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Rackless Saddlebags vs Soft Panniers vs Dry Bags: Motorcycle Soft Luggage 101

Dork in the Road

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One of the most complicated and important parts of getting into adventure motorcycling is figuring out how to carry your gear on your bike. For many dual sport and adventure motorcycle riders, the answer is soft luggage.

Whether you need motorcycle soft luggage for a day trip, a single overnight, or a week-long adventure, you need to find a way to carry your gear without interfering with your ability to have fun riding your motorcycle…which is kind of the whole point of riding a motorcycle. Let me help you on your quest to find the best motorcycle soft luggage by narrowing down your search to one of three categories.

This soft motorcycle luggage overview covers the three most common types of motorcycle soft luggage: rackless saddlebags, soft panniers, and motorcycle dry bags or duffel bags. This adventure bike luggage overview is meant as a 10000 foot view of these different types of motorcycle luggage, the differences between these types of soft bags, and the pros and cons of each type of soft luggage for adventure motorcycles.

SOFT LUGGAGE EXAMPLES FROM THIS VIDEO:
All links below are affiliate links

Motorcycle Dry Bag Examples:
Giant Loop Tillamook: https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/pa...
Mosko Moto Alpine Duffel: https://moskomoto.com/collections/mot...
Tusk Dry Duffel Bag:
https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/pa...

Rackless Motorcycle Luggage Examples:
Giant Loop Coyote: https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/pa...
Giant Loop Great Basin: https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/pa...
Mosko Reckless 40: https://moskomoto.com/collections/rac...
and 80: https://moskomoto.com/collections/rac...
Tusk Excursion: https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/pa...
and Highland: https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/pa...

Motorcycle Soft Panniers Examples:
Tusk Olympus: https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/pa...
GL RTW: https://www.giantloopmoto.com/product...
GL Mototrekk: https://www.giantloopmoto.com/product...
Mosko Moto Alpine: https://moskomoto.com/collections/mot...
Mosko Moto Backcountry: https://moskomoto.com/collections/mot...

Lone Rider Moto Bag:
https://www.lonerider-motorcycle.com/...

Soft Luggage 101 Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:43 Caveats and Disclaimers
01:37 Three Types of Soft Motorcycle Luggage
02:16 Motorcycle Dry Bags and/or Duffel Bags
05:12 Rackless Motorcycle Luggage
09:00 Soft Panniers
11:57 Other Motorcycle Soft Luggage Options
12:45 Soft Luggage Combos for Adventure Riding
13:16 Choosing the Best Soft Motorcycle Luggage Type
13:37 More Information on Rackless Luggage
13:53 Outro

Want to support the channel when you buy your dual sport or ADV gear and mods? Please consider using these affiliate links:

Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: https://bit.ly/3tYzpXq
Flying Eyes: https://flyingeyesoptics.superfiliate...
(save 10% with promo code "dorkintheroad")
Mosko Moto: https://moskomoto.com/dorkintheroad
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Revzilla: https://imp.i104546.net/4eMdJZ
MotoCamp Nerd: https://motocampnerd.com/?ref=dork
Cyclops Adventure Lighting: https://www.cyclopsadventuresports.co...
(save 15% with promo code "dorkintheroad)
Save 20% on Gaia GPS Premium with this link: https://www.gaiagps.com/discounts/?fp...
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Thank you for supporting the channel by clicking on the affiliate links in this description.

Disclaimer for reasons: I am not a professional journalist, expert motorcycle rider, or a mechanic. These videos are for entertainment purposes and represent my personal opinions and experiences. I'm just a dude who isn't even good at riding or making videos, so be smart and don't risk life or limb trying to follow my example or advice.

20 Comments

@DorkintheRoad Creator 1 year ago (edited) Pinned

SOFT LUGGAGE EXAMPLES FROM THIS VIDEO: (All links below are affiliate links)
DRY BAGS:
Giant Loop Tillamook: https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/giant-loop-tillamook-dry-bag-p?ref=1035
Mosko Moto Alpine Duffel: https://moskomoto.com/collections/motorcycle-tail-bag-duffles-backpacks/products/alpine-30l-duffle?ghref=12956%3A690577
Tusk Dry Duffel Bag:
https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-dry-duffel-bag-p?ref=1035
Rackless Motorcycle Luggage:
Giant Loop Coyote: https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/giant-loop-coyote-roll-top-saddlebag-p?ref=1035
Giant Loop Great Basin: https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/giant-loop-great-basin-saddlebag-p?ref=1035
Mosko Reckless 40: https://moskomoto.com/collections/rackless-systems/products/reckless-40l-v4-0?ghref=12956%3A690577
and 80: https://moskomoto.com/collections/rackless-systems/products/reckless-80l-v4-0?ghref=12956%3A690577
Tusk Excursion: https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-excursion-rackless-luggage-system-p?ref=1035
and Highland: https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-highland-x2-rackless-luggage-system-p?ref=1035
Motorcycle Soft Panniers:
Tusk Olympus: https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-olympus-pannier-bags-p?ref=1035
GL RTW: https://www.giantloopmoto.com/product/round-the-world-panniers/?ref=dork
GL Mototrekk: https://www.giantloopmoto.com/product/mototrekk-panniers/?ref=dork
Mosko Moto Alpine: https://moskomoto.com/collections/motorcycle-panniers/products/alpine-pannier-30l?ghref=12956%3A690577
Mosko Moto Backcountry: https://moskomoto.com/collections/motorcycle-panniers/products/backcountry-pannier-kit-v2-5?ghref=12956%3A690577

Lone Rider Moto Bag:
https://www.lonerider-motorcycle.com/products/motobags

@ToddTheAxeMan 1 year ago

My wife tells me to stop buying so many motorcycle purses...

