Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Equipment Reviews
DIY soft panniers DIY soft panniers
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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 Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 29 Mar 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 39
DIY soft panniers
Hi guys,
I've set my mind on getting a set of soft panniers. Would love a set of Andy Strapz or Steel Ponies, but getting them sent over from Oz to Europe + paying import duties will set me back at least 300 euro's... seems like a lot of money for a set of canvas bags.
Has anyone tried fabricating softpaniers themselves? Can't be too hard i've been thinking. Buy some reallt heavy duty truck canvas, some velcro, some nylon straps and a couple of nights behind a sowing machine should do the job.
Am I missing something / seeing it too simplified? Has it been doen before? Please share your experiences.
cheers
Paul
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 29 Mar 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Grenada MS
Posts: 15
soft luggage
I've been thinking the same thing - more because I want something that I know will fit my needs vs looking for it.

Another place you might want to look before you start making your own is a bicycle shop - Not sure of the brands to look for in UK/ Europe but Cannondale here makes nice stuff that could be modified with a strap or two. If nothing else it would be a good place to get ideas for your own bags
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 29 Mar 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Denmark
Posts: 166
If you are anywhere near a sailmakers go and visit them and tell them what you want, they will have someone who will help you out.

You can have them made to your exact specifications out of all sorts of material that will last.

Don`t think of the white sail material that you know they have a choice of a lot tougher laminated materials.

I know this because I am a sailmaker in Denmark.

Steve
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Mar 2010
Gold Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Weymouth, Dorset, England
Posts: 56
My friend Pat bought a couple of cheapo rucksacks in Weymouth market for £3.99 each plus a bunch of straps to tie them on with and travelled 15000 miles round South America with them - no problems. Of course everything needs to be in plastic bags..... but that's normal! Mind you they were a bit knackered by the end of the trip (the original dusty old bags if you saw our Derby HU presentation. She's now upgraded to somebody's cast off Helds for our current trip and they're holding up well so far (8000+miles to date).
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Mar 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 39
Oké, couple of good ideas there, especially the sail makers seems like a good source of knowledge.
But my original idea was to basically copy the andy strapz (Andy Strapz - Motorbike Bags, Straps, Panniers, Over Gloves - Australian Made) / steel pony (Steel Pony Luggage Home) concept. Simple, waterproof, throw-over saddle bags with a folding top. Buy some heavy duty pvc (used to cover trucks / circus tents etc), buy some vynil straps and velcro and stich it all together. You'd be done for 50 euros max i guess.
Any feedback on this idea?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 Mar 2010
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 4,014
Will a normal sewing machine handle heavy fabric? I've always thought you needed a special machine for sails, duffels, that sort of thing, but I'm not sure I know how I might have determined this.

There is a lot of skill in the design and fabrication of high-quality gear, including fabric stuff....but much of what I've seen and used which is aimed at the bike market isn't really too sophisticated (to my dismay when it leaks, tears, breaks, fails to close and fasten or otherwise function as intended). C.f., expensive roll-top panniers which leak but don't drain (hence fill up several inches deep with water when it rains), draped in multiple straps which fail to secure properly, then promptly rip when tightened. Or maybe that's just me.

Use more stitching than you think you need, plus the better grades of velcro and/or buckles, and bring some plastic bags and rubber bungies to tie it all back together when it explodes.

And post back to tell how it all worked out.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 29 Mar 2010
Gold Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 90
Panniers
Hi Paul
Have you tried the army n navy stores for the larger knapsacks i have used these before dirt cheap and meggar strong and abrasive but leak like a tea bag.

cheers

steve


Quote:
Originally Posted by pauldelft View Post
Hi guys,
I've set my mind on getting a set of soft panniers. Would love a set of Andy Strapz or Steel Ponies, but getting them sent over from Oz to Europe + paying import duties will set me back at least 300 euro's... seems like a lot of money for a set of canvas bags.
Has anyone tried fabricating softpaniers themselves? Can't be too hard i've been thinking. Buy some reallt heavy duty truck canvas, some velcro, some nylon straps and a couple of nights behind a sowing machine should do the job.
Am I missing something / seeing it too simplified? Has it been doen before? Please share your experiences.
cheers
Paul
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 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 15:11
Cheap soft panniers 6.99 argos? Martynbiker Equipment Reviews 5 20 Dec 2007 13:38
Soft Panniers for a 12GS ?? george t BMW Tech 5 24 Aug 2005 08:03
Panniers - Hard or Soft? NickG TRAVEL Hints and Tips 5 28 Jan 2004 18:58

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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.

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



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

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 21:12.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top