Bike trunk bags (or bike rack trunks) quite literally take the weight off your shoulders. When compared to backpacks, trunk bags are generally more durable, hold more stuff, and allow you to enjoy your ride freely.
The most important things to consider when buying a bike trunk bag are storage space and build quality. We put several bike trunk bags to the test to find out which ones are worth buying. The Ibera Bike Trunk Bag is the best bike trunk bag because of its generous storage, sturdy design, and its one-click quick-release mechanism.
Before buying a trunk bag, it’s worth spending some time thinking about what you will be carrying. Many come with a large main compartment for laptops and files, but some also come with a water bottle holder, and some with a shoulder strap to make carrying heavy bags easy while walking.
- 1 Bike Trunk Bag Comparison
- 2 The Best Bike Trunk Bags
- 2.1 1. Ibera Bike Trunk Bag — Best Overall Trunk Bag
- 2.2 2. BV Commuter Carrier Trunk Bag — Best Budget Bag
- 2.3 3. Rock Bros Bike Trunk Bag — Best Extendable Trunk Bag
- 2.4 4. Topeak MTX Trunk Bag EX — Best Cheap Clip-on Trunk Bag
- 2.5 5. Rock Bros Bike Rack Bag — Best Leather Bike Trunk Bag
- 2.6 6. Roswheel Convertible Bike Trunk Bag — Best Small Bike Trunk Bag
- 2.7 7. Topeak MTX Trunk Bag EXP — Best Quality Bike Trunk Bag
- 2.8 8. Bushwhacker Mesa Trunk Bag — Most Storage Space
- 3 Guide to Choosing a Bike Trunk Bag
Bike Trunk Bag Comparison
| Name | Mount | One-click Release |
|---|---|---|
| Ibera Bike Trunk Bag | Clip Rack | Yes |
| BV Commuter Carrier Trunk Bag | Velcro | No |
| Rock Bros Bike Trunk Bag | Velcro | No |
| Topeak MTX Trunk Bag EX | Clip Rack | Yes |
| Rock Bros Bike Rack Bag | Velco | No |
| Roswheel Convertible Bike Trunk Bag | Velcro | No |
| Topeak MTX Trunk Bag EXP | Clip Rack | Yes |
| Bushwhacker Mesa Trunk Bag | Velcro | No |
Trunk bags that are mounted by clipping onto a rack allow for a one-click release that is very convenient. When testing, we found it so much easier to use click release bags than having to secure Velcro straps every time the bag needs to be detached.
With clip rack mounts, you may need to buy a suitable rack mount. This will add a little upfront cost, but you’ll be grateful for it when it’s raining and you can detach and attach the bag in 1 second rather than 30 seconds.
Below is a list of the best bike trunk bags that are easy to attach and detach and hold up to all weather conditions.
The Best Bike Trunk Bags
1. Ibera Bike Trunk Bag — Best Overall Trunk Bag
The Ibera Bike Trunk Bag is the best bike trunk bag I’ve ever used. It clips effortlessly on and off the Ibera rear rack and holds firm while riding with no rattling or looseness.
It holds more than you’d expect and has reinforced, padded walls that protect not only the main compartment but also the side pockets. Instead of a rear water bottle holder, this bag has a rear zipped pocket that offers more protected storage space and is more suitable for commuting.
A detachable padded shoulder strap comes as standard and makes carrying the back easy and comfortable.
Features of the Ibera Bike Trunk Bag include:
- High storage capacity
- Plenty of protected side pockets
- Detachable strap
- SUPER EASY Clip release mount
- Reflective trim for added visibility
The overall build quality, padding and protection, and the clip release rack mount make this the best bike trunk bag available today.
2. BV Commuter Carrier Trunk Bag — Best Budget Bag
The BC Commuter Carrier trunk bag offers generous storage and high-quality build materials for a fraction of the cost of its competitors.
Three velcro straps attach the bag securely and are very strong unlike some of the straps found on other bags this affordable. The bag features a rear water bottle holder and two side pockets that are well-padded and protected.
