RJays Explorer pack for rack - Good or bad?

[JasonEdward]

This luggage looks like the best budget option for me - anyone got any comments - welcome negative comments - before I buy one for $149 from

http://www.motoretail.co.nz/product.cfm?ID=626

Thanks in advance

[crazybigal]

i got one a year ago, good bag. there are 2 sizes i cant remember what one the explorer is. i got the larger expandable one.
they are not waterproof! i found mine soaked water in from underneath.
The cover works well though. Use a plastic bag to keep your stuff dry.
Other than that ive had no problems with it.

[Virago]

Yep, good bag.

As mentioned, not terribly waterproof, so you need to use the pull-out water-proof cover when it rains. I also use bin-liner bags inside as a safety measure.

Quality is good for the price, and they are very versatile. I particularly like the ease of install and removal from the rack - done in seconds.

[Hitcher]

The RJays is a great pack. And it works on a Ventura rack, and is a superior product on every score to Ventura's own luggage.

[paturoa]

I've had one of about 3 years and

Pros

- Has stayed together.
- Can carry a huge load if you put it the wrong way around, so sitting on the pillion seat (I take a really big lunch to work each day!)
- Really flexibile with expansion top and sides.

Cons
The waterproof rain coat is a temporary thing. The inner waterproof lining has warn off and lets the water through. Now for big trips I have to use rubbish bags to keep the contents dry.


EDIT: check out my profile pic for a fully loaded version.

[pritch]

Whatever brand you are using it'd still pay to pack everything in plastic bags.

The only problem I had with my Rjays bag was that the chord which fastened the waterproof bag in place came loose and got sucked into the chain. This was followed immediately of course by the whole waterproof cover which ripped off my Scott Oiler injection unit on the way through.

There were a multitude of little bits of black plastic bag for a coupla hundred metres or so but I couldn't find the injector mount.

This problem wasn't attributable to any shortcoming of the bag, more my lack of seaman like skills with knots. :doh: Rather than join the Scouts, next time I bought hard luggage.

[Hammer]

Also worthwhile giving these bags a treatment of some waterproofing agent/repellent - the spray on type.

[homer]

i got this for $160

2 clips at the back pocket that fits the rack correctly and has plastic inserts for the sides and top bottom of bag, Guess to prevent wear on the bag

40 lt expandable to 56 lt

heaps room

[klingon]

The RJays pack is great - but the rain cover is dangerous! It's too easy to end up with the cord trailing down the back and causing havoc.

Also The rain cover is the right size for the fully expanded pack, but too big for the pack when it's not expanded. This can lead to a parachute effect, or the rain pooling in the cover and dragging it down until it almost drags on the wheel (and totally obscures your tail light and reflector for following traffic).

In conclusion:
Pack is great - well worth the money.
Put your gear in a plastic rubbish bag and forget about the supplied waterproof cover.

[JasonEdward]

Thanks to all of you for very useful info. I'm going with RJs as I have plenty of plastic bags but little money. :-) Thanks again. JE.

[meatface]

i just got one of these...

Did anyone else have to take to the plastic inserts with sissors? I can't seem to get most of them to completely into the compartments so they close, just a tiny bit too big...