Note: these products were provided to me by Nite Ize to demo without caveat. I would like to thank them for their generosity. All opinions are mine. Interested in me checking out your gear?

I’m checking out some gear from NiteIze! See my spotlight on some of the lights they put out for more of an introduction. In this post, I look at two bags I’ve found useful for cycling trips:

Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Toiletry Bag

• 71 grams/2.5 ounces

NiteIze’s collection of waterproof bags is quite impressive with their build quality and utility. The toiletry bag is one of my favorites, and no: I don’t actually put my toothbrush and deodorant in it. Rather, the size of this bag perfectly fits inside my Revelate Designs Tangle Frame Bag I have affixed to my Salsa Journeyman.

I’ll use my bag to store items that I don’t want to get wet: cameras, batteries, cables and other electronics. The bag itself is pliable, and easily accordions down flat if I’m not using it. The waterproof pocket is massive, and is easy to work, even with full-fingered gloves on. The zipper itself is generously sized as well, and seems like it’ll continue to do a good job with keeping the items I have inside dry, as well as secured within the bag.

Electronics are something I’ll take in and out of my bikepacking frame bags often, as I need to periodically recharge them. This bag gives me a good way to corral everything together, while I sip on my cappuccino at the coffee shop and try not look as much of a junk show. The bottom of the bag sits flat, and is made of tougher and heavier rubberized material than the rest of the bag

Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Pocket

• 25 grams/.8 ounces

The Waterproof Pocket is a smaller cousin of the toiletry bag. For me, it works well as a small, waterproof bag I can fit my cellphone, money, keys, etc in, and then stow the pocket within a back cycling jersey, perfect for day trips. All these items are then protected by moisture (my own, as well as any foul weather), corralled together, and difficult to forget at coffee/food stops. Using this bag, I no longer need to use and constantly replace destroyed plastic resealable bags every few rides, which cuts down on waste and will eventually save me a little money.

If you’re like me, and haven’t yet entered the 21st Century by utilizing Bluetooth headphone, you may find, like I did, that the bag is too small to have a phone in, with a pair of headphones plugged in as well. If it was just an inch longer (or if my phone wasn’t so large), this wouldn’t have been a problem. The semi-clear window is overlaid with a map/topo design, which is a nice detail, but it would actually be more useful if this window was totally see through, allowing you to use the phone without taking it out of the bag itself.

The zipper on this bag is smaller than the toiletry bag, but seems just as useful and worthwhile. It’s nice piece of mind.