headwind . Use plastic bags to wrap everything in before you pack and your stuff will stay dry . While you are up front why not grab a $ 20 canvas bag from your camping or Army Surplus store , and strap it to the bars ? It ’ s great for tools , waterproofs and stuff you might need to get to fast .
Some riders like to keep their heavy stuff low down for better balance . A neat way to do this is to grab a length of heavy-gauge PVC downpipe - thanks again to the hardware store – and two end caps to fit , and you have the perfect tool holder . Fix this somewhere low down at the front or back of the bike . The bonus is that the tools are easy to get at , and don ’ t rattle or chafe through your regular luggage . Still rattling ? Drop into the local discount store and get a couple of $ 2 fabric pencil cases and your tools will stay snug and rattle free .
As for reliable fixings for all those bodgy-bags , Rok Straps and Andy Strapz are way ahead of the rest ( Wraptie are also a great option - Ed .). Don ’ t go cheap on these , ever . Don ’ t get seduced by those octopus multi-stretchy things with loads of hooks . They are the devil ’ s work and never do the job properly . Avoid them at all costs . Nonetheless , hardware and camping outlets will sell you no-name Velcro or stretchy straps that are reliable yet cheap enough to buy in bulk .
Last point : don ’ t fix straps or bungees to the undertray or anywhere near the wheel or exhaust . They will melt / chafe through just when you forget to check they are not melting / chafing through , especially on rough tracks where you are concentrating on the riding . Thread them under the seat or through the rack ; footpegs are also a bit iffy as straps can easily ping off or get snagged by undergrowth . And of course don ’ t forget a roll of gaffer tape . This can fix anything to anything , hold packs in place and mend tears or holes in minutes . Result .
Happy packing . JT
CONSIDER
❒ Don ’ t ever forget Gumtree and garage sales . Many born again bikers bend to the wishes of PFMs ( Powerful Family Members ) and abandon their dreams of riding the Gobi desert – with the result that lots of that fancy adventure gear gets sold off cheap . Sure , it won ’ t be designed specifically for your bike but if it ’ s cheap enough it can still be a bargain .
❒ The last consideration if you are going bags-ona-budget is security . The basic rule of security is : never leave anything unattended on the bike if it is important . Strapped on gear can be strapped off or sliced off real quick by an experienced thief . Even alloy boxes will give way to a determined burglar who saw you put a camera or tablet in your pannier .
• Try it on a local ride first
• Keep it low
• Keep it soft
• Keep it disposable
• Check regularly
• Put weight where it doesn ’ t cantilever
• Carry more straps than you need
• Use layers of bags
NEWS MAGAZINE
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