Words & photos by Mike Stead
Adding to the excellent Tailfin Alloy Rack, the 20L AP20 Trunk Top Bag provides secure, waterproof and quickly-removable luggage to your system.
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Tailfin has built a well-deserved reputation for lightweight, rock-solid racks that are easily fitted to pretty much any bike. The AP20 Trunk Top Bag has evolved from the Tailfin AeroPack, hence the ‘AP20’. The AeroPack has basically the same form factor, but it’s built-in to the rack itself, which saves some weight, but it means you can’t use panniers or remove the bag and walk around with it as luggage or take it inside a tent or bothy. So the removable Trunk Bag adds flexibility to the system, with no drawback aside from a bit of extra weight.
AP20 Trunk Top Bag | Build & features
At the heart of the Trunk Top Bag is an alloy frame wrapped in an ultrasonic-welded waterproof material. The bag is accessible from the top via a roll-top closure held closed at each end by a simple quick-release buckle and then tightened down with a cinch strap. These buckles are plastic D-rings allowing you to add an aftermarket shoulder strap to easily carry the bag off the bike. Oddly it’s about the one accessory Tailfin doesn’t sell.
There are zips on either side of the bag. One gives access to a shallow external pocket for frequently-needed things like a multitool, minipump, tubeless plug kit, or whatnot. The other side has a waterproof zip giving access to the inside of the bag without the need to unroll the top.
Around and over the top of the bag are two removable buckled straps that cinch down tight for compression. These are also brilliant for securing bulky or wet gear, like a rolled-up jacket or footwear like sandals, or Crocs in my case.
The quick-release nature of the Trunk Top Bag is excellently done. The front of the bag hooks into the front of the rack, and the rear clicks into place using two spring-loaded stainless steel catches. The connection is so solid that I could pick up the back of the bike by the bag without a smidge of movement, which translates into absolute stability and silence even riding over the roughest of trails.
If you’re only carrying a small amount of cargo, the bag rolls down small, and the end straps have enough space to cinch the rolled top down tight. There’s a bit of strap loop left over, but as the ends are retained, the excess doesn’t go anywhere and is easily tidied away.
A removable rubber frame cover inside the bag helps to minimise rattling when carrying metal luggage like cook sets or fuel bottles. You can save 40g by taking the cover out if you like. Tailfin rates the AP20 for 9kg of load and, if it matters, being able to fit a 12″ laptop – although I think you’d want a laptop sleeve in that case.
Living with the AP20 Trunk Top Bag on multi-day trips is very easy. Being able to whip the bag on and off the bike for access in your tent, bothy, or at a cafe stop makes life much easier. The roll-top, internal access zip and side pocket are a perfect balance of access, security and weather protection. Fitting clip-style lights to the rear of the bag is quick, and as there’s a fair bit of inherent rigidity, they stay facing traffic.
Tailfin do some nifty accessories to enhance the functionality of your Trunk Bag. There’s a £20 light mount that fixes underneath the rear of the Trunk Bag, where you can then fit a seatpost-mount light that would otherwise be obscured. There are two fabric loops at the rear for attaching lights and six reflective straps. There’s also a £20 cargo mount with triple bosses that lets you carry a large bottle or item horizontally underneath the Trunk Bag, either strapped directly or in a cage. Depending on your trip’s needs, these can be quickly added or removed using a T25 Torx.
Tailfin offers a 5-year warranty on all their gear and parts if you break anything. If you trash your bag or rack, there’s also a 30% crash-replacement discount.
Overall the Trunk Bag is a class act that perfectly fits into the Tailfin ecosystem of products.
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Product purpose:
The perfect companion
The AeroPack Trunk is designed to fit seamlessly to our X and S series racks with minimal fuss.
100% Waterproof
The AeroPack Trunk is constructed of a high-frequency welded, fully-waterproof, high-performance laminate skin.
Remove in 5 seconds
We developed the AP20 Trunk Top Bag so that the rack could remain attached to bike and the pack could be easily removed.
Solid connections
The AP20 attaches to the X or S Series rack using CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminium alloy fittings, which together with stainless steel pins create an incredibly strong and rattle-free connection.
Easy to access, even on your bike
The unique roll-top opening of the AP20 makes it super easy to pack and find your belongings whether it’s on or off the bike.
Light it up
Use the twin rear light mounts to be seen and stay safe, while reflective strips provide additional visibility.
Stash pocket
Keep your most-needed items on hand in a zipped outer pocket.
Carry more on top
The twin stacking straps offer the ability to quickly, and easily stack items on top of the pack.
Direct Access Pocket
One of the challenges with any roll top bag is the speed with which you can enter the main body of the bag. The Direct Access Pocket allows you to get in to the main body of the bag without opening the roll top.
Speed off the bike matters
In a long journey, it’s often the time you’re stopped that makes the difference.
Fit your rear light effortlessly
Our additional Light Mount options enable you to fit any rear light to the back of the AP20 for maximum visibility.
Build extra:
AeroPack Trunk
Price
£159.00
Volume
20 litres
Weight
520g*
Bag Dimensions
435mm Long x 165mm Wide (Rear) / 130mm Wide (Front) x 400mm High
Seam Type
High Frequency Welded
Fabric Material
Nylon & Hypalon Laminate
Max Weight
9kg / 20lbs
Max Laptop Size
12″
Fitting Time
10 seconds or less
Product construction
Product construction extra:
Product performance
Product durability
Product weight
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