Best soft panniers
 

what are the best waterproof soft panniers ???

Have a look at Kriega - Select your region Their stuff is excellent. The US10,US20,US Combo30 and US Combo40 are all modular and come with various straps and clips to fasten the different ones together. I use a US20 as a tailpack with 2 US10's strapped either side. Unless I'm camping I can carry enough stuff for a weekend in that set-up. Hein-Gericke sell it so you might get some in the sale at the moment. The US10's also fit on top of my Vario panniers and strap to the bicycle rack too. Useful kit indeed.

wolfman has a WP range as well.

soft luggage
 

Although I use hard cases. I've seen a lot of people using Giant Loop luggage on their travels and they really seem to rate it, I met the guys who run the company and they seemed nice guys as well as genuine bike riders/travellers themselves. Definitely worth looking at
Giant Loop™ Moto: Saddlebags for Motorcycles | Welcome

Good luck with your search.

Yeah, they're brilliant. Went roaming through SE Queensland for it for a week. Stayed in hotels so no camping gear, but one between the Mrs and I was heaps of room. Single trails and didn't really notice it once you get used to the different balance. On a 650 or larger you probably won't notice it at all. I went with soft saddle bags at first because it has a lower COG, but I reckon that the added weight of the required luggage frame off sets the benifit of this lower COG.

Easier to get it on and off as well. It's a single unit so you fling it over your shoulder and walk into the hotel.

I'm still loving my 75$ MEC bicycle saddlebags, mounted in reverse from normal(wrong side) to keep the weight farther forward but not get too close to the exhaust.
EDIT: here's a link, they are normally 99$ but I waited till some came up that were returned.
MEC World Tour 56L Cycling Panniers - Mountain Equipment Co-op. Free Shipping Available

They are:
-mostly waterproof by themselves
designed very thoughtfully, every strap ha a keeper, even the drawstring has a bit of velcro to keep it from flapping.
-have a hard back, are designed to snap together for carrying by hand
-light as they are designed for bikes
-efficient to organize, the pockets are excellent for a motorbike, and the bottom pockets have a second zip to allow access to the bottom of the main compartment.
-lifetime warranty
-sensible quick release that isn't easy to figure out, so they stay locked when someone tries to grab them, but with a few seconds I can trip the quick release strap, and going over bumps they stay tightly locked to the rack.
-lightweight to mount, my rack weighs under 1lb and cost about 2$.
Durable, I've already had a few low speed falls with them, spilled gasoline on them etc.
One went up in flames fairly recently when my muffler came loose, but despite the burning clothes and epoxy glue etc from my tool bag, the pack itself only sustained a small hole.
-Easily replaceable around the world the rack fits basically any bike pannier that mounts to a standard bike rack.
-have proper rain covers that work excellently.

Here's a picture of them mounted on my '79 CX500, I'm currently in the Yucatan, back on the road tomorrow, they've seen a lot of abuse and I honestly expected them to fail with all the weight and bumping over bad roads, they don't show any signs of problems, other than the now patched hole from my fire.
:oops2:
As you can see, they are almost a full foot forward of where the rear rack is, they basically sit an inch below a pillions leg, and parallel to the leg. IMO this is much better for balance than hanging way out on the back.


http://jgblog.ca/gallery/albums/Moto...281_of_629.jpg


Http://JGBlog.ca

Vancouver to Argentina, 2010-?

R-Jays Super Sport panniers
 

R-Jays (Australian brand) make a great soft pannier. I purchased a set for $220 AUD. Have waterproof covers which are great! 3 strong velcro straps (although no locking options - try pacsafe though). They are expandable also.

RJays Super Sport Panniers

Then there are Andystapz and Steel Pony. Which are also both Australian.
They are a very similar in design, well thought out, with roll over tops.
I've had a pair of Andystrapz on my bike, in daily use as well as trips for about 4 years, and they've stood up well.
I'm now giving Steel Pony a try. Early days yet but I think they are just a bit more ruggedly made. But S.P. have no UK agent. Just watch out for the import taxes when they arrive on your doorstep.:cursing:

I have the Ortlieb panniers and they are verry good.
3 years on the bike now and still doing well.
They are expensive ( about 160 euro), but i think that the quality
makes up for it.
These panniers are simple , good made and waterproof,
that is what i like about them.
Saludos.

