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Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
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  #1  
Old 1 Jul 2011
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which soft panniers

hi all, can anyone recommend soft panniers which are a good size ,waterproof at the right price.thanks
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  #2  
Old 1 Jul 2011
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look at enduristan monsoon excellent kit - I did a review on them here last week. Zen Overland are the uk dealers
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  #3  
Old 2 Jul 2011
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Wolfman pannier are waterproof and really well made. Had a look at a pair at my mates and was impressed. Off course after a couple of good crashes I wouldn't expect it to be waterproof any more. Dunno why people are so concerned with that either. Not everything has to be waterproof. They need racks as well which I find annoying.

They also have that new Giant Loop rip off system which is waterproof. But it doesn't yield as much space for the size. Again, wouldn't expect it to be WP forever either depending on your riding.

Big fan of GL Coyote myself. Sturdy, light, convenient and doesn't need a rack. Put stuff that needs to stay dry in WP roll closure bags and you keep your pack organised and easy to use.
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Old 2 Jul 2011
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Andy Strapz have been excellent to me
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  #5  
Old 10 Jul 2011
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Ben,

I would highly recommend the Andystrapz aswell and have written up a lot on another post including a bespoke pannier rack which was made by Zenoverland to fit the soft panniers.

Check it out- http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...apz-soft-58152

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Old 11 Jul 2011
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There appear to be quite a few negative reports on Andy Strapz regarding the stitching. Some info here

ADVrider - View Single Post - Soft Panniers recommendations ?

Steel Pony bags are pretty sturdy and a similar design.
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  #7  
Old 8 Dec 2011
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I have Ortlieb panniers. They've done the job for more than ten years......
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Old 19 Feb 2012
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soft panniers security

I am about to buy an AT and am looking into travelling gear too. How do you guys deal with safety/security issues like leaving the bike when site seeing with soft panniers?

Cheers,
Noel
www.toyotaoffthemap.blogspot.com
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Old 19 Feb 2012
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Stay the night or park at a good hotel or similar with security parking. It sucks walking around in the heat with your gear (long pants) on, so I wouldn't be surprised if you end up choosing option 1. I believe it's about the ride to find place you can't do backpacking more than the sightseeing, but this is a personal decision.
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  #10  
Old 20 Feb 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by noel di pietro View Post
I am about to buy an AT and am looking into travelling gear too. How do you guys deal with safety/security issues like leaving the bike when site seeing with soft panniers?

Cheers,
Noel
www.toyotaoffthemap.blogspot.com
There is a review in here somewhere about using stainless steel thin wire netting - probably in the equipment reviews forum.
What I do is park the bike in very public areas with lots of people passing by continuously. An alternative is to park in an entrance to somewhere, like a museum and ask the people working there to keep an eye on the bike + you could take the luggage inside and dump it with the attendants at the entrance.
Some people use a bike cover so that the whole bike is covered over.
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Old 20 Feb 2012
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I use a set of Crampster throw overs. The good thing is that shock loads are absorbed by the seat. anything I don't want to get wet I put in a plastic bag inside the pannier. Although I have yet to see any dampness on the plastic bags so they have been waterproof thus far.
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Old 21 Feb 2012
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I'll add another recommendation for Wolfman Expedition Saddle Bags.

25k miles through North, Central, and South America. Multiple lay downs. Bags are still in great shape and fully waterproof.

Never had an issue with security.
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  #13  
Old 20 Jun 2013
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I have used Andy Strapz for over 8 years, only on my second set as I set fire to the first set (long story). Strong, cheap, waterproof, repairable, and soft on you when you drop the bike on yourself. Of course, no security, but only take what you can afford to lose!
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  #14  
Old 20 Jun 2013
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Ortleib rat pack + Magadans + 'pelican' cheapo copy as top box.
Best combi which works really well for me.
I've yet to see anything that remotely comes close.
But then it's horses for courses!
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  #15  
Old 20 Jun 2013
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Here are many cheap options
Build your own panniers made easy
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