Choose the cycling bags: Vaude vs Arkel

For a cyclist, each trip is a mystery and it is imperative to be well equipped at all times. The Vaude and Arkel cycling bags are among the most reliable ones and have that extra bit that the others cannot offer.

We decided to compare them under various aspects, from capacity to type, from the range available to the price.

Are you curious about who will win this challenge? Then let's get started right away! The winning bike bag could be the one that will accompany you on your next adventure!

The Vaude and Arkel cycling bags

Each cyclist is different from the others and even the preferences for cycling bags can be extremely varied. There are the irreducible bike side bags and the ones that would never travel without a back bag to be placed under the saddle. What about the handlebar bag, so you can always keep what you want close at hand?

Both Vaude and Arkel offer solutions to suit the needs and tastes of every traveling cyclist. Let's see some models right away, so that we can see which alternatives to choose from.

Bike side bags and handlebar bags

Let's start with the bike travel bags, with the Vaude Karakorum model, among the most loved by fans of randonnée, for its capacity and lightness. It consists of 3 pieces perfectly assembled together and offers 68 liters to store everything you need for medium and long-distance travel.

These are waterproof bike side bags, the upper part can be released and used as a backpack and the main compartments of the side bags are divisible, so you can use the space in a simpler and more organized.

Let's move forward with Arkel's next proposal: it's one of the most successful cycling accessories and the 5-star reviews confirm it. We are talking about the Arkel handlebar bag, which you can see in the picture next door in the red version.

The strong point of this handlebar bag is undoubtedly its sturdy fastening, which can also defy the rough terrain you'll be facing on your travels. The larger version contains 10 liters and does not fear the rain because it is waterproof.

Rear bike bags

The challenge continues with the rear bike bags and in this case Vaude and Arkel offer slightly different solutions. The Vaude rear bike bag can be attached to the seat post and is easy to fit. The fabric withstands light rain, but the Vaude solution also comes with a rain cover that is ideal for showers.

The main zip opens to the top and the space can be divided into several compartments. The two side pockets are very convenient for storing small items or documents.

We're still talking about bike saddle bags with Arkel, but this time the shape and design changes. The solution adopted for the Arkel saddle bag is undoubtedly innovative, because it uses a built-in frame that makes the fastening robust and reliable.

It is one of the most popular Arkel saddlebags, because it can be attached and taken off in an instant and does not in any way hinder pedaling. The Canadian company has designed a very practical solution, which is also suitable for bikes that have little travel between the saddle and the wheel.

The strengths of the Vaude and Arkel bags

We have seen some of the most popular models among cyclists around the world, but the range of bike bags Vaude and Arkel is much wider and I suggest you browse through the models that you find in the shop Mognetti Bike.

To tackle challenging routes like the Paris Brest Paris it will not be enough to have a common bike bag, but you need bike bags of superior quality. The Vaude and Arkel bike touring bags are among the best, but now let's see in detail their strengths.

Vaude bike bags for the most demanding cyclists

No frills at Vaude, because the design is minimalist and straightforward to practicality. It's no coincidence that Vaude bicycle bags are inspired by the mountains and their simplicity. All the bags of this German company are made with eco-sustainable, robust and water-resistant materials.

The strength of Vaude is undoubtedly the perfect combination of functionality and design, which satisfies even the most demanding cyclists. In fact, sometimes it is the simplest solutions that are the most effective, especially when you want to achieve good performance on the bike.

Why you should choose an Arkel bike bag?

Arkel is a relatively young Canadian company, but it immediately drew attention to itself for innovative solutions, as we saw for the underseat bag.

Your strength? The refinement of the design and the attention to finishes. All bags are made of Cordura, a water-repellent and robust material that is almost impossible to tear off. Those looking for maximum reliability can only choose Arkel bags, which are well above average.

Vaude and Arkel cycle touring bags: comparison of prices

This challenge between Vaude and Arkel has not yet ended and one last aspect has to be examined, the price. On average, Arkel bags cost a little more than Vaude bags, but the difference is more than justified by greater robustness and reliability.

Vaude bags have an excellent value for money and are a good compromise for those who do not want to give up quality or convenience. On the contrary, Arkel bags represent the top of the range and those who have tried them at least once will never go back.

All cyclists who bought Arkel bags from Mognetti Bike were enthusiastic about the quality of the product and so far we have only received positive reviews. Needless to say, we use them too and they are undoubtedly our favorite bike bags.

If you're curious to try them out, explore the Arkel models available online or visit us at the bike shop in Palazzolo sull'Oglio, near Brescia. Want to bet they become your favorite too?