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-   -   Giant Loop Panniers (https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/equipping-bike-whats-best-gear/giant-loop-panniers-60693)

clankymike 11 Dec 2011 21:49

Giant Loop Panniers
 
Hi All
Has anyone used Giant Loop Basin pannier bags, as I am thinking of getting some soon for a trip but I would like know your thoughts on them.
Thanks
Mike

Jake 11 Dec 2011 23:21

I have no experience of these giant loop bags - but have a lot of experience of hard and soft pannier systems used in various types of travel from long to short distance, in seriously bad weather to hot climates and on both tarmac and gravel/ dirt roads. So maybe my experience counts a little. That said I think luggage is a very personal choice but this particular system - I honestly can not see anything other than a novelty type of credence to it, by that I would suggest a good pair of panniers and a good roll bag would give similar carrying capacity with more versatility. i do not like the thought of all my gear,food wet gear etc etc in one mixed up bag, Panniers and roll bags are available that are completely waterproof - not just water resistant (as is the giant loop which they even advertise giving you seam sealant to help make the bag more water resistant - nor do they use waterproof zips or closure) and should the worst happen and you take a fall or otherwise damage one of your bags your still left with two other bags of use, if you split the loop all you luggage system is compromised. If at any point you need to pick up a passenger even for a short distance the loop would hinder this, a roll bag could be moved back or slung over the tank, and if you were off road and needed to move weight forward a pair of panniers could be thus moved leaving only a roll bag behind you, infact if i were to spend more than a few moments thinking about it I think I could come up with endless points against it and none or very few for it - the more I think about it I really can not see any reason for this loop design - maybe others have a different view but for me I would not go near it.

realmc26 11 Dec 2011 23:41

I have been researching the giant loop bags for a while now and have pm'd quite a few guys who have used them.
While adventure950 makes some valid points for consideration the feedback I have received from actual users has been pretty much 100% positive.
The leaking happening through the zipper with the older models seems to have been fixed with the new storm flap and magnet.

Most say you hardly notice the bag at all and have read a few reports of minimal to no damage in a slide. The lower panier sections are cordura.

The reason Im probably going to go with the Giant Loop great basin is that I am going to fly in to Chile and buy my bike. I dont want to mess around getting racks made and like the fact I can just throw it on the back and go and is easily interchangeable with most bikes.

Comes off quick into your hotel/tent with great attachment straps for rear tent roll/dry bag.

I personally want to travel light and you can still get the heavier items like tools etc down relatively low in the pannier sections. You can compartmentalise (I think thats a word!) with stuff sacks and such though many seem to ditch the sacks provided and use compression sacks.

I'm guessing it comes down to personal prefernece and the sort of trip your doing.

troy from texas(currently posting regular ride reports) who is currently in S.A and using Giant loop would be a good good guy to ask about performance as well.

The guys at Giant loop have been great with info when I have emailed them a few times with questions.

Hope that helps.

Cheers,

James

clankymike 11 Dec 2011 23:44

They do seem to have their draw backs, I see you are in Northumberland, where abouts as I'm just over the border from Berwick.

clankymike 11 Dec 2011 23:53

Thanks James

Jake 12 Dec 2011 09:16

Pm sent

Jake 12 Dec 2011 09:27

Hi james, I can also see your points and I think a lot depends on where you ride as well, I tend to ride North often above the arctic circle so cold, wet, snow etc are very much a part of that environment, and this really sets my view that I like gear very waterproof.I also like to be able to move stuff around and sort it out into different bags, My bike has no racks for the panniers and that is fine but unlike you I am not buying a machine that I do not know and having to set it up for luggage - so I take your point the loop may simplify things for you. Like I say the way we travel, what we travel on and the way and amount of gear we carry is individual choice - everyone to there own - enjoy Chile - never been there but would love to go - maybe one day.

chris 12 Dec 2011 09:45

A couple of previous discussions:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...panniers-42447

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-luggage-53591

I like my Great Basin. A lot.

spooky 12 Dec 2011 09:51

in 2010 another HU member "Buebo" and I made a few weeks trip around Poland and he had the giant-loop thing on his KTM-LC4-690R.. I only use to strap a 75Lt Karrimor SF rucksack incl. the side packs which add another 28lt., strapped it all flat on to my rack and seat on an old KTM LC4 640 ADV-hybrid. both packs weight roughly around 25kg fully loaded.

on the trip we where actually comparing the plus and minus on the two packing styles... now while I was able to take all my gear off the bike with no effort taking it with me in to my tent, Buebo was complaining that he had to pack his gear in the rain on the bike to make it all fit well.

