-ended roll closures allow gear access from either side - Molded EVA foam spacers preserve brake and shifter cable clearance - Exterior attachment points accommodate add-on pocket accessories - Tough construction handles relentless trail vibration and brush snagging **Watch-outs** - Requires significant vertical clearance between handlebars and front tire - Usable capacity is reduced when squeezed between drop-bar drops - Roll closures require deliberate, balanced packing to prevent shifting
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#5 on this list
Frame-Pack
Ortlieb
The Ortlieb Frame-Pack is an expedition-ready piece of equipment tailored for cyclists confronting atrocious weather. Built around Ortlieb's signature welded fabric technology and an industrial-grade waterproof zipper, this pack creates a truly impervious shelter for gear inside the frame triangle. Whether traversing swollen creek crossings or pushing through all-day torrential downpours, contents remain bone-dry. The pack uses robust PS21R fabric, a polyurethane-coated nylon that shrugs off grit, mud, and frame rub without fraying. Strong, interchangeable Velcro straps wrap around the top tube, seat tube, and down tube, securing the pack firmly even on aggressive mountain bike terrain. Because the internal layout maintains a slim cross-section, knee clearance remains consistent regardless of how tightly packed the central compartment is. However, absolute waterproofing comes with mechanical realities. The heavy-duty waterproof zipper has significant friction compared to standard coil zippers and requires periodic lubrication with silicone paste to maintain smooth operation. Additionally, the rigid mounting structure and specific angular profile mean it fits standard hardtail and gravel frames cleanly, but full-suspension bikes with complex shock linkages may lack the interior clearance necessary to mount this pack properly. **Highlights** - IP67 waterproof rating with high-grade waterproof zipper - Welded PS21R nylon construction eliminates stitched seam leakage - Slim internal profile prevents knee rub during hard pedaling - Adjustable, heavy-duty Velcro straps secure tightly to various tube diameters - Exceptional resistance to mud, grit, and high-pressure spray **Watch-outs** - High-resistance zipper requires regular silicone maintenance - Inflexible angular geometry does not fit many full-suspension bikes - Premium price point compared to standard non-waterproof bags
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Designs SWEETROLL® | Frame-Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 11 Liters (also available in 10L) | — |
| Weight | 15.2 oz (431 g) | — |
| Closure Style | Dual-sided roll-top | — |
| Construction | Radio-frequency welded waterproof fabric | — |
| Mounting System | Handlebar harness with EVA foam spacers | — |
| Price | Around $115 | — |
| MSRP | — | Around $185 |
| Material | — | PU-coated PS21R nylon fabric |
| Waterproof Rating | — | IP67 (submersible to 1 meter) |
| Dimensions | — | 19 x 5 x 2 inches |
| Closure | — | Airtight waterproof zipper |
| Attachment | — | Adjustable hook-and-loop straps |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Designs SWEETROLL®
- Fully welded waterproof construction survives torrential rain and river crossings
- Dual roll-top ends allow gear retrieval from either side without unmounting
- Molded EVA foam blocks prevent cable pinching and maintain brake lever clearance
- Extremely secure mounting eliminates bounce and sway on technical singletrack
- Demands significant vertical clearance between the handlebar and front tire
- Drop handlebars heavily compress the ends and limit usable cargo volume
- Cannot be accessed on the move like zippered cockpit bags
Frame-Pack
- Certified IP67 waterproof build withstands downpours and deep crossings
- Welded fabric seams prevent water ingress without requiring internal dry bags
- Slim two-inch profile eliminates knee and inner thigh rubbing while pedaling
- Adjustable modular straps accommodate varied frame tube configurations
- Stiff waterproof zipper requires deliberate pull effort and regular lubrication
- Rigid triangular profile limits compatibility with full-suspension frames
- Lacks external pockets or dividers for small gear organization
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