I had a Kriega US20 for about a year, mine leaked (eventually) at the foot end in heavy rains but otherwise was a good bag. Durable, decently sized, easy to secure to the bike.

I also have to have a big thumbs up for steel pony panniers. 25,000 km on they just starting to break in. The best feature is to be able to carry 4 L of water in the side pockets.

http://justdan.smugmug.com/Other/Rid...22_gJTDb-L.jpg

My Andy Strapz have always been good to me, and my advice is to buy something without zips, as zips are a royal pain in the ass (for most outdoors stuff actually).

To add one more to the list:
Wolfman Expedition Dry Panniers

I have them for my upcoming trip. So no experience yet, but the quality looks very good. They should defenitly be waterproof.
They arent the biggest bags, but it will prevent me from carrying unneeded sh*t around :)

The reason why i didnt opt for the Giant Loop is that I want the rear seat to be free for a passenger, otherwise it would have been a great option.

The Steel Pony lookt nice aswell, especially the bottle holders (although, you can buy those seperatly for the Wolfman...). But shipping and import cost to europe made it a nogo. Also shipping can take some time, because they seem to be made on order. A very small company.

Wolfman could be ordered from the UK and had it delivered in just a week. Cant wait to try them out on my Africa Twin :mchappy:

I have the Steelponies for over 2 years now and did more than 50tkm.
Steel Pony Luggage Home

Great panniers!

Now I do like the look of those :yes:

Wonder if I could use them as a guide for some DIY and make some myself :mchappy:

Hi I wanted Hard panniers but opted for soft in the end, for a number of reasons. If you have hard you can only fit so much in & don't really have any 'give' with straps etc.
Also on my bike if I wanted hard panniers I would have to move the indicators & do some re wiring, (pain in the a**e), These do me I had them given to me I managed to fit enough gear for a long weekend & tent sleeping bags for me and the other half, she was not impressed when I told her no kitchen sink!
I think if I did get another set Probably go for the otleib as I have the otleib bag.
I prefier not to have a top box as then I can lay the bag across from pannier to pannier, when 2 up or the length of the bike behind me when on my own.

I have both Wolfman and Kriega adventure soft luggage. I prefer the Kriega as the Wolfman has too many straps however I will be running a combination of both on my SA trip. I don't see much difference in the quality of construction though as they both look well built for the different material they utilize.

I ended up designing my own cause I couldnt find what I wanted in the market ... Waterproof, secure, lockable, slashproof. And with the 2 great advantages of soft luggage, flexible and light.

I have been using soft luggage on adventure rides for 20 years, and always accepted the tradeoff of security vs hard luggage, as the other aspects of the weight and flexibility of soft luggage was vastly superior to hard luggage. Finally I got off my butt and designed my own soft bags to make sure there was no more tradeoff when it came to trans-continental or RTW luggage. To make soft bags that were superior to hard boxes in every way - as well as to existing soft bags on the market - which lacked security, or size, or waterproofness, or abrasion resistance, or carried the weight too high .. and usually some combination of the above. I wanted soft bags that would be fully suitable for transcontinental motorcycle adventure travel, on or off road, in the most rugged conditions.

Extremely tough, waterproof, practical, and now secure as well. No other soft bags offered a simple security capability. These bags are Twaron / Kevlar lined making them slashproof, and they have Twaron / Kevlar loops through wich you can pass a lockable steel Wrapsafe cable. That not only allows you to lock the bags shut, but allows the bags to be locked to the bike.

http://www.adventure-spec.com/media/...a/magadan1.jpg

Wrapsafe cables (below) are available from the likes of Amazon:
http://pacsafe.com/media/product/pro...0_wrapsafe.jpg

There's a more detailed write up on the bags and the thought processes behind the features of them here:

Adventure-Spec Magadan Panniers

Pics of Magadan Bags in action across Kazakhstan, Siberia and Mongolia - en route to Magadan:

