New Luggage On The Way

I've been trying to figure out a way to securely carry more gear since I got the KLR. Well, after a lot of investigation (and Mrs. HAL's help), I had narrowed down hard (lockable) luggage to two possibilities: the Packrat Adventure rack with Pelican cases, and the Happy Trail SU rack with aluminum cases.

The Packrat with Pelican cases is less expensive, but while I'm a big fan of Pelican cases (and their durability), they're still plastic and can be cut through quite easily. In the size I need, they also only open to the side, which can make retrieving or stowing gear a bit more tricky. The Packrat rack does look to be a really beefy and well made rack, though. Digging around, it looks like Packrat owners are almost universally happy with their purchase.

The HT SU rack is also highly regarded. Metal panniers will be harder (and louder) to cut through than plastic, and HT sells them in several sizes. Their SU rack is also quite beefy and looks like it can take quite a bit of abuse.

I've been flip-flopping on what to get for a while now, but Happy Trail is having a sale on their Teton pannier kit, which comes with the SU rack, two aluminum panniers, and all the mounting hardware. Additionally, they are also currently offering powdercoat and pre-drilling of the panniers for free (which is great because the KLR will look much better if the panniers aren't all crooked and at different heights. HT also ships to Canada, where the Packrat doesn't.

That clinched it for me. I just put an order in and we'll see how long it takes to get here. The panniers I picked hold 33L each. Add those to the topcase and that's 105L of lockable, waterproof capacity!

I emailed my route to my in-laws a little while ago and my Mother-in-law (who has been to BC quite a bit) had a couple of suggestions for the route. Her main point (aside from suggesting I take a car instead of a motorcycle) was that since the whole trip really revolves around catching that one particular ferry that runs once a week, I should make sure I have enough time. So, I'm thinking of adding a second night in the Bella Coola area. That would give me lots of time to look around and an extra day in case something happens and I fall way behind. Stuff to ponder.

Oh, and BC Ferries Vacations got back to me about a package deal for the ferry and a one-night hotel stay in Bella Coola. It works out to about $80 less than if I booked the ferry and hotel separately, so I'm going to move my ferry reservation into the vacation package and go that route.

Stuff is coming together...

Safe riding!