TESTED: Orucase Smuggler HC Handlebar Bag

Whether you want to head out all day, for a few days, or just don't want to use a backpack, using some small frame bags can make taking everything you need on the trail a little easier. Bikepackers have made frame bags cool in a way that tourers never could manage with panniers, and they're just as useful on mountain bikes as they are on dropbar adventure rigs. Top tube bags, bar rolls, frame bags and massive saddle packs are all useful in their own right. But top tube bags and small bar bags can find favour beyond the great unwashed bikepacking crowd, and may even be handy for your next big day out.

I've been using an Orucase Smuggler HC handlebar bag on a variety of bikes over summer, and found that the secure fitting, 1.6L insulated bag has proven to be tough, light, very stable and easy to use.

A closer look

The Orucase Smuggler HC is all black, with some reflective branding for a bit of safety. It's about 20cm by 10cm, and the sail cloth fabric is padding with insulated material. This means the bag holds its shape which helps for a secure fit – and it will help keep a burrito warm, or a cold beverage cool.

Webbing is bar-tacked on the back, where you can use the included straps to lash it to your bars. There are foam blocks if you need to have the bag sit out a little further. On a mountain bike bar you'll likely use these, but on a dropbar gravel bike you won't need them. There's a bungee on the base to loop around your head tube to keep it stable, and the combination made for a bombproof fit. 

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Orucase have some light webbing on the front for attaching any accessories, plus a waterproof zip with a pull tab at each end. There's also an elasticised pocket on the inside to keep small items in reach, along with a key clip.

On the trail 

I've used a couple of bar bags like this (and bigger) plus some top tube bags and a couple of frame bags. They have all been annoying in one way or another. From moving around too much, constantly needing adjustment, or just scratching my frame. The Orucase Smuggler HC did none of these things.

While some of the other bags did have bigger capacity, I've found the Smuggler HC to be the perfect partner for longer rides where your chance to resupply is limited. If you can take care of fluids via a hydration system, tablets or a filter, even the small volume from this bar bag can add a whole lot of nutrition and a light rain jacket, which might be a big part of your safety plan.

Given the insulated nature of the bag, it holds its own shape and doesn't flap around, which is awesome. It does make it a little trickier to get things out of when full, as the bag is more firm. But on the flip side, as it holds its shape it is also easier to get items out of when not completely full.

I found access to the bag to be pretty good when riding, especially if you were grabbing something like a phone or muesli bar. But for smaller items it was simpler and safer to just stop. Given the small items I'd have in there were things like a multitool, spare valve, chain lube and the like, I would be stopping to use them anyway.

Our take

The Orucase Smuggler HC is a thoroughly well-made bag that will last ages. The two straps did crack early on, but a replacement pair were sent out from Australian supplier Lead Out Sports, as it was a known issue with a run of them. I found the bag easy to mount, and easy to forget that it was there holding some extra snacks or a cool beverage. Orucase do a bigger bag ($159) if you need to fit more in. It will fit a 6 pack and keep it cold – if you need to know more head to their website.

RRP: $110.00
From: leadoutsports.com.au

Hits:

• Secure and stable fit
• Solid and well-made
• Insulated

Misses:

• Can be hard to get things out of when full