We have been riding our bikes this spring and summer more than ever before.  We always have a big come back to cycling in the spring.  In fact, it’s our favorite season to ride.  However, with self-isolation orders, closed parks, and other restrictions in place this year, we relied heavily on getting out on our bikes. Even with restrictions lifting, and parks opening back up to visitors, we continued the habit of getting out on a long ride (that’s 20-30 miles for us) almost every weekend.

Our new riding routine also became a time of transition for us.  Georgia, our 5-year old, grew out of the Yepp Maxi Child Seat, but was not yet ready to tackle the roads on her own.  We also didn’t want to give up the longer distanced riding that we’d grown accustomed to!  To buy us some time before she’s completely solo on the rode, she rides behind Slaed with a Burley Piccolo Trailercycle.

In addition to the Yepp Maxi Child Seat, we also had a Chariot Bike Trailer for when I needed haul Georgia around.  The bike trailer also came in handy for when we needed to haul…STUFF: beach toys, sporting equipment, chairs, potluck dinners, etc.  As much as we appreciated the extra space, we knew that if we were moving on from the child seat, it was time to move on from the trailer.  Plus, our storage room was getting pretty full!

Right at that time, Preeti from Kulie Bags reached out to me.  Knowing I was losing out on a lot of space without the bike trailer, adding a bike rack, and pannier was the logical solution! Yes,  a bit of a roundabout story, but it brings you up to speed on why I’m reviewing Kulie Bike Bags for you today.

What is Kulie?

Kulie is a Seattle-based, female founded company specializing in European style bike bags.  Kulie’s mission is to help customers do more with their bikes.  Kulie wants to make biking more fun and friendly, and offer innovative products at value prices.

As a family, we tested Kulie’s Convertible Backpack Pannier, and Kulie’s Urban Tourist handlebar bag. Shown side by side in the photo above.

What’s to Love? 

Quality

We’ve been testing our Kulie Bags for over a month, and have logged hundreds of miles on our bikes with the bags.  In addition, to the mileage on the bikes, I’ve transitioned the Convertible Backpack Pannier to my main purse/adventure bag.  The bag has held up well, and has kept it’s “new” freshness even though it’s exposed to the elements on a daily basis.  The zippers, compartments and attachments are well made, and I’m confident in their ability to hold up over time.

Comfort

When I use the bag as a backpack, which is actually more often than I use it as a pannier at this point, I feel it fits naturally.  With my usual supplies of wallet, extra food items, small first aid kit, glasses cases, and more, the bag doesn’t pull or add stress to my shoulders.  I’ve taken the bag on walks and hikes, up to about 7 miles. I also want to note Kulie’s careful attention in the design around the pannier hooks.  The hooks do not jut out, and stab into my back.  Instead, they are nearly flush with the back of the bag, and covered and secured by a handy piece of Velcro fabric.

Versatility

As I’ve mentioned, I love how I can use the Kulie Convertible Backpack Pannier for both riding, and adventuring around on foot seamlessly.  When we recently road tripped to Washington’s Methow Valley, I safely stored my laptop inside.  There is plenty of space, padding and support to keep laptop computers and tablets secure.  I also take my Kulie backpack on bike dates! The bag is stylish, goes with everything, and I feel confident taking it to fine dining restaurants.  Yes, we live in Seattle (a very casual place), and we’re eating outside and distant from others (COVID-19 precautions), but still!

While Bergen mostly uses his handlebar bag (Urban Tourist) on the bike, it’s also equipped with a messenger style strap.  He can easily take the bag along with him at our destination or even use it as a small bag to carry his essentials at other times.

Ease of Use

Even though this was the first time I’d used a pannier style bag, I found the transition quite simple. For bike use, the backpack straps easily unclip.  I can neatly tuck them into a pocket that runs the length of the bag on one side.  When I reach a destination where I want to use my bag, or when I’m not bike riding, I simply clip my straps back in, and I’m ready to go! While I haven’t utilized the feature as much, the bag also comes with a messenger style strap.

Bergen’s handlebar bag was also easy to install (and uninstall).

Helps us stay organized.

Both Bergen and I have benefited from the organization and structure provided by our Kulie bags.  Even with a backpack, Bergen tended to leave his gloves or not feel like he had a safe place for them to “live” while off the bike.  Sunglasses, masks, his wallet, snacks, and more are all securely stowed in the urban tourist. This is such a better option than a front basket where items shift around, are exposed to the elements, and can fall out!

Water Resistant

In addition to the fabric being durable, all Kulie bags are water resistant.  I love that I don’t have to worry if we want to head out on the bikes during light rain, get caught in an unexpected storm, or if water was kicked up from riding through a puddle.

The backpack also comes with a waterproof rain cover in the case of more serious downpours.  I used the cover on a recent walk in the rain, and it was easy to secure, and kept everything (including my camera) safe and dry! Also notable: Riding in the rain poses a challenge since other drivers are more distracted and riders are less visible.  The bright orange color of the rain cover helps riders stand out!

Helps keep us safe.

Speaking of standing out: To also help us stay visible on the road, Kulie Bags are outfitted with 3M reflective tape throughout.  Every little bit helps in drawing attention to us so that drivers become aware of our presence.

Reasonably priced.

It’s part of Kulie’s mission to make bike bags more accessible.  With that, they work hard to keep their price point low while still maintaining quality, not to mention style and functionality.

What’s to be desired? 

I’m extremely satisfied and impressed with Kulie’s Bike Bags. While we have specifically tested the Convertible Backpack Pannier, and the Urban Tourist Handlebar bag, I have no doubt that the quality runs through the entire Kulie line.  However, I wouldn’t be doing the review justice if I didn’t mention the downsides, though they are hard to come by!

• Over frequent use in the last month and a half, the 3M reflective tape has worn in some areas.  This may just be the nature of this type of material, but possible reinforcements could be considered.
• Maybe it’s just because I haven’t found the right item to store inside, but I find it hard to store things in the mesh pockets on the flap part of the backpack.  Adding a little elastic on the top part might help the items stay more secure.

Notes on Kulie Bike Bags:

• The Kulie Convertible Backpack Pannier weighs 1.25 kg, has a capacity of 17L, and measures at 12.59 inches by 15.74 inches.  This provides plenty of space for a change of clothes, water bottle, laptop, and many more riding and adventuring essentials (15-17 pounds).
• Bergen has the 2L version of the Urban Tourist Handlebar bag.  There is also a 5L version available.  If you have younger kids, check out Kulie’s Kid’s Bike Bag in polka dot or dinosaur print!
• Both bags (Convertible Backpack Pannier & Urban Tourist) are available in black or heather gray.
• See our bike bags in action here on our YouTube channel:

To Purchase Kulie Bike Bags: 

• If you live in the Seattle Metro area, Kulie Bike Bags are available at many local bike shops including Gregg’s Cycle and Electric & Folding Bikes NW.
• Visit the Kulie website! Here are links to the specific bags we tested:
  • Convertible Backpack Pannier
  • Urban Tourist Handlebar Bag 2L 

• I have a coupon code for you! Use KULIE_WILDTALESOF at check out to receive 15% off your order. 

Bottom Line:  We’re big fans of Kulie Bike Bags, and highly recommend them for bike riding families! Questions? Email us or let’s chat in the comments.

A very special thanks to Preeti from Kulie Bike Bags for providing us with the Convertible Backpack Pannier and Urban Tourist Handlebar bag in exchange for our honest review.