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5325/7...7eafd0f6_z.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8355/8...ba1a5507_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7093/7...4ce0353d_z.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8...7bd8e378_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7250/7...eaf7272b_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/7...77d4b1d3_z.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8075/8...5f9d2113_z.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8290/7...12335bee_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/7...a982f538_z.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8001/7...49aa958a_z.jpg


And ... these bags give you 50 miles / 80 km more range ! ... the back pockets of each bag is specifically designed to fit one of these 2 litre fuel bottles ... giving you capacity for 4 extra litres of fuel for those occasional long legs between fuel stations or as a safety margin in remote areas. Thats an extra gallon of fuel capacity for the price of two plastic fuel bottles (30 quid) - the easiest way to add 4 litres of fuel capacity to your bike.http://www.adventurebikeshop.co.uk/fuel_canister http://www.adventurebikeshop.co.uk/i...80-500x500.jpg


Front pockets are sized for 1 - 1.5 litre bottles per side, for 2-3 litres of water.

As used by the world famous Terry Brown from Cambridge England.

Deemed the worlds finest soft bags by Adventure Bike Rider magazine (issue 16) in a comparison of all the main soft bags.

(The OP did ask what the best soft bags are)

To be fair, they arent bigger, the Monsoons are 25-30 litres a side. vs 30-35 litres a side on the Magadans. :thumbup1:

I have Ortliebs as well. Simple, rugged, and have survived crashes well.
Been used on anything from a Yamaha YBR125G to a Husky TE610.

I also have Kriega US-20 and 30 bags, used on a Chinese-built dual-sport.
So fear so good, but I have found a few negatives: if loaded with loose, hard objects, then the bag tends to move around until cinched down again; secondly, I am not sure about the aluminum hook straps, lose one around here and almost impossible to replace, and finally, the metal / loop accessory to attach to dirt bike bodywork can come unscrewed.
Probably needs locktite, but I've had issues with locktite and plastics before.
Again, difficult to replace around here.
Other than that, the stuff works as advertised.

+1 for the Enduristan Monsoon Soft bags - using them for our trip in September - light and totally waterproof what more can you want :cool4:

I've just got a pair, not yet used for anything more than supermarket shopping, but seemingly good quantity and I love the lack of eye-gouging bungee cords. If there was
one small thing I could change then I'd make the inner waterproof liner removable so that the bags could stay strapped to the bike. But thats a small issue with an otherwise great bag.

Security question
 

Hi Walter! Bummer about Husaberg! Will you be riding orange on your next dirt bike adventure? You need to come ride with us in Oregon again sometime. Your bags look like a nice bit of kit - one of the things I like best about Adventure Spec is that you all are riders! I'm curious: How many times has your gear been stolen off your bike and/or your bags have been slashed during your extensive travels? Thanks for riding Giant Loop, Harold

Can't see any actually ref but I think this table (recently updated) is being referred to.
Actually I found Mags (reviewed here) are smaller than Monsoons when l x w x h is measured, but as I proved during my recent travels (and posted about here), this is not a foolproof method of measuring, less still comparing maximum potential soft bag volume, even though it clearly is for rigid boxes.

Monsoons have a more cuboid shape with little increase in volume under deformation, but for example my less wide Magadans took 40 litres of water rolled and clipped up when in the same state, they 'only' measure up at around 24L + pockets (see images in link above).

Knowing this matters when choosing your soft bags and especially when comparing them to rigid box capacities. Having used Zegaflex and Monsoon and Andyz and Oxford in recent years (as well as close inspection of other products and several others in the preceding decades), I've just come off a 3000-mile trip using AS Mags with my own mounting system (similar to Kriega plates). For my sort of riding and prefs they are the best thing out there; like much improved Steel Ponys. Walter really did think it through without any unnecessary flourishes. 'Security' is the main reason overland riders give for being put off soft bags, and only Mags attempt to address this, even if actual theft is rare the Pacsafe cables can help secure any soft bag.

£350 may be a lot for a 'Cordura throwover', but your baggage is a key component of a long overland journey.

