Waterproof bike bags for road and gravel bikes

The difference between waterproof and water-resistant, the two ways a bag keeps your things dry, and which bag to choose for each place on the bike.

A bike bag can keep your things dry in two ways. Either the bag itself is waterproof: waterproof materials, taped seams and a waterproof closure, like our AWG bags. Or it has a waterproof inner pouch, like our fork bags. A water-resistant bag protects against sweat, an unexpected shower and road spray.

Below we explain the difference, what to look for, and which of our bags are waterproof, by position on the bike.

This guide is written by Maikel, founder of The Pack and a rider himself. Last updated on 11 November 2026.

Waterproof or water-resistant?

Water-resistant: the fabric protects against sweat, unexpected rain showers, dust and road spray. This is how we describe our Essentials Case and our Snack Bag top tube and frame bags.
Waterproof: the bag keeps what is inside dry and clean, whatever the weather. This is how we describe our AWG bags, the Saddle Bag 4L, the Phone Case and the pouch of our fork bags.

Neither is better in itself. A water-resistant case in a jersey pocket is protected by your jersey and jacket. A bag on the handlebar or under the saddle sits in the rain and in the spray of your wheels, so it has more to deal with.

Two ways to keep things dry

A waterproof bag: our AWG bags are made of waterproof materials with taped seams. They close with a waterproof, reflective YKK zip, or on the top tube bag with a magnetic waterproof FidLock flap. AWG stands for All Weather Gear.
A waterproof inner pouch: our fork bags have a waterproof, removable pouch inside a sturdy outer bag. The pouch keeps the contents dry, and you take it out in one go.

The AWG material was also chosen because it is easy to clean when it needs it.

Our waterproof bags, by position

Under the saddle: the AWG Saddle Bag, from €27.99, attaches with a large elastic velcro strap. For more room, the waterproof Saddle Bag 4L attaches with two clips.
On the top tube: the AWG Top Tube Bag, from €44.99, can be strapped or bolted on.
Inside the frame: the AWG Frame Bag, from €54.99, with a zipped compartment and a key ring.
On the handlebar: the AWG Handlebar Bag, from €64.99, holds 2.5 litres and has a separate phone compartment.
On the fork: the AWG 5L Pannier and the 4L Pannier have a waterproof, removable pouch.
In your jersey pocket: the Phone Case is made of waterproof materials with a waterproof hidden zip.

When water-resistant is enough

If you mostly ride in dry weather and get caught in a shower now and then, a water-resistant bag does the job. Our Snack Bag top tube and frame bags are made of weather-resistant fabric that protects against dust, rain and road spray, and the Essentials Case is water-resistant.

A simple rule: think about what is inside. A tube and tyre levers can get wet. A phone, a power bank and dry clothes cannot.

Which one for your rides?

You ride all year, also in the rain: choose AWG for the bags that stay on the bike.
You commute or ride gravel through mud: AWG, because the material is easy to clean.
You go bikepacking: waterproof for clothes and electronics. See our guide to bikepacking bags.
You ride on dry days: water-resistant is enough.

Not sure which type of bag you need at all? Start with our overview of road bike bags.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?

A water-resistant bag protects against sweat, unexpected showers and road spray. A waterproof bag keeps the contents dry in all kinds of weather, through waterproof materials with taped seams and a waterproof closure, or through a waterproof inner pouch.

What does AWG mean?

AWG stands for All Weather Gear. It is our line of bags made of waterproof materials with taped seams and waterproof closures. See the AWG collection.

Is a waterproof saddle bag worth it?

Under the saddle a bag catches the spray of the rear wheel on every wet road. If you ride in the rain or keep anything in it that must stay dry, a waterproof saddle bag is the safer choice.

How do I clean a waterproof bike bag?

The AWG material was chosen because it is easy to clean, so you can keep the bag looking good even after a ride in terrible conditions.