REI handlebar top pack on closeout! $9.83

[Slim]

REI has their excellent handlebar bar on closeout, apparently because they have a new, heavier version.

It sits on top of your bar (so is compatible with under bar drybag/harness systems) has a map compartment and is less than 10 bucks.

http://www.rei.com/product/799017/novara-bar-top-handlebar-bag

[dream4est]

Great deal. I use this bag as my drybag harness system and it works great. I end up with a cut blue foam pad between the cable loops (right at the headtube badge) and my Event bag attached above and directly to the Novara bag. 3 straps. No movement. the 2 outside straps wrap all the way around the pad below. Inside strap just mounts the Event bag to the Novara. I added the outside strapping after working with just the middle strap last summer (it moved too much on rocky descents). I actually have my setup attached to my gas tank as well for additional stability fore/aft.

The map bag top part worked well. I used velcro to attach a solar aa/aaa phone charger and that worked great too. The bag can hold full 20oz rain gear and my solar stuff so very roomy. And it centers the dry bag weight over the bars/stem more than in front/below for better handling.

[offroute]

A good deal on a handy piece, but don't expect stormproofness. It would be great if it retained some of the boxy shape when sitting on a stem, but that's not the case. Combine that with a zipper opening at the bottom, items want to fall out of the bag. The inside mesh pockets and keeper slings help.

Thanks for the link.

[murf]

i use a $5 modified walmart fanny pack it works well (at least for me). i cut off the waist straps and then zip tie it to the bars

[DoctorRad]

@murf - ah-ha! So gripshift on an H-bar CAN be done...! How do you find the set-up?

[murf]

those are actually the jones loop bars , i didnt have enough room on the h-bars. but in general i really like the grip shift.

[Slim]

Just got the REI bag the other day.
Unlike my old one from a few years ago the window is only the size of the bag.
The old one had a map window that was folded over so when you folded it out you had a map surface twice as big.

The new window seems to be made from silicone though, so maybe a bit more durable than the vinyl type on the older version.


PS:
I also use itfor Boundary Waters trips. Attach it to the thwart of the canoe and it gives the stern paddler a conveniently accessible spot for food, binoculars etc. As well as the map of course. It then just stays attached to the canoe during the portages, just make sure to zip it up!

[kkjellquist]

I have the older model as well and I like the larger map pocket.  I mod'd mine to remove the flexible foam back and replaced it with a piece of chloroplast.  Now it doesn't bend around the stem and bars.