Riding Gear Essentials - Travel Bags

We get mega-info on the latest and greatest riding gear sent to us by manufacturers. "Riding Essentials" gives us the opportunity to take a few pages to show you the goods and tell you what we think. Since this issue comes out right before Sturgis, we're featuring travel bags from various companies. Seeing that many of you are preparing to roll on the long haul, you'd better be able to stow items well.
Here are a variety of travel bags from various companies to help suit your needs on long trips, or perhaps on some overnighters. Makes you want to pack up, jump on your bike, and run away for a while, huh?

Dowco

Iron Rider Motorcycle Luggage System (MLS)
Contact: (800) 558-7755, or www.dowco-inc.com
This system of five bags allows each one to be used separately or combined with other pieces for unlimited storage options. Featured here are the overnight bag (MLS-OB, product No. 50126-00; MSRP: $69.95) and the main bag (MLS-MB, product No. 50125-00; MSRP: $109.95)-the largest bag from the Iron Rider MLS. They feature rigid construction that allows for stacking of other MLS bags, along with durable ABS construction to ensure bag shape.

* Removable plastic-molded handle and shoulder strap
* Side storage, pockets, compartments, and zippers
* Riveted stress points ensure durability
* Diamond-plate bottom design for a rugged look and protection
* Made from durable 1,680 polyester Main Bag
* 23x11.5x11.5; 1.75 cubic feet Overnight Bag
* 14x 9x10.5; 0.75 cubic feet
* Combine these two bags for 2.5 cubic feet of storage

Saddlemen Desperado Saddlebags

* Four large internal elastic mesh pockets for maps and more
* Hat-box lid provides weather-resistant storage
* Great storage for overnight trips
* Quick-release detachable bags disconnect from bike in seconds * Universal-mount system
* Carry handles

Saddlemen

Contact: (310) 638-1222, or www.saddlemen.com
There's a Fast Back bag to fit you and your bike, with three sizes to choose from: small, medium, and large. Featured here is the large, with dimensions of 13x20x16. The Desperado saddlebags give you more storage options to match your other Saddlemen products. Choose from either straight or slant-style saddlebags in three different sizes: medium, large, and jumbo.

* Angle design makes a great backrest
* Shoulder straps and top carrying handle
* Weather-resistant design and materials* Designed with chrome studs, leather strap, and buckles
* Rigid construction maintains bag shape
* Locking roller buckles
* Sissy-bar dual mounting system: fits on back seat, can be used as rider backrest
* Also fits behind sissy bar and on luggage rack

* Clips to mount Saddlemen Roll Bag (optional)
* Two full side zippered entries
* Doors have zippered pouches inside and out
* Removable and adjustable internal shelf
* Plenty of space to stuff items in (or a feature editor!? Don't ask)