Arkel Rollpacker Front

88/100
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Facts

Bag Type
Brand
Capacity
15, 20 Liters
Features
Water Resistance Level
Weight
1.5, 1.65 lb
Material
X-Pac RX30 (300D Polyester)

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Arkel Rollpacker Front. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

6 reasons to buy

  • Installing and removing the Rollpacker Front from the hanger is quick and easy.
  • In testing, the bag and hanger remain secure over rough terrain.
  • After more than 4,000 miles of bikepacking by one tester, the bag shows no signs of wear.
  • The Rollpacker Front works with suspension forks.
  • The mounting hanger breaks when a reviewer falls during testing, and Arkel replaces it for free.
  • All of Arkel’s bags are covered by a lifetime warranty.

7 reasons not to buy

  • The fork straps need to be cinched very tight to secure the bag properly.
  • The 15L measures 41cm wide when full, meaning it won't fit many road bike drop bars.
  • The setup severely limits space for mounting other accessories.
  • The bag comes in a 20L version, but Arkel recommends it for rear mounting only, as it's too large as a handlebar bag.
  • The 15L Rollpacker mounts front or rear, but, at the time of writing, the hangers cannot be purchased separately in the US due to tariffs.
  • One tester reports water getting into the front pocket.
  • This bag is expensive.

Bottom line

The Arkel Rollpacker Front is a premium handlebar bag setup. It also mounts at the rear, but the rear hanger can't be purchased separately at the time of writing due to import tariffs. 15L and 20L versions are available, but the 20L is only suitable for the Rollpacker Rear hanger. The 15 Rollpacker might be too big for smaller frames, drop bars narrower than 42cm, or short stems. In testing, the bag proves durable, and it stays stable over rough terrain when properly cinched. Even with its limitations and elevated price, experts still consider the "rugged" Arkel Rollpaker Front a solid buy.

Expert Reviews

83/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews
82
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
Bikepacking.com

Arkel Rollpacker Front Bag Review

The integrated hanger system is unique, and although it’s a little clunky, it does a good job of providing stability and a quick-release platform for the bag…

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84
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
Bike Gear Database

Arkel’s Rollpacker Front: Breaking With Touring Tradition

… Arkel’s Rollpacker is not a one-size-fits-all design. At [price] for the 15L option, it’s a significant investment, especially when compared to more affordable alternatives out there. That said, its limitations and price are balanced by excellent craftsmanship and durability.

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88
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
Fred D'Amours

Arkel Rollpacker 15L Handlebar Bag [French]

I like its weight, I like its volume, I like how compact it is [and] how I can modulate it in different ways. The only slightly negative point [is] that sometimes, it’s really hard to put your [stuff inside]…

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Josh White

I Finally Got My Own Bike Packing Bags… Arkel Bags

You can actually use these front and back…

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Wheels on a Bike

How I Packed for 6 Weeks on the Road: My 2025 Bike Touring Gear Breakdown

This is waterproof. However, the front pocket… has been leaking for me. I’ve been in touch with Arkel about that. The main compartment has been amazing: it has not leaked once.

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Ride Cycle Spin

Product Review: Arkel Rollpacker (A First Look)

Overall, I really like this bag on a flat handlebar. I’ll try it on the drop bars of my gravel bike at some point.

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No Second Season

Bikepacking the Altravesur-Gear Review

I was very pleased with the rear one, but [I’m] on the fence about the front. I had strapped my tent on top of the front Rollpacker; this may have been the reason it hung so low…

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Perdons les pédales

My Bikepacking Setup 2023 | I Go From 115L to 69L Capacity! [French]

I store the tent in it, my sleeping bag, my mattress, my sheets, my pillow, so all the sleeping gear is there, and it fits in less than 15 liters.

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User Ratings

100/100 based on 2 ratings
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Bike Bag Comparison

Arkel Rollpacker Front in comparison to averages

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