water proof bags (backpack, messenger bags, laptop bags)

[Gerald]

hi guys, just need your opinion. Just got retrenched and i am toying with the idea of distributing some waterproof bags to earn some monies. I am a biker and i ride a bike without rear box. I always worry about the rain. I can wear raincoat but I worry my laptop etc will get wet. Its not exactly comfortable to wear your raincoat over the backbag as most of us can testify to that.

 

I tried looking around for a decent waterproof bags but so far its hard to find.

 

Do you think there will be a demand for it?

 

I attached some pics. So far nobody really makes bags for bikers. Except TUMI which uses DUCATI brand and it costs a BOMB.

 

Thanks

 

Gerald

96991303

Edited July 3, 2009 by Gerald

[cougar]

Sorry to hear about your retrenchment.

 

I've been looking for this, its a waterbag, commonly used by divers out at sea. I think this is the solution for all bikers. I cycle to work, but perspiration on my haversack means i have to wash my haversack regularly. But if i got a waterbag, it wouldnt absorb sweat, just wipe off.

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/3593392999_7a6819196c_m.jpg

[Gerald]

Sorry to hear about your retrenchment.

 

I've been looking for this, its a waterbag, commonly used by divers out at sea. I think this is the solution for all bikers. I cycle to work, but perspiration on my haversack means i have to wash my haversack regularly. But if i got a waterbag, it wouldnt absorb sweat, just wipe off.

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/3593392999_7a6819196c_m.jpg

 

hehe..the retrenchment may be a blessing in disguise. We never know. The bag you mentioned..its a single sling bag. I dont think its too comfy for bikers. Also..may not be suitable for computers etc...a fried of mine has one. its quite stiff and uncomfortable.

[nicky69hayden]

In my view there will always be a demand..... but the prob is that most functional waterproof bags cost a lot. And not all are rain-proof. Most bags will only withstand water for bout a few mths n after that water start to make its way in eventually.

If im not wrong so far there is this brand krieger (if im not wrong), their bags are rain-proff n are meant for riders but its damn expensive. Estimated bout SGD$300

 

In substitute for those expensive ones im using those 'kayaking' bags or cheaper still, use a trash-bag to water proof the product inside the bag.

 

Not to discourage u but u might wanna find a rain-proof bag(not juz water-proof) that is cheaper ( below $100) n really useable, over, and over and over again.

[cougar]

hehe..the retrenchment may be a blessing in disguise. We never know. The bag you mentioned..its a single sling bag. I dont think its too comfy for bikers. Also..may not be suitable for computers etc...a fried of mine has one. its quite stiff and uncomfortable.

 

Exactly, that's why i am still searching. The ultimate design for this bag is shoulder sling across, like a messenger bag. Becos i like its water-tight proof construction, better than water repellant fabric even if softer.

 

Just that there's no market for this design, divers used it as a floatation or water bouy to stay afloat only while they dive. If ur biz venture is a China fabric factory, then u can design one prototype for me leh.

[Gerald]

yes, i absolutely agree with you. those really waterproof ones are soooo expensive. I am definitely trying to make my bags affordable to the masses and sub $100 is something I am looking at. If there's good demand, with good volume, the price can be even lower i think. I dont think there will be anything that can be waterproof forever. Even my Taichi raincoat loses its waterproof characteristics after a year or so.

[DeusExMachina]

hehe..the retrenchment may be a blessing in disguise. We never know. The bag you mentioned..its a single sling bag. I dont think its too comfy for bikers. Also..may not be suitable for computers etc...a fried of mine has one. its quite stiff and uncomfortable.

 

I got one of these diver bags too, and yes. Not so comfy. But they are completely waterproof.

 

The difference is the material. Those thick nylon tarpaulin kinda material, yeah?

 

I noticed that most soft luggage out there use the standard nylon/cordura material, with waterproof lining underneath. Well, They are limited in their water-resistance/proofness. Take it through a real heavy downpour and you'll see them eventually leak at the seams... or through the zipper (waterproof design nonwithstanding)

 

The only true waterproof luggage are the hard ones. Topboxes and panniers.

 

But.... if you can find soft luggage completely made out like these divers bags, and with folding/sealing (not zipped) openings, you may be on to something then...

 

I need a waterproof tankbag. Right now I have to use one of those Deuter bag covers to cover everything up when it pours, and the tankbag flaps still get wet and transfers water to the main compartment.

 

 

 

BTW... aren't those handlebar bags dangerous? Anything happens to it, won't it affect your steering/handling?

[Gerald]

Exactly, that's why i am still searching. The ultimate design for this bag is shoulder sling across, like a messenger bag. Becos i like its water-tight proof construction, better than water repellant fabric even if softer.

 

Just that there's no market for this design, divers used it as a floatation or water bouy to stay afloat only while they dive. If ur biz venture is a China fabric factory, then u can design one prototype for me leh.

 

no la, my china business venture is in FnB. another reason is that i feel that there is a lack in motorcycle products that really suits our needs in singapore. The european products usually cost a lot of money and may not be really practical here. (take for eg their riding jacket....its too hot).

[Gerald]

I got one of these diver bags too, and yes. Not so comfy. But they are completely waterproof.

 

The difference is the material. Those thick nylon tarpaulin kinda material, yeah?

 

I noticed that most soft luggage out there use the standard nylon/cordura material, with waterproof lining underneath. Well, They are limited in their water-resistance/proofness. Take it through a real heavy downpour and you'll see them eventually leak at the seams... or through the zipper (waterproof design nonwithstanding)

 

The only true waterproof luggage are the hard ones. Topboxes and panniers.

 

But.... if you can find soft luggage completely made out like these divers bags, and with folding/sealing (not zipped) openings, you may be on to something then...

