Review Details

Medium Motofizz Camping Seat Bag

Product Review (submitted on May 20, 2010):

I had so many bags already... My bike, an FJR1300 with a Givi top box frame, had already gone around the lower 48 with any combination of them strapped behind me with a variety of bungee/quicklok/web strap products designed to give me piece of mind. But there was one consistent problem - I had a large, shifting mass of stuff that felt different rubbing on my back every time I re-mounted it on my passenger seat, not to mention the 5-minute ordeal to get it on and/or off. This bag is built to go. Like most Aerostich products, it is extremely well thought out and executed. Yes... I was a bit put-off when it was delivered and I thought it was made in China (it's Japanese), but I soon got over that when I realized the attention to detail that made this a true rider's seatbag. Not only does it hold its shape due to the cross-straps, as previously mentioned, it also has a design that forms a "U" built of plastic inserts. Every time you pack it the front of the bag feels the same to your back, which invariably rests against it if you have a top box. So, it's comfortable. And it's well-fastened. Easy-on, easy-off and you never worry about it shifting or things flying away in the windblast. The detachable side bag allows you to place expensive stuff in a secure pack that you can take inside a rest stop while leaving the rest of the bag outside with your clothes in it. If I have to go inside somewhere when I have stuff attached to my bike, I want the option of quickly bringing the high value items by just unsnapping a part of the bag. The little cross-strap female connector that serves to make the loose straps presentable when the bag is not on the bike, does double duty. If the pieces fit together snugly, your bag will click into place solidly and you won't have to worry about it. For rain conditions, I used a mesh bungee over the rain cover to keep it from flying off. The side pockets allow for easy access to stuff you shouldn't be putting in your pants pockets. The adjustable cover flap design makes it super easy to throw a big layer of clothing under it as the day heats up, and a waterproof bag just underneath is convenient for storing stuff that got wet before you could get your rain gear on. The medium fits my FJR very well when expanded, and it holds a professional camera monopod and small gear tripod before the clothes pile on top. I had two pairs of shoes and enough clothes for ten days of travel, along with the stuff in the side pockets. Bottom line is that I never worried about it when it was attached and getting it fastened and unfastened is painless. With a little forethought, the innards can be secured from theft unless the thief brings a very sharp knife. I'm actually thinking of getting a small bag for shorter trips. The convenience is unusual for a product that most of us take for granted as being simple enough already. Used it the last ten days on the open road - no complaints. Wish I'd bought it five years ago...