Comparison: Adv Spec Magadan; Enduristan Monsoon, Kriega Overlander, GL Siskiyou
 

Hi all, the range of overland-ready soft baggage has got better than ever lately and in the last few months I’ve used Enduristan Monsoon throwovers in Morocco, been getting into my new Adventure Spec Magadans and had a mate drop by the other day with his new Kriega Overlander set up and in March 2013 inspcted the new Giant Loop Siskiyou panniers.

Over the years I’ve also used Touratech Zega Flex, Andy Strapz (melted before I got a pic), as well as Oxford Soverign (also melted) and army surplus/canvas (burned) when there was nothing better, plus alloy boxes, sawn off jerries and all the rest.

The table below sums up the stats of the first five mentioned (above links go to detailed reviews/impressions + pics) as those are the ones I have direct and recent experience with. Other soft baggage is available and may suit your needs better ;-)

Some manage without, but I reckon if you're carrying a big load in throwovers on a trans-continental ride in what I call the AMZ, some kind of rack is essential to securely locate the bags away from hot pipes, wheels and chains.

Hope some of you find the comparison useful.

Chris S

Kriega are listing the Overlander-60 setup at £489 on their website, as are ADV-spec. As far as I can tell you get both bags and platforms for that price.

You're right Dash.
The price given in the table was as I saw them, with three bags + the Rotopax mount and cans based on Kriega online prices.
I've clarified the table. Thanks

C

No problem. Didn't quite add up with what I thought I'd read for the Kriega, so I went and checked - the Rotopax stuff isn't cheap is it?

Interesting comparison.

I used the Kriega us 30 and the US 10 for 5 weeks in total find them very good and very well waterproof (9 days of rain).
Maybe you could put them on your list.

A downside to the Kriega system which occurred to me today is size. I know in theory they can form one of the larger capacity luggage options but the smaller Suze of each individual bag must surely be restrictive forcing you to put longer items, tent/sleeping mat/tools etc in a bag across the luggage rack/pillion which then lifts the CofG up and back and away from Chris's optimal low and forward position. The perk to a single bigger bag each side is surely the fact that they have long diagonals for items which won't fold short.

I'm personally still not convinced that any of the soft luggage has yet got close to perfect, in some cases they seem over constructed like the Magadans with their duplication of waterproof roll-top bags one inside the other, I'm still pondering the idea of an outer, semi-rigid compression "bag", nut waterproof but abrasion resistant with simple roll-top waterproof bags inside.

Four small bags is not what I would choose either, for the reasons Alex mentions. I suggested a 30+ version when I saw the Overlanders at a bike show earlier in the year. The US30 mentioned above might be made to fit on the Kriega platform, but so would any bag (or box) if you want their q/d rack mounting.

My preference is for side bags with outer pockets as big as possible without being too wide, and the Magadans tick that box (as do the currently unavailable Steel Ponys on which Mags are based, afaict). That way you can have next to nothing on the back of the bike.
I don't think the Mags' doubled outer fabric claims to be waterproof, although the inner layer does appear PU-coated. But if it is, so much the better. The outer deals with abrasion (and supposedly slashing), the removable taped PVC inner is waterproof, or you can use your own dry bags to compartmentalise inside.
As other reviewers have mentioned, all the Mags are missing are a few D-rings similar to those found on these South African ATG bags to extend location options. I'm also converting the over-seat velcro straps to buckles.

I know an alloy box maker has been talking about 'semi-rigid' bags for years, but discussing it with him I'm still not quite sure what he means.

Ch

I'm planning on putting together a homebrew/cheaper version of the Kriega system over the winter, using the US-XX packs (because I've already got an assortment of them, I can't see that they are any less robust than the Overlander packs, and it allows a mix of sizes from 5-30l rather than just the 15l Overlander ones) and allowing mounting of a couple of the Ocean Slim fuel/water cans (because I can't bring myself to pay what the Rotopax kit costs for a very occasional requirement).

The nice thing about the US-XX packs is that they all strap together, so if you had a rack to take a US-30, you could probably add another 30l of capacity in smaller packs on the occasions you needed it, without needing a bigger rack.

I'm not convinced that the quick-release/clip straps that come with the US-XX packs are up to the job of being mounted on the side of a dirt bike. They're designed as tailpacks for road bikes, and I have experienced them slowly loosening when used as a tailpack on bumpy trails. Mounting them on the side of the bike is likely to lead to even worse loading. Will be testing this and then coming up with a workaround if necessary.

