March 10, 2017 - Josh Tack is Adventure Cycling's membership manager.
If you’re a fan of the Gas Tank top tube bag from Revelate Designs, or just top tube bags in general, you should do yourself a favor and check the new Mag-Tank. When first hearing about this new product from Revelate, my first impression was that it was a larger, magnum-sized gas tank. Never assume is the lesson there, and it turns out the Mag-Tank is actually a touch smaller than it’s Gas Tank predecessor.
The “Mag” refers to a magnetic buckle that replaces the zipper you’re used to. This makes for easy access to whatever you choose to store in your bag.
While the profile of the bag has been thinned down a bit to keep your knees from knocking it while riding, it still has excellent capacity at 65 cubic inches. That’s enough space for 10 Luna bars, or perhaps a smartphone and a point-and-shoot camera.
If you’re at all familiar with Revelate Designs products, you can expect the same high-quality materials and construction you’re used to. The Velcro straps hold up well even after exposure to rain and debris. The side panels have plastic stiffeners sewn into keep your belongings from bulging out, and the material resists tears and sheds water.
Since the bag features a flap, as opposed to a zipper, the bag is not waterproof. If you do want to keep any small electronics or cash inside dry, please allow me a moment for a shameless plug ...
This aLOKSAK sealed bag not only looks great with our Adventure Cycling logo, but also protects your phone, cash, and other small items from rain, mud, and crud. Plus, touch screens work with the aLokSak and you can make and receive calls while sealed and protected.
Join or renew your Adventure Cycling membership at the Patron level or higher, and we’ll hook you up with one for free!
Getting back to the Mag-Tank, this retails for $59, and is available in timeless black only. Of all the bikepacking products out there, I’m a firm believer that the top tube bag gets the most frequent use, making it great on tour, or around town.
Photos by Josh Tack
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TOURING GEAR & TIPS is written by Joshua Tack of Adventure Cycling’s member services department. It appears once each month, highlighting technical aspects of bicycle touring and offering advice to help better prepare you for the journey ahead. Look for Josh’s “Fine Tuned” column in Adventure Cyclist magazine as well.
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