Ch

Security Question: Have you ever had your luggage stolen, slashed or broken into?
 

Hi Chris - Did we miss each other at Overland Expo? I'm curious to know how many times you have had gear stolen off your bike, or you have had someone cut it or attempt to steal it? Security does seem to be a major concern for moto travelers, which is why we incorporated a cable lock pass-through in our Great Basin Saddlebag, but in five years, we've heard only one account of a bag being taken off a bike. I'd like to quantify the security reality vs. perception. Cheers, Harold :mchappy:

http://afrikamotorrad.eu/small/seitenkoffer_001.jpg

Build your own panniers made easy

There are two aspects to this ...

Firstly, as Chris mentioned, there is a perception amongst those who havent yet ridden with soft luggage (and lets be clear, as purveyors of soft luggage we are rowing in the same direction) that soft luggage lacks security. Introducing security can overcome that and introduce a new wider pool to the wisdom (not to mention sporty athleticism) that soft luggage conveys upon its owner.

Secondly, while I have not had anything stolen off the bike, despite riding across about 70 countries in the last 20 years with assorted other forms of soft luggage, a large part of that is because of the precautions I needed to take every evening if I stayed in a populated area. I had to remove the luggage off the bike each night, schlep it up to a hotel room (often making a muddy mess in the process) and refit it every morning. With the Magadan bags, I leave them locked on the bike each night, just taking off my small rear Ortlieb rack bag containing a few clothes, toiletries and laptop - leaving all the camping gear, spare parts, tools, medical kit and other clothes locked soundly on the bike in the Magadan bags. On this last trip, I would literally stop the bike in front of a hotel (on the nights we stayed at a hotel), and my luggage was done in 15 seconds - just two rok straps to clip off and my back bag was over my shoulder and walking up the stairs to reception. The only other task upon stopping for the day (also about 15 seconds) was to chain up the bike to a post or to Terry's bike.

So what that increase in luggage security (knowing they are both locked shut and locked to the bike) has allowed me to do, is save time, effort and daily aggravation, and significantly increase convenience. That also consequently increases available riding time and range each day as less time is wasted in daily packing and unpacking. In doing that, it increases the efficiency of the entire process. More time riding, less time schlepping bags around and fitting, refitting, unfitting luggage daily. Not to mention less time worrying about your gear.

Certainly, you can keep the probability of having stuff stolen low while you check into a roadside Ukrainian hotel for the night with normal soft luggage, if you take all the necessary precautions of taking all your luggage off the bike and into the hotel. But on a 3-6 month trip thru the 3rd world, thats a lot of every day faffing about that could be saved (sometimes in the cold, sometimes in the rain, sometimes in freezing rain)- your tent, sleeping bag, cooker, spare parts, tools etc dont need to go with you into the hotel every night, and thus lockable soft bags equals the "security convenience" of hard boxes (being able to leave much of your stuff locked on the bike) - but with the far superior "riding convenience" of the soft luggage format.

That's the beauty of GL gear. 3 straps and its ready to chuck on your shoulder. Currently it's just either just to small or ginormous. I would also prefer quick release buckles with straps to leave on the bike like some Wolfman gear.

Some hotels you can either feel safe to just grab some clothes and toiletries and leave the rest on the bikes if you park it cleverly like in the lobby. Others you can be confident that those muddy bags are the cleanest thing in the room or hotel it self.

Before all this talk about supposed 'security' makes people run back to boxes or cables or meshes, I would invite people to have a look in the shaft of their favorite pad lock to look at that tiny little brass locking wedge that slides into the u-bolt. Then grab any rock to knock the lock off.

A hotel room or good and trusty set of eyes (hotel with valet, inside a hotel lobby, outside a guarded police station, or embassy, or anywhere that would expose people that look with their hands not their eyes) are the best 'security' you can have. And even that isn't full proof. So why worry about it.

That can be said for either the curved hasp tabs or padlocks on many hard boxes too (see p89 in the book). It's more about discouraging opportunists - far more common than outright ransacking.

