Rjays versus Ventura

[Ms Piggy]

I'm looking to buy a reasonable sized tail bag that I can use for everyday commuting as well as for touring.

I've found a Ventura tail bag that expands to 56L for $189.00 or a San Remo (formally Rjays) that is 47L and I can get for around $130.00.

I've done a search on KBer and there seem to be contradictory opinions on which is better. Obviously because I'm gonna using it on an almost daily basis I want it to be hard wearing.

Any feedback appreciated.

[Blackbird]

Got a zip-together Ventura system. Have had one bag for 4 years and the other for 8. The older bag had faded slightly and the newer one is till fine. They don't leak as such but a spot of water does get in (I suspect wind blown up through the zip) in continuous heavy rain. No big deal though as I always put stuff inside in a large bin liner. Well-made with no zip problems or stitching. You can also buy straps to turn them into a back pack. I've never done this but it's an excellent idea.

No experience of RJays I'm afraid.

[Highlander]

Similar to Mr Blackbird.
I have only used Ventura, and have the same set up. A couple of things in the pockets of the bags have benn dampened in HEAVY rain, but in the main part of the bag I have always put everything in plastic bags so has stayed dry.

[sinned]

I have got two RJ Bags (made prior to San Remo). They both look the same but one expands. I have used both for close on 3 years and have no complaints. They don't leak, even without using the waterproof cover. If in really heavy conditions there is a waterproof cover that stretches over the whole bag.

I don't know what the quality of the new bags but mine are first class. I bought the RJ bag after reading a recommendation from Hitcher.

Clicked the wrong poll option and can't change it Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

[klingon]

I have an RJays bag that I use to commute every day. It is the expandable one but holds a heck of a lot of stuff even before it's expanded! Every day I carry at least a change of shoes (sometimes a complete change of clothes), my lunch, some paperwork (files, diary), and my (large!) handbag, and there is still plenty of room for occasional extras like wet weather gear, change of gloves, etc etc.

It is not showing any wear and tear although I think we've had it for about four years now and use it for touring as well as daily commuting. I also use it to do the grocery shopping and when expanded it seems to take a whole trolley-full! I put about 30kg of groceries in it at a time! :laugh:

It comes complete with straps to turn it into a backpack, extra pockets, and a zip-off outside bag so if you're touring you can carry your valuables with you.

My one and only complaint is that it's not waterproof. Water gets in when it rains, and the rain-cover is only really suitable when the pack is expanded, otherwise there is too much extra fabric flapping around. Keeping the stuff inside in plastic bags is essential when riding in the wet.

I have never owned another brand of pack, but I am very happy with the RJays and would recommend it as a really good, versatile pack.

[Hitcher]

We've got a big Rjays/Sanremo bag. It's marvellous. Capacious, robust, works well on a Ventura rack. Easily repaired if it happens to "go down the road". The rain cover is brilliant and completely waterproof. Use with total confidence!

[Laxi]

+1 rjays, have a tank pack I use everyday never had a problem

[Coldrider]

Have ventura pack system since 1993, still in use today.
San Remo, isn't that a small cigar from years ago ?

[sinned]

We've got a big Rjays/Sanremo bag. It's marvellous. Capacious, robust, works well on a Ventura rack. Easily repaired if it happens to "go down the road". The rain cover is brilliant and completely waterproof. Use with total confidence!
A 3 year old version of this recommendation resulted in my purchase of Rjays bags.

The Ventura bags appear flimsy.

[Usarka]

Only ever used ventura but i like 'em. Plus i got some awesome quick (local) service from the manufacturer when there was a tiny issue.....

[slofox]

My Ventura seat bag was the best thing I ever bought for the bike...bar none.


But I have never tried the other brand so what the f would I know..?

[TOTO]

Ive got a san remo one, and super pleased with it.heaps of pockets and looks good and not "saggy" when put on. comew with plastic side pannels that keep its shape, so it does not fall on top of my tail light. not expandable tho.

