New Ventura EVO 25 Dry-Pack

The more black some of us wear, the more attractive we get

There are some things that just need to be said. One of them is that you don’t need a staggering amount of luggage to take a bike trip either in your own country, or indeed, anywhere in Europe. If you’re going camping then that may excuse the panniers, top box and rack situation. If, however, you are fully aware that spending the night in a tent is something that the rest of gave up when we were 10, you’ll be staying in a secure building that comes with a real bed, a shower and food that has been cooked by someone else and not over an open fire that leaves you smelling like someone who's had a lucky escape from a forest fire.

The rolltop closure is simple and (mostly) hard to damage

To that end what we need when we tour is a decent backpack or, better still, a tailpack. Some of the better ones on the market are made by Ventura. This month they launched thier new Ventura EVO Dry-Pack.

There are few things that I really like about this kit. The first is the fact that it’s waterproof. This isn’t just down to the fabric since it’s made with PVC tarpaulin, it’s the fact that while this fabric defaults to being waterproof. This is thanks to all of its seams being waterproof. The closure is a roll top type, so it simply defaults to being waterproof. If it isn’t closed properly the contents will simply fall out!

The companies own rack is designed to carry the pack

So, it’s both tough and it’s waterproof. Adding to the bags’ usability is the outer webbing. This stuff allows for a selection of attachment points for bits of extra kit. There are a set of handles which are soft enough not to damage my delicate journalists’ hands, there’s even a shoulder strap.

The inside is reenforced with panels. This does a number of things. It keeps the bags shape, so while stuffing it with the clothes that I should have packed last night, it won’t allow it to take the shape of the mess that it’s packing. Rather it will greatly assist with holding it in a balanced and easy to use /carry way.

Straps and tie down points finish the bag perfectly

 Being antisocial I don’t, as a rule, carry pillions unless absolutely necessary. This means that I can fasten the bag to my pillion seat with its’ base loops. If I absolutely have to carry someone on the back of my bike then there is an option to fit an Evo rack from the same company to the back of the bike.   

Rather cleverly, with this option, the pack slides onto the rack via the bags secure sleeve-fitting system. It can then be clipped into place. This process takes about as long to fit as clipping a top box in place would.

Ready to take on the world

These and a whole lot more are available from their online store.