Viaterra Waterproof Tail Bag Review

Gallery Why the Waterproof Tail Bag?The Bag To Buy or Not to Buy Product Details

Why the Waterproof Tail Bag?

If you happen to run a tail rack on your bike, the last thing you want is for it to remain luggage-free, even on a daily commute. That real estate is there for the taking. Now, you could install a top box on it; these are, after all - depending on their capacity - extremely practical and useful. But they’re generally heavy, bulky, and rob the motorcycle of its looks.

Plus, if you like carrying just the bare essentials, a top box feels like overkill. So do lighter but still large-capacity tail bags that serve as alternatives to a top box. But if you want something waterproof, fantastic to look at, and perfect for carrying the bare essentials, the Viaterra waterproof tail bag you see here (I wish they had given it a name) is a great option. Here’s why...

The Bag

The bag is made from triple-layered waterproof fabric. Viaterra has also used ultrasonic seam welding and a waterproof zippered closure to ensure nothing leaks in. We used it in pouring Mumbai rain with our valuables inside, and everything stayed dry. We also like the fact that the bag retains its shape even when empty, and it does so without being too rigid or heavy.

On the outside, it has an elastic-laced system to hold things like gloves or a rain jacket. The bag can be mounted either on the rear seat or on the luggage rack. For the seat, you run the mounting straps under it, while for the rack, Viaterra has provided a flat belt adjuster that hooks under the rack for a secure fit.

It also comes with a strap locking mechanism integrated into the buckle to ensure the straps don’t come loose over time. Both the belt adjuster and the buckle locking mechanism are fantastic add-ons, showing the kind of attention the gearmaker puts into its products. Kudos to the designers.

Inside, the tail bag offers six litres of carrying capacity. It has a wide opening that makes packing easy, and it comes with a divider that splits the interior into two reasonably practical halves. This divider stays in place via Velcro and can easily be removed to make room for something bigger, like a bento lunch box. Furthermore, the bag’s lid has a mesh pocket for thinner items like a wallet, phone, or office ID card.

Unlike a top box or larger tail bags, this Viaterra waterproof tail bag (again, wish it had a name) is also a breeze to carry around off the bike. For starters, the mounting straps are cleverly designed to clip into each other neatly when the bag isn’t on the bike. You also get a large, sturdy carry handle as well as a shoulder strap, to lug it around.

To Buy or Not to Buy

At Rs. 4,199, the bag isn’t cheap. But when you strap it onto the bike and realise how easy it is to mount, unmount, and carry - not to mention its waterproof practicality and how well it complements the look of your motorcycle, it feels worth the money.

It’s also well built, has some clever innovations, and we like how it draws all the right reactions - and some jealousy - from fellow riders for its looks, finish, and compactness. We think if you like packing light, this one fits right in.