On the other hand the Giant-loop, while riding is a treat, sitting very close to the bike and the weight point is sort of perfect, while my Karrimor SF was sitting higher on the rack which wasn't bad either not on tarmac nor on gravel. Both packs are narrow, light and fit the needs.

but now the conclusion in difference is that I was able to fit everything in to my Karrimor without problems, had everything covered from rain and dust, bubo instead was sort of limited to the space to be able to actually cramp all his gear in and close the zip, some times a pain, he had to strap his tent and other gear on top of the Giantloop so he needed additional bags.. and yes the price is quite steep too.. while the Giantloop cost well above £350 quit, the Karrimor SF 75 settling by half of that and has the benefit of being able to be carried like a rucksack over longer periods very easy... (if needed, like on ships where you don't want you gear left on the bike, carry your gear up on stairways in hostels or Hotels or else)

now the Giantloop is a good choice for what it is, a no hassle solution on slim dirt bikes for shorter trips with less gear very well balanced on narrow dirt tracks, but is limited if you need extensive equipment for longer trips.

any packing solution has its advantage and drawbacks... is all depending on the style and needs you want to travel.

Grant Johnson 12 Dec 2011 22:21

Note that the new sponsor for this forum has a contest to WIN Giant Loop and other gear, BUT it's USA residents only. So if you're in the USA, go for it! And either way, check out 1off Motorsports catalog, you might like the prices!

realmc26 12 Dec 2011 22:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by adventure950 (Post 359141)
Hi james, I can also see your points and I think a lot depends on where you ride as well, I tend to ride North often above the arctic circle so cold, wet, snow etc are very much a part of that environment, and this really sets my view that I like gear very waterproof.I also like to be able to move stuff around and sort it out into different bags, My bike has no racks for the panniers and that is fine but unlike you I am not buying a machine that I do not know and having to set it up for luggage - so I take your point the loop may simplify things for you. Like I say the way we travel, what we travel on and the way and amount of gear we carry is individual choice - everyone to there own - enjoy Chile - never been there but would love to go - maybe one day.

Yeh fair comment. I guess the giant loop appeals to a certain type of rider and conditions your going into. I hope to test the giant loop in S.A and maybe do a RTW on multiple small bikes so being able to change easily from bike to bike appeals.
One of the criticisms some make is the of cost as it seems pricey for what it is but if your using something like wolffman panniers once you add the pannier frame the cost is similar.

Jake 13 Dec 2011 08:12

Hi James I use Enduristan luggage (panniers) Monsoon bags - upto 30 litres per bag no racks needed for many bikes, excellent tie on type rockstrap set up, waterproof, triple skin very tough, with inner dividers to sort luggage - tie on loops for addition gear on top - check them out - www.enduristan.com a Swiss company there gear is second to none. cheers. Jake.

realmc26 13 Dec 2011 11:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by adventure950 (Post 359269)
Hi James I use Enduristan luggage (panniers) Monsoon bags - upto 30 litres per bag no racks needed for many bikes, excellent tie on type rockstrap set up, waterproof, triple skin very tough, with inner dividers to sort luggage - tie on loops for addition gear on top - check them out - Enduristan: Wherever you ride a Swiss company there gear is second to none. cheers. Jake.

I have to agree, looks well made and nice and simple on and off.
Will definitely consider them. Thanks for that.

Cheers,

James

Austin 19 Dec 2011 18:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by spooky (Post 359146)

on the trip we where actually comparing the plus and minus on the two packing styles... now while I was able to take all my gear off the bike with no effort taking it with me in to my tent, Buebo was complaining that he had to pack his gear in the rain on the bike to make it all fit well.

