Apidura bags - Any experiences/modifications?

[MPS]

Hey guys,

I'm getting a full set of Apidura bags, only exception is the framebag that doesnt fit on my fully. I'll get the large or extended versions, the saddle bag with 17,5l and the accessory bag for the handlebar harness.

Does anyone have first hand experience with them? Any pros, cons you know of? Anything in the design that you would change, or maybe altered to make them suit your needs better?

[JRA]

I don't have any personal experience with Apidura but I notice a recent write-up:
http://bikepackersmagazine.com/apidura-saddle-pack/

[MPS]

Thank you. Read through it, they only did an overnighter. I will go a year with them, Siberia and the silkroad. Guess its hard to find long-term reports about a product that exists since barely 2 years. I saw that the people in the world cycle race, like Mark Beauchamp, use it, so it must be pretty decent. And obviously the companies founder, Tori Fahey, knows what he is doing.

[elitheknife]

Thank you. Read through it, they only did an overnighter. I will go a year with them, Siberia and the silkroad. Guess its hard to find long-term reports about a product that exists since barely 2 years. I saw that the people in the world cycle race, like Mark Beauchamp, use it, so it must be pretty decent. And obviously the companies founder, Tori Fahey, knows what he is doing.

Tori Fahey is a she, and these bags are essentially just Asian-made Revelate knock-offs. 

[MPS]

The more you know. Somehow I assumed that she is male. I've never heard the name Tori before that, so for me it was more along the lines of a Tony. Sounded close enough.

Its hard for me to judge, but it seems that more people are using Apidura when it comes to adventure races... or it just appears like that, because I'm Europe-based and couldnt even get my hands on Revelate Designs bags if I wanted to, besides ordering them from the US. There are no retailers in Germany that have them. I even wrote them an email several months ago, and never got an answer. Revelate Designs is virtually unkown here.

Still, doesnt really answer my question about personal experiences or modifications people did

[Joe13]

A quick look on Revelate's website under Dealers will reveal a whole list of international dealers, including Germany.

I'm Europe-based (Norway) and use Revelate bags. Eric has always been very helpful. If one email wasn't replied to then it may have got stuck in a spam filter. Try his Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

I know plenty of people who use Revelate bags in Europe and have even been stopped on one trail precisely because someone noticed the Revelate bags on my bike.

[MPS]

Wow, we have completely different experiences. For example I've never even seen any frame bag setups in real life. Not Revelate Designs, not Apidura, Alpkit, Jpak, and what else is in production. Only the odd triangle bag from Abus or Vaude here and there. And I've toured 115 countries so far...

But you were right, there is a German dealer that does sell them. Cosmicsports. Not that it matters now, even if I could reach Eric from Revelate Designs now, it's far too late. I already accepted sponsorship by Apidura.

The only thing missing are the pogies and mountain feedbacks of course, but I substitute them with Bar Mitts and 2 Gorilla cages from Free Parable Design. They are quite multifunctional cages with 3 holding straps that I'll put on the front fork, leave enough room for 2x thermos or some extra food.

PS: I would have totally stopped you on the trail to ask about the Revelate Design bags. Just because they are so rare and I've never seen them in RL. And Bergen is super beautiful, you must have great weekend rides.

[elitheknife]

Not that it matters now, even if I could reach Eric from Revelate Designs now, it's far too late. I already accepted sponsorship by Apidura.

Exactly.  Why do you think you are getting the impression that Apidura bags are used mainly by adventure racers?  That's what she wants you to think.  And she gets you to think that by sponsoring anyone she can...simple marketing.

[cccniuk]

I dont have any apidura bags. I like a seat pack that holds a dry bag. Same at the front. Replace the dry bag if it gets a nick or grazed. So it wildcat for me. However a friend has a apidura frame bag and large seat pack.I dismissed them as well as I thought they looked a bit gimmicky,  plastic and dare I say it 'girly'. But on closer inspection, and turned inside out they seem very well made. Cleverly thought out and really really light. I still would worry about the long-term wear as off road with a bit of bushwacking i sometimes need to get the gaffer tape out. And 17 litres is excessive for my needs. But if I was road touring and was about to buy new ones, I would probably buy them.

[MPS]

Exactly.  Why do you think you are getting the impression that Apidura bags are used mainly by adventure racers?  That's what she wants you to think.  And she gets you to think that by sponsoring anyone she can...simple marketing.

Please. She didnt talk me into this, I read blogs and reports before I wrote any of the companies. I'm not influenced by their marketing, because I've never seen advertisement by any of these companies. I just noticed that many fatbikers use Revelate Designs (because most Fatbikes come from the US and are used in the US and Canada), and that many roadbike / adventure racers use Apidura. Thats just my personal experience from reading around the web. There is no malicious intent, no "she wants you to think X".

Besides, I dont want this thread to devolve into "Revelate Designs vs Apidura" or "Tori vs Eric" or anything like it. Just wanted to know if anyone had good/bad experiences with the bags. The products themselves, not the company or person behind them. And if anyone has modified them. Thats it.

Thanks cccniuk.

[bouldernick]

I've used Revelate in the past with great success. That said, I had a chance to check out the Apidura bags at Interbike and they look exceptional. I like the construction, the reflective details, the blinky light loops on the seat bag, the sizes offered. If I didn't already have what I need, I'd certainly consider them.

Tori was a really nice lady too. Eric, a great guy.