 

I need a waterproof tankbag. Right now I have to use one of those Deuter bag covers to cover everything up when it pours, and the tankbag flaps still get wet and transfers water to the main compartment.

 

 

 

BTW... aren't those handlebar bags dangerous? Anything happens to it, won't it affect your steering/handling?

 

gee..actually i dont know about the handle bar bags...i only got a picture.

 

waterproof soft materials will eventually let in water after sometime. (Just look at our raincoats).

[zyrofillica]

those bags look nice. They may be water proof forever but it will never be theft proof. There are way too many itchy fingers lurking around. You have to find a product both water proof, looks good, theft proof and affordable

[DeusExMachina]

gee..actually i dont know about the handle bar bags...i only got a picture.

 

waterproof soft materials will eventually let in water after sometime. (Just look at our raincoats).

 

Exactly. But you can't make raincoats out of those diverbag/tarpaulin material right? Too heavy, too thick, too hot.

 

 

But a tankbag made out of thick waterproof rubber-lined nylon would work.

[cougar]

no la, my china business venture is in FnB. another reason is that i feel that there is a lack in motorcycle products that really suits our needs in singapore. The european products usually cost a lot of money and may not be really practical here. (take for eg their riding jacket....its too hot).

 

For jackets, its either cooling tubes in the jacket (like our car radiator systems) or u cut holes to let airflow!!!

[Gerald]

those bags look nice. They may be water proof forever but it will never be theft proof. There are way too many itchy fingers lurking around. You have to find a product both water proof, looks good, theft proof and affordable

 

haha....how on earth can that be achieved? My RoadKing weighing more than 300kg was gone in a flash let alone a small little backbag...i guess we have to be realistic in our expectations here.

[zyrofillica]

thats y we dream the seemingly impossible. and only those who achieve the seemingly impossible get rich lol

[Fritz]

If I can get a bag that fits my laptop, helmet and raincoat at one go while being waterproof; I'll get it. Not forgetting a nice design and color combination

[Gerald]

thats y we dream the seemingly impossible. and only those who achieve the seemingly impossible get rich lol

 

well..i got to say i like what you say....haha...

[scubasimon]

not sure if there is a big demand...but i am definitely looking for bags :-)

[Kutrax]

Sorry to hear about your retrenchment.

 

I've been looking for this, its a waterbag, commonly used by divers out at sea. I think this is the solution for all bikers. I cycle to work, but perspiration on my haversack means i have to wash my haversack regularly. But if i got a waterbag, it wouldnt absorb sweat, just wipe off.

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/3593392999_7a6819196c_m.jpg

 

Using this type of bag.

bought it at phuket.

 

very good bag especially if ride in the rain.

[Abbystar]

how much for the handle bag n n the side waterproof bag.

[swiftee]

i have a solution for the rain problem le...

 

buy a regular backpack with a rain cover... columbia makes some but not sure if it is sold in Singapore.

other brands should make rain covers too

it's pretty effective... raincoat for your bag

[Gerald]

Sorry to hear about your retrenchment.

 

I've been looking for this, its a waterbag, commonly used by divers out at sea. I think this is the solution for all bikers. I cycle to work, but perspiration on my haversack means i have to wash my haversack regularly. But if i got a waterbag, it wouldnt absorb sweat, just wipe off.

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/3593392999_7a6819196c_m.jpg

 

how much would a bag in the picture cost?

[Gerald]

i have a solution for the rain problem le...

 

buy a regular backpack with a rain cover... columbia makes some but not sure if it is sold in Singapore.

other brands should make rain covers too

it's pretty effective... raincoat for your bag

 

not every bag got rain cover. In fact most bags dont have rain cover. Most people dont need it thus the lack in demand. I mean, if i am driving, i wont need a bag with rain cover. I guess bikers needs waterproofing more than anyone else.

 

I have seen the so called rain cover...its even thinner than my raincoat, i dont think it can withstand a heavy rain.

 

ANyone had experience with rain cover?

[scubasimon]

not every bag got rain cover. In fact most bags dont have rain cover. Most people dont need it thus the lack in demand. I mean, if i am driving, i wont need a bag with rain cover. I guess bikers needs waterproofing more than anyone else.

 

I have seen the so called rain cover...its even thinner than my raincoat, i dont think it can withstand a heavy rain.

 

ANyone had experience with rain cover?

 

while i do not have experience with rain covers for motorcycle bags, i have a lot of experience with rain covers for my camera bags. basically, if i deploy the rain cover properly and correctly, my gear stays completely dry inside. it is also super important to take it off correctly after the rain. or it won't work. my gear has remained dry (inside the bag wrapped by the rain cover) even in our heavy torrents. just don't know about motorcycle bags.

[myxilplix]

Kreiga backpacks aren't waterproof. Can tahan a light shower but even then gets damp inside. It's my daily use bag so i have a plastic bag inside to keep my valuables dry if riding in heavy rain.

 

My kreiga waistpouch has one small waterproof pocket with sealed zips and everything, but the rest of it isn't either, although it stays pretty dry even in heavy rain.

[swiftee]

I have seen the so called rain cover...its even thinner than my raincoat, i dont think it can withstand a heavy rain.

 

ANyone had experience with rain cover?

 

can withstand heavy rain. i am very happy with mine

 

it's made of raincoat material and hidden in a pocket under the bag. when it rains i just unzip the pocket, pull out the rain cover and cover my bag with it.

 

im using this: http://www.columbia.com/Product/7/Equipment/710/Bags/9699/Trail-Grinder-Overnighter.aspx?viewAll=False

 

edit: wrong link... sorry

 

Oh ya, but if you are super scared of your stuff becoming wet, no harm to put it in a ziplock bag as well. ziplock bag can even withstand being submerged (tested in a deep puddle offroad)

Edited July 5, 2009 by swiftee