One of the most crucial elements to come into play when choosing a saddlebag is the size - or in this case, volume. Just like backpacks and other travel bags, saddlebag size is often listed in terms of capacity in litres, though some brands provide dimensions instead.
Those intending to stow away the bare essentials for a short ride around their local roads probably don't need a huge capacity. A small, lightweight saddlebag will fit an inner tube, CO2 canisters and inflator, plus tyre levers and a multi tool.