Cycling · Head-to-head
Arkel Seatpacker vs Swift Industries Olliepack Seat Bag
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Bike Seat Packs: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The Seatpacker wins because it is the only bag here that addresses tail wag with a rigid hanger rather than with straps or by staying small, and it does so while remaining dropper-post compatible. The Olliepack is the better buy if 6 litres is enough, since it is fully specified and far lighter.
Arkel Seatpacker
Buy itA bikepacking seat bag hung from a solid aluminium bracket rather than strapped to the saddle, which is what stops the tail wagging.
- A solid aluminium hanger attaches to the saddle rails and the seat post, so the bag is carried by structure rather than by strap tension.
- Arkel states the design handles bikepacking without tail wag, naming the failure the category exists around.
- Offered in 9 and 15 litre sizes, the widest capacity range here.
- The flexible seat post mount adjusts to standard and aero posts without damaging them, and is compatible with dropper posts.
- The hanger is extra hardware, so it is the heaviest system here and the most to fit.
- Arkel caps the load at 5 kg in either size, and the hanger is not compatible with carbon saddle rails.
- One of the more expensive options in this comparison.
Swift Industries Olliepack Seat Bag
Buy itSix litres at a stated 11 ounces, with sway solved by deliberately not building a bigger bag.
- Fully specified: 6 litres, 11 ounces, 17 inches high by 5.5 deep by 6 wide with three rolls, and 23 inches unrolled.
- Swift states no wag or sway across pavement, washboard and technical trail riding.
- Made from SI600X recycled polyester and Challenge Sailcloth, both named rather than described.
- Roll-top closure lets you compress the bag down as it empties, which is itself an anti-sway measure.
- Six litres is less than half what the Arkel carries at its largest.
- Strap mounting means sway control depends on keeping the load small and packed tight.
- Premium price for the capacity.
Side by side
The 8 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| Arkel Seatpacker Our pick | Swift Industries Olliepack Seat Bag | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Bikepacking and long loaded rides, especially on a dropper post where strap-on bags struggle. | Fast, light overnight trips and anyone who would rather carry less than fight a swinging bag. |
| Price tier | $$$$ · flagship | $$$ · premium |
| Stated capacity | 9 L and 15 L | 6 L |
| Stated weight | 640 g (9 L), 720 g (15 L) | 11 oz |
| How sway is addressed | Solid aluminium hanger on rails and seat post | Kept small, compressible roll-top |
| Stated dimensions | Not published | 17 x 5.5 x 6 in with three rolls; 23 in unrolled |
| Waterproof | 100 percent waterproof, stated | Not stated |
| Dropper post compatible | Yes, stated | Not stated |
| Material named | XPac | SI600X recycled polyester, Challenge Sailcloth |
| Internal organisation | External netting for extra gear | Roll-top main compartment |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the Arkel Seatpacker if
bikepacking and long loaded rides, especially on a dropper post where strap-on bags struggle.
Know before buying: the hanger is extra hardware, so it is the heaviest system here and the most to fit.
Pick the Swift Industries Olliepack Seat Bag if
fast, light overnight trips and anyone who would rather carry less than fight a swinging bag.
Know before buying: six litres is less than half what the Arkel carries at its largest.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Arkel Seatpacker - A bikepacking seat bag hung from a solid aluminium bracket rather than strapped to the saddle, which is what stops the tail wagging. Choose the Swift Industries Olliepack Seat Bag instead if fast, light overnight trips and anyone who would rather carry less than fight a swinging bag.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Bike Seat Packs: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).