Will try and dig up this thread when I get round to making my rack.

Chris,

WRT your comment:

'some kind of rack is essential to securely locate the bags away from hot pipes, wheels and chains.'

I have personally used the Giant Loop baggage systems for numerous trips short and long as have many others. They behave excellently without racks and seem pretty much crash indestructible (I seem to spend more time than most testing this aspect of luggage!).

Well worth a look for any bike, but particularly for the smaller bikes or those who aren't keen or can't find racks to fit.

Dave

Dash, have a look at this post on ABR - it may give you some ideas.
As for fuel and water, I prefer bags. I see Zen now do this chunky 7 litre fuel bag from Liquid Containment in Ozzie (70 quid). That's where I got mine a couple years ago (it since got pinched).

It's the old problem with what I call 'hanging racks' which are prevalent these days. Your answer could be the long-forgotten platform rack. That's the way I'm going.

Yes, that's the only real flaw I can cite with my Magadans, but as Bert says the pocket straps can be sort of used for that. Just spent the morning sewing on D-rings in the bottom corners (can see the value of thimbles now). I've also fitted regular buckles to the velcro straps over the back; easier for small adjustments IMO, but velcro remains a back up.

I've yet to see a Giant Loop system in the flesh - it's a cunning 'fits all' concept but having scrutinised them online I've yet to be convinced by the concept for actual long-term overland travel (as opposed to rec biking) when compared to the zip-free, low mass CoG, out-the-box waterproof (as Bert describes), easy lift-out & chunky inners + the external pockets of the Magadans [deep breath...] giving you the option to fit what you like on the back (if anything): Peli box, roll bag, alloy cube.
GLs have the appearance of being awkward to load well and access easily, but I'm sure it's a knack one can acquire. Among other things I'd consider a redesign to replace the vulnerable zip closure with a roll top.

It looks to me like the 50-L Great Basin goes back to putting the mass of the volume (if not necessarily actual weight) above the seat line instead of down low and forward, and mention on the US site of: 'Includes seam sealing kit to maximize water resistance' (as I've received with some US-made tents) is a dead give away... Plus from their images, the so-called GL Dry Bag looks like an afterthought and a backward step in centralising weight.
But I admit that when full, they look like they'll sit across the back seat like a dead deer, attach and remove very quickly and fit any bike with pillion pegs. No rack so no unnecessary extra width, expense or weight.

I am prepared to eat all these words if I ever get to use GBs long term and like them, but I never considered them for my current bike.

Ch

The thought had occurred to me, although there's a risk of negating one of the reasons for having soft bags in the first place - not having anything solid behind your legs.

Not if you [can] use a pipe rack...

Ch

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 like those in the thread title. 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.

Sorry, I didn't want to sabotage this thread as GL isn't up for discussion here. Also I've met Dave Wachs and he and his wife are super people. GL does however need to make their bags waterproof.

Cunning, if you have the right bike.

Save weight by using a pair of Thule 521 straps vertically and horizontally. (300kgs breaking strain so slight ! overkill but they are built to last and do not shred like so many cheap nylon ones I have used in the past. I tried Rok straps but they were not as effective)
Walter had a stroke of genius when designing the Magadan bags allowing a strap to go horizontally around it. You can thread through the outer pockets so that the strap just hugs the bag and does interfere with pocket access.:thumbup1:
A clever feature that seems to have eluded most owners I've met with those bags so far!

Not sure what the weight saving refers to. Other locating methods?

As for the horizontal strap feature, for my intended use I don't get it yet, though I've yet to use the bags on a rack.
It passes behind the outer pockets - nifty - and then behind a rack to stop the bags bouncing out, but it won't stop the bags sliding back and - more commonly - forth a little, unless done up really tight and pushing against the plate like you've added to your racks.
For that you want a direct attachment from the bag to the rack or bike, like the more traditional corner D-rings. I'd like to see Mk II AS Mags with this feature; sewn and riveted on solidly like all their other fixtures.

I see the benefits of the horizontal strap in hard and fast off-roading on lighter bikes where - as with Wolfmans or Kriega Ov - you can securely lash the bag against the rack to eliminate all movement, at the cost off easy access when combined with the vertical strap.

Otherwise, I think the real benefit of the H&V strapping is for security when combined with cables and the bags' slash-proof fabric - that is truly original. Plus H&V are good backups and reduce the load on the throwover velcro straps, double-sided though they are (another original idea, AFAIK).

