Duffel/Dry bag vs. top case

[Fish Taco]

Hi all. Just picked up a new to me 2013 S10. It is outfitted with the factory panniers. I understand some think they are small, but believe it or not they are probably 3x as large as some old GIVIs I had on my Tiger 1050 - I could barely fit a lunch in those!

Anyway, my 1050 had a GIVI top case, maybe 46L(?), which I would use on trips primarily for my tent since it was long enough to accommodate. My trips are typically 4-6 days long, mix of hotel and camping, and I ride one-up, so I don't need a ton of space. Mainly enough for clothes, tent, pad, sleeping bag, minor cooking accessories (backpacking equipment mainly), and fly fishing gear.

Given my larger pannier capacity and lack of need for a substantial amount of hard storage, I am thinking about getting something like this (https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/sw-motech-350-35l-roll-top-hi-viz-dry-bag) vs. having to buy a top case and related mount. I would probably use the dry bag/duffel for my camping gear, leaving the panniers for the rest.

Any thoughts? I like the SW-Motech bag linked above (not sure if I would want 35L or 60L?), but would like to hear of any experiences with those or recommendations for others.

Thanks!

 

[Sierra1]

There's more than a few guys her that use that type of luggage. They'll be letting you know soon enough. For everyday use I have a small canvas tool bag that I bungee to my seat; cheap and easy, but not water proof. I was surprised to find that the OE cases will hold a case of 12oz cans perfectly. My neighbor's 'Wing can not. His bags hold more, but the shape prevents the case being put in intact.

 

[twinrider]

I prefer a duffel bag that has fastening clips at the bottom, that way you can easily access the contents while it's on the bike without having to undo straps.

BMW Black Collection Rear Bag - RevZilla

On the tail or on the go, BMW's Black Collection Rear Bag is ready for your next adventure. These bags are large enough to carry all sorts of goodies …

www.revzilla.com

 

[Mak10]

I’ve heard good things about these bags.

Tusk Dry Duffel Bag | Parts & Accessories | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

Shop for Luggage, like Tusk Dry Duffel Bag at Rocky Mountain ATV/MC. We have the best prices on dirt bike, atv and motorcycle parts, apparel and accessories and offer excellent customer service.

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[Gigitt]

I use these. Heavy PVC roll top, durable and just strap it down across the rear passenger seat with some Roc-Straps - another must have to strap things to the bike.

My Redverz Atacama tent fit inside when I go camping and stil use the stock side panniers and top box.
or i just load it up with some gear for 2-3 nights on the road - no panniers.

MOTO-SAC Motorcycle Motorbike Universal 35L Dry Duffle Bag - Adventure Bikes | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for MOTO-SAC Motorcycle Motorbike Universal 35L Dry Duffle Bag - Adventure Bikes at the best online prices at eBay!

www.ebay.com.au

 

[JamesGang]

I have the SW-Motech 35L bag and it has seen some terrific rain while keeping the contents completely dry. Fits perfectly across the Altrider rack and rear seat and it came with all the quick release straps needed to secure. It is my practice to use it for clothing and rain gear while the panniers contain camping gear, electronics, camera and personal items.

 

[Ronzo]

I use a Givi 40l dry bag as well as a 30l Sealine but I am about to pull the trigger on https://www.twistedthrottle.ca/dryspec-d66-waterproof-motorcycle-dry-bag-modular-packing-system-in-black-grey-orange
I, like you, do a mix of camping/hotel but mostly camping. I like to have 2 bags because I always need to store wet gear (tent, tarp, fly etc...) in a separate bag.
Most of my trips are colder weather trips and require good gear.

Bike Loaded


Those stock panniers are small. Gonna keep em for weekend trips but plan on making some upgrade this winter.

Current capacity
Panniers 32l x 2
Givi bag 40l
Sealine 30l
Tank bag 15l
Total=149l

Potential capacity
SW Motech Panniers 37l & 45l
Dryspec 66l
Dryspec pannier top bags 28x 2
SW Motech GS tank bag 22l
Total=226l

 

[SkunkWorks]

I use this one (the 90-liter version, in olive-green)

https://www.ironpony.com/ipd/pi.asp/ProdID/411017/ImageName/QWP_DUFFLE.JPG/Brand/Quadboss/c2/Luggage/c3/ATV-Luggage/c1/ATV-PRODUCTS/KitKey2/Waterproof-Duffle

It is not really 90-liters though............It is sized more like a 60-liter bag.
When it is rolled-up and strapped down it is completely waterproof.
I like that it has a semi-rigid bottom, that holds its shape..........Makes it easier to use when you are filling/organizing it with stuff.
I even used it on the top of my wife's car when we took our trip to Wyoming/Montana earlier in July............Not a drop of water inside!
I usually strap it to the top of the bike with Rok-Straps.

 

[Cycledude]

For carrying camping gear I use a waterproof bag from Cabellas , paid $30 and have been using it for 13 years, nothing has ever gotten wet, it ain’t fancy but it works very well for my purposes.
i also have the Yamaha top box, side cases and a Givi tank ring mount tankbag.