As you and Walter explain, baggage security is mostly about acting appropriately, but that preventative behaviour and associate aggro gets a bit of a drag on a long trip which is why addressing it is worthwhile.

While I am pretty blasé too and agree the fear of theft and all the other commonly assumed risks of overlanding in the AMZ are overstated (especially once you gain some street wisdom), it's still extremely inconvenient to have your stuff pinched - and the consequent days of stewing are bad for morale. On a bike it's not like you have much to spare.
Last year I had what added up to a galling £800 worth of gear lifted off my bike by the crew on a ferry to Morocco. I've never lugged my gear upstairs on any ferry in all my years, but will do so on that route from now on.

I actually think the 'end of the day' scenario described by you and Walter is an easy one to deal with. Especially in an urban setting get it out of sight and/or bring it in.

Leaving the bike in daytime in populated places is a more fitting example of moto security nags - especially when alone. Wandering off to admire a scenic waterfall or going shopping in a vibrant market.
I am sure lots of us have experienced: 'well I'd like to leave the bike and check out the temple over the hill but those two geezers look a bit dodgy'.
Like you say, hiring a minder can work, but in any case I'd feel better with a pacsafe wrapped around my twaron-lined Mags and obviously carry my valuables with me.


Getting back to the OP, there is a comparative review of soft bags in the current issue 16 of ABR.
Doesn't look like they actually used them as they did with hard boxes a couple of years back, but the selection is pretty comprehensive. Magadans quite rightly (IMO) scored top.

On that subject, before I left the US a mate was assessing Ortlieb's Speedbag and Moto Saddlebags. I recall we all got a bit excited about Speedbags here on HUBB when they came out a while back - until their capacity became evident. I still think a Speedbag shape with 50% more volume would make an inexpensive overlanding bag, though the fabric is pretty thin.

This could be a red herring but I noticed the (US sourced) Saddlebags (but not the Speedbags) he had had two small holes in the sides. They didn't look accidental and their only function I presume was to allow air to escape while rolling up, though it's not mentioned in the Ortlieb blurb and I can't say that's ever been difficult to do. But if I was buying a pair of these I'd prefer a set without holes, though they'd be easy enough to glue up.

http://adventuremotorcyclinghandbook.../ort.jpg?w=675

I think those holes are supposed to be used to mount the internal stiffeners.

I scrapped mine, and years later read the instructions for the first time with a 'duh' as they said to screw the stiffeners in...

Never knew they took stiffeners but now we know ;-)

thanks

Chris, you mention about squeezing air out on your last post. It's one of my bugbears about any waterproof roll top luggage, I always seem to get air trapped inside, admittedly more with my roll top bag than my Enduristan panniers.

To get round this I've put in a Boston valve as used in inflatable boats.

http://www.bluewatersports.com/shop/...ton_valve2.jpg

I just melted a hole the right size with a soldering iron and screwed the two parts together, no glue needed. OK so the valve is designed to keep air in, but a push on the central core lets air out as you squeeze the bag.

The other perk when installed in a roll top bag is that you can use it as a pillow, just trap air in as you close the bag and then let the correct amount out for you as you lay your weary head upon it. I've even blown extra air in my bag, stood it on end and used it as a rudimentary stool.

I was initially hopeful for this thread finally be one that doesn't end in a chat about security, resulting in people being put off by it and flee back to panniers and leaving development to too few individuals. Sadly it only lasted 1 page.

I can't imagine a local bloke at a remote waterfall, most likely selling crap, walking off with two 35l bags parked in sight of lots of people. It would take a little while before he would figure out where the straps are in any case. They would need to have knifes to cut through the bag itself to snatch at least something that might be of value (most likely nothing sadly for him). If they are there waiting for tourists they are predators and not opportunists. Good luck with any type of luggage then. There are threads on here of stolen helmets which i think were chain locked to the bike at the Iguazú Falls in Argentina. Lock your car would really be it. No car = no locking space = no solution= find other ways.

