Ooohhhh, doesn’t the word adventure make you want to go out and adventure? Me too. I came across Stashers Modular Adventures Bag via a targeted Instagram ad; you know, one for those of us who are interested in mountain biking related content. Interesting, given the fact that I have never once bikepacked or searched for gear bags on Instagram or through the Google machine.
However, the floral pattern of the bag in this ad really caught my eye, so I clicked and scrolled through the multiple pictures of people biking and participating in other outdoor activities with Stashers in tow.
I thought, “Wow, a bag that has an integrated cooler system that I can use on my bike, or a hike, on my raft, or a kayak, or simply take to the park with some snacks and a cool beverage; this is something I might need.”
Stashers Bags come in four different sizes: small, 2-can 10″ x 3.5″; medium, 3-can 15″ x 3.5″; large, (4-can) 20.5″ x 3.5″; and plus size, which can accommodate a 32-ounce crowler, Nalgene bottles, fuel cans, coffee kits, camera gear, and extra layers; basically anything up to 5.2” in diameter. Each bag is equipped with ultra insulation to keep things cool for a few hours even in extreme heat, removable food-grade liners, and extra tough waterproof zippers.
What is a Modular Adventure bag?
Modular: having parts that can be connected or combined in different ways.
This refers to the removable food-grade liners and the many ways in which this bag can be attached to the bike, or carried via a removable strap.
I found the food-grade liners to be generally useful in a variety of ways. On my first ride, I threw a few ice packs inside the small bag liner with a can of bubbly water, then stuck some bars, tissues, chapstick, and my phone around the outside of the internal liner. The can stayed cold, the chapstick didn’t melt, and my phone didn’t overheat which sometimes happens on a hot day in the blazing sun.
Another way to utilize the removable liner is to throw fruit, cheese, trail mix, or any other loose food items directly into the bag and place the ice packs on the outside.
The bags wash up nicely in the sink, so real food can be placed inside the liner without creating a mushy, sticky mess and you can still place other items around the inside liner. You can also throw ice directly into the liner to keep everything inside the bag extra cold without making the contents of the bag wet.
It’s worth noting that because the liners are removable, you can use them for other activities. Example: I used the food-grade bags to pack snacks on a recent backpacking trip, in lieu of carrying Ziploc bags; much better for the environment and no extra trash.
All sizes of Stashers bags can be attached to your bike in many different spots and in many different ways. I primarily rode with the small bag and chose to connect it to my handlebars.
Though the bag was in the front of my vision, I did not find it hard to see past, nor did it jostle in a way that impacted my ride in the slightest. If you’re not bikepacking and don’t enjoy items attached to your handlebars, you can also attach the small, medium, or large to your downtube.
Depending on the type of frame you have, you may find that the large will hit your knees if attached up top. However, the small, medium, or large bags can also be affixed to the inside of your frame or underneath.
Adventure: an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity.
Each Adventure Bag comes with a removable carry strap that attaches to each end. These can be handy for hikes where you deserve a nice cold beer break, or simply taking enough libations to a park for a few hours of fun without lugging a hefty square-shaped cooler.
There are looped Velcro straps at either end, making it easy to attach these to other adventure items such as an ATV, raft, kayak, or paddle board without using the main Velcro straps located in the middle, which are specifically designed to attach to bike frames. The plus-size also comes with a small zipper on the end to stash some cash or a loose car key.
I’m no expert in the bikepacking department since I’ve never attempted it myself. However, I would venture a guess that the Stashers Modular Adventure Bags wouldn’t be ideal for that particular adventure. The bags themselves are, of course, insulated. With extra insulation, comes extra weight.
Aside from the plus size, most of the bags likely won’t carry enough bikepacking gear to justify the weight; the small weighs 214g, and the largest bag tips the scales at 424g. However, for everyday ride items such as small tools, tire levers, extra layers, cold bevies, and snacks these bags sure are handy.
Most of the time I didn’t even put the cooler feature to good use, instead choosing to carry all the items I would normally carry in a small fanny pack, sans beer.
Overall, the Stashers bag has been a big hit in my household and with friends. Previously, I’d never considered attaching a bag to my bike; now, I’m not sure I’ll ride without one. It almost seems silly to wear a hip pack again on a 1-2 hour ride. Each bag is extremely well made, burly, waterproof, versatile, functional, and affordable.
- MSRP: $29.99 – $39.99 (price varies by size)
- Buy at Amazon
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