When preparing for my very first ATV camping adventure, I basically strapped my camping gear and supplies on my ATV racks with bungee cords and rope. After everything was loaded my back rack was loaded about two feet high and my front rack was about eighteen inches high making steering the ATV a little cumbersome. So we set off on our adventure to a camping spot that was very remote and moderately difficult to get to. Well upon arriving at our campsite I realized that some of my camping gear and supplies were missing and had apparently come loose and fallen off during the trip to the campsite. Luckily after backtracking I was able to find most of the items before it got too dark. After setting up my tent in the dark and trying to find some cooking gear to cook dinner I began to think there must be an easier, safer, less frustrating, and more organized way to transport my camping gear and supplies.

Now that I have been on several ATV camping adventures I now have the proper lightweight ATV camping gear and supplies and found that there is no better way to keep your ATV camping gear and supplies organized and secure than with a set of ATV luggage or rack bags. These uniquely designed bags mount to the existing racks of a utility 4x4 ATV. There are front rack ATV Luggage bags and rear rack bags that secure to the racks with straps and come in several different sizes. There are special bags that attach to the fenders, gas tank, or handle bars of the ATV. There is a rear rack bag with an integrated cover that protects the seat, handlebars, and front rack from the elements when the ATV is parked. There are even rack bags with integrated coolers in them. Some bags are made from water-repellent canvas-like polyester material and there is also hard sided waterproof ATV luggage made from reinforced composite material or polypropylene.

What kind of rack bags are best for me you may ask. Well it depends on how you use your ATV, if you just use it to plow snow and go back & forth to the mail box then you probably don't need a set of rack bags. If you go on rides with your friends and family then maybe a set of the fender, Soft Rack Pack, gas tank, or handle bar bags would be enough. If you go on long rides or ATV camping then a set of front and rear bags would be appropriate. If security is a concern then a set of the hard sided bags in a must and some of these bags mount to the racks with hardware for a more permanent installation. If weight is a concern then the soft canvas-like bags are good lightweight alternatives. The soft bags do Front Rack Luggage require a little maintenance if they have zippers, over time dirt and crud get into these zippers making them very difficult to use. Periodically clean the zippers with soap and water . Also rubbing some wax or bar soap on them help keep them moving freely. The great thing about the soft bags other than their weight is they can be removed easily when not needed. With the hard sided bags the contents need to be packed well too keep the bouncing of items to a minimum.

Which ever type you select ATV luggage is great for keeping your gear dry and organized. So whether your just out for an afternoon ride or on an ATV camping adventure it is nice to have a convenient, secure place to keep your gear. For every serious ATVer these bags are a must to keep a small air compressor, tools, tow strap, rain gear, cover, lunch and any other necessary gear needed for the long hard ride.