A handlebar bag is almost a necessity for a long distance tour. This is the place most riders keep their passport & ID, gloves, sun glasses, sunscreen, bug repellant, chain lube, loose change, camera, cell phone, lock keys…. you get the idea. In my opinion, the best handlebar bag on the market is the Ortlieb. These are waterproof in a downpour, have a reflective patch on the front, are very light weight but extremely durable and can be easily lifted off the bike when needed and locked onto the bike when necessary. They also come with a shoulder strap for carrying when off the bike. NEVER leave your touring bicycle without taking the bar bag with you, NEVER!
