Ready. Set. Pack. Salsa EXP Handlebar Bag Review
Choosing the best bikepacking gear is a lesson in weight, space, function and durability. Salsa Cycles strikes a nice balance in their bikepacking handlebar bag – the Salsa EXP Series Anything Cradle Handlebar Kit. The three-part set-up includes the EXP Anything Cradle, the EXP Dry Bag and an Anything Cradle Accessory Pouch. The setup holds about 16 liters, including the accessory pouch. It’s compatible with flat mtb bars and wider (44cm+) drop bars.
Rock Solid Mount – The Anything Cradle
The Salsa bikepacking handlebar bag system revolves around the EXP Anything Cradle. It’s a mounting bracket that clamps to your handlebar and — much like the Salsa Anything Cages — lets you attach almost anything using stout rubber straps. In the full EXP Anything Cradle Kit, you get a 13.7-liter waterproof dry bag that fits perfectly in the Cradle. However, the design is such that you could buy the Salsa Anything Cradle on its own and then use any stuff sack or dry bag that is a close match in size.
The Anything Cradle makes for a rock-solid bikepacking handlebar bag setup. The design offsets the bag from the bar, offering plenty of room for your cables. It doesn’t droop. It doesn’t bounce. And you can adjust the angle to match your bike and handlebar configuration.
A Handlebar Bag with Lots of Storage Space
Depending on your bikepacking setup, the handlebar bag is likely the largest single storage space you have. Generally speaking, you want to reserve the handlebar bag for bulky but lightweight stuff. It’s the spot for packing your sleeping bag and clothing, plus other low-density gear.
Salsa rates the EXP Anything Cradle at an 8-lb carrying capacity. It doesn’t sound like much, and it certainly feels stout enough to handle more. Realistically, though, the limit seems about right for how much weight you really want to carry on your handlebar.
When you add the 3.5-liter accessory pouch to the equation, the Salsa Anything bikepacking handlebar bag offers a generous 16-liters of storage. We’re talking room for your sleeping bag, puffy jacket and likely all of your clothes for a weeklong summer bikepacking trip. Depending on your sleeping bag, there is probably space for a few other things. I’ve found it a good spot to stuff a stove fuel canister as well.
The accessory pouch is a nice addition for all the small loose stuff that tends to get lost in a bigger bag or that you want to be able to access while on the bike, like a map, snacks, sunscreen, wallet, phone, a beanie, gloves, buff etc.
Waterproof Storage. Easy Access
Rain happens, and the Salsa Anything Cage Kit prepares you for it. The Salsa Dry Bag is 100% waterproof, as is the accessory pouch. The bag comes as a two-sided roll-closure dry bag or a single roll-top closure. The single roll-top closure gives you wider access to dig around for what you need, but the way I’ve been packing, there’s no need to access the bag during the day. As a result, the side entry works great.
The rubberized dry bag material is lighter weight than a traditional dry bag and lighter than a bag like the Ortlieb Handlebar Pack. Nonetheless, it has proven durable over two summers of use. A small valve lets you squeeze the air out of the bag, which helps create an efficient and secure load.
Ready for Bikepacking Adventure
The Salsa Anything Cradle bikepacking handlebar bag sets you up for adventure. The rock-solid mounting bracket combined with the Salsa Dry Bag and rubber cinch straps secure a sizable load to your handlebar. The set-up handles the bumps and rattles of off-road travel with ease. It’s ideally suited to flat bars and drop bars greater than 44cm wide.
Salsa EXP Anything Cradle Kit $220
Check prices and availability on the Salsa EXP Anything Cradle Kit
Planning a bikepacking trip? Check out our other bikepacking gear reviews:
Salsa Everything Cage Review
Ultralight Bikepacking Tent Review
Ortlieb Handlebar Bag Review
Platypus Waterfilter Review
Portable Solar Panel Review
Showers Pass Apex MTB Pants Review
Tubeless Tire Setup Tips
Support offpistemag.com by following any of the product links in this review. While the website is partially funded through affiliate sales, we only review and promote products that we test and believe merit being highlighted.
