Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Equipment Reviews
Securing expensive luggage when unattended Securing expensive luggage when unattended
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 Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree14Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 9 Feb 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 2
Securing expensive luggage when unattended
Hi All

My first post. I am planning a motorbike trip all the way around Australia. I have 2 smallish hard panniers and a top box. I have bought a pretty expensive Hilleberg tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat, none of which will go in the hard luggage. I was considering getting an Ortlieb Rack Pack to put these items in. The plan was to get a small daypack (35 litres) to use when off the bike.

However, it probably isn't a good idea to leave a couple of thousand dollars worth of kit in a soft bag, unattended on the bike. Do any experienced overlanders have suggestions of how to deal with this issue? ?strap down Rack Pack with steelcore straps (but ?could bag still be slid out, and I guess cut into). Or perhaps leave the bag with hopefully trustworthy! shopkeepers etc for a few hours each time I go exploring off the bike?

An alternative might be to buy an Ortlieb X-Tremer XL, which can be carried like a rucksack, and not get a day pack at all. I'd then just take the tent and sleeping stuff with me whenever I leave the bike. Does anyone have any experience with this type of dry bag.

Thanks for any advice.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 9 Feb 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Do a search in here (use the box at the top of the page, right hand side) for the terms "pac safe" or "pac-safe".

There will be your salvation.

is appropriate now that you have posted!
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 9 Feb 2015
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,982
I've used a PacSafe mesh bag in this exact situation (including the Hilleberg!). It's awkward, but entirely workable. Of course the best answer is to drastically cut the amount of stuff you're hauling, but still....

Beware: the PacSafe will fit lots more than your camping kit. That might make it handy for the times when you use it to store riding jacket, pants and boots while strolling around town, but it'll also tempt you to stuff it more and more into it while touring. That makes for awkward packing and unpacking, with a high center of gravity and none of the advantages of your small panniers. Sometimes it's best to provide secure, hard-sided storage for that $1k Swedish tent.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 9 Feb 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: London
Posts: 43
You don't want to be lugging your gear about the place. Pacsafe wire mesh advertises there is something worth taking. Hard luggage is easy to break into. Just throw your gear in a rack pack, leave it covered in mud and you'll hopefully be fine. If you are really worried give one of the local kids who invariably show up a few dollars and tell them to guard the bike.

Be more worried about someone robbing your actual bike.

I used ortlieb panniers and pack with no problems. Until I got to the UK and my bike was robbed. With my gear on it.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10 Feb 2015
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,982
In my opinion, humble as ever, no thief needs to see a PacSafe bag to gather that you've got something worth stealing; the bike and baggage themselves advertise that much rather loudly.

I've had minor stuff stolen off my bike when not locked in hard panniers or within the pacsafe. But I've never had anyone test my flimsy little locks or cables--not even once, including all the places you hear about where thieves run rampant. Pointing out that the bike itself is easily stolen somewhat misses the point.

I'll add only that discussions on this topic are frequent, often extensive, and sometimes contentious. A site search will turn up more opinions--informed and otherwise--than you'll know what to do with.

Safe journeys!

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10 Feb 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Outer Sydney, Australia
Posts: 366
And I thought we had outgrown the 'criminal' tag 200 years ago silly me
Unless you are in the city, very few people would even give your gear a 2nd look in Aus
Seriously, backpackers are the enemy when it comes to camp gear going missing in camp sites in the remote areas
__________________
My memory is becoming that good, I should be able to organise my own surprise party soon
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10 Feb 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 2
Thanks for all the advice. I like the look of the Pacsafe options. I may opt for the Stuffsafe, or a mesh over an Ortlieb Rack back.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10 Feb 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Don't forget the "hide it" options. Bin liner or ex-army canoe sack over the huge dayglo fabric, massively logo'd, price tagged manufacturers bag may convince people to just keep walking by.

When you get to Australia and customs ask if you have a criminal record, be sure to inform them that you didn't think one was still required to be allowed in. They've never heard that one before and will think it massively funny

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11 Feb 2015
Lifetime Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 365
Take the hide it option one step further- just get a bike cover (just a cheap one off eBay as the rule of thumb seems to be the cheaper they are, the thinner they are, and hence the easier they're to pack)

Sent from my GT-P3110 using Tapatalk
__________________
Martin

finally back on the road again


http://awayonmybike.blogspot.com/
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11 Feb 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
Once you have done a few outback miles on our dusty roads .. anyone who touches it will be marked by the red dust. Most people won't bother due to the dirty motorcycle image. I wash my bike before I do a service or change a tyre. On a trip - leave it dirty.

Your theft worries are when you go shopping in a larger place.. say 3 or more pubs. Smaller places will know who stole it .. if they are a local.

The camping gear is not too much of a worry .. mark it with your name and phone number (cell phone). The things you really want to keep safe are your photos and notes. You cannot replace them no matter how much money/insurance you have.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11 Feb 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: East Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 8
Small valuables in pacsafe bag, large gear encased in Pacsafe mesh and hide the lot under a cover
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 17 Feb 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 79
In Australia. Noone will even look at your kit. Don't go experience site or Heavy!
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 17 Feb 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 79
Oops. Don't go expensive or heavy.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 17 Feb 2015
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 971
Quote:
Originally Posted by phacobiker View Post
it probably isn't a good idea to leave a couple of thousand dollars worth of kit in a soft bag, unattended on the bike. Do any experienced overlanders have suggestions of how to deal with this issue?
This is exactly the reason why I love my 10 Dollars tent and 2 Dollars sleeping bag from the flee marked
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 23 Feb 2015
stuxtttr's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lutterworth,Midlands, UK
Posts: 574
If someone really wants something they are going to get it no matter how hard you try, infact the harder you make it the more mess they will probably make.

ditto the above for small locks etc that will put a casual theif off, any more and they are probably just taking the whole bike.

I've left snowboards and bags with shops and campsites etc, my board I left for a month in Wanaka and it was still there when I returned.

If I go for a long hike and want to ditch some gear ask the friendly shop keeper where you stock up for food before the hike.

If asked most people will help.

I don't think you'll have any bother, enjoy your trip.

a cheap cable lock through a wheel stops people pushing the bike away, I drilled a hole through the stand mount so that when the stand is down i just secure it in place with a cheap padlock. (just remember to undo the lock!!!! before you turn left) as well as security from theft etc it also gave me piece of mind when on ships etc
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« 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
RTW on CRF250L - Amsterdam to....Anywhere! -Leonie- Ride Tales 63 13 Jul 2016 06:42
Hard vs Soft Luggage - Our Metal Mule and Enduristan Review and Solution Pheebs Equipment Reviews 0 9 Feb 2013 10:18
F800GS Jesse Luggage Panniers and Top Box - For sale, Newcastle UK todderz TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 2 8 Jan 2013 16:48

 
 

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
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
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.

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!

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 19:14.

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