When I started being intentional about upping my off-road adventure riding ability, I realized I had a lot of mental baggage about dropping the bike. It wasn’t just that I was afraid of damaging the motorcycle, it was more that I thought that falling over meant I wasn’t any good. After dropping motorcycles like it’s my job (well, I guess it is kind of my job), it eventually dawned on me that falling is trying; it’s just part of improving.To help me transfer that mentality from my backyard practices to longer-distance BDR-style trips where I’d be camping and living out of my motorcycle’s luggage, I needed panniers that would be game for occasionally hitting the ground. The last thing I wanted was my luggage to be another kind of baggage.

For off-road adventure riding, the three most popular pannier options are aluminum panniers, throw-over “rackless” soft panniers, and soft panniers that attach to subframe-mounted luggage racks. Hard panniers can’t be beaten for convenience and security, but they scratch, bend, and crush just as easily as unprotected bodywork, and at $2,000 for a top-quality set, I’m loath to inflict that upon them (plus, apparently it doesn’t feel too good if they hit your leg). At the same time, I’ve found some rackless soft luggage systems to be pretty annoying to use (more on that later).I settled on Kriega’s OS-Adventure Packs as a happy medium: They’re almost as convenient to use as hard panniers, and they’re as resilient and nearly as light as high-quality rackless panniers. Since I have great confidence in the Outback Motortek crash bars and skid plate mounted on the bike, I installed its pannier racks to match.Kriega’s OS-Adventure line stands out because of its flexibility of mounting and the number of accessories that allow it to be configured to the user’s individual purposes. To get the full experience, I opted for an OS-32 ($349.99) on the motorcycle’s exhaust side and a larger OS-38 ($375.99) on the left side, and added two OS-6 Adventure packs ($109.99 each) and an OS-Bottle holder ($75.99). Both panniers mount to the Outback Motortek luggage racks ($240) via the newly updated OS-Platforms ($245). The setup cost $1,266.95 as tested, not including the racks.Specs and Features

The OS-Adventure Packs are constructed of 1,000D Cordura nylon that’s encased in ultra-tough Hypalon; sandwiched between the two are some flexible polypropylene panels to give the bags some structure. The removable waterproof liner is made of a non-Phthalate PVC. The roll-top portion of the bag is made of ripstop nylon on my sample, though Kriega has recently switched over to using 420D Cordura. Features include a security cable block, hi-vis detailing, a sturdy carrying handle, and 16 mounting points for additional bags. Kriega also makes a detachable shoulder strap for convenient carrying off the bike.The claimed weights for each component I tested are as follows:This 82-liter setup (plus bottle holder) weighs in at a respectable 17.6 pounds, excluding racks. For context, Mosko Moto’s popular Reckless 80 rackless setup weighs in at a claimed 15.7 pounds and has a similar capacity. The Washington-based brand’s Backcountry 35 panniers (70 liters of capacity combined) and mounting frames weigh about 10 pounds more than this particular OS-Adventure configuration. Touratech’s Zega Mundo aluminum panniers in 31 liters and 38 liters weigh 9.2 pounds and 9.9 pounds respectively, sans racks.It’s worth noting that the offset 32-liter/38-liter combo offers more than enough capacity for general touring or motocamping, but for heavy packers, opting for two 38-liter panniers has little weight penalty. Plus, the two sizes are practically indistinguishable in appearance when mounted on the bike.Mounting Options and the New OS-Platform

The OS-Adventure packs require third-party racks for mounting, but there are three options for securing them: 1) Kriega’s OS-Straps, which connect the two bags over the passenger seat “cowboy-style,” 2) Kriega’s OS-Platform, the most common choice, which gives a super-secure base for fitment and the ability to mount bags of different sizes, and 3) using Outback Motortek’s X-frame pannier racks, which have extra tabs to accommodate the panniers’ straps, obviating the need for an OS-Platform. I opted for the second option, using Outback Motortek’s standard asymmetrical pannier racks (they’re also available in a symmetrical version), so I could test Kriega’s updated OS-Platform.The new OS-Platform looks nearly identical to the previous version, but is now injection molded using DuPont Zytel, a thermoplastic nylon that Kriega claims is virtually indestructible and 40 percent lighter than the previous version. The new manufacturing technique also makes it less expensive.

Dropping the bike without the bags installed, leaving the OS-Platforms exposed to take the brunt of the force, proved their durability. They look brand-new despite several low-speed falls in the dirt and gravel. The Outback Motortek pannier racks are like having another set of crash bars on the rear of the bike. They’re robust, easy to install, and add less weight than most people imagine—you’ll never know they’re there. Plus, when the bike is laying on its side, it rests slightly higher off the ground, making it that much easier to pick up.Advantages Over Rackless Soft Luggage Systems