[pete376403]

Not on your list but Oxford do a pretty reasonable expanding bag, about 300 x 300 mm base expanding to about 450mm high. Has extra straps to convert it to a backpack or shoulder bag, bungies to tie it on, waterproof cover, etc $99 at Motomart.
Havent tried it in the rain but on a recent adventure ride it didn't allow any of the very fine dust we were riding in to penetrate.

[Ms Piggy]

Not on your list but Oxford do a pretty reasonable expanding bag, about 300 x 300 mm base expanding to about 450mm high.
Cheers for that Pete but I'm looking for something a bit bigger. The San Remo is 47L and 430mm x 520 x depth 260mm.

[steve_t]

San Remo, isn't that a small cigar from years ago ?

Isn't / Wasn't San Remo a brand of packet pasta back in the day? :eek:

[MaxB]

My take on it is the Ventura system is more expensive, tougher and a simpler design. The RJays gear I have owned is good value, not as tough but has heaps more features.

I have a Ventura Rally pack with the fitted rain cover. The cover makes a big difference.

[Grant`]

I own both a Ventura and a San Remo pack and both have there ups and downs.

The ventura is my day to day around town bag, light rain it has had no problems but in a downpoor once it started leaking it was all on. You can get a storm cover for it which i have purchased but they are an optional extra well for the bag i brought anyways and quite expensive..

The San Remo i have is the 40litre expandable to 56 ( i think those are the specs )and it also works really well, does come with a built in storm cover (my bag didn't have any way to tie down the cover so i use bungies), however the zips seem flimsy and with out the storm cover on the bag leaks badly.

Both bags do the job they were meant to, the Ventura bag is definately a lot better quality if I had to pick one, but with out the Storm cover coming as part of the kit, the san remo was definately better bang for buck in my eyes.

If you have specific questions please feel free to pm me.

[Askelon]

Had both over the years. Still got my original Ventura bag from over 10 years ago. Its no longer as waterproof as it was of course be all in all its still in very good condition. The rjays bags on the other hand were pretty much junk. Ive had 2, both of which have basically rotted after 12mo of use. They all get subjected to use 3-4 days of the week, rain, hail or sun..

[Mom]

We have the Ventura style of bags, one large one and the smaller one that zip together, both expand, though two up we can not expand the smaller one. We did a 10 day trip last year, carried everything we needed no problem. Will let some water in though, so plastic bin liners are the order of the day.

[NZsarge]

Yep, Ventura is fine by me, I have'nt even laid eyes on a San Remo pack to be fair but I have no need to either.

[Pixie]

Isn't Ventura a city northwest of LA?

[vifferman]

They (Ventura) don't leak as such but a spot of water does get in (I suspect wind blown up through the zip) in continuous heavy rain.
Actually, the fabric is fairly waterproof, but the seams aren't seam-welded, so I suspect that's where most of the water gets in (and doesn't get out again, so you can end up with a couple of cupsful of water swishing around!). You can get a storm cover, which works OK, but ti's lightweight nylon so it flaps around a fair bit. I prefer to do as others have said, and just put anything that needs to be kept dry into a plastic supermarket bag.
I've had three or four Ventura bags now, and nearly bought a Ventura tankbag, but the Motoline was more cheaperer and betterer.

[Hailwood]

I have had an RJays Explorer? bag the one that zips out to 80litres extended..its great and has not leaked despite some heavy rain. Takes all the gear i need.

[NordieBoy]

I like my Ventura.
I also like my RJays.

I feel the Ventura is better built but the RJays has more features.
The Ventura is a bag with a zip and a front pocket.
The RJays has a kitchen sink hidden in there I swear.
The Ventura is waterproof.
The RJays is waterproof once the rain cover goes on.
I like the shape of the Ventura for riding.
I like the shape of the RJays for bunging stuff in.