Having previously used both full-frame and half-frame bags on my bikepacking rigs, I am forever trying to find the balance between carrying capacity and functionality. I've always appreciated the idea of fully waterproof bags, especially in areas where I tend to carry stuff that must not get wet.

When I first began to collaborate with Tailfin, they told me there were developing new frame bags and wedge bags with features that would set the new standard for how frame bags are expected to perform. Previously, in my early days of bikepacking, I used a full-frame bag so that I could carry everything I needed for a successful bikepacking trip. Unfortunately, as is typical of off-the-shelf frame bags, chances are the bag wouldn't really fit your frame all that well. The end result of a poorly fitted bag is that it takes two hands to zip the bag closed.

I also realized pretty early on that I typically prefer half-frame bags, as I'm a fan of keeping my water bottles mounted in my frame, allowing me to maximize my ability to carry water, while also making use of the available free space. When Tailfin told me they were designing a frame bag with 9 sizes to choose from, I knew they were attempting to address a common problem with other frame bags. Not too long after the bag was released, I was able to get my hands on one for my own personal use.

Tailfin Cycling: Technical Bikepacking Equipment

Tailfin Cycling quietly began life in 2016, when Nick Broadbent used Kickstarter to crowdfund an idea for a rack with an integrated bag. The new rack system, dubbed "The Tailfin" was a carbon fiber rack that would integrate directly with a bag, so as to remove unnecessary material, while also creating something that was practical for everyday use. As a keen bike commuter, Nick was tired of having to install and remove bike racks every time he wanted to get out on a proper ride. He also didn't like the look of a touring rack on his carbon road bike, and decided to create something that would complement the lines of a carbon road bike, be easy to install and remove, while also being completely waterproof. As a result of its overwhelming success, Tailfin expanded operations and created a brand that has become synonymous with quality.

In the years since launching the AeroPack, Tailfin has taken an innovative approach to creating various other bike bags and accessories. Not only have they created 100% waterproof products, but they have also re-designed their products from the ground up, in order to create an ecosystem of products that don't just complement one another but also integrate seamlessly together.

First Glance

My initial impression was the amazing video posted by Tailfin when they initially launched the half-frame bags and wedge bags. Not only did the video give the viewer a sense of what the bag would be all about, but it also pointed out all the design features that would make this bag stand out. The moment you go online to order the Tailfin Half Frame Bag you are immediately stuck by how much thought went into not just the bag development process, but also the ordering process. Tailfin created a bag fit tool that you can access from their website, which allows you to use a picture of your bike to test fit the various sizes of bags on offer, to see which one will best fit your bike. In my case, I could tell that the 3.0L bag would be on the smaller size for my bike, whereas the 3.8L would be a nearly perfect fit. When I say nearly, I mean to say that the bag is less than a centimeter oversized, and so there is an almost negligible ripple in the bag. With no impact on the function of the bag, I'm glad I took the 3.8L bag as I didn't want to give up the extra 0.8L of storage space. Installing the bag is a breeze. Using the 4 provided TPU straps, the bag is easily attached to the bike. A nice touch on their part is that the straps are able to tuck back up under the frame bag, helping keep everything looking neat and tidy.

Design and Construction

As with all their new products, before beginning production of the frame bags, Tailfin asked their R&D Team what factors they most struggled with when it came to frame bags and then began to address them one by one. Some of the most common complaints about existing frame bags that I hear about are bag sway, leg rub, bulging, paint damage, broken zippers and aesthetics. Needless to say, these were just the type of things Tailfin set out to overcome.

Much like Tailfin's Top Tube Bags, their Frame Bags are made from a combination of 210D Hypalon and 210D Diamond Ripstop using welded construction and weatherproof zippers to create a 100% waterproof bag. Using the same 3D welded construction as with the aforementioned top tube bags, Tailfin has tapered the bag in the areas where knees are most likely to rub, helping to maximize volume while minimizing contact with the bag. As previously mentioned, the Half Frame Bag comes in 6 different sizes, with options for 2.3L, 3.0L, 3.8L, 4.5L, 5.3L, and 6.5L, while the Wedge Bag comes in 1.9L, 2.7L and 3.5L sizes. With all the available sizes, it shouldn't be too difficult to find a bag that provides the fit you are looking for.

Tailfin integrated an internal carbon frame into their design, which, when combined with their patented V-mounts and the use of abrasion resistant TPU straps, makes bag sway a thing of the past. Tailfin's modification to the original V-mounts used on the Downtube Pack, allowed them to incorporate the mounts directly into the structure of the bag, which not only helped lower the profile of the bag and bring it closer to the frame, but also increased stability. They also left enough space in the V-mounts to tuck up the excess strap, keeping everything looking really clean. The V-mounts themselves are designed so that when the TPU straps are cinched tight, the rubber feet of the V-mounts spread slightly, helping to distribute pressure and create a better grip on the tube. They are also designed to match up perfectly with the V-mounts of the top tube bags, once again, keeping everything looking clean and tidy when using both top tube and frame bags together. In comparison to other frame bags on the market, Tailfin chose to not use hook and loop attachments as they are prone to excessive bag movement while riding, inevitably leading to damage of the bike's finish.