Interestingly, while poking holes to take the rivets, it was notably harder to melt through the bags' fabric than the regular nylon strap holding the sewn-on D-rings. Both look the same.
It took 2 or 3 goes to get through that stuff - and we're talking a sharp, red-hot rivet shaft here! - so there must be something to this otherwise undetectable Twaron aramid fabric after all. Which is reassuring.

Ch

Forgot to add: thanks for Great Basin review Chris. It's an awkward shape but you (or GL) might consider heat-welding a chunky PVC liner with a roll top. Not so hard to DIY apparently - see here. I was about to try it when Mags came along.

Weight saving as not having a base 'platform' welded onto my existing frames.
I did consider this idea to help support the bags but decided against on safety grounds- if you did take a slide with the bike and were under it, those edges, even if rounded off , could cause a lot of damage.
It would also negate my ability to put my MM ali cases back on at any time if so desired.

Very nice loop! I bet the sewing was fun with that material...! looking at the picture did you actually sew these on as well or just rivet them?

The horizontal strap is pulling against my frames as you say but also go completely around the outer frame- effectively providing a hard 'pull point lock' before joining in the middle to be pulled tight-
Works for me. It helps keep the bag steady and compresses it to have minimum width.

The vertical strap works as an additional weight support to the existing velcro straps.

And I also have another Thule strap joining the handles of both bags providing some tension relief to the velco- as belt and braces- across the seat.

I get it - and see what you say about compressing to a minimum.

For sewing I used my thinnest needle + pliers and just did one line of double thread there and back. That filled a morning and I don't think I'll be getting a job on the Magadan production line. A mate says he has a machine that can get in there which might be better way to do it.

I also did the handle-to-handle strap on the Monsoons when full. Belt-and-braces like you say.

Just did a quick shop run and all measures up fine. Need to finish that rack.

Thanks for the review of the various soft bags. It's pretty timely for me.

I have a KTM 690 and both the GL Coyote and the Great Basin. The GB was a recent pick up and I spent last week with it on a trip. I had used the Coyote before and I think that's a better fit for this bike. I didn't like the GB in downhill situations where you needed to get your weight back as I didn't feel I could get far enough back and ended up sitting more on top of it.

I also had some issues with getting strapped down correctly, but those were my own fault. I don't have a rear plate to attach the middle strap of the GB to and I think (now) that it's got to be mandatory for using that bag on a 690. Strapping it down with just the grab handles allowed it to slide fwd/back and a little up and down. However, with that all said, I really like the idea of the bag, the concept is good if you can pack within the confines that it has.

The Coyote comes with a strapping system designed to hook on to the rear fender, so that works better for me and probably most of the small-to-midsize dualsport type bikes.

I am however considering the soft luggage racks from Rally Raid and the Magadan bags so will be following this thread to see any real world feedback from users of all the systems.

Thanks again for posting.

Cord


edit: forgot to add my biggest beef with the GB on the 690. If you can get it so that you only need that bag, then it's not a big deal. But if you need a second bag strapped to it, because the fuel is filled from the rear, you have to completely unstrap the dry bag and move the GB to access the fuel cap. It may only take a few more minutes, but when you're the guy that makes the fuel stop 3-5 minutes longer each time, and you're stopping for fuel 3x/per day (longer trips with lots of riding) and the guys you are with are giving you that look, then it's a bit annoying.

A related question (not wanting to start a whole new thread)....

I'm considering doing my long trips with the Kriega 30 (Adventure - NEW : Overlander 30 - Kriega Australia)
with a 45L backpack strapped over the top.

I want the backpack because it is a dual hiking/riding trip so want to be able to take the pack off and hike.

1) Is this rack-less design 'good'? It seems pretty great to me, having heard so many stories of busted frames etc etc....

2) Will I be able to strap the backpack plus a couple of 4L water bags over the top of the panniers? I guess without a pannier frame I might not have much to occy strap it to??

I don't know what bike yet -- it'll be a small enduro or adv Yamaha or Honda, probably.

Nicola- as for the backpack- have a look at the Kriega R30 which I find excellent- tough and waterproof too. Good kit

For the usage described, I probably wouldn't - and that's a serious fan of Kriega kit and someone who's done thousands of miles wearing an R35 and is toying with buying an R20.

