Is there anything like hitting the road with your favorite bike and roaming through the unknown? Guess not. But however enjoyable that is, any motorcycle road trip needs a decent amount of planning and packing. And for packing purposes, a dry bag that is suitable for your motorcycle is the most faithful tool that you can have.
Here are the top eight facts that will be helpful to you to know about the dry bag.
Sturdy Fabric Materials
Dry bags are the ones that have to carry your complete luggage during a road trip. Hence high abrasion resistance is mandatory for these. Bags made with tougher and more eco-friendly materials are now in trend. Urethane or polyurethane-made bags are much tougher than PVC or vinyl ones.
Not only because of its sturdiness but also the fact that it is an ecologically friendly environment makes this material increasingly popular. Usually, a fabric made of tightly woven 70-denier nylon with an internal coating of polyurethane makes this material more sturdy and long-lasting.
Waterproof Fabric
Dry bags can be both externally and internally waterproof. Internally waterproof bags consist of a sewn outer covering with a generally replaceable waterproof inner bag. The SW-MOTECH model is a bag of this type. On the other hand, externally waterproof bags have a single outer layer of waterproof fabric.
In the case of internally waterproof bags, the outer bag is made of tough fabric that can take a lot of abuse and environmental strain than a typical dry bag. But the outer bag has to be dried if wet before reusing it. This type of bag tends to be expensive. So a single-layer dry bag is the most cost-friendly option.
Plastic Wrappings
If you require the easiest way of protecting your stuff from water on a trip, hereu2019s the best idea for you. Go for plastic or bubble wrap! Just like the inner surface of the bag with thin plastic sheets, wrap it properly, and voila! Your waterproofing is done!
Bubble wraps are also a great option if you have some fragile or semi-fragile items to carry- it protects all the contents from all the rough handling your dry bag has to face during a journey.
Waterproof Zipper
There is a common misconception among bikers that all waterproof zippers are a true blessing. No, it is not. No zipper available is truly waterproof except for the TITEX TIZIP zippers. And be assured- the TITEX TIZIP zippers are the best regular waterproof zipper design you will ever find.
Rigidity of Core
Dry bags are available in two types of cores. Many models of dry bags like the D20 saddlebags and D38 tail bags have a rigid inner core, which eliminates the need for luggage racks or side carry racks. The rigid core of this type of bag lets it function more like a standalone system, making it easier for bike-mounting, but again limits the bag design to have a smaller opening.
Other types of models like the GIVI soft series or the SW-MOTECH bags, do not have a rigid inner core. This makes these bags collapsible and easier to use for multiple travel purposes.
Seam quality
Taped seams are a general presence in waterproof apparel. Most of the waterproof bags and accessories use taped seams. But despite its convenience, taped seams wear out very easily. So taped seam apparels have a high chance of leakage while wet or during rains.
On the other hand, radio-frequency or high-frequency welded seams have greater durability and last much more than a taped seam. So, while buying, check the type of seam for greater convenience.
Designs and Varieties
You can choose from a wide assortment of models and designs to choose a dry bag at your convenience. Various designs ranging from the sling and saddlebags to the roll-top ones, each of them with different fabrics, apparel, and properties, make it easier for you to accommodate all your necessities for a trip and still be comfortable.
The designs also ensure that your bike size does not limit your carrying capacity. For example, the SW-MOTECH Drybag 620 has a curved U-shaped base which allows it to hold extra storage and grants extra stability for even a thin-tailed bike.
Straps, Racks, and Accessories
One thing that you always have to remember when buying a dry bag- is the straps, racks, and other accessories that are provided or can be used with them. Dry bags are not always provided with an inbuilt mounting system. And even if it is provided, it varies from model to model.
The GIVI models are provided with convenient elastic mounting strips, whereas the DrySpec ones include a slip-lock mounting system. Various bike accessories are also associated with some kinds of dry bags. For example, tank bags are an extra advantage of carrying some more load. Packable fuel bags like RotopaX are also very convenient and helpful on long tours.
Finally, the motto of the dry bag is to keep your stuff safe and dry from water. No matter what the conditions are, your choice and convenience is the key to choosing what is the right bag for you. Hence it is important to know what you are looking for and what you expect.