I sold my last set of Expedition Saddle Bags with my last bike.

After learning that Wolfman is no longer making custom racks for their bags I considered other saddlebag makers, but ended up with another set of the Wolfman Bags.



I couldn't find anything that did everything the Expeditions do.

They are:

1. Light
2. durable
3. Waterproof (not just weather resistant--you could use them as a PFD and your belongings would still be dry)
4. Easily attached/removed
5. Big enough, without being obnoxious
6. Freaky tough.  Seriously, I've never ever heard of one of these things ripping.  I've had several "get-offs" with these bags attached to my WRR without an issue.  I even had this bag kicked by a bull moose (but that's a story for another time).
7. Safer than hard panniers (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=420563)

Funny thing, I almost didn't get them because I was annoyed that they stopped making their own racks.  Now, I'm GLAD they stopped making their own racks.  Not only is the Touratech rack higher quality, the new method of attaching the bags to the rack is actually quicker and easier than the old straps.

Wolfman was left in a lurch when its rack supplier decided to stop making racks.  As a result, Wolfman was forced to further polish an already great product.  I can honestly say that the new "universal" strap system is superior to the old metal loops on their old racks.

I know I sound like I'm sponsored.  I'm not.  I'm just a fan.

Some unsolicited advice:

* Sure, moisture can't get in, but it can get out either.  Throw in some smelly socks and a moist towel...by the end of the day you'll have a pretty nasty stew brewing in there.  Solution? Affix wet or sweaty items to the top rack until they are totally dry.  Pack smelly items in their own airtight containers.  When not in use, store the saddle bags opened.  And lastly, throw a few dryer sheets in the bottom of each bag and replace them as necessary.  **An interesting side note, the bag I use on the top rack is constructed of HyVent.  It is completely watertight, yet allows water vapor to escape the bag.  This is awesome, but not as durable.

* The Bags are a bit "strappy."  While there's a bit of a learning curve, I've found that I now appreciate how much I can batten these down or expand them as needs dictate.

* Don't get the black ones.  Sure, they match the bike better.  But they get too hot.  And even more importantly, they are impossible to find anything in!  The yellow bags allow a bit of light through, making finding odds and ends easier.  A dark black bag is literally a black hole.  Yes, I too wish they made orange or white ones. 

* Organization is key.  This are just two big bags.  There is no compartmentalization inside.  Get little mesh bags so you can group items logically.  Toiletries, Fire Starting, tools, Rain Gear, Clean clothes, etc.  These will not only make finding things less frustrating, if you use compression sacks for items like clothes and rain gear, it'll help you manage limited space as well.

* Be careful with sharp things.  Keep tools and the like in their own cordura bag to limit the possibility of a bummer.


Here's some more shots:

Where did you purchase the ass pad?

Revzilla.  It's an AirHawk2.  If I were to do it over, I'd spend the extra dough on the original AirHawk.  The AirHawk2 has literally saved my ass.  The original uses a neoprene bladder instead of a non-flexing one.  I'll bet the neoprene is even more comfortable.

In fact, I think I'll order that today.

I like the luggage setup how long does it take to remove 5minutes?

Once you get practiced, it's about four minutes on, one minute off.