FAQ

Are the bags really made by bears?

Well, no =) All the bags are made by me, Alex, a human, in my studio. I did hire a bear once but it didn't work out. Their claws ripped the fabric to shreds.

Are the bags waterproof?

The bags are "weather resistant", but not 100% waterproof. While the fabric may be waterproof, or nearly waterproof, the seams and zippers (even aquaguard) are not. The bags should keep your stuff dry while pedaling through an afternoon shower. If an item truly needs to stay 100% dry, I'd recommend using a dedicated (roll top) dry bag from Osprey, Sea to Summit, Ziplock, etc.

What types of bags do you offer? Custom work? Other colors?

At the moment we're focusing on 1 liter stem bags, though a top tube bag is in the works. Bags Made by Bears is a part time hobby business so unfortunately I don't have capacity for custom frame bags or specific color requests. That said, I love hearing color/design suggestions/feedback, so don't hesitate to reach out!

What materials are used in your bike bags?

We use the same durable materials as the bigger brands: Ecopak and RBC (recycled bag cloth) from Challenge Sailcloth, Xpac, Cordura, and various weights of packcloth/oxford. Most bags are sewn with Amann Strongbond tex 70 bonded nylon thread, or Gutermann Mara 70 (tex 40 polyester thread). Draw cords are often 550 paracord, or smaller diameter nylon/polyester cord. Webbing is nylon or polyester.

How do I care for my bike bag?

We recommend cleaning with a damp warm cloth and mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or putting it in the washing machine, as this could damage the materials. Ideally, the bags would be stored in a cool and dry area out of direct sunlight.

Our bags have a DWR coating that can start to wear off after several season of use. Products such as Nikwax Tech Wash spray on can be used to revitalize the DWR coating.

Do you ship internationally?

We normally only ship to contiguous 48, USA. If you live elsewhere, please reach out and we can likely work something out.

Warranty?

All of our products are warrantied against defects in materials and craftsmanship, and can be repaired or replaced free of charge (though you must ship the bag to us in Colorado). Please reach out via contact form or email with your order number, proof of purchase, and description of the issue.

What is not covered: damage caused by normal wear and tear, improper care, negligence, accidents, or the natural breakdown of colors and materials over extended time and use.

We encourage fixing your own gear! If your bag has a booboo, send us a message and we can guide you through the repair, send out free repair materials, or suggest other options. A (hand) sewn on patch, or strip of Gear Aid Tenacious Tape, can cover a wide variety of repairs. 

Return policy?

All sales are final. Bags Made by Bears is a very small business, so returns are difficult. If there is a problem with the bags you purchased, please see the warranty section above.