APIDURA EXPEDITION Our setup £359

While one litre doesn’t sound like much for a top-tube bag, we found this £47 one ideal for phone, snacks, multi-tool and money. The top waterproof zip is fast to access, two Velcro straps mount to the top-tube and seatpost or stem, and there’s a baffled cable port for device charging.

The £96 nine-litre handlebar pack is a long tube with roll-up wrap-around ends secured by buckles, fitting snugly between drop bars. It attaches securely using three fabric straps, with an external bungee tie-down for stowage. It has the option of a 4.5-litre Accessory Pocket and also comes in a 14-litre size. The straps can be a little tricky to fit, and you need to remove it to pack and unpack it properly.

The 4.5-litre, £90 frame pack is ideal for storing heavier items within the frame’s main triangle, so as not to affect handling. Full-length, waterproof zips on each side give access to a main compartment with internal zipped pocket, and narrower compartment for smaller items. A Velcro tab-covered port allows for hydration hose or charging cable. It’s ideal for spares, and its numerous tube straps keep it stable.

The 14-litre £126 seatpack – also available in nine- and 17-litre sizes – is useful. Two lengthy, grippy straps secure it to the seatpost, with two buckled straps for the saddle rails. Its roll-up opening allows for extension and compression, for more or less luggage, and it swallows heaps of clothing and sleeping kit. The High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) structure ensures it keeps its shape.

Though exposed to road-borne spray, we found it reliably waterproof. In spite of its size we didn’t find it a hindrance, even when crammed full.