Let’s face it, products in the adventure travel world tend to leave you thinking, “If it only did this” or “I wish it had,” referring to the shortcomings of features or designs. The designers of the Mosko Moto soft luggage system had those same thoughts when they designed what seems to be, one of the most well thought-out soft luggage systems on the market.

The Mosko Moto pannier design blends the convenience of hard luggage with the flexibility of a soft bag system. Using high-strength polymer plastic, the pannier uses a unique “wedge mount” system that can be attached to most existing luggage racks.

The mounting pucks are designed to fit up to 20 mm luggage racks, square or round. I tried them on both my KTM luggage rack and my Wolfman racks with success. Once the wedge is mounted, the pannier easily slides down on to the wedge, creating a tight seal secured with a butterfly latch.

The pannier construction is first-rate. Sewing is neat and heavy duty, as are the materials. The pannier comes with a waterproof inner bag that can be removed or left in place held by hook and pile. Five straps allow for items inside to be securely compressed with another unique feature dubbed “the beaver tail,” a reinforced outer flap that evenly compresses items inside the bag. The beaver tail also acts as an outer pocket for easy access to items such as a rain jacket or a map book. 

For accessory pockets, one is sewn directly to the outer rear of the bag and will easily carry two large fuel bottles (or two bottles of wine). The other is the M.O.L.L.E. system sewn throughout the outer bag. M.O.L.L.E is a mounting system adopted by the military for its functional and versatile accessory attachment. The optional accessory bag, which is large enough to carry a one-liter water bladder, mounted with ease to the pannier and feels extremely secure.

In addition to the panniers, I ordered the 40-liter duffle bag. It features a double-ended roll top and an overlapping beaver tail system which allows you to run your straps through the bag for extra security. The beaver tail allows for easy access, the same as the pannier, without having to open the bag itself. The duffle features hideaway shoulder straps and can be used as a backpack.

To test the system, I packed the bags as if going on a globetrotting expedition. Clothes, kitchen, sleeping bag, tent, tool kit, and spares were all present. Even after packing everything, I still had room for food and souvenirs.

I managed to take the bags over every bump, stump, ATV trail and corrugation I could find. I even managed to have a few get-offs over some slick red clay. The bags took the hits well, and at the end of the day my two wine bottles remained intact.

These bags were obviously designed by riders who have been through a series of other brands and in the end decided they could build a better system. They might have actually developed the best system to date. MSRP: $169.99 Duffle, $599.99 Pannier MoskoMotoGear.com

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