Truly Waterproof Bags ?!

[SmithSwede]

I got caught in a real frog drowner rain for about two hours in east Alabama.  Sure enough, the 30l Hepco Becker saddle bags took on a non-trivial amount of water.  Like they usually do in very heavy and sustained rain.  I’ve always kept a lot of stuff in separate zip lock bags—little bags of fuses and spark plugs, little bags of cash and Swiss Army knife, little bags of tools, registration, maps.  Yep.  Each ziplock was full of water.  Like they always do.  Ziplock bags don’t work long term. 

Any recommendations for some truly waterproof, but small containers?   I know I could put a ton of stuff in a bigger Ortlieb bag—I’m guess I’m looking for smaller containers that can be tossed anywhere.

Or is the solution to just suck it up, get a couple of big Ortlieb bags, and put everything in them?

Or does somebody know how to make a standard 30l Hepco Becker hard saddle bag be totally no-joke waterproof?

Thanks

[fotoguzzi]

Check out REI co op. They have a lot of choices. Also Aerostich.

[kballowe]

Rubbermaid Brilliance food containers.
Microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe.
Absolutely waterproof.

Many sizes.





I wanted food containers to take to work that didn't leak.  Never.
Got some of these, and they work.  Then started using them on the bike and they do keep contents dry.

[LowRyter]

I pack everything in garbage bags.  Then I put them in my saddle bags.  Make sure that the open end stays closed and away from water entry or pooling.  It works with hard bags or soft/canvas bags.  Never had a problem with either.  I can attest those HB Becker Jr bags leak and will smell if you don't air them out and evaporate (and those rain covers for soft bags are totally useless as well).  But the garbage bags will keep your stuff dry.

Garbage bags.  Very simple.  Cheap.  Available. 

Now for general packing, those packing cubes are great whether in your suitcase or your garbage bag.   

[Guzzistajohn]

Put your fancy bags in a set of 1990’s GIVI bags?

[Dirk_S]

I’ve often been pretty happy with garbage bags in the past. I’ve also owned a roll-top dry bag style panniers, and the Nelson-Rigg waterproof panniers, but felt they were both a bit large for my needs on the V7. A number of soft panniers these days come with removable waterproof liners or covers for overtop the pannier. My Viking bags had the rain covers, and my Kappa RB100 bags that are arriving any day come with the liners (I’m excited for the Kappas after waiting for months  for the manufacture to start back up).

Touratech makes tote-style liner bags for about $75.

Don't know if you saw this convo on ADV Rider:

https://advrider.com/f/threads/pannier-liners-worth-it.1429525/

[80CX100]

     From years of trying to keep gear dry on white water canoe trips, garbage bags or very heavy large plastic bags work reasonably well. I used to be able to get large plastic bags from the guys working in forensics, they were about 1/4 the size of a body bag, roll the top and secure, I didn't bother, but you could double bag.

     For water sensitive valuable stuff, cameras, laptops etc there are rubberized waterproof stuff sacks with velcro seals on the end that you roll up and fasten with a fastek buckle. I've used those style waterproof bags from both camping and motorcycle suppliers, they're not bad.

     They can be a pain to pack, but for small valuables that "need" to stay dry, small plastic screw top containers, ie from vitamins, pills, coffee etc.

     If your bags have always leaked, take a look at the lid seal, sounds like they might have a poor design, collecting, rather than shedding the water.

     Fwiw,  mother nature and water, both formidable foes,lol

     good luck & take care


     Kelly

     

     

[Bobic69]

If you want 100% guaranteed dry get some dry bags from an outdoor store and stick them in your panniers. I abseil down waterfalls with them when I go canyoning and not a drop gets in.

[Testarossa]

I've had good luck with Nelson-Rigg dry bags. Of course we don't get PNW rain, or even New England rain.

[Perazzimx14]

Not sure if they fit into the look of the bike you'd be mounting them too but I have really liked the inexpensive Tusk aluminum panniers from Rocky Mountain ATV. They have been 100% water/dust proof and are $274.99 a set for the large and $249.99 for the medium.

Prior to these on another bike I used Pelican 1550 cases that were also 100% water/dust proof.

