Late last month, I attended the Philly Bike Expo for the first time. It was quite the experience, getting to see all of the amazing small frame builders. But, there were quite a few amazing small bag makers there as well. And you know how much I love bike bags and small bag makers.
Being right by the entrance, and having so many of their bright-colored products on display, they were one of the first booths that caught my eye.
Take A Trip Bags is a one-man operation, run by Michael Bock out of Bend, Oregon. Take A Trip was launched in December 2021. Michael told me he has been steadily expanding their product line since. Their bags are said to be influenced by bikepacking, messenger bags, and fashion brands.
After spending 3 years as a bicycle messenger in Seattle, and doing a frame-building apprenticeship program with Human Powered Machines in Eugene, OR. He then taught himself how to sew and set his sights on starting Take A Trip Bags with a focus on creating “innovative and functional products with a fun, playful vibe”.
Creating “practical carry solutions” all centered around the bicycle, from commuting, messenger work, bikepacking, and touring, it seems like Take A Trip Bags can cover it all.
Day Trip Frame Bag
The Day Trip Frame Bag looks like a fun pal to have with you no matter what you’re doing on your bike. The Day Trip Frame Bag is a “universal fit” frame bag and is said to fit most bikes but, according to the website “full suspension may not fit well”. The bag can be flipped around to best fit the frame you have. It has two zipper pulls, so it can be opened from the front or the rear. It includes all 3 oversized velcro one-way straps and a stabilizing shock cord.
The fully bound construction adds to the bag’s durability with a water-resistant zipper. It is 15″ long, 6″ tall, and 3″ wide, and has a port for a bladder hose or charging wires.
Retails for $75
To Go Box
This unique product caught my eye immediately and was one of the first photographs I snapped at the Expo. The To Go Box is a two-part storage system designed around the Wald 137 and 139 baskets. The two parts are the hinged lid and the form-fitted liner. Both parts are designed to work together or apart, allowing customization to fit your needs.
It is constructed of 1000d Cordura and 18oz vinyl-coated polyester. It has a pocket on the top of the lid with a water-resistant zipper. The top pocket is combined with a shock cord that can snug down a jacket or extra layers.
The lid is given some structure with a plastic stiffener, allowing for the stacking of stuff on top of the To Go Box. The lid is also hinged with cam straps, allowing for quick adjustment for varying-size loads.
Using 6 snap hooks to attach it to the basket, the inside liner protects your goodies from getting road debris, water, and dirt up in the To Go Box keeping your belongings spiffy and clean. There is a handy elastic pleated interior pocket (made from recycled 400d bag cloth) and two off-center drain holes.
Retail $90 (no lid), $190 (to fit Wald 137), $210 (to fit Wald 139)
My Little Bungee
The My Little Bungee is a great little item. They are small-diameter, adjustable bungee cords made specifically to be used with Wald baskets. Each of the bungee’s ends securely clips right to the basket’s rails. They can be tightened by pulling on the tail of the cord.
You can combine a few of them to create a little cargo net scenario. They come in different sizes so, you can fit them to just about any sized load, or strap stuff to the outside of your basket.
They can be used off of the bike as well. Like, cinching a multi-tool, tire levers, and CO2 cartridge together. Or, a long ride’s worth of small, individually wrapped snacks.
Retail: $9 each or 3 for $24
The sizes are: Xs (12″), Sm (22″), Md, (26″), Lg, (30″)
Colors: Black, Turquoise, and Pink
That’s it, I hope you enjoyed this quick little look at a really cool independent bag maker. I didn’t cover all of the little bags they have to offer like the Seat Roll Up, Snack Pack, Bike Friday Frame Bag...so, go check ’em out.
And while there, check out the fun colors and cool products by hitting the link below!
