Editor Bruce Wilson has put it through its paces. Here’s what you need to know…
What’s a motorcycle trip without luggage? Painful, is probably the truth, which is a word I’d also use to describe some soft luggage I’ve used on motorcycles over the years. From awkward fitting systems to wayward loads, I’ve had the lot, with a low point being one such product that set on fire in the Swiss Alps… because the thoughtless design meant it mounted too close to the exhaust can of my bike. The point is, there are lots of different luggage systems out there, but some are much better than others.
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I’ll admit, the first time I used Oxford’s Nomad range, I was cautious to get too excited about it from the outset, but having quickly and easily mounted the provided adventure harness – which pulls tight to a bike’s mounting points, such as foot hangers, a subframe or looping under a seat – the fitment of luggage to it could not have been easier.
To throw a few acronyms your way, Nomad consists of the MOLLE-compatible (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) system and PALS (Pouch Ladder Attachment System), which basically means there are a load of loops on the base harness that allow for the straps on the luggage itself to loop through and secure to the base. It really could not be easier, with so much versatility to where exactly on the harness you also want the luggage to be mounted – more forward or rearward, for example.
There are several harnesses available, with my choice being the standard size adventure unit (£29.99), while there’s also an XL option £34.99, and a simple tail pack only type mount for £19.99. On to this, you can add an abundance of luggage pouches, ranging from 9-litre drop sacks (£34.99) to 1-litre pouches (£24.99).
The core of my luggage is made up from three 4-litre pouches (£34.99), that over the course of time and trips I’ve added to with a few more 1-litre pouches. The great thing about the system is that even the pouches carry the webbing hoops so you can continually add to those if you like.
To surmise, the mounting system is both logical and easy, while the attaching and detaching of the bags is certainly not a chore and gaining access to the content inside could not be easier. I’m yet to test it properly in the rain, so I can’t tell you how they hold out against the wet stuff, but Oxford claims the packs, that are made from durable 600D polyester, are weatherproof. I’ll have to take their word for it for now, but rest assured I’ll definitely be using this kit again, and undoubtedly in the wet at some point.
For now, what I’d say is this stuff is good, simple to fit, easy to carry and a great option for those that want a durable, practical and much cheaper alternative to hard luggage.