[Wildroamer]

Not sure if it would help, but on my extended backpacking treks, I use a trash compactor bag as a pack liner. Much stronger, more puncture resistant, and takes repeated abuse without leaking a drop.

[blackcat]

These Givi bags do not leak:


And they weren't too expensive.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I have been in *serious* weather with HB Juniors without any water getting in. You absolutely positively can't over stuff them, though..
Like John says.. maybe your gaskets are toast? Dunno.

[Motorad64]

Just rain-tested a 30L Kriega Tailpack.  A mist, a steady drizzle, then a downpour.  Was surprised to find everything bone dry inside after about 2hrs of exposure last Saturday. 

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Prior to these on another bike I used Pelican 1550 cases that were also 100% water/dust proof.

This^^. Pelican cases on both the Convert and V700. The Harbor Freight Apache cases cost less and are waterproof as well.

[LowRyter]

I don't care how waterproof a saddlebag might be or whether the gaskets have been replaced or rain covers, always pack your stuff in a garbage bag before packing into that saddlebag. 

It's just common sense insurance.   

[Lannis]

Ortlieb bags with the foldover tops are completely waterproof.   Camped with them in the rain in England for two weeks and never a drop inside.   I have three sizes and sometimes use them all.

In the house, for food storage OR for carrying food on the bike, Rubbermaid "Brilliance" containers are the best ever (as already mentioned).  Made in the USA too.

Lannis

[skippy]

Have you considered looking into replacement gaskets for the lids? I seem to recall that were once available. Perhaps yours have begun to fail.

I too have ridden in all day frog chokers (with H-B 40L Juniors) and have not had the ingress of water you describe. I have had a little, but not enough to be an issue.

Part way down this page, you will see the gaskets:
https://www.hepco-and-becker-luggage.co.uk/products/#

John Henry


I have a set of 40 Litre HB's that are at least 18 years old and have never had an issue with water intrusion.

Inspect and or replace your gaskets. Maybe a smear of silicone lube. I do know that if you are not mindful of those straps inside they might fall down and out the bottom thus ruining any chance of a seal.

Skippy

[malik]

I, too, have found the Ortlieb "Rack Packs" completely waterproof - do not bother with any subsidiary waterproofing of anything stuffed inside. The Ortlieb saddlebags are usually also waterproof, but some water may get in if the roll top doesn't get its 3 half rolls. Some of the more water-sensitive components in there I also pack in smaller dry bags (particularly tools, jump starter, roasted coffee beans). Also helps keep some things contained & accessible. Choose your smaller dry bags carefully - the thicker ones are waterproof, but take up space, but of the thinner ones (in ultra sil) you need care in selection - some are good, although their waterproofing doesn't last forever. Others, usually the cheaper ones, may look the same, but are not even waterproof from the factory.

I've also found the Giant Loop to be reliably waterproof, and also the Kriega US series of tail bags. The bonus in the latter is the the (removable & washable)  white inner bag liners do make it easier to find stuff in there.

I'm not sure if Ortlieb still make their saddlebags, but there are other manufacturers who make something similar - Givi & SW Motek, I think, at least. The material used is similar to the fabric made for the trucking industry.

[jcctx]

Never had an issue the 30 liter HBs but I also have a set of "canoe" duffles; the large one is about 36", the small about 20" bought at Walmart. They are also very dry; and, cost about $12 for both!!

[hzbloke]

A friend has had this 1969 Triumph almost since new. In the 70s he made panniers from plastic jerry cans. After nearly 50 years of it being his daily transport and touring Australia on it extensively he swears that they have never leaked.

I'm not recommending you do this. I just thought it was pretty impressive.

[blu guzz]

FWIW, I recently spent a day in a downpour and the ammo cans that came on the V85 proved waterproof.

[Perazzimx14]

FWIW, I recently spent a day in a downpour and the ammo cans that came on the V85 proved waterproof.

Yep, you only have to deal with panniers that leak if you choose too. Plenty of waterproof options out there from cost effective to cost prohibitive.

[twowheeladdict]

I use something similar to these roll up ditty bags.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lixada-5-PCS-Waterproof-Bag-Set-Storage-Roll-Top-Dry-Bag-Set-for-Skating-Camping/373184971