As for space, I’ve comfortably been able to carry sneakers, lunchboxes and even iPods with plenty of room to spare.
Features of the BV Commuter Carrier Trunk Bag include:
- Lots of storage space
- Very well padded
- Sturdy velcro straps
- Carrier handle and shoulder strap
- Reflective lighting
- Very cheap!
I rate the BV Commuter Carrier bag as the best budget bike trunk bag around. The low cost compared to the high quality and durable materials used makes it hard to justify the more expensive models. Not having to buy a special rack for your bike also helps keep the costs down.
3. Rock Bros Bike Trunk Bag — Best Extendable Trunk Bag
The Rock Bros trunk bag comes in the style of a normal trunk bag but has the option to be extended to a pannier style carrier.
This bag is perfect for riders who want the best of both worlds when it comes to trunk bags and bike panniers. For short commutes, the normal storage is plenty and the bag looks nice and compact.
If you plan a longer trip, just extend the main compartment and you have a pannier bag that can hold so much more stuff.
It comes with all the usual compartments such as two side pockets, read water bottle carriers, and a large main compartment that’s perfect for keeping your prized possessions safe from the elements.
Features of the Rock Bros Bike Trunk Bag include:
- Extendable to pannier bag to increase storage
- Lots of well padded pockets
- Sturdy Velcro straps and carrying strap
- Dividers to keep sharp keys away from screens
- Very large capacity
This is the best bike trunk bag for riders who can’t decide between a trunk bag and panniers. You don’t have to decide! You can have both.
4. Topeak MTX Trunk Bag EX — Best Cheap Clip-on Trunk Bag
This MTX Trunk Bag from Topeak is a super compact bag that offers more storage than meets the eye.
As with other clip rack models, the best thing about this has to be the easy attachment and release mechanism. You do need a suitable Topeak rear rack to enable this, but I can’t stress enough how much easier it is when compared to Velcro straps.
The zippers on this bag are excellent and I saw no signs of any water making it into the pockets even in some pretty harsh rainy conditions.
Features of the Topeak MTX Trunk Bag EX include:
- Very sturdy compact design
- Easy clip mechanism for release in a second
- Nicely styled and understated
- Carry handle is very well made and super comfortable
If a clip-on trunk bag is what you’re after (I think they’re the best kind), then this is one of the cheapest you’ll find. Highly recommended.
5. Rock Bros Bike Rack Bag — Best Leather Bike Trunk Bag
This Rock Bros rack bag brings a bit of class with a composite carbon leather construction that is blended with 840D Nylon making it totally waterproof and weather-resistant.
It has a large capacity of 35L and a main compartment that has removable dividers to help keep sharp objects like keys away from screens.
Super thick padding on each of the side pockets of this back also help to protect your possessions even in the event of a drop.
Features of the Rock Bros Bike Rack Bag include:
- Reinforced side for shock protection
- Detachable pads and dividers
- Huge storage capacity
- Sleek leather and nylon design
If you prefer leather to a nylon or polyester bag, then this is hands-down the best bag for you. The velcro straps aren’t as convenient as the clip-on models, but they save on rack costs, and aren’t a dealbreaker by any means.
6. Roswheel Convertible Bike Trunk Bag — Best Small Bike Trunk Bag
Roswheel’s convertible bike trunk bag is made of 300 denier polyester and PU leather to keep the bag’s shape extremely effectively.
You attach it using 4 velcro straps that leave it feeling very secure. No rattling or looseness at all during the week where I tested this bag.
Storage is plenty for short commutes, but a larger bike trunk bag would be better suited to those who want to carry electricals such as tablets.
Features of the Roswheel Convertible Bike Trunk Bag include:
- Nicely sized bag
- Holds shape very well when empty
- Looks way more expensive than it is
- Very sturdy on a rack
I’d recommend this highly to riders who prefer a smaller trunk bag. Unlike some of the bigger bags around, this is inconspicuous enough that you’ll barely notice it’s there while riding.