Another clever construction idea was the introduction of carbon fiber ribs to help minimize bag bulge and reduce the likelihood of leg rub. As one of the leading causes of zipper damage on typical frame bags is the result of the bag bulging when overpacked, the carbon struts are meant to lend structure to the area around the zipper, ultimately helping to prolong its lifespan. Some of the other great design implementations Tailfin integrated into their frame bags are an internal stretch divider between the main pouch and the map pocket, allowing the user to put bulkier items into the map pocket without it protruding outwards. They've also integrated Velcro loops into the top of the bag to attach a bike pump, providing easy access when needed. Lastly, they've integrated a front port that can be used for either a hydration bladder or to run charging cables for power banks or dynamo hubs.

Ride Report

There's a lot to love with the Tailfin Half Frame Bag. Aesthetically, as mentioned before, the bag was just about the perfect fit for my frame. Had my frame been 1 centimeter longer, it would have likely fit perfectly. I chose to maximize storage capacity and chose the 3.8 litre bag over the 3.0 litre bag. After 1 year of near constant use on my gravel bike, I love how easy it is to open the bag with just one hand. This makes it easier to access the bag while riding. As with many other bikepackers, particularly racers, top tube bags and frame bags are often used to carry items that riders need quick access to. By minimizing the need to stop, riders lose less time. A surprising amount of time and energy is wasted stopping a bike. In addition to the time lost while slowing down and taking care of business, getting back up to speed takes additional energy and can have a long-term negative impact. By designing the bag to easily open one-handed, Tailfin has helped reduce time spent stopped on the side of the road or trail. Now I can focus on packing my bags more efficiently.

My usual packing setup is to carry items in the back of the frame bag that I don't access as often but don't want to have to waste time digging around for when needed, such as bike tools and spare parts. In my opinion, when mechanical issues happen, I'm likely stressed and don't want to be digging around looking for tools. I appreciate the attachment point inside the top of the frame bag where I attach my bike pump. I love this feature and am surprised that this was a new idea and not something all bag makers had been doing. By incorporating straps at the top of the bag, Tailfin has made great use of space that is typically empty. Alternatively, it's also a great place to store your tent poles in the event they take too much space. I do think the Velcro straps could be a bit longer as my pump is fairly thick, and the straps barely reach around, but that's an easy fix, as they are not permanently attached and can be swapped with longer pieces of Velcro. I like to keep my power bank in my top tube bag and carry more snacks in the frame bag, but sometimes I switch it up, particularly if I am using the dynamo to charge. In addition, I usually stuff small extras such as sun sleeves, a mosquito net or waterproof gloves into the remaining space for easy and quick access.

The left side pocket is another feature that really makes this bag shine. Unlike map pockets of old, Tailfin used a stretch fabric inside the pocket, meaning you are no longer limited to only carrying small items on the left side of the bag. Now, when packing bulkier items on the left side, the material just stretches around it and keeps the bulk inside the bag, rather than pressing outwards. The map pocket also has two small storage pockets to help you organize your items. I usually carry my multi-tool in the rear-most pocket and a small pill box with acetaminophen, Ibuprofen and caffeine tablets in the other one. I like to have them quick to access without the need to dig through my first aid kit should I decide to address some of my unavoidable aches and pains that come with long-distance bikepacking adventures.

The carbon fiber struts integrated into the design help the bag keep its shape when stuffed, while also helping to facilitate one-handed opening. While keeping everything stiffer, it can impede how wide you can open the bag and make it difficult to fit really bulky items. The only time I ever struggled with that was while trying to stuff a spare butyl MTB tube into the bag. It was still manageable, but more easily done when the carbon fiber rib was removed from the bag.

Final Thoughts

Having now used the Tailfin Half Frame Bag for a year, it is hands-down the best frame bag I've ever used. Tailfin has done their homework to create a bag that addresses all the needs of bikepackers, tourers and racers. When designing the bag, they really took their time to research and understand the needs of riders, going all-in to ensure the people walked away happy. It can be used one-handed, is easy to organize, comes with a hydration/power port and zippers that never rattle. Once installed, you can be confident that it won't move about and better yet, your paint is unlikely to be damaged as with traditional Velcro closures. Overall, I've really come to appreciate the waterproofness of the bag, never worrying about water ingress when out in the rain or when rinsing off my bike. With 3.8 litres of storage, I've come to appreciate how much I can fit in it, as well as the extra thought and care that went into making it practical and organized. Over the several thousand kilometers I rode while using the Half Frame Bag and Wedge Bag, I can't think of a single time I've had an issue with the bag moving or straps coming loose. The bike looks nearly as good as the day I installed the bag, nearly a year earlier. There's a certain level of peace of mind when riding with Tailfin products, knowing that they have incorporated all this feedback and made another unbelievably good piece of kit. While Tailfin products are perceived to cost a premium and land at a higher price point, their frame bags range from $170-$230 CAD ($130-$175 USD) and are only marginally more expensive than bags from other comparable companies that make high-end bags. When comparing the price to off-the-shelf bags made by other Canadian cottage bag makers, they are very similar, and often even less expensive than custom bags.