Water-resistant gear is a necessity for dual-sport and ADV riders. From boots to suits, our stuff needs to be able to withstand unpredictable weather and deep-water crossings. Nowadays, designing a piece of gear to only be water-resistant isn’t a big deal, but 100% waterproof is no easy feat.

We first spotted Rigg Gear Adventure's Hurricane 20L Backpack at the 2017 AIMExpo. Instead of a tail bag that turns into a backpack, the Hurricane is the opposite. It’s optimized for comfort while wearing it, equipped with wide, padded straps and an air-channeling back pad. The shoulder straps utilize a quick release buckle system that converts the backpack into a tail bag in seconds. Mounting straps are included.

The Hurricane 20L is made of UV-coated 24-oz. Tarpaulin PVC. It’s rugged in design, and you won’t be afraid to toss it around when unloading at camp. The closure is a rollie type, which needs to be folded over at least three times to ensure a waterproof seal. Bottle holders and straps for carabiners can be found on either side.

The Hurricane will hold a weekend’s worth of clothes and gear. Inside the bag, there are no organization pockets other than an inner sleeve that can hold a 15" laptop, tablets, or notebooks. I’ve been using the Hurricane 20L exclusively for my expensive electronics, including my cameras and lenses, relying on its waterproof claim to keep my gear safe. Afterall, the possibility of loosing over $4,000 in equipment because I decided to take a "hero route", or foolishly depending on the weatherman doesn't sound like a very good time.

I even went hiking with it, utilizing the front exterior pocket for a hydration pack (not included). The Hurricane 20L held everything I needed with room to spare, although more organization on the interior would be nice, and a zip-up pocket would be handy for things like dirty tools. The wide, thick straps make this bag much more comfortable to wear than other backpacking tail bags I’ve used.

To see how well this product can withstand water, I completely submerged it in a bathtub stuffed with towels to see if they’d come out wet. But, just as Rigg Gear claims, The Hurricane is 100% waterproof, not letting a single drop into the main compartment.

The backpack has no interior rigidity support, so you’ll need to attach it to your tail rack or the passenger seat for more stability if you'll be mounting it on your bike. The purge valve helps keep everything as compact as possible, an important feature when you’re methodically outfitting your bike for longer trips. The bag can be mounted front to back or sideways, but keep in mind it only has one opening so if you want quick and easy access to its contents, mount accordingly.

The Hurricane 20L comes with a handy clip-on panel that has MOLLE on one side and a see-through, waterproof pouch on the other. This is a great place to store a map or legal documents. Without the panel attached, the stretchy webbing on the exterior is a great place to stuff your gloves during pit stops. Or, you could use the clip-on panel to secure your jacket liner to the bag.

I’ve found that I use the Hurricane 20L off the bike just as often as I do on the bike. It’s a bag that works great for hiking, traveling, or camping, and its versatility makes it valuable when compared to its modest retail price. The Hurricane Backpack is also a great alternative for those who don't necessarily want to mount motorcycle luggage, but still need to carry lots of gear. And for those looking to carry more during their travels, Rigg Gear also produces a massive 40L version of the Hurricane. MSRP: 20L—$129.95 | 40L—$149.95 RiggGear.com

• Dimensions:
20L 11”L x 7”W x 16”H
40L 12.5”L x 9”W x 22”H

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