Test: Bikepacking is a trending topic, and the bicycle giant Giant also has suitable products in its range. The Giant Scout Seatbag is an extremely spacious, durable bag for the seat post and had to prove itself in our endurance test.
Almost old hat again in the USA, bikepacking in Europe has really gained momentum in the last two years. The idea of bikepacking, i.e. time out with the bike in nature, is becoming more and more popular. In search of a new adventure and the feeling of freedom, more and more cyclists are spending their well-deserved vacation on the bike with their tent in their luggage. Just like the e-bike, this phenomenon runs through all layers of society and cycling sports. In order to escape everyday life, not only suitable bikes are developed by the industry, but also suitable equipment. One of these manufacturers is Giant.
Scouting means exploring. Bikepacking is exploring new paths while being independent of everything. Just drive off and stop where you like. If I think about it a little longer, it actually sounds like a whole bit of freedom and escape from the mostly dreary and hectic everyday life of our modern consumer society. As you can see: this product line could not have been named better. Thanks to the comprehensive range (frame bag, handlebar bag, saddle bag) you have the opportunity to equip yourself completely at a good price at the Giant specialist dealer around the corner.
Giant Scout Seatbag - ready for an escape from everyday life in two minutes
Although no assembly instructions are included with the 15 l saddlebag, it would have been a waste of paper. The bag is attached to the seat post with the large Velcro fastener. As a result, it should be mentioned that the function of any existing dropper posts will be restricted or, rather, eliminated. Then you hang the bag on the seat stays using click fasteners and lash them as required. Here, too, it must be mentioned that saddles with carbon rails are probably unsuitable because the increased load could lead to the carbon rails breaking. This should possibly be clarified with the manufacturer of the saddle.
After the Giant Scout Seatbag is mounted on the saddle, the 15 l can be loaded with everything important through the large opening. The weight of 485 grams is absolutely fine. It is then closed with a tried-and-tested roll-top closure that works well.
Giant Scout Seatbag - The practical test
The Giant Scout Seatbag is just as quick and easy to assemble as it is loaded and ready to go on tour. It must be noted that with a relatively low seat post height (for us 68 cm from the center of the bottom bracket to the top edge of the saddle), the distance between the tire and the bag is so small that it began to rub in our test on the 29er rear wheel. Otherwise, the Giant Scout Seatbag proved to be quite suitable for travel. However, the additional weight of such a bag should be taken into account. When fully loaded, the bag wobbles noticeably back and forth, especially when pedaling out of the saddle. But this is practically the case with all large saddlebags, so no minus point for the Giant Scout Seatbag.
We found the biggest shortcoming with a short but intense rain shower. Here you should hope for nice weather on vacation, the material of the saddlebag cannot withstand more than a short rain shower. And if you cycle longer in our latitudes, then it can rain...
Leave a Comment