In a town, say to walk around a bazar, I already alluded to ways to solve this. In developing countries there would only be a hand full along your entire route that warrant a detailed look. Surely spending 10 minutes to figure out how to deal would this would result in a satisfactory solution. In reality, to me anyway, population centres in developing countries are not places for sightseeing. Not like in Europe anyway. So spending lots of $$ to try and solve rather than spending more time on it (there or during the planning) like staying a night and doing some laundry, having a shower would be an easier cheaper solution. If you're a backpacker you wouldn't expect to be able to drop your bag at the entrance somewhere and expect it to still be there when you get back. A bike is not a secure facility that would change this. So we shouldn't think or expect it should be any different with one, I think.

In either case going with hard panniers would not be an example of a satisfactory solution. I say this with the aim of trying to put the inexperienced reader at ease. A bloke with an evil streak going to the bazar for some onions in his lada would easily break in to your metal mule with his screw driver that he keeps in his glove box to wind down his windows.
I don't know the details of the ferry theft, but I don't believe panniers would stop that theft either (understanding that you're not suggesting this or promoting panniers at all). Not by a crew. Only taking your stuff with you would. Going light, small and most importantly SOFT would only be a benefit in every way here. All these tree will help in all facets of you enjoyment. Security up front for the reason just stated.

Small = light = better riding performance = good security = :funmeteryes:.

The soft one (trying to go back on topic here) would be easy to realise. Plenty of options. The small is the tricky one. Most people take too much including myself on 2 occasions. i rarely if ever see people with just the panniers filled up. There is usually a soft bag somewhere. So much for the security argument from the hard luggage perspective. I now try to have about as much with me when I go backpacking with maybe some more camping stuff. And then I want to be able to take it off in seconds and make sure it's all together in a single item and light enough to carry somewhere, preferably over the shoulder. To me the GL design is the only gear that allows this currently. But the sizing isn't right yet.

You're right in saying any theft is a pain in the arse, but i find this the most with camping gear (tent, bag and mat. Maybe stove). Because the local stuff is rubbish often. But you can still get by with local stuff just fine, so it's mostly a mind set. For the rest I've got mostly clothes with me, looking at my list. Wouldn't really care about that. Electronics are in a tank bag which is a motorbiker's hand bag and stupid to leave anywhere.
I'm planning on a wolfman headlight bag to chuck some roadside foot into. I'm happy to leave it and unlocked.

Because the biggest annoyance is a slashed bag for someone to run off with a pair of dirty undies or jumper. I like the idea of twaron/ kevlar but I'm not convinced in it solving slashing AND it needs a rack in the current design. I much rather see use of the pacsafe eXomesh laminated cordura fabric. The external mesh is just a red rag to a bull. It's difficult to go past the argument of the straps needing to be integrated into the mesh, but to lock them off would need a padlock currently and then you're right back where you started on that. We need some innovation on that.

In the end I always end up, for myself, returning back to the conclusion that on a motorbike, due to the nature of there not being a 'high tech' (I'm referring to car locking technology) lockable cabin, security is a myth that we're just turning around in circles with, to develop all these heavy measures like panniers to put our minds at ease. Giving up way to much in the process.

UNLESS we move past and abandon the use of ali pannier and sentence them to the history books and progress along a path on innovation to come up with a decent solution. I think we're close myself.

New Wolfman panniers seem a decent size. Wolfman Motorcycle Luggage: Rocky Mountain Saddle Bags Problem remains of straps over the seats when riding two up. Like to see a set on an 11XX GS even so.

have you tried putting the straps under the seat?

I have done this for my last two bikes, not so much for pillion comfort (I never carry pillions, I cut the pegs off so I can't), but for added safety, the panniers cannot be lifted off.

Are there many bikes that cannot fit the straps underneath the saddle?

No I haven't. They are on my short list to buy, and of course there is a rack under the pillion seat on my 1100GS which would be ideal to strap across, but it looks like the front strap would be fouled by both the seat overhang and possibly the catch. There is an adaptor plate by Windingroads to do away with the need to strap across the bike but it is extra complication.

If I'm travelling, I'm nearly always two up on this bike which is why I need the space and also need to keep the pillion seat on the bike. If I was anywhere near a dealer I'd take the bike down to try 'em out.

