If you’re into snowmobile tours, you’re staying over at a different location each night on your snowmobile vacation. Most snowmobilers need to carry extra stuff with them. But it’s not as simple as throwing some luggage on the back and heading off down the trail. Especially if you want to arrive at your destination with your belongings intact. So you need to know how to choose best snowmobile saddlebags for sale. So not just any saddlebag will do.
With so many choices available, how do you know what are the best snowmobile saddlebags? I remember one ride when we were following another group into a town near the end of the day. Leading our crew, I noticed something on the trail ahead. Turned out to be a hairbrush. A couple of yards later, there was a pair of jockey shorts. Then numerous other personal items, like a trail of breadcrumbs marking the way. Fortunately, we overtook them and one rider turned around to collect his stuff.
Another time, a loose thread from a saddlebag caught on something as we were leaving home. Less than half an hour later, the whole bag was unravelled all over the trail. I also recall having to backtrack for quite a distance on two separate occasions. Why? Because my companions’ supposedly well-secured saddlebags fell off. Intact, but gone. Which speaks to one main problem with saddlebags. They’re behind you and out of sight. So anything can go wrong and it’s unlikely you’ll find out until it’s too late.
Key Features to Look For
Not all saddlebags are created equal. You can do everything else right, but if your saddlebag is cheap from the get-go, you’re asking for trouble. Look for multi-stitched seams, heavy-duty zippers, strong materials and sturdy fasteners.
I’ve used Snow Gear Saddlebags for years. And I’ve put over 80,000 kilometres on one set without a problem. They’re custom made by Canadian Yacht Tops to fit each brand and model of sled. And believe me, fitting your sled is a very important first step for keeping them on during a ride.
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Ensuring a Secure Fit
Make sure the integrated fasteners and clips that secure the snowmobile saddlebags to your sled are well made, durable and firmly attached to the bag. Next, make sure that when secured to your snow machine, the saddlebag fits snuggly, with no wiggle room. Finally, regardless of how good the fasteners are or how securely attached the bag is, I always double bungee my snowmobile saddlebags. I hook the bungees to the running board as added insurance against Murphy’s Law.
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Capacity and Packing Considerations
Another concern is saddlebags not being big enough. Although I prefer to look at this from the perspective of a rider trying to carry too much for the space available. Whatever your view, there’s no doubt that a cram-packed saddlebag puts undue strain on the zippers, material and fasteners. By the same token, you want to fill the interior space with enough contents that loose articles don’t tumble around inside like clothes in a dryer while you’re riding. This can potentially pierce the saddlebag sides or bottom. Your best bet is to assemble everything your want to carry.
Waterproofing and Storage
I haven’t found any saddlebag yet that is totally waterproof. They can get wet from rain, but are more likely to be soaked from snow dust and track slush. Either way, the result can be wet contents. Unless you line your saddlebag with plastic garbage bags or pack your belongings in sealed plastic, like the Packmate Compression Travel bags I use.
Be very careful where you store your saddlebag when not in use. Keep them clean and dry to avoid mould and mildew. You also want them out of the reach of gnawing critters (including family pets). I always throw in a couple of Sneaker Balls or scented dryer sheets before storing to keep my bags smelling fresh. Before use, thoroughly inspect every component.
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Additional Gear and Tips
For touring, I ride with a set of Snow Gear saddlebags for my overnight stuff. I also use a double set of Ski-Doo LinQ Tunnel Bags for my emergency and survival gear and other daily necessities. Even for days rides I always carry with emergency and survival gear on board. Your survival gear should involve everything from kit to food and drink. For this purpose, the Ski-Doo LinQ Tunnel Bags are the easiest and most convenient way I’ve found. I just leave them packed between rides.
Final tip: Put your business card or a paper with your contact info inside each bag.
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tags: #snowmobile #saddle #bags