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Pacsafe, what size for a 49L duffle? Pacsafe, what size for a 49L duffle?
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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



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  #1  
Old 27 Feb 2012
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Pacsafe, what size for a 49L duffle?
Hi all,

In your experience, what Pacsafe would go better for a 49L duffle? The 55L model (read it’s 22 to 55L) or the 85L (85 to 120L)?

- 55L seems initially the right size (the nr. at least), but I’d like to be able to put the jacket and the like inside… And pictures of backpacks it looks there would a big opening all along.

- 85L, would it be way too big, loose?

Finally, will the wire mesh scratch the surfaces of the bike it touches? (I may use it on a rented bike).

Thanks in advance and happy travels.

Esteban
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  #2  
Old 27 Feb 2012
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I've used the largest size for smaller duffles. Stuffing things into pacsafe bags is an acquired skill, and it's easier if there's room to spare. That way you can put boots, jacket, riding pants, etc. inside if you leave the bike for a while to see a museum or take a hike, too. Openings are the same size no matter what.

The wire will definitely scratch plastic, metal, paint or anything else. If it's not your bike, bring a few good straps and something to pad the pacsafe.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
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  #3  
Old 27 Feb 2012
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Definitely, great help, that was exactly the idea! Thanks a lot.

So you got the biggest one (til 140 liters)! That's a big thing, I hadn't planned to carry a pig Cambodian way yet! It was already invented.

I think I'll go for the 85L, hope it's enough (no MX boots).

Esteban

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Old 28 Feb 2012
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Yup... 85l is what you want.

I've got a 55l and it struggled to get my 30L Centrino backpack in when stuffed full but just closed.

The 85 can fit a large rucksack, a rolled up large ortlieb roll bag or a 55l ortlieb 'rack pack' just right.
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Old 28 Feb 2012
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Nice photo; sort've a low-tech pacsafe.

I should have said that I got the largest available when and where I bought it, which was a long time ago. A large backpack fits in it with room to spare. Make of that what you will.

When the wires start to fray after extended use, and you find yourself puncturing your hands repeatedly while struggling to draw the cable closure tight, Plasti-grip (the stuff designed to dip tool handles which sets up into a plastic, insulating grip) is the answer to your prayers. Ask me how I know that.....

Mark
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Old 28 Feb 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf View Post
Nice photo; sort've a low-tech pacsafe.

I should have said that I got the largest available when and where I bought it, which was a long time ago. A large backpack fits in it with room to spare. Make of that what you will.

When the wires start to fray after extended use, and you find yourself puncturing your hands repeatedly while struggling to draw the cable closure tight, Plasti-grip (the stuff designed to dip tool handles which sets up into a plastic, insulating grip) is the answer to your prayers. Ask me how I know that.....

Mark
Electrical tape also works well.... My heavily abused five year old pacsafe is frayed all over too...
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Old 28 Feb 2012
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Thanks a lot to both of you for your helpful advice, I ordered the 85L Pacsafe (open to get a bigger in the future, as long as it comes with the piglets!).

Umm... fraying, I wonder how the pacsafe would it be with a plastic layer all over, as some metal cables. Probably it would tear off after too much folding. So, one day I'll try your recommendations.

Ted, btw, I've seen your (bigger size) pacsafe full of stuff inside in Ethiopia...

So, would be feasible to use soft-luggage (and pacsafes) over the exhausts on this RENTED V-Strom 650??? Or will it definitely get scratched (or the bags melted)??? I thought about a soft underlay similar to this: UNIVERSAL-UNTERLAGE SCHW. - Louis - Motorrad & Freizeit

Plan B: paying that mad money for renting the panniers... probably.

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Old 12 Apr 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
Yup... 85l is what you want.

I've got a 55l and it struggled to get my 30L Centrino backpack in when stuffed full but just closed.

The 85 can fit a large rucksack, a rolled up large ortlieb roll bag or a 55l ortlieb 'rack pack' just right.
Seems that you need a pacsafe bag substantially larger than the actual bag (I have an orlieb bag) you wish to contain as Ted says.

I have the XL Ortlieb Racksack bag (89L) and the 140 Pacsafe model just fits it. Just, with very little to spare. So think you have to go the next size up from what you need.

Safe riding and happy travels,

Ian
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Old 12 Apr 2012
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I got the 85L and the 49L duffle is kind of a little "loose" inside, but the deterrence factor is there, and I think that this is what counts.

I could pack a friend's bag inside as well (not completely), so we could freely visit a city: the same deterrence factor was there. For a professional thief it is nothing, but to avoid snatching while you park in a visible (safe looking) place, seems to be great.

Thanks for the advice.

Esteban
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