@motomaverickusa 1 year ago

“unscheduled dismount” is my new favorite term, thanks for that. 😂

@jessewigent9776 1 year ago

One method backpackers use is to pack the quilt “loose”/stuffed into a pack/bag liner so it “fills” the shape of the pack/bag but still keeps it waterproof. When a quilt is put into a compression sack it doesn’t reduce volume much, but does turn it into a hard shape that is less flexible for packing. Clothes are also good to pack in this manner. This approach can be applied to many items and serves to reduce the volume of the gear and make it stable too. Just sharing. Might be useful to some, works well for me.

@ADingoTookMyDasco 1 year ago

I use the Kriega US Tailpacks. I can strap them on my raod bike, scrambler & dual sport & easily switch between bikes as needed. Plus, because they connect together I can carry as little as 10 L or as much as 80 L between the 4 bags I own (1 x 10 L, 2 x 20 l & 1 x 30 L). And they work as an every day commuter bag as well. I usually have a 20 L & 30 L bag stuffed inside the 10 L in case I need to hit up the grocery store or do some other shopping on the way home.

@DualSportDoug 1 year ago

Soft Luggage FTW! Hard cases are heavy, bulky and damage prone during off trail excursions.

@matheff71 1 year ago

Damn, you are killing it recently with these educational videos and hot takes! Keep em coming dude!

@PotatoChowderhead 1 year ago

I'm a new entry into the ADV/Dual sport space from road riding and I need to learn the basics somewhere. This was clear and to the point. I will refer back to this video when I get ready to click "buy" on a set of bags.

@gmcjetpilot 10 months ago

RhinoWalk Mechanic Series 35L Side Bags Panniers, quick release, lockable, semi ridged with removable frame, removed can be collapsed down for smaller volume. About $500. Great quality and about 13 lbs each side with mounting rack (universal fit for most OEM side bag racks), dry liner and the folding frame to make semi ridged.. Love them, and a Rhino walk 30L soft top bag has straps that allow bag to be removed, water proof liner zips in.

@IRLtrolls 1 year ago

I’ll give my 2 cents because I went for the most affordable yet easy to deal with set up.

Givi pannier racks $200

Nelson rigg hurricane soft panniers - $200

Universal Amazon top case - $100

70L Earthpack Drybag - $50

I ride a Super Tenere and I do big cross country tours with light offroad like gravel roads and easy trails.

I really like this set up because I have the soft bags on the side for safety and I have the hard top case for easy in and out when stopping for fuel or whatever I can quickly grab a bottle of water or snack out of the top case and not have to deal with a toll top.

And the dry bag duffle goes behind me on the passenger seat.

I carry my MSR Xplorer suit in the left side of the soft bags, I carry all my tools and repair items on the right side. I carry all my camping gear in the duffle bag behind me and I carry all my random things like water bottles, snacks and mild lays for easy access in the top case.

Just did a 5,000 mile tour and it worked fantastic, won’t change a thing

@cliftonsr 1 year ago

More well needed great advice from you Ben. And I think from now on, when people are wanting similar advice that’s easy peasy to understand with tutorials, I’m going to definitely refer them to your channel.

@DiscoveryDarks 7 days ago

Would be cool to see a video from someone with so much experience on these things for cheaper amazon versions or temu/aliexpress etc, Most of the ones you showed at least for me are about 1/4 of my bikes worth lol.

@WyDave 1 year ago

I've had VERY good experience with Nelson Rigg bags. Nice economy price and lifetime warranty.

@KentCottle 1 year ago

I just got my 450 IBEX. I'm 67 and this is my 1st motorcycle, so new to Adv biking is an understatement. I put a top box on it, which I really like because it holds a lot and is easy to access, waterproof and locks. I was and am thinking of doing racks and soft panniers for the sides. I really think that between a small backpack and a tank bag I would be able to carry what I need to do about anything I will attempt. I think most of my trips will be solo, so I don't see myself doing hardcore trails just off-road type stuff (BDR's). I like the idea of soft pannier sides (rack or rack less) because of the protection I think it will give when the bike tips over. Your video gives me lots to think about. Thank you.

@Andrew-td6hi 1 month ago

This was so helpful as is all your videos. So well done and informative. I have a Drx and thinking rack less for now.

@eX_aRe_eLle 1 year ago

On my XR650L, I use the Tusk Highland X2 with a Giant Loop Tillamook across the top for long trips. Depending on location, I strap Armadillo bags and Cactus Canteens to those bags.

@samuele.marcora 3 weeks ago

My standard setting is a backpack and a drybag. It forces me to ride light

@Billet_Badger 1 year ago

I have been very happy with my Hurricane Nelson Rigg bags. They are waterproof and don't need a dry sack. They are an incredible value and have a lifetime warranty. I have tested this warranty and was shocked at how easy it was. Just sent a picture of the damage and of the back destroyed (instead of returning), and they shipped me a brand new back. I had the replacement bag in less than a week. That is why I am a big fan of the Nelson Rigg bags.

@thedanyesful 3 months ago

It’s hard to beat the value of the Tusk hard luggage. If two is too wide and heavy, just take one off.

@Sturmeyhack 1 year ago

Thank you for this. The taxonomy can get confusing!

Aerostitch sells the big Ortlieb dry duffels; I upgraded to one during my cross-country trip last summer. It held all my camping gear, including my folding chair. Use the big Rok Straps to tie it down.