 

[regder]

Everyone is different, the system below is what works for me. I have tried a number of different setups before settling on this and am pretty happy with it. Everything has it's place, and I have plenty of extra room if I decide to purchase something along the way.

- Camping gear is mostly confined to two cheap 30L (Cabela's, I think?) dry bags. One strapped to the top of each pannier. Can be done with the OEM panniers, search for footman loops. This keeps all of my camping gear organized when off the bike, no fears of forgetting something. If I'm going camping, just grab the two dry bags. Get to a campsite, unload the dry bags, and I'm setup in 10 minutes.

- One pannier carries clothes and personal stuff. Other pannier carries cook stove/plates/tools/random junk

- Top case is reserved for stuff I may want easy access to throughout the day. Water, snacks, laptop, heated gear, visor cleaner, waterproof gloves,, hat, etc.

- Rear seat carries a small cooler for the obvious adult beverages and occasionally food.

Yes, it's a bit extravagant, but why the hell not when I have the space. This setup allows me the space for a few luxuries that most people moto-camping don't bother with such as a half decent camping cookset (GSI Pinnacle Backpacker) instead of just a jetboil, camping chair (knockoff Helinox), hatchet (Husqvarna), and of course the requisite cold beer at the end of a long day.


One thing to add, please don't buy into the "moto-duffle" marketing. A generic dry bag/waterproof duffle will work just as well and cost 1/3-1/2 price. Go to your local outdoor store and go to the boating/canoeing section.

Edit: Don't forget some Rok Straps to tie down whatever bag(s) you go with.

 

[CatBehemoth]

Using 60L COR drybag, 0 problems and way cheaper (probably because it's not marketed as "motorcycle"). Rok straps, also luggage net over it for some stuff.

 

[14kmtnman]

I have both a 60 l and the medium Wolfman 35-40 L. I used the smaller bag for my Alaska trip and was wishing for a little more room. At the end of the trip, the bag was very full. The 60 L for weekend trips and the cobdr was a little big and long. The smaller bag can fit either direction with my hard bags on. The larger one is too long width wise for use with the hard bags. I do like the price of the Tusk. It would be great to have a strap on bag from the bottom like someone else said. Having to unhook the hold down straps becomes a pain if you do it more than once. I just pack my camping stuff (tent, sleeping bag, stove, chair, pillow etc) in the bag now. On a trip, it is the only thing that comes off the bike at the end of the day.

 

[twinrider]

One thing to add, please don't buy into the "moto-duffle" marketing. A generic dry bag/waterproof duffle will work just as well and cost 1/3-1/2 price. Go to your local outdoor store and go to the boating/canoeing section.

Edit: Don't forget some Rok Straps to tie down whatever bag(s) you go with.

Fine if you don't need to access the contents while riding, but if you do, undoing the tiedown straps is a PITA.
This moto-specific BMW dry bag attaches to the bike at the bottom with 4 quick release fasteners and access to the contents remains unhindered via the top zippered closure. The contents of the side-opening panniers also remain accessible, as does the top box.

 

[Arkyrider]

I have a Nelson Rigg 40L Dry Roll Bag. I have been thru several rain storms and carried this bag on several week long trips, never has leaked. Looks like this one but mine is about 6 years old, still good as new.

 

[cycledelic relic]

While I have hard Givi cases that I use for trips n such...Ive also had a Chase Harper Deluxe Hideaway Tail Bag for years now.
I keep it in one of the cases untill needed.
Dont use it for clothes...mostly stuff like rainsuits liners or an xtra jacket. Been a good expandable xtra bag for me.

Sent from my LML212VL using Tapatalk

 

[Riteris]

I think you should check out what Wolfman offers.

Expedition Duffels WP

These motorcycle duffel bags are so nice, you'll use them off your bike too! Our Expedition Duffels are waterproof and ready to ride. Order now.

wolfmanluggage.com

 

[Don T]

For your need I would choose a dry bag rather than a top case.
It's cheaper and you can buy a size that fits exactly what you want to bring.
Check out some different brands/models before you buy. Even though most dry bags looks pretty similar, the small differences really makes a difference in the long run.
There are many good bags to choose between.

Another vote for ROK straps!

 

[Fish Taco]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I am now thinking I may need two bags - one for clothes, one for camping, leaving the panniers for fishing equipment, cooking, and other misc. items. I need to drag out all my gear and see how it packs in the bags. Regardless, I will check out some of those noted in this thread, as well as checking out what the local Cabelas has in stock.

Still like the hi-viz SW Motech. Just not sure now what to do about packing clothes. My Tiger 1050 had a tail bag that went on the passenger seat in addition to (small) panniers and a good size top case (held my tent and sleeping bag). I just need to figure out what the right combination is on the S10.

 

[Ronzo]

Don’t forget to leave a bit of room in the panniers for groceries so you can grab some before you hit camp. Nothing worse than having to setup camp and then make a run back into the nearest town.

Nearest town for me on my last trip was 60km...120km return. After a long day in the saddle that distance may hurt some days.

 

[Fish Taco]

Yes good call. And let's be honest, the beer is what takes up the most room!