Pac-safe Stuffsafe kitbag

Pac-safe Stuffsafe kitbag
From: Motohaus
Price: UKP 49.99
Contact: 01256 704909
Web: www.motohaus.com
This piece of kit has been a real boon on our trip. It will carry huge amounts of equipment and can be strapped to the bike where a pillion would sit, meaning the bike stays pretty well balanced. If it's safe to leave the hard luggage on the bike, we can just unstrap these and have all our overnight kit inside. It is also, thanks to a PVC-type coating and an over-folding opening, entirely waterproof - even in hours of torrential downpours.

If you look at the pictures, you will doubtless notice the 'chicken wire' over the surface of the bag. This is high tensile steel netting and is designed to stop potential pilferers from slash-and-grab action. We've found it useful for running straps through so the bag doesn't shift around.

The neck of the bag locks closed (padlock supplied) with a steel cable and there is a loop so it can also be locked to the bike. There is also a carry roll, so the Stuffsafe can be easily carried in compressed form. This is presently finding a new job as an excellent tool roll.

This was a brand new market entry when we were supplied with one for testing, so there's no retail price available as yet. We'll let you know when we do.

Damon

Sidi Courier boots

Sidi Courier boots
From: Feridax
Price: £176.00
Contact: 01384 413841
Web: www.feridax.com
These boots come with a very good reputation and, as the name suggests, are widely used by couriers. However, there are some strange anomalies going on with our footwear. In the catalogue it says that they're made from leather, but these are constructed of Lorica - a synthetic leather substitute. This would be no bad thing as Lorica is a perfectly suitable material, breaks in very quickly and has a degree of 'breathability'. But it also has less water-resistance than cowhide.

This shouldn't be a problem, because these boots have a 'membrane'. What sort of membrane isn't stated in the bumf, but whatever is it ain't waterproof and our feet (in both pairs) are wet after about 30 minutes of rain. We are resorting to plastic bags over our socks.

Another strange thing is that the boots have different fastening systems and buckle-sizes.

On the plus side of things the boots have broken in extremely quickly and are very comfortable. They've also protected our feet in numerous off-road prangs. But if I'd payed me money for these I'd take them back for an exchange or refund over the wet feet issue.

I've had numerous items of Sidi kit over the years and it has performed well, so these leaky fellas are a bit of a disappointment.
Damon