Soft luggage is a popular preference over hard bags, especially for dirt bikes and smaller dual-sports. They’re lighter, easier to install, cost less, and are arguably safer in the event of a crash. Most have a wide range of adjustability, so if you own multiple bikes, chances are one system could fit all of them. With a plethora of options on the market, there are more than a handful of soft systems most riders would be happy to strap over their motorcycles.

Only a few criteria need to be met to make good soft bags. They need to be extremely durable, as they take the brunt of the impact in crashes and tip-overs, not to mention bouncing off trees and rubbing against brush. Water resistance is a must. They also need to fit snugly and securely to the bike so they won’t flop around.

Nelson Rigg has been making storage options for motorcycles for over 40 years and their Rigg Gear Adventure line-up specializes in rugged systems for ATVs, UTVs, and now adventure bikes. The RG-020 Dual-Sport Side Bags are UV-treated and made of water-resistant 1680D Tri-Max Ballistic Nylon. They feature reverse coil zippers to keep outside elements from getting in and oversized pulls for easy access while wearing gloves.

The RG-020 is an expandable system, increasing from 12- to 15-liter capacity per side. And a unique tool pouch under the main compartment helps keep tire irons and dirty wrenches from bouncing around with the rest of your luggage.

Installing the RG-020 is straightforward and takes only minutes. The self-fastening Velcro top straps adjust to the width of your bike. Metal hooks wrap around the bottom of the rear fender to prevent the bags from rotating. Optional straps for dual-sports are included to tether the system to rear fender brackets, like DOT reflector mounts. As you’d expect, the more straps used, the more stable the system becomes. Front straps need to be secured to the frame or another secure point on the bike.

Be mindful to tether these straps away from the exhaust pipe. Dual-sport and dirt bikes have exhaust systems that run high. It would have been nice to see Rigg Gear offer heat protection for the bags in areas close to the exhaust.

A down side to soft side bags is limited weight capacity. A clever feature on these bags is the side cinches that help support weight and prevent the bags from sagging under heavy load.

Simply wearing a backpack might yield similar results, but the RG-020 Dual-Sport Bags can be the sensible solution to hauling more gear and taking the weight off your shoulders. MSRP: $134.95 RiggGear.com