The new Topeak Midloader Drybag upgrades Topeak’s existing frame bags with improved materials and a lightweight semi-rigid construction. It’s a versatile design that’s designed to optimize storage and access or bikepacking or mountain biking. Topeak offers the bag in three sizes: $105 small 2L, $145 medium 3L, and the $160 large 4.5L. The bags are constructed from eco-friendly TPU material that is water repellent. There are two full length rubberized zippers along with flaps to keep dirt and water away. The design of the bag is also what Topeak refers to as a “forward shifted design” that keeps weight forward and a tapering design to reduce interference with bottles.
The Topeak Midloader Drybag combines a semi-rigid construction with flexible strap-style mounting for extra storage on the bike.
| Retail Price | $145 (size medium) |
| Rating | 8.9 / 10 |
| Measured Weight (in g) | 168 |
| Likes | + Semi-rigid construction allows the bag to hold its shape even when empty + Weatherproof construction with dual openings and full length zippers + Reflective side graphics for visibility and flexible mounting options |
| Dislikes | – Interior is all black making it hard to find smaller items inside |
| Where to Buy (US) | Topeak |
UNBOXING
The Topeak Midloader Drybag comes attached to a cardboard card with specs and graphics printed on it. Inside the bag you have Velcro straps and clear protective stripes to protect the bike’s paint from any potential damage.
MOUNTING
The bag is designed to mount onto frames using the provided five Velcro straps which attach to the top tube, downtube and seatpost. There are three slots on the first top strap to accommodate different bike geometries while the rest of the straps go through pre-cut slots. Unlike Tailfin bags which use a V-mount system, the straps are standard Velcro which is why Topeak also includes protective film to prevent paint damage with longer term use. Dirt and debris can get between the straps and frame and scratch the paint over time. With all the straps attached the weight capacity of the medium is a generous 3 kg or 6.6 lbs. The bag also feels stable once mounted as the front and rear straps prevent the bag from straying while the rigid design helps the bag stay in place. Note, make sure you take careful measurements of your bike to buy the right size bag for your frame geometry.
FIT & FINISH
Visually, the Midloader Drybag shares the same semi-rigid construction we’ve seen with other bags like the Topeak Toploader Drybag. The bag is constructed from an eco-friendly TPU that allows the bag to hold its shape. In terms of dimensions for the size medium are 45 x 13.1 x 6 cm / 17.7″ x 5.2″ x 2.3″ which should work with larger frame geometries. Topeak rates the maximum load of the bag to be 3 kg with the medium size bag we have which is more than enough for most riders. There is also a smaller and large version to fit different frames so you’ll want to measure your bike to find the appropriate size. The size medium has 3L capacity with two large internal compartments that can be accessed via full length side zippers on each side.
The exterior of the bag has a fabric like finish with simple Topeak branding and reflective geometric patterns on the sides. Note, this is marketed as a weatherproof bag and not fully waterproof so if you ride in heavy rain you’ll want to use waterproof internal bags. However, with the use of waterproof zippers and exterior flap, this bag holds up to most weather except for extended heavy rain where the fabric will eventually soak through. Topeak has designed the bag with a forward shifted design with a taller front section that wedges between the top tube and down tube. It tapers as you go to the rear which helps keep the weight and items closer toward the front of the bag.
With the medium size, the Midloader Drybag has a generous 3L internal capacity. The internal storage is split into two compartments, a thin pocket on the left side for smaller tools or snacks and a large one on the right side. Large fabric loops on the zipper and flaps help protect the zipper from dirt and water while making it easy to open and close. The zippers extend nearly the full length so you can access all the items without rummaging through things. Unlike many of Topeak’s bags, the interior is all black so it can be hard to find smaller items inside the bag.
ON THE ROAD
We attached the Topeak Midloader Drybag to our Decathlon Triban RC520 which is a large size frame. In hindsight, we should have gone with the size large Drybag as the medium size was slightly too short to sit flush against the seat tube. Nevertheless, the bag was stable with just the top tube and downtube straps to hold it in place. We liked the semi-rigid construction which allows the bag to hold its shape even if it is not completely filled. The two full length zippers on each side make it easy to access items even while riding and to fully take advantage of the internal storage compartment. Although we would have liked to see a high-viz interior color, the split compartment design was useful for separating small items like keys, cash and food from bigger items like jackets or tools. At 3L this bag is big enough to pack away gear and extra clothes without completely blocking water bottle cages.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Topeak Midloader Drybag to be a well designed frame bag. Topeak has combined their TPU construction with a dual compartment design and simple Velcro strap mounting system to create a versatile bag for commuting, bike packing or anything in between. While it is not a waterproof bag, the weatherproof design holds up well to mixed weather conditions and the full length side zippers provide easy access. We liked the use of a thin left side pocket and larger right side pocket to help split up gear in the bag. The multiple Velcro strap points also make it easy to attach the bag to different frame geometries and eliminate any sway. As far as points of improvement, we’d like to see a high visibility interior color to make it easier to find items inside the bag. That said, the Topeak Midloader Drybag is a high quality and easy to use frame bag to carry more gear on the bike safely.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by Topeak. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.