I have been thinking about getting the giant loop great basin for our XT660R's. I am interested in the feedback. Why did your mate have to pack the Great Basin on the bike? Although I have yet to see one for real from what I have seen of them on youtube they look to be packable just as easy on or off the bike. In fact it looks to me that it would be easier to mount the GB on the bike packed as it will have a bit more structure.

Also interested in how easy to mount, how much gear they can really hold, and how easy to carry from bike to hotel say - it looks to be more manageable than a pair of of Enduristan or Wolfman panniers.

cheers

A

Dazzerrtw 19 Dec 2011 19:37

They look like a good idea if your wanting to travel light ,But what put's me off is that there far to expensive.

I use a 90 lt dry bag and it cost me £40 and is 100% waterproof.

The Loop is made of the same material, as a few straps and is a different shape and cost's £250 more.

There out of my price range ,

Titbird 19 Dec 2011 19:47

My friends used them on a 10 month trip through the heart of Africa, and when they came back I was amazed they were still in mint condition, these bags are realy tough. They realy liked them, but as for me, I didn't think they were practical, too heavy for carrying into hotels, for piste driving though, it's the perfect solution.

Austin 19 Dec 2011 20:09

I agree they seem expensive for what they are - and I have told the guys at Adventure Spec as much. But I feel drawn to them.

We have got 2 x660R's as we wanted a lightish bike my wife could more easily manage than her former Transalp and that was still good to tour on. What I dont want to do is go round adding yet more weight with luggage racks and so on. A luggage system that doesnt require racks is therefore attractive. The enduristan panniers are second on my list and are around £100 cheaper per set.

realmc26 23 Dec 2011 22:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titbird (Post 359982)
My friends used them on a 10 month trip through the heart of Africa, and when they came back I was amazed they were still in mint condition, these bags are realy tough. They realy liked them, but as for me, I didn't think they were practical, too heavy for carrying into hotels, for piste driving though, it's the perfect solution.

I'm surprised you think they would be too heavy to carry into a hotel. They actually look like they would fit nice and snuggly over a shoulder (and thats what I have read from other users) and couldn't see them being any more unwieldy than a large dry bag. I would have thought portability off the bike and into accommodation would be its strong suit, not a liability?

chris 24 Dec 2011 01:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by realmc26 (Post 360480)
I'm surprised you think they would be too heavy to carry into a hotel. They actually look like they would fit nice and snuggly over a shoulder (and thats what I have read from other users) and couldn't see them being any more unwieldy than a large dry bag. I would have thought portability of the bike and into accommodation would be its strong suit, not a liability?

Another message from a first hand user: The bag is very easy to carry over your shoulder. Assuming you're carrying normal stuff (I've got tools, sleep bag, thermarest, clothes, a few small spares etc) so the bag incl contents weighs maybe 15kg. Here's a pic from yesterday on the back of my rented dirtbike on the Burma/Thai border.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/p.../thailand2.jpg

If you manage to get 30 or 40kg (and why would you?) into it, sure it'll be more difficult to carry, but any bag would be.

cheers
C

geoffshing 24 Dec 2011 13:27

Non-waterproof
 
1 Attachment(s)
Hey,

I rather liked the bag and certainly enjoyed its stability when riding. It was borrowed from a riding buddy of mine and I really enjoyed it. However... The zipper to enclose everything can be fiddly as the bag cannot lie flat due to it being banana shaped and it's certainly not waterproof!! He'd hammered the bag for a good year and it was in very good nick although the strapping will melt if near the exhaust.

The zipper lets it down, shame as it's such a good bag..! Chucking it on your shoulder (15kgs ish) isn't a problem and a lot easier than unhitching panniers.

I probably will buy one ready for next summer and use small dry bag inserts for my gear.

Here's a pic of me in Lesotho, South Africa, less than a month ago

troyfromtexas 7 Sep 2012 03:13

I'm arriving very late to this thread, but I thought that I might be able to add some perspective for those still considering the GL Great Basin bag.

I've used a Giant Loop Great Basin bag and tank bag on my year long trip around latin america.

In terms of performance the gear works great. It hugs the bike (I have a Suzuki DR650) and stays put.

