Review: Nelson-Rigg Trails End Adventure Tailbag
I appreciate the art of packing for a motorcycle trip. It forces me to visualize exactly what I need for the duration of the journey, and that kick-starts the engine of my imagination.
I have a couple different bikes (including a 2021 BMW Urban GS) in the garage, and it’s important to me to be able to swap bags between bikes without a lot of fuss. Everybody knows luggage is an afterthought on these bikes, so a rugged and versatile tailbag is a must for a guy like me.
The Nelson-Rigg Trails End Adventure tailbag is the largest in the collection of three Trails End bags. Smaller bike owners may want to consider the Trails End Dual Sport or Trails End Lite. They all have the same features, which are abundant when compared to their often higher-priced competition.
The Trails End Adventure is crafted with Nelson-Rigg’s UltraMax fabric with maximum UV protection. Mine has seen many days in the sun and still looks great.
Speaking of looks, the bag’s rigid construction helps maintain its shape when empty, and the reflective piping provides an all-around splash of night-time visibility. Sturdy, water-resistant, and lockable zippers keep rain and dust out of the bag. Additionally, when brought together, the zippers create a place for an optional luggage lock to keep your contents secure when you step away from the motorcycle.
Heavy-duty webbing and buckles for mounting are where the attaching magic happens. My standard setup includes the Trails End Fuel bottle holder fixed to the webbing on the side stand side. When the bike is on its stand, it creates a cradle for tossing in stuff, such as gloves and phone, while I change back from Superman to Clark Kent.
When I find myself on longer trips, such as rides to the coast or to the mountains, I whip out and strap on the Nelson-Rigg Hurricane 10L dry roll bag for my sleeping bag, and I’m off to the races.
The lid opens with ease once you loosen the straps and—voilà! you have access to the main compartment, while your goodies on top are held securely in place. The inside is almost as fun as the outside. Its features include self-fastening straps for keeping loose items in check, a light gray interior that makes items easy to find, and a mesh pocket compartment. In the latter, you can store all kinds of flat things, such as extra tankbag maps and that restaurant napkin on which you wrote the name of the banging tune that played during your lunch..
If you plan to travel through wet environments, you may want to consider adding the optional rain cover. While the bag is secure when attached to the rack, it’s also simple to remove. The rubberized carry handle makes for easy transport in and out of hotels and motorcycle races.
The Nelson-Rigg Trails End Adventure tailbag is a shining light compared to its competition, and shines even brighter when packed for an adventure.