They are made to be (and succeed in being) supremely comfortable when riding. Walking around they aren't as good as a proper hiking rucksack. If the rucksack is only ever going to be strapped to the back of the bike, not worn when riding, I'd go with a walking pack.

As for the practicality of doing this on a small bike, I'd have thought it would be quite tricky to strap a rucksack down securely to the (fairly narrow) tail. While the Overlander-30 setup looks pretty good in itself, it probably wouldn't do anything to stabilise a load on top.

Kriega Overlander-30 + US30 + US20
 

Personally I'm convinced that the soft luggage option is the way to go !
tried out several Rucksacks so far over the years in all sorts of combinations, just strapped to the parcel carrier. Ended up with a Karrimor-SF 75 plus two side packs zipped to it each about 14Lt making it about 100Lt of space... well yes space wise perfect to me and all the stuff, carrying two sleeping bags, tent, Hammock, food, water and so on, but to much top heavy on my LC4... used this combination on several trips and served me well.
In the end... during my last trip, nine weeks on the road, covering 12.000km, in on-and-offroad condition I decided to change my packing system in a radical way.....

For years I was looping around the Kriega packs as the option of choice... but never bought any pack of them regarding the missing Enduro bike requirements... until now !!
with the Overlander-30 everything changed and I ordered the full lot without a 2nd thought... just perfect !

Bought the Kriega Overlander-30 as throw over plus a US-30 and a US-20 as Top-pack, making it 80Lt in total if needed, reduced some of the items (toys) I was carrying, mainly because I never used them in the 1st place and not so much for reducing any weight, which is rather a welcome and positive side effect... well my current fully loaded 30-35Kg kit including food is not that bad... is it... so by reducing the amount on items and size of some items like a smaller better compressed sleeping bag for instant, I get everything including tools, tent, Hammock, cooking stuff, food and what not in to my new Kriega pack without cramping the gear tight... there is still plenty space for what ever is needed, or temporally be picked up on the trip.

Now my conclusion about the Kriega packs... well they are very well made, water tight, easy to pack, easy to strap on-and-off the bike (specially with the new loop+hook fastening system that comes with the Overlander-30 which doesn't even requires a parcel carrier at all), gives a low profile is light and do not need any pannier frames to support them, but still the main weight is sitting low and most important.. the weight is positioned forward, in front of the rear wheel axle ! not like behind as is found among so many well known and highly expensive frame options, which are needed for the impressive silhouette of hard luggage...
well... what else can I ask for, just suites my needs. :D

I belief that the tubed and wildly used metal rack systems are a design of the past... today we can do better with lightweight soft luggage and nylon fabrics... well I'm not going in to the Overlander-60 style, which is in my opinion missing the point of reducing on weight.. but may satisfy riders who are used to move around big metal boxed "crate-container-fright-ships".... but may need or want a change to ease there live a bit..... well yeah there is a market for everything this days... my guess...

Now there is one more product of Kriega I will add next month... a Kriega R25, mainly as daypack for small items or else... still I would not carry the R25 on my back, rather strapping it next to the US-30+US-20.

I did had some Ortlieb throw over bike panniers a few years back to compare (which is very similar to the Monsoon in size and shape), but found out fast that they where not up for the job, nor my cup of tea, so flogged them on, at the $bay...

Actual it is not very tricky to use the same loop+hook fittings that are supplied with the Overlander-30 to use them for both, the Overlander-30 and the US-30 as a top-pack as well regarding the new hook-straps that are coming with all current US-10, US-20 and US-30.
Ones the "Kriega rack loops" are mounted permanently to the rear fender, it is well possible to tighten the Overlander-30 and use the same loops as well for the top-packs without problems... actually I do it that way... OK I got a slightly larger parcel carrier than the standard LC4 carrier to give a back-pack or rucksack some more support that's all, just makes live a bit easier... additional with the Overlander-30 fitting kit it's perfect... still gives me the option to use the ROK-straps if needed.

from the Kriega web-page:
Overlander 30 (Fit Kit) - Kriega
Overlander-30 kit consists of all web-straps and alloy hardware (inc. rack loops) to retro-fit 2 x Overlander-15 packs to a dirtbike without frames.
Rack Loops:
Ultra-lightweight alternative to a rear luggage rack. Essential equipment to mount 2 x Overlander-15 packs as panniers. Can also accept any additional Kriega US-tailpacks(5 -30 L) to increase total capacity up to 60-litres.

