Nelson Rigg Trails End Adventure Saddlebags: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction to Nelson Rigg Saddlebags

• 💡 The Nelson Rigg Trails End adventure saddlebags are a new, full-size option from a company known for high-quality, affordable motorcycle soft luggage.
• 🎯 Nelson Rigg offers two main lines for ADV/off-road: the Hurricane (older, PVC) and the Trails End (newer, Ultramax fabric with PVC).

Key Similarities and Features

• 🚀 Both bag lines are universally fitting and designed for ADV/off-road use, requiring a luggage rack for mounting.
• 💧 They feature a roll-top design for secure closure, protecting contents from water and dirt, which is preferred over zippers.
• 🧩 A MOLLE system on the exterior provides modularity for attaching accessories or securing the bags further.

Material and Waterproofing

• 🌟 The Hurricane bags use heavy-duty PVC, while the Trails End bags feature Ultramax fabric (UVT treated for longevity) on the exterior with PVC on top.
• ☔ While Ultramax is water-resistant, both bags include removable waterproof liners to ensure 100% dryness for contents.
• 🧳 The internal dry bags can be used independently or secured within the main bag using hook-and-loop fasteners.

Differences: Capacity and Customization

• ⚖️ The Hurricane bag offers 28L capacity, whereas the Trails End bag has 25L internally but includes a clever 8L quick-access pocket on the bottom.
• 🛠️ The Hurricane has a fixed bottle holder, while the Trails End replaces this with additional MOLLE space, allowing for customizable accessory mounting like bottle holders.

Mounting and Installation

• 🧼 The bags feature a replaceable foam pad on the back for protection and to prevent scratching the motorcycle rack.
• 🔗 Rig straps with heavy-duty buckles are used for securing the bags to the luggage rack, acting as both tie-down points and cinch straps.
• 💨 Hidden bungees help manage excess strap material, keeping the setup neat and preventing flapping.
• ⬆️ An additional top strap provides a fifth tie-down point and a location for strapping larger items like dry bags or sleeping bags, complemented by two metal D-rings.
• ⏱️ Installation typically takes 3-4 minutes, with removal being very quick.

Advanced Features and Considerations

• ⚡ For quick on/off needs, Nelson Rigg offers an optional quick-release platform (metal plate) that attaches to the rack, allowing bags to be attached and detached in seconds.
• 🔒 Note: These bags are not lockable, which is a consideration for security-conscious riders.
• 🧩 An internal stiffener helps maintain the bag's shape, though its initial installation can be a bit of a process.
• 💪 The bags demonstrated impressive durability on an off-road trip, holding up even when the motorcycle bottomed out severely.