Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Equipment Reviews
Equipment Reviews Post YOUR REVIEWS of ANY Motorcycle, Camping or Travel Equipment and accessories. Tell us what worked and didn't work for you!
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree10Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #61  
Old 5 Feb 2015
c-m c-m is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: EU/UK
Posts: 245
I like the look of the Wolfman Rocky Mountain panniers. There doesn't seem to be much information around these. Much bigger than the Expedition panniers which is what most are after.
Reply With Quote
  #62  
Old 6 Feb 2015
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott View Post
Spotted another option.
21 Bros from Poland - 150 quidish.
Review here: Panniers on the xCountry | Defylife Adventure
Very nice looking bags! Have you managed to use them?
I wonder if they can be mounted using over (or under) seat straps rather than
attaching to racks? In my experience ... racks break when supporting entire weight of bags.

Reply With Quote
  #63  
Old 6 Feb 2015
c-m c-m is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: EU/UK
Posts: 245
I do both. They have two over seat straps that I actually use under the seat since I carry a pillion.

The maker tells me that they shouldn't be used with only those two straps. I guess if the bags were heavily loaded then over time only using those two straps might be an issue. They seem robust enough for me though.

They also have 5 mini straps each for attaching to pannier frames. I only have the Dirtbagz pannier frames so that means that I don't use the top mini attachment.
Reply With Quote
  #64  
Old 6 Feb 2015
zandesiro's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Polygyros GR
Posts: 558
A good friend, here in horizons unlimited, suggest me those x-military bags..

They work fine with 2 ortlieb dry bags inside!!

And the price.....Unbeatable only £45.00.




__________________
3mountainsadventure
Reply With Quote
  #65  
Old 8 Feb 2015
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by zandesiro View Post
A good friend, here in horizons unlimited, suggest me those x-military bags..

They work fine with 2 ortlieb dry bags inside!!

And the price.....Unbeatable only £45.00.





I have the same ones

If you get the second hand one's, they're only £30.

Not waterproof but almost bullet proof. Just put your gear in cheap roll bags and you're ready to go.

Mine have outlasted and outcrashed many other's costing TEN TIMES as much. And they look hard core too hah
Attached Thumbnails
Best soft panniers-dsc02706-_large_.jpg  

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #66  
Old 8 Feb 2015
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,911
Nice looking 'low-profile' bags. Silvermans (on ebay UK) sell them.

According to their measurements they add up to 17.5 litres + the very handy exterior pockets, but as they hint and as discovered here: Exactly how big is soft baggage? that measurement can be misleading.
Used something similar in my early days but found that canvas can burn rather than melt which is why a rack (as shown) or some sort of pipe separation is a good idea.
Reply With Quote
  #67  
Old 8 Feb 2015
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
They're BIG. you can fit a lot in them. Maybe too big is you can't restrain your packing. The side pockets are great too.

And yes. From Silverman's.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #68  
Old 8 Feb 2015
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Those canvas bags are a good, low cost option!

Similar to our military surplus bags too. In the US we have a product called "Scotch Guard" (made by 3M). Works pretty good on canvas, making it waterproof or at least "resistant". Needs to be reapplied every season. Not 100% but really helps in my experience using it for decades.

Scotch Guard used in combo with water proof inner bags ... should work out OK. Inner bags are good in any case. Quick to grab and go at Hotel or campsite, keeps goods clean, dry and organized ... which for me is the best part. I hate digging through duffle bags.
Reply With Quote
  #69  
Old 8 Feb 2015
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Yip..separate dry bags is perfect. Just grabbing a hand full of bags is so much nicer than portaging panniers..
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #70  
Old 9 Feb 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,028
How so? You just Chuck them over your shoulder and have hands free to open doors or sign in or whatever.
__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com
Reply With Quote
  #71  
Old 9 Feb 2015
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,911
Quote:
You just Chuck them over your shoulder
That works fine if they're clean and dry and just thrown over the bike like horse bags.
But if they're covered in mud and muck and lashed to the rack or bike in a not very q/d manner and you're worn out and heading into the Magadan Hilton for a well-earned treat, it's so much easier to avoid all the fumbling and whip out the clean inner bags, hook them together, walk up to reception and clang the bell.
Reply With Quote
  #72  
Old 9 Feb 2015
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by tmotten View Post
How so? You just Chuck them over your shoulder and have hands free to open doors or sign in or whatever.
Depends where you are. If you're camping or parked up somewhere half secure then yeah, I just throw the inner bags over my should (they have shoulder straps) and into my tent or room. That leaves a hand free for my tank bag, gps, keys etc etc. Only one journey required.

Or yeah, you can just unclip the bags (only four clips), and drag the lot in. Which is usually what I do.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #73  
Old 9 Feb 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,028
I forgot you travel in style Chris.

If the bags are covered in mud you likely are too though. It'll be an awkward affair in any case. But if the liners go back in easily it's nice to be able to do that.
__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com

Last edited by tmotten; 9 Feb 2015 at 16:32.
Reply With Quote
  #74  
Old 9 Feb 2015
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott View Post
That works fine if they're clean and dry and just thrown over the bike like horse bags.
But if they're covered in mud and muck and lashed to the rack or bike in a not very q/d manner and you're worn out and heading into the Magadan Hilton for a well-earned treat, it's so much easier to avoid all the fumbling and whip out the clean inner bags, hook them together, walk up to reception and clang the bell.
I agree. With inner bags I can tote everything in one go.
I've got a rear top duffle that's got to come in as well, but the panniers stay put.

I've got panniers secured in a few places, takes about 5 minutes to UNDO everything. But with inner bags it's 5 minutes I don't have to spend fiddling ... Grab and Go! ... Same goes in AM. Inner bags go right back in. Done.
Very nice at end of a long, hard riding day.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 3 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 3 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
metal panniers v/s soft panniers zaplaje Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 40 18 Jun 2011 16:11
Soft bag or panniers? Best bag system for XT 600 E ? ! Samy Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 25 26 Oct 2010 02:52
DIY soft panniers pauldelft Equipment Reviews 20 2 Apr 2010 06:44
Panniers - Hard or Soft? NickG TRAVEL Hints and Tips 5 28 Jan 2004 19:58

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 00:16.