The case for hard-shell cases

We all ride for different reasons. Some ride to escape a noisy world. Some ride for the camaraderie with other motorcyclists. Others ride to flirt a little with danger. Whatever the reason, the gear we choose is just as personal – and usually tailored to make our rides more enjoyable. That said, I bolted a couple of expansion chambers on my Yamaha RD400 as a kid just because I wanted to appear to be a fast rider – I wasn’t.

For me, adventure motorcycling is about freedom and exploration – the freedom to take the roads less travelled, experience remote landscapes and challenge myself and my bike. Plus I hate traffic-filled roads. But at the end of the day, we all need to set up camp and rest our bones. And the way you carry your gear is a crucial part of that journey.

There are two camps: the people with the soft bags and the people with the hard cases. Both have valid reasons for their choice. Today I’d like to make the case for hard cases – after all, that’s what we do at Caribou Cases

A bit of history

Back in the days when pioneers like Ted Simon and Elspeth Beard rode around the world, they had to make their own aluminium bags to carry their equipment. Fast forward to the early 2000s: As motorbikes became more reliable and adventure riding became more popular (as opposed to touring on the road), purpose-built adventure luggage began to appear. Brands like Jesse Luggage, Happy Trails and of course Roger Pioszak, the founder of Caribou Cases USA, led the way.

Caribou was one of the first to realise that hard polymer cases – especially those based on Peli cases (Pelican in the USA) – offer durability, weather resistance and safety in practice. Combined with a heavy-duty mounting system and virtually indestructible cases, Caribou quickly gained a following on forums like ADVrider. The rest is history

The rise of soft luggage

In recent years, soft luggage has truly earned its place in the adventure world. It is lighter, often easier to fit into tight configurations and appeals to off-road purists due to its flexibility and low weight. Many brands now offer modular, clever systems for minimalist overlanders and hardcore trail riders.

I’ve used soft luggage before and love it – especially for its slim profile and compliance on hard trails. If you’re thinking of going way off the beaten track and expect to take a few spills, one of the best gear guides I’ve read is by Andy Davidson: Motorcycle Luggage Guides – Mad or Nomad (https://www.madornomad.com/features/). His guide will steer you in the right direction for soft luggage.

At Caribou Cases we have nothing against soft luggage. We just don’t think it’s always the right tool for the job. For example:

  • Riding technical singletrack? Lightweight soft panniers make sense.
  • Going on a minimalist weekend trip? Soft bags are great.
  • Not worried about theft? No problem – soft luggage is fine.

Goal…

Try repairing a helmet on site after a crash. You’ll need a gas torch to anneal it, and even then, the metal can break when you bend it back. You can also put a wooden stick in it and press your boot on it to push the dent out, but that’s more of an emergency repair.

Caribou cases, on the other hand, are made from structural polypropylene. This material absorbs shocks, returns to its shape and, most importantly, maintains a watertight seal. Polypropylene has low rigidity and high elasticity, which makes it ideal for absorbing vibrations and shocks. Aluminium, on the other hand, does not deform – until it bends too far. Then the game is over.

Built for use in the real world

Caribou Cases are based on ruggedised equipment that has been tried and tested by military, law enforcement and field service personnel for decades. We’ve been working with Peli style cases for over 27 years, so we know exactly what they can – and can’t – take.

Our products are not fashionable. You won’t find us in glossy showrooms. And no, we are not cheap. That’s because all our parts are made in Europe – Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Portugal and France – and assembled by hand.

We take the protection of your equipment very seriously. That’s why we give a lifetime guarantee on our luggage. If you break a case, then we’ll send you a new one. It’s as simple as that.

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Summary

Choose the luggage that suits your ride, your terrain and your style. Whether aluminium hard cases, soft bags or Caribou hard-shell cases – every system has its place.

But if your gear needs serious protection from water, dust, vibration and impact, we’ve got you covered.

You ride the bike. We protect your gear.

Why hard luggage is still important

Our customers include long-haul travellers, daily commuters and even emergency services. Why do they choose Caribou? One word: protection.

Sometimes we take a slide on the road or a tumble down the trail.  If your bike has soft bags, then the contents are probably going to be crushed but that is usually not a problem for clothes and camping gear like tents and sleeping bags.  However, there is a very good chance that your soft bags are going to tear or lose a strap.  There is no getting around the fact that soft bag materials are not as abrasion resistant as aluminium or polypropylene and buckles and straps snag and tear.  It is just a fact.

There’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination, opening your luggage and finding soaked clothes, crushed gear or soggy electronics. Hard-shell cases eliminate this risk.

Aluminium cases have long been the first choice for many cyclists. They look great – robust, elegant and ‘Dakar-worthy’. But many riders have found that they have a serious flaw: They deform on impact and often lose their seal. Aluminium deforms when it is bent, making it almost impossible to repair without special tools or heat treatment.