The Old Man Mountain Manzanita Cradle is an All-in-One Handlebar Bag System

Old Man Mountain has unveiled its new Manzanita Cradle, an all-in-one handlebar bag system developed in collaboration with Salsa Cycles. This latest iteration builds upon the existing Anything Cradle, integrating new features such as a dedicated dry bag that can be configured for either side-load or top-load access. The announcement signifies a concerted effort to refine and expand their bikepacking luggage offerings, directly targeting the growing demand for integrated and versatile carrying solutions.

This release is particularly relevant given the sustained surge in bikepacking's popularity, pushing manufacturers to innovate beyond simple dry bags and straps. Salsa Cycles, a brand synonymous with adventure cycling and pioneering many bikepacking trends, lending its name to this project underscores its significance. The Manzanita Cradle’s design, aiming for a more cohesive system rather than disparate components, reflects an industry-wide move towards user-friendly, purpose-built gear that streamlines the packing process and improves on-trail accessibility.

Ultimately, it’s another step in the relentless march towards optimizing every cubic inch for the bikepacking enthusiast. One might even suggest the industry is now competing on who can make the 'anything' bag do *everything*.