CherryBlossom

I am going on a four month tour and I don't know what kind of handlebar bag to get.
Does anyone know of a good brand?

zoltani

I like my ortlieb handlebar bag (large size), but I think it is a little too big, which leads to overloading it. It would be smarter to take the smaller handlebar bag, depending on your needs. Inside the bar bag I usually carry camera, keys, phone, wallet, sunglasses case, and a small agenda. Sometimes I throw a clothing layer into it, gloves, or a hat.

Alekhine

I like my Ortlieb bag, though the attachment method to the bar is really pretty awful, even if it works. I've only ever owned a Jandd bag otherwise for comparison, but it wasn't waterproof and didn't have as nice an option for the map case.

buffaloborn85

plastic garbage bags and a wald basket.

touring utility on the cheap!

markf

One more vote for Ortliebs, but get one of the smaller sizes. Once you've attached the mounting system, taking the bag on and off the bars is pretty easy.

gulfislander

I like my Lone Peak full sized bag from The Touring Store. Perfect size, well built and reasonably priced.

mijome07

Jandd.

fantom1 

Arkel small bar bag.

Obviously you can see that everyone has a different opinion- probably best to just research them and determine which one works for you.

sstorkel

+1 I have a Lone Peak H-100 bar bag from The Touring Store and love it. Seemed like everything else was either much bigger, much smaller, or much more expensive...

paxtonm

Another H100 vote. I carry a map, keys, wallet, a small first-aid kit, camera, rain cover, phone, compact binoculars and (occasionally) a windbreaker. Love the attachment system and the organization of the bag.

bullwinkle

'nother vote for the small Arkel bag.

bktourer1

Look at the small Topeak bags

Weasel9

+1

I agree, very effective.

But I have a Lone Peak H-100. I like it fine, it's a bomber bag and simple, the right size and so on, but I don't like the plastic h'bar attachment system it has. I trust it fine, but I just like metal more than plastic. I like the attachment system Arkel has, and their bags are almost identical. No experience with the Jandd h'bar bag, but their stuff is pretty cool. However, I like that you can lock the Ortleib bag straight to the bracket for when you're away from the bike.

The trash bag system is nearly flawless though. Go with that.

Olden Crow

I have the Arkel small.

But REI probably sells a pretty good one cheaper, I know they used to.

bwgride

I have the Topeak TourGuide. This is a great handlebar bag; much better than any I've owned before. I prefer it over the Ortlieb. It is smaller than it looks, but is a good size for the way I use it. Very secure attachment system. Here is a site detailing installation with pictures.

https://www.marcosnetto.com.br/bike/topeakbag.htm

You can buy it for about $43 (e.g., aebike.com).

takeonafrica

+1 for Ortlieb - I have the large one and really like it.

It's waterproof and holds a phenomenal amount securely - I use it for my Canon DSLR with 18-200mm lens attached and 10-22mm lens in a padded liner. Then I fit in my wallet, money belt with passport etc, GPS, compact camera, multitool, leatherman and a few other little bits and bobs.

It's fairly well packed in and some might say overloaded, but I use it as a camera bag when not cycling as it means I can keep my valuables with me at all times. Even with the rough African dirt tracks my camera is still is great nick. 10,000km+ and still going strong.

I find the lid sometimes a little tricky to close and you may prefer a bag with more compartments / pockets.

I would go for the smallest size you need for the gear you want in it and I can't comment on other brands as it's the only one I've ever had.

jurjan

I've got the Arkel big bar bag, my girlfriend has the Ortlieb (I think the large one, it's old, so I don't really remember).
Both have got their pro's and con's.
Trouble is: which pro is important versus which con is important.
or: which con is so important no amount of pro will recover a positive attitude.
etc. etc.