At Swift Industries, you immediately sense the passion for cycling: The Seattle-based brand was founded in 2008 by two cycling and sewing machine enthusiasts with the clear goal of designing high-quality, durable bicycle bags that combine a spirit of adventure, everyday practicality, and sustainability. Sustainability isn't just a buzzword here: The bags are increasingly made from recycled polyester (ECOPAK™), and the manufacturer consciously avoids harmful adhesives, uses fluorocarbon-free waterproofing, and selects materials that are both robust and recyclable. Thus, Swift Industries embodies not only functionality and quality, but also a philosophy: The bicycle as a tool for mobility, community, and genuine climate protection.
Catalyst Pack
The Catalyst Pack is made from recycled polyester, nylon packcloth, and ripstop, with a reinforced plastic/HDPE insert inside for shape retention and load structure. The bag can be mounted on the handlebars or under the saddle and is secured with included spacers and two adjustable straps, allowing for quick and easy installation while ensuring a very secure fit. With a volume of 7,5 liters, it offers ample space, a firm shape, and good stability thanks to its rigid internal frame and compression system. This is particularly ideal for drop bars, as it allows for easy access to contents while riding. Compared to a classic roll-top bag, the Catalyst Pack appears more compact and structured, with a fixed lid instead of a roll-top opening, thus facilitating quick access. It also features a small zippered pocket on the top, as well as various attachment points for additional gear. However, we were less impressed with the two loose front straps – riders on trails might snag them on bushes. All in all, the Catalyst Pack is an excellently designed, practical handlebar bag for bikepacking and everyday riding with very good handling.
Technical data:
- Dimensions: 28 18 x x 15 cm
- Weight: 425 g
- Packing volume: 7,5 l
Hold Fast Half Frame Bag
The frame bag comes in several sizes, and in our test we used the large 4-liter version. While it was a touch too big for our medium frame and therefore sat somewhat cramped in the frame triangle, it didn't present any functional disadvantages, as it remained stable throughout the entire test ride and all compartments were easily accessible. The bag offers a large main compartment with a water-repellent zipper on the drive side, as well as an additional organizer compartment on the other side, complemented by a cable/hydration tube port and a daisy chain on the bottom. It's attached via long, flexible Velcro straps and variable mounting points on the frame, allowing for a very adaptable and secure installation; we particularly liked that the Velcro straps roll up neatly. The fact that the bag isn't rigid fits with Swift Industries' casual brand image and demonstrates that everyday usability and practicality clearly take precedence over maximum performance.
Technical data:
- Dimensions: 51 13 x x 6 cm
- Weight: 198 g
- Packing volume: 4 l
Olliepack Seat Bag
The Olliepack Seat Bag is classically constructed like a conventional saddlebag – with saddle rail buckles and Velcro straps for attaching to the seatpost – and can be packed using a roll-top closure with compression straps. This allows it to be compressed very effectively despite the lack of a vent valve (air escapes through the seams). During our test ride, the bag sat securely on the saddle and remained reliably in position even when fully loaded, without sagging. A drawback we noted was that the central compression strap running across the top could, in our opinion, have been a bit longer. We also missed having additional attachment points on top. While the mesh pocket on the bottom is practical, its proximity to the rear wheel and the potential for dirt being kicked up make it better suited for carrying trash or well-packed gear.
Technical data:
- Dimensions: 50 14 x x 5 cm
- Weight: 312 g
- Packing volume: 6 l
