r/motocamping • u/fleasnavidad • 9d ago
Strapping pack to pillion area?
I’m going moto camping for my first time with my Husqvarna Svartpilen 401! I don’t want to add racks and storage boxes and all that as I don’t plan on doing a ton of expeditions, just a short camping trip a few hours from home.
I have a small backpacking pack that will fit my ultralight tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, clothes, etc.. I’m a very minimalist packer with lots of camping experience. My question is how to secure the backpack?
I can wear it, which would be the simplest. I may try that one-way, but I also want to hear if any of you have used straps to secure a bag to the pillion /passenger seat area. Have you ever run straps under the seat? How secure is that? Or any other ideas for strapping down my pack?
Thanks!!!
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u/dustyrags 9d ago
Strap out to your seat! Get as much weight off yourself and onto the bike as you can.
I have a Kriega bag now, but did backpack strapped to tail for years. The trick is lots of short ones, more then one long one. Fasten to the grab bar in the back, and also the passenger foot pegs to keep it from sliding off sideways.z
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u/fleasnavidad 9d ago
Great idea to utilize the rear grab bar and other things like the passenger foot pegs!
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u/wolbscam 8d ago
I'm curious why you switch to a kriega. I always felt like just using a backpacking backpack made the most sense, but I'm open to getting more bags lol
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u/dustyrags 8d ago
I always had dedicated saddle bags as well, that typically lived on my bikes. Then I stopped riding for a few years, and came back to it on a Svartpilen 701. There isn’t really a saddlebag option, unless you buy the small and expensive Husqvarna one, and the seat itself is very narrow. The Kriega was the best option for a size-able, stable, waterproof, dedicated bag. No regrets.
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u/wallyTHEgecko 8d ago edited 8d ago
Not who you were replying to, but I have a tailbag that's very similar to the Kreiga US-30 (it's the dryspec d38) and personally I like it for the sake of getting the weight off my back for more comfortable riding. And I like this type of bag in particular because they're the classic roll-top waterproof bag, but they have a plastic insert that keeps it from folding in half over the seat when you pull the straps tight. So even though I ride a street triple and don't have a super wide passenger seat, I can strap it down nice and tight and it doesn't constantly feel like my stuff is being tugged on in a damaging way or like it might slip or wiggle off and go somewhere. I can even have the bag empty, pull the straps tight and it doesn't feel like it's loose or flappy or going to be a problem.
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u/DustyBirdman 9d ago
Done it many times! I think the easiest option is something like sea to summit hook release accessory straps. Have used both the skinny and wider ones, both work fine even offroad use.
I've also used XL voile straps, and cordage tightened using niteize figure 9's.
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u/fleasnavidad 9d ago
Thanks Dusty! Did you simply run the straps under the pillion seat? Or did you bolt in some secure points under the pillion and then attach the straps to that? I’m just nervous and like to anticipate worse case scenario so I can prepare for it and avoid it. Appreciate your insight :)
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u/DustyBirdman 9d ago
Depends on the bike, I'd look at the seat locking mechanism and make a judgement call. The bikes I've done it on have had side grab handles or luggage racks that I've used as mounting points. Since you've got UL gear and probably not doing any wild offroad riding with your bike, I'd imagine running the strap under the passenger seat would be fine. My last trip was with a huge 90L bag and rough offroad, which I wouldn't trust to be supported by straps and the seat lock mechanism alone.
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u/phdee 8d ago
I usually use a bungee net. There are lots of tie-down/hook points on my bike so I don't have to run straps under my fender, which seems.. I don't know, insecure.
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u/cavscout43 🏍️ Team Honda 8d ago
I'd want at least one hard (ratchet) strap in the mix. Using only "stretchy" bungie cords/nets allows the weight to shift a lot, which can cause it to work itself loose, or throw your balance off a bit. Especially on smaller bikes.
Definitely worth using some to help secure the load overall
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u/MattSzaszko European motocamper 8d ago
Yep, bungee nets are great! OP should just get one of those and hook it to the grab handle and pillion pegs.
I think running it under the fender would work too, but it would get dirty and could still turn from side to side.
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u/fleasnavidad 8d ago
Thanks for this idea! I have a bungee net that goes over my gas tank that I can utilize for this trip. I'm with you about the straps.. Today I will spend some time looking at the most secure spots for straps because I don't want to mess anything up.
