Mag's Bags Journey Bag

Mag’s Bags Journey Bag

Because nobody travels light

HAVE YOU EVER RUN OUT OF SPACE while packing for a motorcycle trip? Really run out of space, like where you’ve got more stuff on the ground than you do in your bike’s luggage?

If so, you need a Journey Bag from Mag’s Bags. Measuring 29 x 12 x 11 inches, it’s equipped with built-in “mini-saddlebags” that hang down over the sides of the passenger seat and just rest on top of your bike’s existing saddle-bags. Nylon straps secure the bag to the bike, a circumferential zipper gives easy access to the bag’s contents, and a zig-zag shock-cord holds additional items on top.

Buyers have their choice of two materials: “black cover light,” a vinyl-coated nylon that is said to be waterproof and practically impossible to tear; or the $10 more expensive cordura nylon, fully lined in silver nylon packcloth and a bottom of heavyweight truck-tarp material, available in black or camouflage. All have a reflective stripe across the back.

We ordered a black cordura version and added four options: a $15 exterior pouch measuring 11.5 x 8 x 7 inches, good for stowing the standard rain cover; a $15 water-bottle holder; a $5 shoulder strap for carrying the bag off the bike; and a set of $7.50 tieback straps that keep it from sliding forward.

Our Journey bag arrived just in time for a planned weeklong trip on our long-term Ducati Multistrada. Unfortunately, the factory saddlebags we’d ordered didn’t arrive in time, so we made the trip using the Journey bag alone. Not only did it work exceedingly well, it surprised us by providing more than enough room for clothes and toiletries. Which got us thinking: Maybe we don’t need the saddlebags after all... E3

DETAILS

Mag's Bags 20234 Phoenix Lake Rd. Sonora, CA 95370 888/723-1504 www.magsbags.com Price.. .$159

Ups Bigger than a tailpack More comfortable than a backpack Two-year warranty against defects

Downs Notathing of beauty Somewhat awkward to pack Shoulder strap not included