DIY Bikepacking Bags: Are Homemade Bags Worth It?

Make or Buy?

The DIY bikepacking bag question attracts a certain type of person. Maybe you want a custom fit for an unusual frame. Maybe you enjoy making things. Maybe you want to save money. Maybe you just want to see if you can.

The honest answer: DIY bags can be rewarding, but they're rarely easier or cheaper than buying quality commercial bags. Understanding the real trade-offs helps you decide whether DIY makes sense for your situation.

This guide covers the reality of making bikepacking bags—what it takes, when it's worth it, and how to approach it if you decide to try.

For commercial bag recommendations, see our Complete Bag Guide. For budget options, check our Budget Bikepacking Setup Under $500.

The Case For DIY

Custom Fit

The most compelling reason. Frame bags sized exactly for your frame geometry, saddle bags that clear your specific seatpost angle, handlebar bags that fit your particular cockpit setup.

When this matters:

Unusual frame geometry
Full suspension bikes with limited triangle space
Non-standard handlebar configurations
Very specific requirements no commercial bag meets

Skill Building

Sewing is a useful skill. Starting with bikepacking bags teaches techniques that transfer to other outdoor gear repair and creation.

You'll learn:

Pattern making
Working with technical fabrics
Zipper installation
Hardware attachment
Seam sealing

Customization

Exactly the pockets you want, in the sizes you want, where you want them. No compromises on features.

Options you control:

Pocket configuration and access
Color and aesthetics
Materials for each component
Attachment system details

Understanding Your Gear

Making something teaches you how it works. You'll understand bag construction deeply, making you better at selecting, using, and repairing commercial bags.

Satisfaction

Some people simply enjoy making things. If you're in this category, no further justification needed.

The Case Against DIY

It's Not Cheaper

Common misconception demolished:

Materials cost:

Quality fabric: $15-30/yard
Zippers: $3-15 each
Hardware (buckles, webbing): $10-30
Thread, notions: $10-20

Single frame bag materials: $50-100+

Commercial frame bag: $80-200

The gap narrows when you factor in time, mistakes, and tool investment.

The real math:

First bag: More expensive than commercial (learning curve, material waste)
Third bag: Approaching commercial prices
Ongoing: Marginal savings if you value your time at $0

Time Investment

Learning to sew: 10-20 hours minimum for competence

First bag project: 15-40 hours (including pattern making, mistakes, redos)

Experienced maker: 5-15 hours per bag

If your time has any value, commercial bags are usually more cost-effective.

Quality Concerns

Commercial bags benefit from:

Refined patterns developed over many iterations
Industrial sewing equipment
Quality control processes
Tested durability

Your first bags will likely have:

Imperfect stitching
Suboptimal patterns
Weaker seams
Questionable waterproofing

This improves with experience, but the learning curve is real.

Tool Requirements

Minimum setup:

Sewing machine capable of heavy fabrics: $150-500
Heavy-duty needles: $10
Fabric scissors: $20-40
Measuring/marking tools: $20-30
Seam ripper (you'll need it): $5

Better setup adds:

Walking foot attachment: $50-100
Heavy-duty machine: $400-1500
Grommet/eyelet tools: $20-50
Heat sealing equipment: $50-200

Total startup: $200-1000+ for serious capability

Honest Assessment

DIY Probably Makes Sense If:

You need truly custom geometry that no commercial bag offers
You already sew and have equipment
You enjoy making things as a hobby (time isn't "cost")
You want to learn the skill for broader purposes
You have unusual requirements (odd materials, specific features)

DIY Probably Doesn't Make Sense If:

You want to save money (you won't, realistically)
You need bags soon (learning takes time)
You value consistency and reliability (commercial is safer)
You don't enjoy crafting/making (it becomes a chore)
Standard commercial options fit your needs

The Hybrid Approach

Some riders:

Buy commercial bags for critical items (saddle bag, handlebar bag)
Make simple accessories (feed bags, top tube bags)
Start with easy projects before complex ones

This lets you learn without depending on DIY for essential gear.

Real DIY Success Stories

Here's what actually motivates people who stick with DIY:

The Perfect Fit: "My unusual 54cm frame had no commercial full-frame bag options. After three prototypes, I made a bag that fits every centimeter. No commercial bag came close. Total cost: $150 and 30 hours. Worth it? For me, absolutely."

The Repair Skill Payoff: "Making two bags taught me enough that I've since repaired 15+ bags for myself and friends. The skill transfer is real—I understand seams, waterproofing, and hardware now."

The Iteration Benefit: "My fifth frame bag has exactly the pockets I want, oriented exactly how I use them. Commercial bags average user preferences. Mine matches my specific habits."

The Hobby Value: "I make bags in winter when I'm not riding. Beats watching TV, and I emerge from winter with new gear. The process is the point."

Getting Started

First Projects (Easier)

Simple stuff sacks: Rectangular bag with drawstring closure. Minimal skills, useful result.

Top tube bag: Small, flat, simple geometry. Good second project.

Frame strap bag: Small pouch with straps. Forgiving of mistakes.

Feed bag: Small, simple pocket. Functional quickly.

Intermediate Projects

Handlebar roll bag: More complex cylinder shape, but established patterns available.

Half-frame bag: Triangular, but simpler than full frame.

Advanced Projects

Full custom frame bag: Complex geometry matching your specific frame. Requires pattern making skills.