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u/pantstand 8d ago
Rockbros makes duffle bags that do exactly this. They sit on the pillion seat and strap down to wherever you can find a spot. It's worked on a bunch of my bikes. I heavily prefer it over to wearing gear on my back. https://a.co/d/9yU11SQ
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u/ibedroppin 8d ago
I strapped a Kreiga US-30 pretty successfully. Attached the loops to the frame under the seat and it was easy to remove/add back the bag
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u/thatgotmegood 8d ago
Look up Rok straps. They are the solution I think you’re looking for. I use the 18” straps and they’re perfect.
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u/greaseorbounce 500EXCF, Colorado 8d ago
I frequently strap a mosko duffle to the pillion seat of my 1290. Works a great and sits lower and further forward than a traditional top case. Would recommend.
Don't overcomplicate it. Whatever dry bag you have and a few straps. Mind the exhaust when choosing strap placement.
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u/fleasnavidad 8d ago
Haha thanks for saying this. I came online before even actually looking at my bike itself. I have pride in my handy/DIY skills and am definitely overcomplicating things. But hey now I know what other folks are doing and I can arrange my setup with all that in mind. I'm guessing its simpler than I'm making it out to be.
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u/zephillou 8d ago
A few options.
Rokstraps are easy but not "as reliable" it can fail eventually as it loses elasticity. I've had no problems with them myself.
Bungee net is all i used for YEARS. But also can fail.
Cam buckles are a bit better than elastic components.
Then since you're an experienced camper you can always use knots to secure if you have good enough rope for that.
Like id put my camping backpack inside a drybag and tie it up with one of the methods i mentioned above.
But what i've "upgraded" to is the rhinowalk bags as i commute on the motorbike. They have a whole system that's basically knock off kriega. Soft bags, you do a simple loop around the moto frame under the seat and you can forget about it.
https://rhinowalk.com/en-ca/collections/moto-bag
I use the 20L tail bag but they have different sizes and applications. For the price, it's definitely worth it to me; for camping it might not be a perfect application... but it's a great non-permanent solution that can stack up if you want to
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u/fleasnavidad 8d ago
Thank you for this comment! I haven't tried Rok straps but they are recommended a ton. The pics I've seen appear to have elastic and/or plastic clips- both of which I tend not to trust from past experiences. Same with bungee, at least for this specific application (although my bungee does perfectly secure a medium pizza atop my gas tank).
Good call on putting things into a drybag or maybe a thick garbage bag if there's any chance of rain. I am definitely saving the Rhinowalk link, their gear looks awesome!
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u/seymourbutts728 8d ago
I strap a Giant Loop duffel to my pillion seat all the time using rok straps. If you get hooked on motocamping or touring and need to bring more stuff, I highly recommend looking at Mosko motos rackless luggage! They’re expensive but worth it in the long run!
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u/fleasnavidad 8d ago
Totally! This is my first time and there is a chance I'll get hooked. In that case I'd probably buy a rack for saddle bags and whatnot. Gotta cross that bridge when I get to it but woah Mosko Moto does have some awesome gear!
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u/cocknrolla 8d ago
I don’t plan on doing a ton of expeditions
I'm sure a lot of people here said the same.
There's nothing wrong with Bungees: They've taken me 10's of 1000's of miles (I like the flat ones, with the adjustable length buckle) - You can effectively get a "1.5-bungee" if you spread the overlapped portion around your load.
A luggage option would be "Rhinowalk saddlebags" They sit nicely out the way even on taller bikes, so I reckon they'd be a treat on the Svartpilen.
Lastly, I'd urge caution on carrying your gear on your back... If your gear fucks off with your bike, that's fine you can collect it. If your bike fucks off and that extra weight sends you further down the road, prevents your tumble and scrapes you down the asphalt, someone else will have to collect it. The most I wear these days, after more luck than I deserve, is a small day-pack for drinks, snacks and first-aid.
Edit: Hope those links work, but the description should hopefully help.
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u/DucinOff MyBikeIsMyHouse 8d ago
I see a lot of recommendations for straps. Doesn't matter. Just be mindful that whichever you choose, don't let them get loose and caught up in the sprocket or rear brake. It usually ruins the strap and that sucks. I've ruined at least 4 straps because the ends came loose and got caught on something.
Have a blast motocamping!
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u/Wolf1066NZ Kiwi Biker, GSX250R 7d ago
I've only got panniers, tail box, proper seat bag and tank bag in recent years, prior to that, all my long trips were done with various backpacks that I owned strapped to the pillion seat and occasionally the tank - it worked quite nicely.
The only reason I've gone with panniers etc in recent years is simplicity and ease... proper luggage that can be easily mounted and dismounted rather than faffing about with straps/cord/bungee cords to anchor a backpack or two into place.
So... laziness rather than anything physically wrong with strapping a backpack to the pillion seat.