Sooo... it actually dose exactly that !
this newish Rack-loop kit is part of the Overlander-30 and do not need to be bought separately...
Pull all this together and you can imagine why I did fell for this new Kriega soft luggage system.
As described on the Kriega page... I'm able to increase the total capacity to 80-litres, by hook-strapping a US-20 to the side of the US-30 and the US-30 is hooked to the fitting kit of the Overlander-30. It would be even possible to attach two of the US-20 to one US-30 and than hook it all together to the fitting kit to be able to increase up to 100-litres... well yeah and even more if you want to push it...

I read Nicola's post as meaning she wanted to attach a rucksack (not a Kriega US-pack) to the tail of a small trail-enduro bike which didn't have any sort of rack - even a "parcel carrier". I'm concerned about that just because the available 'platform' is probably <6in wide - and the O-30 setup does nothing to provide a better 'platform'. It's not having places to tie it down to.

If my assumptions are wrong and she's planning on fitting a top-rack/parcel carrier, sure ;). But the O-30 still isn't helping.


As for my own use, after pondering a home-brew Overlander setup further up the thread, I cracked and ordered a set of Magadans at the weekend. Will report back once I get them, build a rack and give them a test. Still planning to incorporate carriers for the Ocean Slim tanks into the right-hand (non-exhaust) side.

Off topic, but FWIW, if you don't want to spend big bucks, then consider a pair of cheap Oxford sports bike panniers like these:


http://www.thebrightstuff.com/MorocE...er_2007_55.jpg


based on a home made rack like the rear/far one of these 2 designs:

http://www.thebrightstuff.com/MorocE...er_2007_64.jpg


Pros: They are cheap (10% of the price of all the competition mentioned above), you can tie a roll bag on top, they match the local flowers (assuming yours are purple: that's also why they were cheap at the BMF Tail End rally :innocent:)

http://www.thebrightstuff.com/MorocE...er_2007_58.jpg

Cons: They leak (but with waterproof liners, who cares?, so does the Giant Loop... ), they are not slash proof (but then again, if the guy has a knife, he might point it at your neck and politely inquire if you're willing to part with your possessions), and might disintegrate if you go for a big slide down the road (again, if you've pulled a stunt like that you probably have more pressing worries than a hole in your bag).

Chris liking the look of your new steed what is it ? is that a tenere front end ? did you have to alter the rear shock asyou seem to have some useful ground cleaarance even with the underslung exhuast

Thanks mate. It's a GS500 with a DR650 front end, longer SV650 back shock plus 19-inch wheels and cut down flower trays for side panels.
Full story here.
Hoping to get away without a bash plate but I think it needs doing.

Ch

Great stuff too many people are spending all their money on the bike and not on the journey.

:scooter:

Giant Loop Siskiyou
 

I just had a close look at a loan set of new Giant Loop throwovers called Siskiyou and have added them to the table comparison in the OP.

Full impression here.

Short version: Robust, well sealed and suit upswept pipes but smaller than they say and expensive.

Ch

soft is bigger than you think
 

Not sure I posted this already but here is a good place to repeat it.

I've divined that in fact that as long as they are not cubes, measuring 'box shaped' fabric panniers simply by l x w x h is flawed.

For example my Magadan (posted earlier) comes in at about 24L using this method, but if you fill it with water it will take 40 litres clipped in, rolled up and ready to mount (assuming you can pick it up).

40L might be an unachievable capacity in the real world of moto packing - but you can sure get more than 24L in there. So knowing that, that comparison table of mine earlier needs looking at again - although relative capacities brand to brand still measure up.
And using these dimensions is especially invalid when comparing with rigid boxes which do have a fixed l x h x w.

Full story here: Exactly how big is soft baggage? | Adventure Motorcycling Handbook

Ch

http://adventuremotorcyclinghandbook...ter1.jpg?w=666

Interesting about the volumes there Chris, I would have lost count of the 1 litre jugs at 17 and had to start again :cool4:


Over here in North America, Happy Trail has had their Mojave soft bags out for a while, they use an aluminium back and mounting hardware from the hard cases so they mount onto the pannier frames they sell and they have roll top closure similar to an Ortlieb:

Additional Images - Adventure-Proven Motorcycle Gear and Aluminum Panniers

I love the mounting system, I can pull off my Ali boxes and mount a set of these on in a couple of minutes, they don't cover the seat and tail of the bike with straps and as they mount onto a dedicated luggage rack they do not get anywhere near a hot exhaust.

