Why the Handlebar TrailPack?
We were looking for an affordable, easy-to-install and accessible storage option for the Himalayan 450. A small tank bag was one option, but our storage needs were still less, and the shape of the 450’s tank isn’t the most conducive to magnetic tank bags. This is where the Viaterra Handlebar TrailPack comes in.
Now, Viaterra makes a bunch of trail-packs, right from ones that go on the handlebar to the crash guard and even the tail rack. We opted for the handlebar option without a crossbar.
The Specs
This is a 27cm long, 1.2-litre pouch, which stands at around 10cm in height. These dimensions make it handy for most motorcycle handlebars with an adventurous streak. It is made of polyester but not the hard-wearing variety we see on proper motorcycle luggage. However, Viaterra says it has used triple stitching for the joints using nylon threads to make the pouch more durable. It should, as a result, hold up even if it is constantly overstuffed.
It has four Velcro straps to help attach the TrailPack to the handlebar. One can move these straps along the length of the pouch, courtesy of a MOLLE strip, to find an ideal mounting location. The pouch comes with two zipper pockets. The main pocket is lined with a soft grey-coloured material - typical on any Viaterra bag - to better care for the stuff you put in. The main pocket has two small and one large partition. The latter is lined with fleece to hold sunglasses. There is an outer netted zippered pocket for quick access as well.
What we like
The TrailPack is a great thing to have on the bike as it allows me to empty my pockets before the ride. I use the fleece pocket for my cell phone, the two smaller pockets to hold my wallet and office ID card, and the main pocket holds my organiser stuffed with wires, a power bank, and a set of wired headphones. It is also not an item that is prone to theft. I regularly leave the TrailPack on the motorcycle, in general, parking lots as well as in airport, mall, and roadside parking, empty of course - and no one has nicked it yet. It feels well-built, the zippers are easy to use, it is surprisingly practical, and it is also not very difficult to put on or remove and carry with you if you so desire.
What we don't like
I wish it were waterproof to give it year-long usability. Once you get used to emptying your pockets before riding, it is difficult not to. But, in the rain, there will be no option. A friendlier installation setup would be welcome too. Don’t get me wrong, you don't need a degree from MIT to strap the TrailPack onto the handlebar; the Velcro straps work fine. But, these keep moving within the MOLLE webbing, which can make securing the pouch tightly irritating, especially if you don’t want to leave it on the bike every time you park.
To buy or not to buy
The TrailPack isn’t a replacement for a tank bag as I had hoped. It is handy no doubt - and I often don’t miss having a tank bag. But, there are instances wherein the TrailPack just isn’t enough. I would say one must look at it as an add-on; one you must have on the bike all the time. But, have a tank bag handy the day you want to carry more. Plus, at Rs 999, it is good value, and I feel, a no-brainer purchase.
Product Details
Make: Viaterra
Model: Handlebar TrailPack
Price: Rs 999
Capacity: 1.2 litres
Made from: Polyester
Availability: On the Viaterra website
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