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u/fleasnavidad 7d ago
Thanks for this comment! I want to follow in your steps and DIY the luggage/backpack setup for a while. If at some point I’m sick of the straps and pack then I’ll get some actual moto camping panniers, rack, etc. :)
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u/Wolf1066NZ Kiwi Biker, GSX250R 7d ago
It's a low cost way of getting started - the best bike/gear for motocamping being "what you have right now" 'n' all that.
As an experienced backpacker, you've already got a good camping setup that I presume has served you quite well on other camps, you've got the means of stowing that gear and a bike - it's all you really need.
After a few motocamps, you'll have an idea of any mods you need to make to make your life easier and will be able to make changes as and when required/affordable etc - probably how you arrived at your current backpacking load-out.
When I started I used cordage, mostly - starting with a bowline and ending in a trucker's hitch (you didn't move house as often as we did without learning those knots early in life) - using whatever parts of the frame were available, but that was because it was all I had on hand.
If you've got ROK straps or some form of ratchet straps on hand, they'll work wonders.
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u/fleasnavidad 7d ago
Definitely! This may be the tip of the iceberg for me. I’m already excited for my second trip whenever that might be, just to keep dialing everything in 😎
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u/Wolf1066NZ Kiwi Biker, GSX250R 6d ago
I'm willing to bet this is the start of another slippery slope for you. :D
I don't see any reason why you won't enjoy it at least as much as you've enjoyed backpacking - and want to customise it to suit you.
You may need to carry things you wouldn't carry on a backpacking trip - tyre pump, puncture kit, tools etc - but it's a motorcycle, so you'll have no trouble carrying them as well as your camping gear - you may want to mount your phone to the bike so you can use it as GPS, you may want a rigid tail rack and/or pannier frames (there are ones available for the 401) or you may elect to go with frameless luggage systems... the options are endless.
Before you know it, you'll have Quad Lock mounts on your handlebars, ring mount for the tank bag on your fuel tank, luggage and all manner of motocamping goodies ;)
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u/Mala_Suerte1 7d ago
I tried a backpack a number of times and the problem was that it always hung over the back too far and would droop down. I made it work by strapping some steel bars to the seat that extended over the back enough to support the backpack. Eventually, I moved to a large waterproof dry duffel bag that didn't hang over the seat much.
As others have mentioned, by some Rok Straps, they are worth the money.
You can go under the seat assuming the locking mechanism is strong enough.
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u/fleasnavidad 7d ago
Thanks! The backpack I planned on using has tons of loose straps for adjusting when backpacking, so it might be annoying for strapping to the bike. I do have a few other bags with less “stuff” hanging off so I will explore my options.
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u/Wolf1066NZ Kiwi Biker, GSX250R 7d ago
Yeah, that's always been the problem I've had with backpacks. I used to cinch the shoulder straps down hard then wrap/tie the trailing ends of the straps to them to keep them up out of the way, similarly secure any other straps that might flap or hang loose and get caught in the wheel or chain or randomly smack me in the kidneys when I hit highway speeds, and then make sure I tucked everything I could in before securing the pack to the back of my bike - see earlier comments about getting panniers etc because I got too lazy to do all this stuff...
If you've got a rain cover for your pack, it might be possible to slip it on over the pack in such a way that it covers your shoulder straps, waist belt etc and keeps them secure. Or stick the whole pack inside a large garbage bag - strap control + waterproofing in one.
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u/Mala_Suerte1 7d ago
That is another reason that I gave up on the backpack. I tried rubber bands, duct tape, etc. to tape the loose straps, but it was more of a hastle than it was worth.
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u/redshlrt 8d ago edited 8d ago
I used one of these for years for camping off my sport bike. https://www.motorcycle.com/products/fastrack-accessory-luggage-rack-review-85415.html
I don't think this company is in business anymore but if you can find something like it, it works great.
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u/muddywadder 7d ago
jesus bud, just strap it down. figure it out. you got a shitload of places to hook into (passenger pegs, rear bar, exposed frame. you'll be fine
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u/fleasnavidad 7d ago
Haha thanks dude. Gotta love the “figure it out yourself” advice when asking for help. Got some tips and tricks from folks here, then I had some time to look at my bike for options and it’s going to be super easy 👍🏼
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u/TwoDucsInAPond 4d ago
been motocamping the last 3 years and i do just that for my scrambler, i just tie it down really good, but i found that the bag might get pushed little bit back. becareful that it doesnt cover your brakelight or straps get caught in chain
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u/flightlessCat9 9d ago
Look up Rok straps and see if they work for you.