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  #1  
Old 25 Oct 2002
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Soft packs
All this talk about alu-boxes. How about leather or gore-tex bags, does anyone have experience with these items?

I'm thinking that soft packs might be less effectfull as protection against sand and water? But on the other hand are lighter and less vulnerable to damage?

Comments?
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  #2  
Old 15 Mar 2008
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Talking Soft bags
For more off road I think that soft bags are the way to go. I have HB Gobi on my KTM 950A and Ortlieb on my KTM 640A. The difference in weight is 20 pounds. (8 Kilos?)
The Gobis have survived some minor crashes with no harm. They are secure, don't have sharp edges, water proof, and dustproof.
The Ortliebs are new to me but are a river bag style so they should be waterproof and dustproof also. They mount up well to most rack systems as they have a hard surface on the mounting side with good tie-downs. They are repairable with rafting or wet-suit patch material. I am getting PacSafe wire web to provide some security while I'm off the bike for short periods.
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  #3  
Old 15 Mar 2008
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Discussed here:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...d+luggage+soft
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  #4  
Old 18 Mar 2008
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try The North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag
EXCELLENT
strong, waterproof, easy to fix/attach/strap to the bike etc ...
i used it for 3 years just behind me attached on the saddle or seat of the bike (not on my back but you can also use as a back pack) and it s still new !

happy trails
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  #5  
Old 19 Mar 2008
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not quite
The north face bag is not waterproof. Showerproof yes, waterproof no. The material is waterproof but the zips and seams will let water in, trust me, I know!
Most stuff that people think is waterproof is OK on your 30 minute commute, but try it on a 16 hour day in the pouring rain......
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  #6  
Old 19 Mar 2008
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you re right
but you can believe me i never had water problems travelling wit this bag, i wouldn t recommend it otherwise :-)
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  #7  
Old 20 Mar 2008
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Caja Sahel :: Caja Sahel Advnenture Fabric panniers
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  #8  
Old 20 Mar 2008
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Gore tex is (a) bloody expensive (b)for luggage.. pointless..... it's no more waterproof than pvc, it's just breathable.... so if your gear has a sweating problem... perfect

As far as North Face gear bags... i own one and though the design is good the fabric is rubbish compared to what it could be(for the $). they are made of the lightest possible grade Truck tarp material. If you went to any horse saddler or Auto upholsterer, they could turn you out something custom made for the task, of more durable material, and without the thief attracting logo's. all this for half the price.(if not less than that)

Amybaja used some ortlieb bags to ride through Africa. I spoke to robboxrv (her travel partner) about them and he reckoned they were very good

Hope you find something that suits

Steve
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  #9  
Old 20 Mar 2008
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For quality soft luggage check out - Wolfman Motorcycle Luggage - Made in the USA
Great design and very tough.
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  #10  
Old 20 Mar 2008
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Location: Maidstone, Kent, England
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I have always used soft panniers & although some are not waterproof If you get ones with waterproof covers & put all your kit in "Dry" Bags you will be fine. In the old days we used to use black bin liners! now the dry bags come in different colours, so I can get to the right bag without unloading everything.

I Have a set of Bellstaff panniers that have a built in waterproof cover that can be unzipped & pulled over.

I like the fact that you can never overload soft panniers, they are lighter & cheaper than Ali boxes but it is always down to personal choice.

Martyn
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  #11  
Old 21 Mar 2008
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Location: Auckland NZ
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Soft Packs
All.
Just purchased some Kreiga gear here in Oz and must say that they are all and more than I expected. Great build and quality and for the price can't be beaten...also water/dust proof.

Cheers.
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  #12  
Old 28 Mar 2008
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I used for few years now the saddle bags from Chase Harper:
Chase Harper SaddleBags
The "Stealth" model. They fit my last two bikes nicely, they are made of some kind of molded foam so they're keeping there shape even empty,
they are pretty though and water resistant but not waterproof (I just put everything in a plastic bag).
They are not really big but it's been enough for me so far (ovoid over packing)

Cheers,
Fredo.


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