Bike Perfect Verdict
Neat, secure, and unobtrusive recycled fabric bag that holds most essentials and works with non-AXS dropper posts. The wrap strap slows access though and post cord hook is a faff.
Pros
- +
Secure strap and loop system
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Neat, compact design
- +
100 percent recycled fabric
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Works with non-AXS dropper posts
- +
Big enough for road/gravel essentials
Cons
- -
Wrap strap obstructs the zip opening
- -
Post loop hook is awkward to undo
- -
MTB tube won’t leave much spare space
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PNW has already delivered a waist pack for MTB essentials and now they’ve released a saddle pack for XC/gravel/road riders. It’s neat, eco and - as you’d expect from a brand that started with dropper posts – works well with sliding seatpost shafts. There is some usage faff though.
Design and build
Like their Rover Hip Pack, the Satellite bag is quite structured with a tall sloped front box shape formed from 100 percent recycled tri-layer ripstop sailcloth. It’s not seam-sealed but it is treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating. The wrap-around zip ‘mouth’ is water resistant too.
The main securing ‘system’ is a wrap-around Velcro strap that attaches to the saddle rails. A short removable bungee loops around the seat post and then hooks into a plastic puzzle piece.
Performance
The plastic puzzle piece with its double hook design (think half a sailor's knot) can be a faff to get the bungee out of. It makes it impossible for even the roughest gravel and XC MTB riding to unhook though, which is the most important thing. The wrap-over strap is secure too, and holds the Satellite pack in a close, wobble-free orbit. The way the sloped front of the bag follows the seat post is really pleasing if you’re a rarely satisfied saddle pack obsessive like I am too.
Having the strap wrapped over the zip does hinder wider opening though so some users might prefer a danglier bag with clear zip access. I’ll tell you now it won’t look as neat though and people will infer unspeakable things about your riding skills and general character when they see your under saddle udders.
Otherwise, the bag fits a surprising amount if you Tetris your tools, tire levers, innertube C02 inflator, and bars cleverly. There’s no key clip though and if you stuff an MTB tube in there obviously won’t be as much room for other bits.
The DWR coating does a good job of keeping the contents dry and the zip is well-sealed too. The whole bag is covered with a lifetime warranty on manufacturing defects and the 100 percent recycled fabric means you can ride through nature with a clearer conscience too. Pricing is reasonable too and if you’re in the UK you can now get them through The Trailhead Bicycle Company rather than waiting for direct delivery from the Pacific North West.
Verdict
The bungee cord hook is a puzzle and the wrap strap gets in the way of the zip opening. If you want a tough, neat, weatherproof eco-friendly seat pack for carrying your essentials up close and waggle free then the satellite should definitely be in your shopping orbit.
Tech specs: PNW Satellite seat pack review
- Price: $39 / £35 / €40
- Sizes: Just the one
- Color: Dark matter black or stardust khaki
- Weight: 57g