A friend of mine has a set, but once again the volume is too small, they are rated at 28 L each, but on stuffing gear into (spares, sleeping bag, usual overlanding gear) them they feel more like 25 L, Happy Trail has missed the boat by making the roll top way too short and tapering in the sides towards the bottom, they need another 8-10 inches of material to roll to increase the volume, square sides and the addition of some external pockets like the Magadans

If they redesigned them to be ~35 litres with pockets then they would be top of my list.

Backing plate is a good idea Grif. My Mags are currently set up like that; being semi-permanently attached to a separate plate which slots into points on the bike frame. Al Jesse is calling it a 'MonoArm' and means bags can be regular throwovers or even a hard case. Not quite as slick to attach as yours and a bit heavy atm, but it's only a prototype. In places I just leave the bags attached and pull out the liners to take inside.

Having actually used my Mags like this for a couple of weeks - latest episode here - as expected they answer all my travelling needs.

Ch

Wow, where is that?

Sorry for the hijack

Cirque du Jaffar (Cake), Morocco: Morocco TBSdotCom

Thanks Chris,

Thats a very useful demonstration.

I had always filled my Magadan bags with about 35 litres of stuff per bag, but noticed due to questions regarding dimensions allegedly not adding up, AS had changed their website volume back to 24 litres. I have just suggested to them to put 24-35 litres on the site to cover all bases, as 24 litres is totally non-indicative of how much they carry in the real world, and therefore, in reality, a meaningless and misleading number.

:thumbup1:

Has anyone out there used the Kriega Overland 60 in anger yet?

I used them on a Morocco trip last year, about 2500 miles, lots of off road. I had them mounted to Touratech racks on a KTM 690R. They look really tidy on the bike, they're well out of the way, and stay firmly in place (except when they don't...)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7416/9...85378664_b.jpg

Since we weren't camping, no problems with bigger items. I kept one bag almost empty, and used this for stuffing my jacket and other stuff in for hot days, and for packing food and drink. Tools were in the 15l pack on the back.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3834/9...142f603d_b.jpg

They were neater in use than the giant loop that Mrs Berin used on her 690.
I found the 4x15 configuration worked well, as it's easy to "compartmentalise" your stuff. In use , while riding the bike, they're very good, I didn't notice that they are there at all, they are completely waterproof, there's nothing on the seat so I could move about on the bike fine, and no problems with re-fuelling, as the rear fuel cap on the 690 was clear of obstruction.

But, there were some issues. The 15l packs mount to the CDPE platform very securely - no problems here. But, the platform mounts to the racks with 4 quick release cam buckles, and on the 690 at least 2 of these on each side don't have sufficient clearance to operate the cams correctly. On pre-trip testing, 2 of the clamps fell off - when I called Kriega, they were aware of this and sent me a handful of new buckles as spares.What this means is that the quick-release system isn't, it takes quite a bit of fiddling about to set the cam buckles and then had-tighten the fittings. I found these needed to be checked several times during the day, as they worked loose, and I did lose 2 fittings that fell off after some washboard tracks and were replaced from my stock of spares.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7320/9...b9e5745d_b.jpghttp://farm4.staticflickr.com/3792/9...2be73741_c.jpg


At the end of the day the Giant Loop showed it's advantage, as we were taking kit off the bike to take to our digs for the night. I had a 10 minute fiddle to take the platforms of the rack, and carrying the kit in wasn't easy, no handholds, and again I had to be careful the cam fittings didn't fall off as I was carrying the panniers in. The GL, by comparison, is a couple of straps and easily carried over the should leaving hands free.

I called Kriega when I got back, and they sent me some modified fixings, which are basically the same fixings but with a bolt in place of the cam buckle. I haven't tried this yet.

I can modify the platforms to add some carry straps, but the fiddling about to get them on and off is tedious and fiddly, and one of the reasons I went for these in the first place is for reducing the faffing abut with straps and cables and bungees that comes along with most soft luggage

Hi Chris. You reckon you would be able to do that when mounted? That would result in a more realistic volume.

As Walter alluded to the shape of the bag and what you put in it is what really matters. It doesn't make sense to me that lots of 'experts' still claim the clothes rolled method in a square suitcase is most efficient. There's me thinking everyone did the same toddler puzzles. :blushing:

Still interesting to know for some comparison at least.