Bags with buckles
 

Hello!

Since you are talking about soft bags and I don't want to open a new thread I will just ask here if it is ok. Tommorow I am setting of on a 3day trip with revised packing list to give it a try. But there is a slight concern. Do you people trust the plastic buckles on the soft bags?

My bags secure to the seat base plate with 2 buckles each of the panniers. But this year they are a bit heavier than last year as I also have some tools with me and more clothes. I am affraid that these buckles will give up on any rough surfaces. Here is the picture of the buckels:
http://shrani.si/t/1i/N2/1RyGLMVY/img37071.jpg

I have also secured them to the racks with 1 cargo net and 1 bungee cord per bag.
http://shrani.si/t/20/5x/2PqXLWAB/img37081.jpg

Thanks for help and sory for hijack!

In my opinion the elastic bungy and cargo net will have little effect in keeping your bag in place. Elastics are more useful to temporarily hold down light things like gloves or maps.

If you don't trust the pannier clip buckles to take the weight (and I can see why you would think this) back it up with a cam lock strap or even just a belt. Done up tight that will help pull the weight against the rack and take the stress off the clip buckle.

Ch

I have a lot of Kriega gear. Probably enough that I should go to meetings about it.

I took a very long look at the Overlander setup - and then bought a set of Magadans. I'm pretty happy it was the right choice for me.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.n...30552935_n.jpg

(I'm less happy that I only got to use them for a week and a half of my trip because I broke the bike they were attached to, but that's another story)

I would just add to get really good quality cam operated straps; I've had one of the cams fall apart in my hands when put under tension and another one became slack very quickly, far more quickly than I anticipated (I was checking the luggage pretty frequently) - the slack one became so slack that it rubbed on the rear tyre and disintegrated before I found it.

Whatever I use, carry a couple of spare is my rule of thumb.

Some people do rate "Rok straps" for bungie type straps - they might be worth considering?

Out of interest who makes those? It's an idea I've had for a while to have panniers which could clip on to a harness which could remain strapped to the bike.

Thanks for all the suggestions, I will sure get some cam straps. I allready have ROK Straps, but only 2 to secure the tent to the rear rack.

Those are made by Moto Detail and sold by Louis - Motorrad & Freizeit - Europas Nr.1 f�r Motorradbekleidung, Motorradhelme und Motorradzubeh�r., here is the new version of my bags, just different grafic style: MOTO-DETAIL GEPAECKSYSTEM - Louis - Motorrad & Freizeit

I will most likely be seeling them(cheaply) in late august if you are interested.

Well, from being a happy Ortlieb saddlebags user, I'm now starting to think that something that is more field repairable would be better.
I had one of the welded seams pull apart in a low load area, possibly from the roll top closing action

It's not feasible to ship them back to Ortlieb for repair in the USA or Germany, so will have to compromise it with glue and stitching...

The dealer (Aerostich in the USA) told me to look up Ortlieb customer service, neither Ortlieb USA or Germany have responded after 4 days...

What types of seam joins do other expedition type systems use?

Sent from my A898 Duo using Tapatalk 2

I don't understand the problem. Can it not be stitched back together? Bit of seam sealer over the stitches and away you go.

Try Aquaseal/Aquasure or SeamSeal (same thing but thinner) - all produced by McNett. Great stuff - can be all-purpose glue or a sealant and just right for smooth PVC.

Ch

If you choose not to sew have a good scrub with some sandpaper or scotch pad and clean up really well after. Better to see still though.

I'll have a look around the outdoor shops here, to see what I can find with the seam sealer. There is only really one that would have anything imported from the USA.

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It doesn't have to seamgrip but it would be the best. Superglie works as well. But you've highlight the problem with relying on the shell for waterproofing. A good slide down the road and you really lots waterproofing. Poly or PVC coated nylon isn't famous for abrasion resistance.

I'd get roll closure bags for the stuff that really can't get wet, like fabrics, electronics and down gear, whilst you can.