While rackless setups offer an obvious weight advantage—Outback’s pannier racks for the Norden weigh a claimed 7.7 pounds—they often sacrifice the ease of use of rack-mounted panniers. The OS-Adventure packs are essentially shaped like conventional aluminum panniers and load from the top—the “long side” of the rectangle—which makes them easy to pack and take advantage of their full capacity. On rackless systems where the bags load from a short side, getting the most out of the bags’ capacity is more difficult.Another big advantage of the OS-Adventure setup is that it leaves the motorcycle’s grab handles exposed. On some rackless systems, like Mosko Moto’s Reckless line, the bags fit over the seat and cover the motorcycle’s grab handles (depending on the motorcycle model); other systems require removing the Norden’s grab handles. It doesn’t sound like a big deal until you need to reverse the bike out of a parking spot or, more critically, pick the bike up off the ground. Without rear grab handles to firmly grasp, you’ll have to pick the thing up primarily using one hand on the handlebar while struggling to find proper grip with the other. Unless you’re a CrossFit champion, you’ll likely need a friend to help.For solo riding, with the knowledge that I can pick up the Norden by myself, I can confidently explore trails without fearing I’ll be stranded by a supine motorcycle. For that alone, the Kriega OS-Adventure setup is worth the couple extra pounds it has over a rackless system.User Experience

The OS-Adventure panniers are a pleasure to use thanks to their well-thought-out design and high-quality materials. The main-body materials, aluminum alloy G-hooks, and heavy-duty webbing all have a premium feel. They’re so nice you almost don’t want to get them dirty.While roll-top closures can be frustratingly annoying to roll up on dry bags made of rubbery TPU, Kriega’s material usage prevents it from being an issue. The bags’ Cordura/Hypalon outer shells stop short of the top of the bag, leaving only the ripstop nylon (or 420D Cordura on the updated version) and waterproof layers to roll up. The main webbing does double duty, attaching the bags to the bike and compressing the load. Looping the webbing through the OS-Platform, connecting the straps, and cinching the bags tight takes just a minute. Even when the straps are disconnected at the top, a metal buckle that slips through the OS-Platform keeps the bags installed and in place. Thanks to the simplicity of design and high-quality materials, installing the bags is quick and enjoyable.The system’s modularity gives a lot of options for configuration, offering users the ability to pack the bike to suit their needs. Eighteen, 12, or 6-liter OS packs can be mounted in various positions on the panniers, and the OS-Platforms are designed to mount Rotopax fuel cells. The main bags have more than enough capacity, but organizational capability is also a priority for thoughtful carrying—what’s true for a travel backpack is true for a pannier rig. Adding an OS-6 pack on each pannier offers easy access to a tool roll, spare tube and air compressor, rain gear, or extra gloves and visor spray. The 6 liters is surprisingly capacious, and the pack’s rectangular shape and wide opening make it easy to take advantage of its full capacity.

The addition of an OS-Bottle holder, large enough to fit two 1-liter water bottles, adds a ton of convenience while weighing under a pound of weight. Having water within reach saves time and space within the bags, but also isolates liquids from precious cargo within the panniers in case of a leak.The OS-6 and OS-Bottle holder can also mount directly to the OS-Platform, which is great for local rides when full-size panniers aren’t required, but carrying water and tools is still a good idea.

As far as negatives go, the waterproof liners don’t fit snugly to the inside of the bags—almost like they’re slightly too large. It doesn’t affect usefulness, but it’s a bit annoying. It’s also worth noting that caution should be used when putting sharp objects, like tent poles or tire irons, in the bags, as they could wear through the waterproof liners over time. It’s also a bit annoying to tuck the excess webbing behind the Hypalon shell after the bags are secured. Another method of getting them out of the way would streamline the loading process.If ultimate security is paramount, there’s not a lot that can match lockable hard panniers. Kriega sells a strap/lock for the panniers for extra peace of mind should you require it. Finally, the weight of the bags and their contents make them sag a bit on the OS-Platforms, which isn’t so much of a gripe with the product as it is with, well, gravity.Final Assessment

The Kriega OS-Adventure Packs aren’t the most minimalistic or lightest soft panniers on the market, but I’m willing to trade some extra weight for durability and organizational capability. While I try to pack using a backpacker’s mentality to keep things as light as possible, the bags’ large capacities and rectangular shapes prevent me from playing “packing Tetris” to get all my kit to fit inside, helping me get on the road faster. I also love the auxiliary OS-6 packs and bottle holder that prevent tools, snacks, goggles, dry gloves, and other items from floating adrift in the larger main panniers. While lots of brand’s use MOLLE loops on their panniers that allow users to attach third-party auxiliary pouches, it can be a challenge to source a quality pouch that’s the correct dimensions—or waterproof. Kriega’s ecosystem is a complete solution.

Most of all, for off-road riding especially, I want to carry luggage, not baggage. The OS panniers help me ride with less on my mind. I don’t have to worry about bashing hard panniers, bending the sealing edge between the lid and the box to the point where they’re no longer waterproof. Nor do I have to worry about not being able to pick up my bike because its grab handles are covered by a rackless system’s work-around mounting system.The Kriega-OS Adventure Packs feature a 10-year guarantee for construction and materials. If they’re damaged from a crash, that’s on you. On the plus side, at least you’ll know you’re doing it right.Kriega’s OS-Adventure Packs have all the qualities required for the rigors of two-wheeled adventure travel: tried-and-true waterproofing, durability, relatively light weight, organizational capability and modularity, and easy loading and mounting. More than that, they don’t mess with your head.