Updates to Version 2.5

• 100% recycled 1680D Ballistic Nylon and eco-friendly PVC backing (this is the main feature update and has a pretty big impact on our footprint)
• Aesthetic, trims, and logo updates

With the Backcountry Duffle, we wanted to design a motorcycle bag from the ground up. Two things jumped out at us right away. First, we hated having to unpack the entire back of the bike just to put something in or take it out. If you picture a traditional roll-top duffle, the straps connecting it to the bike are going over the opening, meaning you have to undo the straps to get inside. Plus, because the bag sits on the back of the bike, it is too high to see inside by the time you unroll the opening, so you take it off the bike and set it on the ground. If you’re getting in and out of the bag several times a day, this can get pretty annoying.

Second, traditional single-layer dry bag duffles have a very limited lifespan. There are so many things that can cause them to fail. Campfire sparks, abrasion from a crash, abrasion from the rack it sits on, heat from the exhaust, cracks from sun damage, etc. As soon as anything happens to the bag, it’s not waterproof anymore. And if that happens in the middle of a trip it sucks.

To solve that problem, we came up with the idea of a bag that’s actually two bags – an inner waterproof bag and an outer abrasion-proof bag. We made it a double-ended roll top so you can get things in and out without unstrapping it from the bike, and added a beavertail to stash your jacket or wet/dirty items you don’t want inside the dry bag. These things can be stored externally without getting inside the duffle at all.

Then we added backpack straps. Riding 50+ miles on dirt is no big deal on an adventure bike, but if you break down and find yourself hiking out, it’s a long friggin way, man. Having a comfortable backpack is key. That was the original idea behind the backpack straps, but it turns out it’s also super handy for getting everything into a hotel room in a single trip. When you’re traveling internationally, sometimes it’s not ok to leave half your stuff on the bike while you take the other half inside. With the Backcountry duffle, put the duffle on your back, grab a pannier in each hand, and you’re mobile. The straps make it a great airline carry-on for fly-to-ride trips or general travel.

• MOLLE expandability
• Two bag system – tough bag outside, dry bag inside
• Beavertail stash-spot for extra storage and expansion
• 4L Aux Pox compatible Beavertail
• Double ended roll top – access from BOTH sides
• Deployable backpack straps
• Built-in tent pole pocket
• Document/map pocket

• Backcountry 40L Duffle

There are two things that take some getting used to on this duffle: First, the materials are really thick, which means that rolling/unrolling the roll-top feels a little cumbersome at first if you’re used to thinner kayak dry bags or stuff sacks. The materials loosen up with time, have no fear. Second, compared to a top-loader, the double-ended roll-top has a narrower throat. So when you’re in your tent or in your hotel room, sorting through the stuff inside is not as easy as it would be with a top-loader. We make top-loaders too; check out our Scout 30/50 duffle if that’s the way you’re leaning.

Connection Strap Note: For pavement and graded road riding, virtually any kind of connection strap will work to attach this duffle to the bike. For rough, ungraded terrain or for long-distance, multi-month trips, we highly recommend the Backcountry Cinch Strap, designed specifically for this bag and this kind of travel. Whatever strap you choose, if you are riding offroad, please avoid bungy cords, stretchable elastic straps, or straps with plastic side-release buckles. Even a simple cam buckle strap (like this one by DaKine) is better than elastic.