7. Topeak MTX Trunk Bag EXP — Best Quality Bike Trunk Bag
This Topeak MTX EXP Trunk Bag is one of the highest quality trunk bags for bikes available.
The molded panels keep the shape of the bag extremely well and offer superior protection to padding alone. A 600 denier nylon fabric keeps water and dirt well away from the contents of the bag.
There are expendable compartments meaning you can boost the storage when you need it with panniers that are usually tucked away inside the bag. The bag clips to Topeak’s Beamrack and can be removed and attached instantly with the click of a button making it super easy to use on short trips.
Features of the Topeak MTX Trunk bag include:
- Optional panniers to extend the storage
- Super high-quality build
- 600 denier nylon and molded sidewalls
- Very easy to attach and detach in seconds
The premium cost of this trunk bag might be prohibitive to some, but if you have the budget for it, then this is one of the best bike trunk bags ever made.
8. Bushwhacker Mesa Trunk Bag — Most Storage Space
The Bushwhacker Mesa is massive. Of all the trunk bags I tested, this one holds the most stuff.
It’s made from a 600 denier polyester fabric and has very good padding and insulation throughout making it feel well made and very secure.
Once attached via 4 velcro straps, the bag doesn’t so much as budge even when on rocky terrain. It’s a super impressive large trunk bag that would be perfect for those needing to carry more than the other compact trunk bags allow.
Features of the Bushwhacker Mesa Trunk bag include:
- Sturdy Velcro Straps support it well
- Very large storage capacity
- Super high quality build feel
- Well padded and insulated
The 4 Velcro straps can be a little time consuming to attach properly when on the move, so I’d recommend this for longer trips or grocery shopping where storage is more important than fast detachment times.
Guide to Choosing a Bike Trunk Bag
Before you go buying a trunk bag there are a few things worth thinking about. The main thing you should be concerned with is the storage design and capacity.
Size and Storage Capacity
I’d recommend taking a second to write down everything you would typically need to carry in your trunk bag, and use that as a guide to choosing the best rear trunk bag for you.
For instance, I never carry a cycling water bottle because my commute is short and I’d never use it, so choosing a trunk bag with a rear pocket instead of a rear water bottle carrier makes much more sense to me.
I do require separate protected compartments to store my cycling sunglasses along with essentials such as mini bike pumps and a chain degreaser, so it’s important to me to find a trunk bag with dividers.
Similarly, you may need to carry tablets or other electricals that can take up quite a lot of space.
The size of the main compartment differs enormously between bags. There are some trunk bags that have 8L of storage and others with 35L.
Special Bike Rear Rack Requirements
I love bike trunk bags that clip on and can be attached and detached in seconds. In almost all cases, these require a special rear rack that allows the bag to slip on and off.
These special rear racks are sometimes unique to the bag’s manufacturer, so it’s worth checking if you’ll need to buy a rear rack to accommodate the trunk bag you’re interested in.
I’ve used several rear racks over the years, and the quality is generally very good. Rear racks designed to hold the exact trunk bag you choose offer a far sturdier attachment than Velcro straps do, but cost a little more upfront.
Bike Trunk Bag vs Bike Pannier Bags
I get asked quite often why I would choose a bike trunk bag over bike panniers. For me, the less I have attached to my bike the better.
Panniers are great in certain situations where storage is more important than mobility and weight, but for my day-to-day commutes, a trunk bag is always best.
Panniers are a style of bike bag that hangs over each side of the rear of your bicycle. While panniers generally hold more because of the larger compartments, they are harder to remove quickly, and can sometimes interfere with your ride due to their large size.
Bike trunk bags have the advantage of being smaller, more compact, and can be removed with the click of a button.
People who are planning long journeys that require a lot of storage space with varied compartment sizes should choose a pannier bag. Panniers for bikes generally handle heavyweight items better as long as weight is distributed evenly on both sides.
Bike rack trunk bags are best for riders who don’t need to carry loads of stuff but need more storage than a seat bag allows. Trunk bags sit on top of the rear rack of your bicycle.
Filling a rack trunk with really heavy items can bring the center of gravity of your bike higher u