Roll-top saddle bag: Multiple attachment points, complex closure systems.

Handlebar harness systems: Integration of multiple components.

Essential Skills

Pattern Making

Creating templates that become your bag. Critical skill that determines fit and function.

Learn to:

Measure and template odd shapes
Add seam allowances consistently
Account for fabric behavior
Test patterns before cutting good materials

Resources:

r/myog (Make Your Own Gear) subreddit
YouTube pattern tutorials
Commercial patterns for starting points

Sewing Basics

Critical techniques:

Straight seams (sounds simple, requires practice)
Corners and curves
Zipper installation (harder than it looks)
Bartacking (reinforcement stitching)
Webbing and strap attachment

Practice on:

Scrap fabric first, always
Cheap materials before expensive ones
Simple projects before complex

Working with Technical Fabrics

Different from regular sewing:

Slippery fabrics require careful handling
Coated fabrics can gum up needles
Some fabrics don't pin well (use clips)
Seam sealing adds steps

Materials Overview

For detailed information, see our Bag Materials Guide.

Fabrics

Beginner-friendly:

500D Cordura (forgiving, durable)
Pack cloth (easy to work with)
Basic ripstop nylon

Advanced:

X-Pac (requires careful handling)
Dyneema (expensive, unforgiving)
Laminated fabrics

Hardware

Common needs:

Plastic buckles (side-release and ladder locks)
D-rings and tri-glides
Zipper by the yard (YKK #5 coil)
Webbing (various widths)
Velcro

Where to buy:

Ripstop By The Roll - Best selection of technical fabrics
Seattle Fabrics - Hardware and specialty materials
Quest Outfitters - Full range of DIY supplies
Amazon (for basics like YKK zippers and webbing)
Local fabric stores (limited selection)

Thread

Use: Heavy-duty polyester (Gutermann, Coats)

Avoid: Cotton thread (rots), cheap thread (breaks)

Weight: 69 or stronger for structural seams

Common Mistakes

Pattern Errors

Problem: Bag doesn't fit frame after construction.

Prevention: Make test pattern from cheap fabric or paper first. Mount template on bike before cutting good materials.

Seam Failures

Problem: Seams separate under load.

Prevention: Bartack stress points. Use appropriate thread. Don't rush critical seams.

Poor Waterproofing

Problem: Bag leaks despite "waterproof" materials.

Prevention: Seal all seams. Use waterproof zippers or protected zipper placement. Test before depending on it.

Overcomplicated Designs

Problem: First project has too many features, becomes overwhelming.

Prevention: Start simple. Add features to later projects as skills develop.

Wrong Materials

Problem: Fabric too light, too heavy, or wrong properties.

Prevention: Research before buying. Ask experienced makers. Start with proven material combinations.

Resources

Communities

r/myog (Reddit): Active community, pattern sharing, troubleshooting help

BIKEPACKING.com forums: Specific bikepacking bag discussions

MTBR forums: Mountain bike gear making discussions

Patterns

Porcelain Rocket: Commercial patterns for bikepacking bags (paid, high quality)

Free patterns: Various forum posts and blog articles (search myog + specific bag type)

Commercial bags as templates: Study construction before creating your own patterns

Learning

YouTube: Search "sewing [specific bag type]" for technique videos

Online courses: Sailrite, Craftsy offer relevant skills

Local: Some outdoor gear shops offer MYOG workshops

A Realistic First Project

Top Tube Bag

Why it works:

Simple rectangular-ish shape
Forgiving of small errors
Immediately useful
Low risk if it fails
Good skill introduction

Basic approach:

Template the space on your top tube
Add 1/2" seam allowance to all sides
Cut two main panels, one strip for sides/bottom
Sew simple zipper across top
Attach side strip
Add webbing straps with velcro closure

Materials (approximate $20-30):

1/2 yard 500D Cordura
12" YKK zipper
1 yard 1" webbing
6" velcro
Heavy thread

Time: 4-8 hours for first attempt

The Verdict

DIY bikepacking bags make sense for specific situations—truly custom geometry, hobby enjoyment, skill building, unusual requirements. They don't make sense as a money-saving strategy or quick alternative to commercial bags.

If you're curious, start small. Make a simple top tube bag or stuff sack. See if you enjoy the process. If you do, keep going. If you don't, commercial bags are excellent and reasonably priced.

For commercial bag recommendations, see our Complete Bag Guide, Frame Bags, Saddle Bags, and Handlebar Packs.

Make what makes sense. Buy what doesn't. Ride regardless.

FAQ

How much can I really save making my own bags?

Honestly? Probably nothing on early projects, and minimal ongoing. Material costs approach commercial bag prices. Your time has value. DIY savings are mostly mythical unless you already have equipment and skills.

What's the minimum sewing skill needed?

Basic straight-line sewing competence. If you can follow a pattern and sew a straight seam, you can learn bikepacking bag construction. Zippers and corners require practice.

Can I make waterproof bags?

Yes, with proper techniques: seam taping/sealing, waterproof zippers or protected placement, and appropriate fabrics. But achieving commercial-quality waterproofing takes experience.

How long until I make good bags?

Most makers report bags 3-5+ show significant improvement. Your first bag will work; it won't be pretty. Quality builds with each project.

Should I start with a kit?

Kits exist for some projects and can simplify material selection. They're a reasonable starting point if you find one for your target project.