It terms of durability, it is durable. Although I don't like to admit it, I've dropped my bike a few times and the bag has held up. It has actually protected my bike from damage.

It is weatherproof. The bags come with seam sealer, but I didn't bother applying it. The bags still held up in heavy rain. I think the only time I did get some moisture in the bag was when I did not close the zipper all the way.

It is convenient. It is very easy to take on and off and carry inside to a hotel. I've not had any security issues on my trip. I think that most people do not recognize the bag as a bag, it looks so different from anything else. I use a little combination lock to secure the zipper.

It has decent capacity. It does hold a decent amount of things, but it still was not enough space for me. It has the capacity of a legal carry on bag for airlines. If you can fit all your gear in a legal carry on, you can fit all your gear in a GL. I have an additional Pelican hard case on my bike for items that I definitely did not want to lose like tools and some electronics.

The downside. It is a little small for long term adventure motorcycle trips. I've overstuffed my bags at time and put too much pressure on the zipper. The stitching started to separate a little. I simply sewed it back up and it has been fine. (This might be considered a plus, the fact that it can be repaired easily).

It is a little awkward to pack, but I've figured out a system. I place the stuff I use less often (spare parts) in the lower sections and I put the things I use often (clothes) in the upper section. It is easy to strap down a tent or jacket with the included external straps It has become easier to pack and unpack once I figured out a system.

Expensive? Well, the initial cost is a little high. But, you don't need to invest in mounting brackets and repairs to mounting brackets when you go sideways. I compared the costs to some other systems and it actually worked out about the same or less.

Unusual benefits. The bag offers great lower back support, it is in the perfect position. When tired of sitting and tired of standing, I can sit on top of my bag and rest with my legs extended, but without standing up. It has a very low profile and it fits through most doorways and between traffic. ha ha

Having said all this, I may be selling my used bag at the end of my trip. Hit me up if you need a bag for November 2012.

fraserbyrne 9 Sep 2012 21:17

Cheers for this info Troy.

I'm leaning towards these, mainly I'm shying away at the thought, weight and hassle of adding more metal work to my bike. Do you have any pics with your bike fully loaded?

I need to take a laptop, so that the first thing that stumped me looking at these bags. But sounds like you managed to run a top box with it.

chris 9 Sep 2012 21:46

Pics of the GL in "action" x2

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/p...1/DSCN5434.jpg
On a DRZ in France: It didn't rain much


http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/p...milinggirl.jpg
On Transalp in Cental Asia and Mongolia: It rained quite a bit, it also snowed and there were rivers to cross

The pic of the xr in Thailand is mine too. No rain either.

The following is copied from a post I made at http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...adv-spec-65899

I've used a GL Great Basin this summer on my trip to Central Asia, Russia and Mongolia. It sits well on the back seat of my Transalp and behaves very well in terms of balance and weight distribution. I put my sleep bag/thermarest/clothes at the top and heavier stuff like tools/spares/oil down the sides. It is really strong and the long zipper is also very sturdy. Don't have a rack either.

Next year I'm returning to Mong to continue my trip towards Siberia. Today, I'm writing a list of stuff I need to buy in the UK and bring next year: Top of this list is more lightweight drybags. Why? The GL, despite having the seams sealed, leaks like fcuk! I've had to cross quite a few rivers on the trip and had my fair share of rain/ hail/ snow in the mountains. Siberia won't be any dryer. The dry bags will keep the contents of my wetbag GL dry.

Another "disadvantage" of the GL is that you can't "sit" on it like you could traditional soft bags. I've found it nice to be able to spread the weight of my butt over a wider area than just the narrow seat found on most smaller enduro bikes.

I've also met Dave Wachs and he and his wife are super people. GL does however need to make their bags waterproof.

PS. Small 9inch netbook wrapped in clothes in yellow gear-roll on Trannie

realmc26 9 Sep 2012 23:44

GL have just released a set of dedicated dry bags to fit the compartments of the great basin so that might fix the issue. BTW it only takes about an hour to seal the seams. Just bought mine, have not used it yet.

fraserbyrne 11 Sep 2012 11:01

One quick question, do you still have much space on the seat? I have one bad knee and quite like to sit pretty far back on the seat to stretch it out a bit. One thing I'm wary of is being pushed right up to the tank like goon rider ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sow...eature=related

Genghis9021 20 Sep 2012 04:07

GLM Great Basin
 
I've been using one for 3 years. Fairly certain Dave Wachs will admit I'm the guy who convinced him to make one in the "new black" (ORANGE). Most recently used it from Frankfurt to Ulaan Bator via the 'Stans (18,000km) on my KTM 950.

