Seattle-based Swift Industries has been manufacturing bikepacking bags since 2008. Today their newest product, the Olliepack seat bag, hits the trails. Our resident adventure field tester, Matteo Pistono, pedaled chunky single track and gravel fire roads with the Swift Olliepack and shares his thoughts below.

The Olliepack is a welcomed addition to the range of seat bags in the bikepacking marketplace. Let’s get right into the details of the Olliepack and how Swift Industries addressed several shortcomings that we find in other bags.

A Better Buckle

First, the buckles that feed through the seat rails are notoriously finicky to get through. The buckles on the Olliepack have extra double-reinforced webbing that allows for super easy threading of the rails. I have not seen this webbing feature on any other seat bag. This may not seem like a big deal but when your fingers are hammered from multi-day bikepacking or frozen cold in the morning, it can be a frustrating experience to get the buckle through the saddle rails. The reinforced webbing makes it effortless. We can expect other gear companies to take note of this great feature.

Wagless Wonder

Second, the lateral swaying of seat bags has long been an issue for bikepackers. Frustration with bag sway has driven many bikepackers to change to the mini-pannier system such as Tailfin. The Olliepack is remarkably stable. This has been accomplished by a number of features that include a rubberized Velcro seat-post strap to prevent rotation, a tacky material on the top of the bag that touches the bottom the seat keeping it snug, and the slightly upward position of the bag created by the angle of the side buckles. Mountain bikers will especially enjoy these features as they won’t find their bag wagging like an excited Labrador and knocking them off balance.

Finishing Touches

Finally, most seat bags are difficult to re-pack when still attached to the bike, especially if packed tightly. The Olliepack closure has a roll-top buckle with a cinching strap that allows you to compress the gear easily while the bag is still attached to the bike. This is a really nice feature that makes everything from a quick overnighter to multi-day trips a bit more hassle free.

The Olliepack is small, just 6 liters. The capacity renders it a long day-ride bag when you need space for warm layers or your coffee outside kit. It would also work well for bikepacking minimalists and credit card bike touring. Weighing just 11 oz, the Olliepack will undoubtedly interest ultra-racers as well.

The bag’s material is water-resistant, not waterproof, a decision by the manufacture that always puzzles me. I gladly ride with a bit heaver weighted seat bag (what should be just a few ounces for full waterproofing) than with a wet sleeping bag. Additionally, for waterproofing and durability, I’d like to see all of the Olliepack seams reinforced, especially at heavy stress points.

Another unique feature of the Olliepack is an elongated mesh pocket on the underside of the bag. With the likelihood of mud spraying on anything placed in the mesh such as a light wind jacket, I see myself only using this pocket for temporary storage of wrappers or other trash.

There are minimal reflective elements that include a single rear-facing band and side-facing reflective stitching. The more reflection the better, and if I was to take the Olliepack on a multi-day bikepacking trip that involves pedaling on highways, I’d sew more reflection onto the bag.

The Olliepack is released today, cost $180, and comes in three colors: black, teal, and Swift Industries signature coyote brown.

Learn more at Swift Industries

Words and Photos by Matteo Pistono