Luggage/Camping

[alanmcorcoran]

I've assembled the clothing and shelter items discussed in the previous camping threads (so I am closer to taking an actual bike camping trip if for no other reason than to justify the expense.)

I've been looking at motorcycle luggage systems and thought I'd tap the brain trust again. I'm going to use my Strat (I considered renting an "adventure bike" but I think I'm going to wait to see if I want to take more than one "adventure" and also see how the Strat does first.) It has a quick release passenger back rest (seems to be commonly know as a "sissy" bar.) Yesterday I ordered a Yamaha quick release luggage rack that attaches to the sissy. It seems that sissy bars and luggage racks are pretty important when it comes to luggage. I do not have the trunk that you'd find on a gold wing or a Harley tourer.

There appears to be at least eight types of motorcycle luggage: Toolkit/Forkbag, Windshield/handlebar bag, panniers, tank bag, saddlebags, backseat bags, bags that attach to the back of the sissy (t-bag?) and "top rolls" that attach to the top of the bag on the back of the sissy.

I'm going to go with my integrated hardbags for now (even though they are oddly shaped and more for looks than utility.) I'm not sure I will bother with tank, toolkit, windshield or panniers as I don't like stuff up there. There's a specilly made tank bag that has a cutout for the speedo (in the gas tank on the Strat) but they are sold out/backordered.

So my interest lies in backseat bags and/or sissy bar bags (t-bags?) Any thoughts? recommendations? Are there some better suited to camping or any that will double as a backpack? I saw some cheap leather sets on e-bay, but I'm inclined to go nylon/waterproof.