Soft panniers
 

panniers 50+ litres mounted to racks made from lorry tilt

Nice job. How's the seam constructed ?

Seam glued then stitched together covered with binding then sewn with 2 more rows of stitching . So far water tight,used most weekends camping etc.

Chris, from reading the reports of your recent US trip it appears that you tweaked your Magadans but I'm not certain how. If you've got the time could you explain what you've done?

Hi Alex, all I did was rivet some attachment tabs (not very well) to the two bottom inner corners to help locate the bags against a rack.
I suggested this to Walter and he said future versions may incorporate the idea even though on ASpec the rationale for not doing this was they'd rip off.
Very unlikely if it was like the rest of the sewing and the bag was held on with the horizontal strap as well.

Below; attached with an elastic 'ball bungy' to a rack. (The semi-demountable rack became part of the bag, but that's another story).

I just looked back through my SWUSA reports - what a great trip that was!

I enjoyed reading it, even if you did have a bike with too many cc's. I'm intrigued by the rack too.

I know this is an old thread, but I did want to add Mosko Moto soft panniers to the list.

They mount on a rack (in my case TT) with a back plate, so come off QD (handy if the bike is on its side and you need to quickly lighten it) and are made of very tough materials with a removable dry sac liner. No straps either over or under the seat- something I was keen to avoid!

I tested them on a recent trip to France and Spain and they were completely waterproof through some utterly shite weather in the UK. They are not as light as true soft panniers but are a deal lighter than ally boxes. There is no way they can burn on the pipe and no stray straps to tangle up in the wheel or whatever. Anyway, I'm pleased with them.

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/u...227v2small.jpg

Handy flap for temporary storage..

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/u...50179small.jpg

No connection, justy a happy customer. One warning though- they are quite pricey for soft bags, but they are very 'technical' bags.

Nice looking bags Reg. Pricey like you say but that comes with the nifty slip-on & clip-on feature. Like the baguette sleeve too - or should I call it 'beavertail' + the outside pocket + Molle straps.

Do they sell them in the UK?

Wrt my previous post above - as we all know, the latest MkII Magadans now feature lower tabs for fixing to the bike or rack to limit movement.

Used some recently in Morocco and no complaints: simple but study system.
Most nights I left the bags on and took the inners inside, but in a foreign city I can see the value of removing the bags entirely even if they're empty, to make the bike less noticeable.

https://adventuremotorcyclinghandboo...mitaspiste.jpg

No, and when you import them you get stung with VAT.:frown: They should perhaps be viewed as an alternative to good quality hard boxes, not as a cheaper option. Still way cheaper than MM though!

There is a smaller option and a 'rackless' bag is on the way for real hardcore lightweight afficianados.

21 Brothers
 

Spotted another option.
21 Bros from Poland - 150 quidish.
Review here: Panniers on the xCountry | Defylife Adventure

Wow, how have I missed this thread.

That's my general overview of the 21 brothers panniers in the link above.

Nothing bad to say about them yet (one or two small niggles), but then I've only used them in the UK so far. They will get a proper test on my Moroccan tour in April.

When sports bike throw over panniers can cost as little of £30, I just can't bring myself to spend £300+ on "Adventure" panniers, no matter how well made they are, so these were a compromise. I use that term loosely as the only compromise (for me) is that they don't come with their own inner dry bags for quick removal, but they are 100% waterproof.

I'm in the process of setting up my Wolfman Expedition Dry Panniers on my bike. I had a Giant Loop Great Basin and didn't care for the zip system and all in one compartment. It's also not waterproof. So these Wolfman bags are yet to be tested but seem like very high quality.

Attachment 14570

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.

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.

bier

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.

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.:thumbup1:


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aI9mUsrQHS...0/DSCN3245.JPG

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EzcmyGdg2-...0/DSCN3247.JPG

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

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.

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.

Those canvas bags are a good, low cost option! :thumbup1:

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.

Yip..separate dry bags is perfect. Just grabbing a hand full of bags is so much nicer than portaging panniers..

How so? You just Chuck them over your shoulder and have hands free to open doors or sign in or whatever.

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.

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.

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.

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. bier