Wildhorn Big Mesa Bike Gear Bag – Review and Test

The Wildhorn Outfitters Big Mesa Bike Gear Bag is a versatile and thoughtfully designed bag, perfect for mountain biking and many other outdoor adventures. This gear bag offers ample storage and numerous features that cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. Here’s a detailed look at what this bag offers, along with some pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right gear bag for you.

Video Review

Key Features of the Big Mesa Mountain Bike Gear Bag

Let’s dig into the details of the Big Mesa and how it works.

1 – Versatile Carrying Options

The Big Mesa comes with multiple carrying options. It features a set of carry straps with a Velcro closure for easy handling and a shoulder strap that attaches securely to metal D-rings on each side. Additionally, it has hidden backpack straps for hands-free carrying, making it versatile for different situations. The only thing it doesn’t come with is someone to carry the bag for you.

2 – Spacious Interior with Adjustable Compartments

The bag has a large main compartment that can be adjusted in size by collapsing the two edge compartments. This flexibility allows you to customize the bag’s interior to fit your specific needs, whether you need more space for a single large item or want to organize multiple smaller items.

A full face helmet will easily fit into the main compartment with enough stuff left over all your clothes for a week long biking trip.

How many pockets does this almost bottomless pit of a bag have? The Short answer is a ton.

Large main compartment with vents that can expand into the end compartment
End compartment with ventilation and drains big enough for a standard bike helmet
End compartment with ventilation, drains and a divider big enough for 2 pairs of shoes
Large zipper side compartment with small mesh pockets and webbing holders
Large zipper side compartment
Small velcro closure side pocket
2 large zipper mesh pockets on the main compartment lid
Removable center pocket divider with 4 small pockets

3 – Removable Center Pocket Divider

A standout feature is the removable center pocket with multiple smaller pockets. It has one fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses or goggles, 2 pockets with mesh zipper lids, and 1 open pocket. This pocket can also be repositioned within the bag to serve as a divider, providing further customization options. It uses 4 hooks that slide into webbing loops on the bag top to hold it in place.

4 – End Pockets for Helmets and Shoes with Ventilation and Drains

The end pockets are designed specifically for helmets and shoes and include vent holes and drainage, at the bottom, for airing out gear. These pockets are both big enough for an adult size mountain bike helmet. One of them has a divider for storing 2 sets of shoes.

I tried putting a ski boot into these compartments. My size 26.5 boots would fit and I could just barely get the zipper to close. Size 27.0 would not fit.

5 – Durable Construction

Made from heavy-duty materials and featuring all-metal zippers, the Big Mesa is built to withstand rough handling and various outdoor conditions. The bag has a layer of padding for added protection of your gear, making it durable for long-term use.

6 – Hidden Backpack Straps

Another unique feature is the set of hidden backpack straps stored in a pocket at the bottom of the bag. These straps can be quickly attached to D-rings, allowing you to convert the bag into a backpack. There’s also a chest strap for added stability, making it easier to carry the bag over longer distances.

The straps and back panel have some padding on them but not a ton. Enough if you aren’t filing the big with a lot of rigid, heavy, uncomfortable to carry objects.

Using the Big Mesa for Mountain Biking and Skiing

While the Big Mesa is primarily designed for mountain biking. You can easily fit 2 bike helmets, 2 pairs of shoes, a few sets of shorts and pants, a jacket, sunglasses, gloves, pads, and a hydration pack. You still have a ton of room left for more gear and clothes. You can fit enough biking gear into this bag for a week long trip with ease.

The Big Mesa’s versatile design makes it suitable for other outdoor activities as well. For example, you can easily use it as a ski boot bag. You can get smaller ski boots into the end pockets. You can set up the divider so you put boots in the main compartment. One miss here for ski boots is that there are no drains in the bottom of the main compartment, although it does have vents.

Put a ski helmet in one end. You can go about stuffing the bag with ski pants, gloves, a jacket, base layers, and anything else you might need. The Big Mesa would work well for a ski travel bag for a weekend trip where you are bringing boots but renting skis at your destination.

You could also use the Big Mesa for paddling gear or any other outdoor activity. I’m all about not buying a new bag for each activity I do. I’d love one bag I can use for any trip for any activity. The Big Mesa comes pretty close to the ideal bag for that.

Conclusion

Overall, the Wildhorn Outfitters Big Mesa Bike Gear Bag is a highly versatile and durable gear bag that can accommodate a wide range of outdoor activities. Its thoughtful design and ample storage space make it a great choice for those who need a reliable bag for biking, skiing, or other adventures.

Despite a few minor drawbacks, such as the lack of drain holes in the main compartment and the need for more padding on the backpack straps, the Big Mesa stands out for its flexibility and robust build quality.

If you’re looking for a multifunctional gear bag that can handle various types of adventures, the Wildhorn Outfitters Big Mesa Bike Gear Bag is highly recommended.