Nelson-Rigg Hurricane Dry Duffle Bags Review

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Nelson-Rigg Hurricane Dry Duffle Bags Review

Despite all the soft luggage options out there, sometimes you just can't beat a good old duffle bag. Its simplicity makes it an inexpensive (though less secure) alternative to a top trunk, but I find them most useful when planes, trains, or automobiles are involved in a trip. Rather than struggle with separate saddle, seat, and tank bags, I can throw everything I need for the ride into one easily carried or checked duffle bag. Upon arrival it can be strapped to the back of the bike, across or lengthwise (so that it doesn't interfere with top-loading saddlebags).

Originating in the 17th century from a heavy woolen material made in Duffel, Belgium, duffle (or duffel) bags have evolved extensively for motorcycle use, and the Nelson-Rigg Hurricane Dry Duffle Bags are some of the best. Available in 25-, 40-, and whopping 60-liter sizes, the bags are constructed of rugged, UV-coated, and waterproof 24-ounce PVC tarpaulin with electronically heat-welded seams. They have retro-reflective accents for visibility and full-length roll-top closures with adjustable, quick-release buckle straps at each end to seal them up watertight. Aiding the process is a closeable purge valve that allows air to escape as you roll the bag shut. Removeable stiffeners help the bags keep their shape, and the large carrying straps fasten together with a padded handle and can also be configured as compression straps.

Hurricane Dry Duffle Bags come in three sizes.

Although the bags can be secured to a bike in the usual way, with bungees or flat straps looped or crisscrossed over the top, Nelson-Rigg took the Hurricanes a step further with its proprietary Rigg Straps mounting system. Each of the four included 5-foot-long nylon Rigg Straps have a loop at one end for bike attachment and a patented aluminum cam-hook slip buckle that hooks into MOLLE webbing on each corner of the Hurricane bag before the strap is tightened down. This allows you to open the bag and access the contents without removing the straps. Keeper loops above and below the MOLLE webbing help keep the straps aligned. Although the Rigg Straps are a bit weighty and it takes time to mount the bag in this fashion, once done the bag can stay on the bike if you like. You could even use a liner bag or bags of some sort inside (like, say, another duffle bag!) and treat the Hurricane bag like a top trunk.

An extra webbing loop on each cam buckle can be used to create a loop on the other end of the strap or to hook two Rigg Straps together, so you can lash the bag down over the top in the usual (and quicker) manner and snug the straps to the bike when the bag is not onboard. Rigg Straps are also available separately for $22.95/pair.

Rigg Straps

I tested all three Hurricane bags, and size-wise I'd say the 40-liter ($144.95) is the sweet spot for larger bikes and weekend or longer trips. At 20 x 11 x 11 inches it qualifies as carry-on airline luggage, though like the other two bags it can be stuffed until it's much larger, so be careful. Buying two 25-liter bags (17 x 9 x 10 inches, $124.95) might be a good alternative – one for each hand! The 60-liter bag (24 x 14 x 14, $164.95) easily swallows two large full-face helmets, two pairs of size-13 boots, and a riding jacket and pants. Or a side of beef, maybe your neighbor's noisy kids. You get the idea. It's big.

See all of Rider‘s luggage reviews here

Nelson-Rigg manufactures and sells a wide variety of street, dual-sport, and adventure soft luggage and mounting straps, motorcycle covers, and rainsuits.

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