Get 40L in there? Almost certainly not. I did say "... an unachievable capacity in the real world of moto packing - but you can sure get more than 24L in there."

It was just a an interesting demonstration to show that unlike a rigid pannier, a [non cube] box-shaped bag's max potential volume is substantially more than its LxWxH.

Ch

Nah, do the measurement for the comparison I meant.

Oh sorry. Well with water might be tricky and too heavy, but perhaps the beans method that GL mention, or some similar, non-compressible but lighter-than-water medium which you can measure by the jug load. Maybe even inflate an air bag and try and measure that.

Prior to this summer I owned a GL. Over the summer I borrowed a mate's BMW XC with Magadans in Siberia (and rode to Magadan:mchappy:) I have purchased the Magadan bags off said mate (and the bike too...:blushing:). I'll soon be selling the GL.

Both are sturdy and rugged.

However: I prefer the ease of top loading/accessing kit on the side of the trail. I found trying to close the GL on the roadside impossible and had to remove it and then reattach. The biggest downside to the GL is their propensity to leak, despite liberal use of seam-sealant. The Magadans don't leak. The weather in Siberia this summer was horrendous and there were plenty of rivers to cross and not a bridge in sight.

I feel if you're away for the weekend, the the GL is ok. But for longer trips, even just a week, the GL is a pita to use.

Chris,

You could try something called vermiculite, it's the beans you find in garden centres under the plants. Very light, very even size and not that expensive.

Giant Loop revised Coyote Saddlebag volume
 

We recently re-measured the volume of the Giant Loop Coyote Saddlebag using our bean count method. The result is 39+ liters = 9+ liters more than claimed.beer

Also, Giant Loop has added a number of 100% waterproof options in the past year or so . . . as well as the Siskiyou Panniers, a convenient top-loading design being ridden around the world by Noah Horak right now.:thumbup1:

Giant Loop - Fuel Fill Access on KTM 690 Enduro
 

Here's an easy-access option for the KTM 690 Enduro.

Chris - Would love to see this thread continue with updated info and true ride tested feedback and results.

Last year on the CB-X I just used drybags lashed to a rack, worked fine but soft luggage options are improving out there.
Mosko Moto, GL Mototrek (soon), even Givi.

Kriega have the Overlander-S system coming out soon.
I'll be testing a set over the next month on my WR, along with other stuff. More on HU here.

Interesting, I saw the setup at Intermot ... I kind of liked what I saw.

Great and very helpful overview
 

Bravo for the comprehensive overview of some great soft luggage options. I personally vastly prefer soft luggage as it has less impact on the handling of the bike when loaded. Part of the joy of motorcycle travel is the ride so I prefer mine to remain as fine as possible luggage notwithstanding. I have travelled a lot over the past few years with Giant Loop Great Basin and an Ortlieb dry bag. Worked great and on many different types of bikes (dual sport or big Harley and everything in between). I have now switched over to Mosko Moto Reckless 80l system. Fantastic design, very durable, and flexible in terms of capacity (Molle attachments really a great added feature). Worth adding to the comparison table imho.

Really useful reviews - thanks.

Hi Chris - couple of years have passed and as a CB500X lover (with RR L2 kit) I'm wondering if you have an updated position on preferred soft luggage. Am about to go RTW and kind of pulling my hair out a little here as apart from the RR recommended Siskiyou pannier there's very little intel online. Of course I have your book. Any update greatly appreciated. D

Soft baggage comparison 2020
 

Hi D, funny you should ask right now.

I'm currently finishing a full-colour AMH8 (below) for 2020 and a few weeks ago, by way of research, I collated about two dozen soft panniers from 18 manufacturers from fifty quid to €900 and with an overland-useful capacity of 25 litres +.

I haven't tried most of them nor ever seen half of them – some data will be unverified, but it's a start. A mate and I planned to get in as many as possible and do a video review with measurements, but we run out of time and sunshine + of course it would take a whole lot of organising. Maybe in the spring.

I have a comparison table similar to the one at the top of this thread, ready to publish here and in more detail on my website. That was a job for this week but other work is piling up. Will be up by early January. You won't have to buy AMH8 to use this table; the book discusses your options (including hard/firm cases) in more detail.

I think RR recommend the Siskiyou because GL distribute[d] their popular CB-X kits in the US [for a while?]. I believe they also fitted their own CB-X racks quite well, but so did my Mags. Since then, GL have brought out the bigger RTWs.

