Luggage/Dry Bag for Traveling

[88bmwjeff]

I've got my first trip on my 2018 R1200 GS planned for the end of May (going to the 49er Rally). I've searched some, but it's not easy to locate. I'm curious what my options are and what others are using for luggage to pack their things. I have the Vario cases. It's just me and it's OK if they cover the rear seat and cover the tops of the Vario bags.

[HWYHOUND]

I've used the Wolfman dry bag on two different month long trips. These have a roll down closure system that adjusts well to varying load sizes. They also have heavy "D" rings so lashing down is a breeze.

[drneo66]

Many, many options and price ranges out there to allow you to haul more stuff. I started out using an old duffle bag with a plastic garbage bag inside, then a kayaking/camping waterproof rolldown, and finally graduated to an Aerostich cordura dry bag.

Check out:
https://www.aerostich.com/bags

[Lee]

Do you also have the Vario top box?

[88bmwjeff]

Do you also have the Vario top box?

Good question. No, just the side bags.

[GTRider]

I have an assortment of dry bags that have collected over the years. Some are traditional “canoe” bags that load from one end, and I find them useful only for things like sleeping bags and pads, where the contents can be dumped all at once. Finding smaller items buried in those bags is just too much hassle.

The other bags I have are side-loaders, like the Wolfman, which I quite like. The Wolfman comes with its own tie-downs and is easy to use as a base bag and strap other bags on top, as the Wolfman has sturdy D-rings for doing so. There are numerous manufacturers making such bags but few include a tie-down system or a yellow interior, which makes it much easier to see and find things when rummaging through the bag.

Best,
DeVern

[HWYHOUND]

Here's my Tenere on my Alaska trip. My camping, riding gear and miscellaneous in my saddle bags and the Kathy's Journey Designs bag. All other clothing was packed in my XL Wolfman Duffel.

[skibum69]

I've been using this Ortlieb roll top duffel for 15 years and it's been great keeping all my gear dry. The new ones are much better than my old version. Orlieb makes top quality gear you can see their Moto line at Touratech.


Overloaded carrying enough crap to go to work for 4 months.

[88bmwjeff]

Thanks for everyone's response so far. It's given me some good information to do more research.

I have an additional question. That is size. Does anybody have a recommendation on size? With that said, I know it's always easier to compress a larger bag into a small dimension vs trying to stuff your items into a too small bag.

[skibum69]

I recommend figuring out what you want to carry in said bag. For me my duffel carries my tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, Kermit chair, table if I bring it plus my down jacket and winter gloves. This duffel is the perfect size for that bundle.

Once you figure out what you want to carry go look at a few duffels in person and see what looks like the right size. New modern bags like Mosko Moto or Turkana, Orlieb make Moto oriented bags with good compression and good attachment options unlike my old bag.

[Lee]

Thanks for everyone's response so far. It's given me some good information to do more research.

I have an additional question. That is size. Does anybody have a recommendation on size? With that said, I know it's always easier to compress a larger bag into a small dimension vs trying to stuff your items into a too small bag.

Do you need to carry camping gear or just clothing?

[88bmwjeff]

Do you need to carry camping gear or just clothing?

Both. Sometimes, like for the upcoming 49er Rally, I will be bringing just clothes. Other times I have camped and brought the appropriate gear. So, my thought is to purchase a dry bag that could carry both. However, it appears that some end up using two dry bags, but those are probably individuals going on a long trip (time wise). I'm leaning toward a 35-40 L bag, but I'm unsure if I will be able to pack camping gear as well when I need to. Part of me is wondering if I should get a 60 L bag, but those seem awfully big. BTW, my thought is to attach it on the bike across the passenger seat and Vario side cases.

[Lee]

Both. Sometimes, like for the upcoming 49er Rally, I will be bringing just clothes. Other times I have camped and brought the appropriate gear. So, my thought is to purchase a dry bag that could carry both. However, it appears that some end up using two dry bags, but those are probably individuals going on a long trip (time wise). I'm leaning toward a 35-40 L bag, but I'm unsure if I will be able to pack camping gear as well when I need to. Part of me is wondering if I should get a 60 L bag. BTW, my thought is to attach it on the bike across the passenger seat and Vario side cases.

60 liters is really big and it may block your mirrors if mounted across the seat. It will also block access to your pannier latches. You could mount it lengthwise so it's part on the seat and part on the rack.
I have a 50 liter BMW Duffel and have only used it a couple times when going to a rally. It was bigger than I like.
Two bags will be easier to live with and you can keep your wet tent separate from your sleeping bag.

For bags I like ones that use a soft PVC material with welded seams like Ortlieb uses. A roll closure or waterproof wetsuit zipper along the length of the bag is better than the opening at the end if you need to get at small items.
There's other good brands other than Ortlieb but I would look for ones that use PVC with welded seams and a good closure system.

Here's pictures of the 50 liter bag mounted both ways.

[shoot2miss]

I’ve owned several dry bags, and won’t own another one that doesn’t have an air release valve. It’s just too hard to get excess air out without one. Giant Loop and others make ‘em. Tusk (Rocky Mtn ATV) has some affordable stuff. https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p...y-duffel-bag-p

[GTRider]

Both. Sometimes, like for the upcoming 49er Rally, I will be bringing just clothes. Other times I have camped and brought the appropriate gear. So, my thought is to purchase a dry bag that could carry both. However, it appears that some end up using two dry bags, but those are probably individuals going on a long trip (time wise). I'm leaning toward a 35-40 L bag, but I'm unsure if I will be able to pack camping gear as well when I need to. Part of me is wondering if I should get a 60 L bag, but those seem awfully big. BTW, my thought is to attach it on the bike across the passenger seat and Vario side cases.

60L is huge, and heavy for lugging into motel or campsite. You want to be able to separate wet or smelly outdoor gear—tent, chair, cooking gear, etc—from clothing and bedding. IMHO you’d be better served with two bags—20L and 30L—as that allows gear separation and flexibility for camping vs motel travel or adjusting for length of trip.

Best,
DeVern