What I like:
  1. - TOUGH
    - No rack required and in getoffs it rarely if ever touches ground ! (A front flat prompted a nice slide on the Trasfargassan.)
    - Compact and tight to bike. (Take huge jumps, ride boulder fields, it doesn't move.)
    - Fast on/off, easy to carry (though could get you dirty !)

What I don't like:
  1. - Not waterproof, though riding in deluges for 6-10 hours was not a problem. (I use lightweight waterproof stuff sacks for 'dry stuff'.)
    - Takes up a bit of saddle space - I'm long legged AND this prevents getting back on trickier terrain.
    - Need to pack carefully to get weight low.
    - A little small for long trips. I use a cheap bag for extras.

I'm intrigued by the Magadan Panniers and the Enduristan Monsoon bags. But I'd really like to avoid racks. Seems Colebatch knows every welder in Siberia due to their fragility and/or vulnerability. :)

LukasM 20 Sep 2012 14:04

For a light bike without pannier frames nothing comes close in functionality to the Giant Loop Coyote (maybe the Great Basin if it's a bigger bike) + a small dry bag behind (for long stuff like tent poles). Waterproof-ness is an issue as others have noted, although easy to solve with the new dry pods/inner bags they now offer.

http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphoto...74786901_n.jpg


Apparently they are also going to come out with a set of side mounted bags soon. Here is the prototype, saw it posted over on ADV:

http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_7541.jpg

fraserbyrne 20 Sep 2012 20:49

Im fairly certain I'm going for these in the next couple of weeks. Would love to check them out in real life but don't think there are any dealers close to london? Like genghis Im a bit worried about leg space, I have long legs and generally like to sit quite far back on the seat.

Anyone have the Great Basin set up on their XT?

troyfromtexas 24 Sep 2012 04:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by fraserbyrne (Post 392093)
Cheers for this info Troy.

I'm leaning towards these, mainly I'm shying away at the thought, weight and hassle of adding more metal work to my bike. Do you have any pics with your bike fully loaded?

I need to take a laptop, so that the first thing that stumped me looking at these bags. But sounds like you managed to run a top box with it.

I just posted a backdated blog post with pictures of how I built my stock DR650 into an adventure DR650. It also includes the costs. It has photos which shows how I carry all my stuff. My essential tools and computer fit in the lockable Pelican hard case.

The Adventure Begins: 2011 Suzuki DR650 Adventure Motorcycle

When traveling my bike looks like photo 3. When dual sport day tripping my bike looks like photo 2.

I hope that this answers your questions or helps in our decision.

Troy

OlafofOregon 9 May 2013 19:59

Giant Loop Q&A
 
Hello HUBBsters!

Just started a new Giant Loop company thread:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ferrerid=42131

Please feel free to post your questions, comments, feedback and photos there. We'll do our best to respond quickly, honestly and completely.

Ride while you can,
Harold
owner, co-founder
Giant Loop LLC

OlafofOregon 9 Jan 2014 18:26

2014 Update: 100% Waterproof Giant Loop Saddlebags & Panniers
 
2014 model Giant Loop saddlebags and panniers are now 100% waterproof:

* Great Basin Saddlebag, 60L (includes set of 3 fitted roll-top, seam-sealed 100% waterproof Dry Pods, plus 1 Hot Springs Heat Shield and clamp)

* Coyote Saddlebag, 39L (includes set of 3 fitted roll-top, seam-sealed 100% waterproof Dry Pods, plus 1 Hot Springs Heat Shield and clamp)

* Siskiyou Panniers (includes 2 fitted roll-top, seam sealed 100% waterproof Dry Pods, plus 2 Hot Springs Heat Shields and clamps)

No luggage racks required on most motorcycle makes/models.


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