Swift Industries Zeitgeist

90/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts

Bag Type
Capacity
12 Liters
Weight
1.3 lb
Material
Challenge Sailcloth ECOPAK™ EPLX400, Nylon Packcloth 400D, Recycled Ripstop Poly Bag Cloth 450D, TPU-coated nylon ripstop

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Swift Industries Zeitgeist. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

9 reasons to buy

  • Testers and reviewers praise the Zeitgeist’s rugged materials and quality construction. One deems it durable after 3,000 miles of use in “challenging” conditions.
  • This bag works as a handlebar bag or as a saddle bag.
  • Experts say fitting and removing the bag is easy, whether on the handlebar or saddle.
  • Testers praise the external fiberglass batten, noting it provides good bag stability and simplifies threading through the Voile straps.
  • The internal drawstring and compression strap keep contents in the main compartment secure and compact, according to reviewers.
  • Testers appreciate the enhanced visibility from the bag's integrated reflective strips.
  • The included foam spacers provide better hand, wheel, and frame clearance when mounted on handlebars. A reviewer notes they also helps prevent rubbing on the head tube.
  • An optional support rack is available for handlebars and saddles to prevent sagging and tire interference.
  • Swift Industries offers the Zeitgeist in four colors.

5 reasons not to buy

  • This bag comes in only one size (12L), which ranges in width from 39cm to 48cm depending on how it's packed, meaning it may be too big for narrower handlebars.
  • Though experts feel the bag’s design and materials do a good job of preventing water ingress, the Zeitgeist isn’t fully waterproof. One says internal components stay “mostly dry” after days of heavy rain, but the side pockets get “soaked”.
  • Some say the bag struggles over rough terrain, noting that the bag sags and starts to lose its shape.
  • Experts criticize the para-cord supplied to secure the bag to the head tube as inadequate over rough terrain. One suggests replacing it with a Voilé Nano Strap.
  • Using the Zeitgeist as a saddle bag requires either a saddle with compatible bag loops, such as a Brooks, or installation of aftermarket saddle tabs.

Bottom line

The Swift Industries Zeitgeist is a 12-liter top-load bike bag that mounts on handlebars or saddles. Its quality construction, rugged materials, and easy installation earn praise. An internal cinch strap keeps contents compact, and a fiberglass batten enhances bag stability. It’s not completely waterproof, and while most reviewers don’t test it in extremely wet conditions, one experiences damp contents after prolonged heavy rain. Over rough terrain, heavy loads cause sagging and bag deformation, and some say the “weak” head-tube strap loosens. Despite minor complaints, experts deem the Swift Industries Zeitgeist a solid investment.

Expert Reviews

86/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews
86
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
Bikepacking.com

Swift Zeitgeist Review: Saddle and Handlebar Bag

… the latest version of the Swift Zeitgeist offers all the benefits and style of a classic saddlebag in a very stable and secure package that’s only 150 grams heavier than a comparable handlebar roll.

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86
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
Gear Junkie

Swift Industries Zeitgeist Pack Review: Bigger on the Inside, Keeps Water Out

I was blown away by how much I could fit into the Zeitgeist Pack and by how well it protected my belongings inside…

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87
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
The Radavist

An In-Depth Review of the Redesigned Swift Zeitgeist Saddle/Handlebar Pack

I still maintain that this is the best saddle bag on the market for bike touring… and it only got better.

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The Path Less Pedaled

Is This the Perfect Saddlebag? (2020 Swift Zeitgeist Review)

Overall, some awesome upgrades with this Zeitgeist. I love its size [and] it makes a great everyday bag to have on your bike.

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Mat Ryder Reviews

Swift Industries Zeitgeist Pack | Bikepacking Bag Post Gdmbr Review

This pack performed excellently in some of the most challenging bikepacking conditions you will find, and I feel that after nearly 3000 miles of use, I am well placed to give my opinion on this product.

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Tim Fitzwater

New Bike Things: Swift Industries Zeitgeist Bag, Spurcycle Bell, Goodr Shades, GoPro Hero 9 Black

… these are high-quality bags, so… if that’s something that you value, you’re gonna get the longevity out of it.

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User Ratings

0/100 based on 0 ratings
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Rankings

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