The British brand Restrap has evolved from a home sewing workshop into an internationally recognized specialist for bikepacking equipment. Founded in 2010 in founder Nathan Hughes' Yorkshire back room, initially producing pedal straps for personal use, the project quickly grew into a workshop in Leeds where a team of skilled craftspeople now handcrafts high-quality bags, luggage solutions, and cycling accessories. Everything from cutting to manufacturing takes place under one roof. Furthermore, the company places great emphasis on sustainability: materials are sourced locally whenever possible, waste is minimized and recycled, and packaging is fully recyclable or biodegradable.
Holster Bar Bag 14L
The Restrap Bar Bag is the result of years of development experience from the British brand and was designed as a well-thought-out holster system: The holster stays securely on the handlebars, while the waterproof dry bag can be easily removed with a click. It's made of robust, coated nylon, which the manufacturer claims is 100% waterproof. Camlock buckles and additional straps ensure a secure fit, while a grip patch prevents lateral slippage. With a 14-liter capacity and weighing around 480 grams, the bag offers ample storage space for clothing or equipment. The workmanship is exceptionally clean; seams, straps, closures—everything appears high-quality and robust. You can immediately tell that a great deal of passion has gone into this product. In practical use on the bike, the Bar Bag impressed us with both its handling and stability: It sits firmly on the handlebars, is easy to remove and reattach, and conveys a very reliable feeling, even on rough terrain.
Technical data:
- Dimensions: 53 22 x x 20 cm
- Weight: 450 g
- Packing volume: 14 l
Frame Bag Large 4,5 L
The Frame Bag Large also impresses with its high-quality and robust construction. Made from PU-coated nylon, it is 100% waterproof, has a pleasant feel, and, like all Restrap products, comes with a lifetime warranty. Despite lacking internal stiffening, the bag retains its shape thanks to the choice of material and fit perfectly on the frame of the test bike. Installation is simple, the bag stays securely in place, and it shows no weaknesses even on bumpy roads. The waterproof zippers and the orange lining, which helps in finding small items, are particularly practical. The only criticism: the attachment points could be more versatile to allow for individual positioning or removal of the Velcro straps and belts. Overall, the Frame Bag offers a functional, durable, and user-friendly solution for tours and everyday use.
Technical data:
- Dimensions: 52 15 x x 6 cm
- Weight: 238 g
- Packing volume: 4,5 l
Saddle Bag 8L
The Saddle Bag 8 L is a well-designed saddle bag with a modular construction consisting of a holster and dry bag. Like many Restrap products, it's available in various sizes to suit different uses. In testing, the holster demonstrated a very successful balance of rigidity and flexibility, ensuring the bag sits securely on the bike while remaining easy to use. The attachment mechanism features a double-layered Velcro closure and a small spacer block, guaranteeing a secure hold, while the Fidlock magnetic closure on the holster is extremely practical for everyday use, allowing for quick and easy attachment and removal of the dry bag. One minor concern concerns the dry bag itself – this also applies to the dry bag of the handlebar bag: While the material appears robust, it is relatively thin. This is perfectly adequate for normal tours and everyday use, but it could reach its limits on extreme adventures involving frequent contact with rocks or branches. Overall, the Saddle Bag offers a functional, smooth-running, and high-quality solution for touring cyclists who value both practicality and design.
Technical data:
- Dimensions: 50 21 x x 16 cm
- Weight: 427g
- Packing volume: 8l