If you are using a conventional, generic 'racktangle' (my new word for these) then from my own experience you can't go wrong with Magadans (throwovers) or Kriega OS-32s (rack plate strap-ons). On my recent travels I've also clocked a few Mosko Backcountrys (rack plate clip-ons; there is a v2 in the US now).
The Givi Canyon (on their website) or Gravel T (in adverts) is another one. All are costly compared to a pair of Lomos, but for an RTW there's no getting round the need for a solid set up.

Thanks for the reminder.

Soft baggage comparison Sept 2020
 

Link to the latest table below with more details, images and links.

Adventure Motorcycling Soft Baggage Comparison • 2020

New Tusk Panniers
 

Here's another entry for the list just released ...

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/l...sk-adv-luggage

From RMATV query and response for my DRZ400 - Rackless bags they call the Highland Rackless System (no side racks needed but top rack recommended) - is 25 liters per side fixed to the throw-over base - empty weight 12 lbs (5.44kg)- add the small 10l small dry bag for the top rack position and the empty weight is 14lbs (6.35kg)

Enduristan Monsoon 3's weigh 3 pounds less than your chart
 

The weight of the current version Monsoon 3's need to be adjusted. I have weighed my bags with the "long" seat straps and the optional Enduristan pannier mount Rok straps installed and the package weighs 3.5 kg (see picture). The list claims the bags weigh 5 kg which is an error. Enduristan themselves claim the bags weigh approximately 3 Kg for the complete set.

Wish I still had my Mosko Moto BC35 bags to weigh with pictures because those boat anchors are a couple of pounds heavier than what's listed; actual weight is closer to 5.5 kg per bag vs 4.5 Kg per bag.

Hope you see this Chris and update your chart.

Here's an updated list for 2021.
A couple dropped, a couple added.
More here.
.

.

Another option:

Turkana Gear

https://turkanagear.com/

Mk3s are in
https://www.adventurespec.com/shop/a...nniers-mk3-761

Updated: Adventure Motorcycling Soft Baggage Comparison

Short version: a few price rises.

I bought some Magadans a couple of years ago. Managed to melt one and the manufacturer said single bags aren't available, hence damage to one writes the whole set off. I also found they didn't keep their 'box' shape very well and tended to turn into round blobs that added a fair bit to the width of the bike. I did like the external carry pockets which were good for bottles of water etc, but ultimately I decided to buy Kriega OS-22 and -32, slightly smaller so have to be careful about packing, but asymmetric to suit the asymmetric pannier racks and you can buy one at a time if you need to. Very happy with those so far.

I know what you mean about them sagging; to keep the box shape while hanging from one edge requires stiffeners which add weight.
I also used OS32s which managed that very well but were helped by the HDPE backing plate. Within reason (and as I say on the comparison page) I don't think weight in soft panniers is wasted if it adds up to durability. Even if the bag ends up heavier than the lightest alloy box, it's still much better to crash on or have fall on your leg.

One way I thought of helping Mags and similar hold their shape is to fit a plastic box 'liner' like a sawn-off 25L water jerrican, or whatever fits best.

soft bags
 

I have been looking at the Enduristan monsoon evo3 32 liter
I have pannier frames for Touratech Zega Pro aluminum boxes
My frames are symmetrical I reworked them and tucked in the exhaust with a Acrapovic muffler for my f700 my width is 38" with 38 liter Panniers
The Enduristan has a mounting system like no other but you need 18mm frames
for the bottom bag mounts, this problem is solved with my pannier frames
and being symmetrical is the bonus
I have watched a few videos of overlanders with fancy set ups for soft bags and they all work great but most are a pain in the butt to secure & release the bags, Enduristan are not , Mechanical on the bottom supports with 2 pins for security and a strap at the top easy peasy.
Another thing that is always overlooked is the soft pannier semi Support/Racks that many manufactures have come up with is that they suck
if you have to lift your bike You need something to grab onto a tube is preferable
stamped aluminum plates Humm! Just watch Ichy boots videos She has transported her Honda in boats, baskets and what ever Try and lift a bike with nothing to grab on to or trying to tie it down
Tubular frames win hands down
Lyndon Poskit AKA Enduristan is at the top of his game He has a Aerospace Background
Airplanes are light for a reason simply good robust engineering especially when it comes to attaching things

This comparison list gets periodically updated, fyi.
Last revision: January 2024.
https://adventure-motorcycling.com/a...-soft-baggage/

I agree.