The OBR ADV Gear 38L Adventure Rackless Saddlebag system is newly designed for 2025 and now sports a 2.0 designation, along with a $399 list price. It’s a dual-holster kit with uniquely shaped slip-in, roll-top waterproof dry bags. Weighing 6.5 pounds empty and made of heavy-duty ballistic nylon with reflective accents and MOLLE webbing, it is a versatile storage system that holds tight to the bike and, if packed correctly, keeps the weight low.
The saddlebags are connected by a large hook-and-loop panel. A secondary buckle strap further secures them together or can hold down a small duffel in between. Two loose loop straps are supplied to secure the rear of the Rackless Saddlebag to the tail rack or tie-down points. Note that if the holster is too close to your exhaust pipe, then you need to order a $33 heat shield.
The front of each holster secures forward and down to keep them close to the bike with enough tension to stay in place over bumpy terrain. OBR also includes a double-ended strap that can be slung under the seat for additional or alternative tie-down points. The kit is designed for quick installation and removal.
I have the OBR 38L Adventure Rackless Saddlebag mounted to the Ultimate Motorcycling Honda CRF300L Rally project bike. With only 27 horsepower on tap, it is essential to keep weight down, and a stable rackless luggage system is the best option.
The 19L right bag holds all my trail repair items: 21” tube, jump-start battery, tools, tire spoons, patch kit, bead breaker, rim protector, duct tape, and air compressor. The 19L left bag holds the soft stuff: clothing layers, rain gear, trail lunch, etc. I no longer carry extra tools to remove other bikes’ wheels, additional sockets, what-if tools, and the Garmin InReach Messenger so riders can text a friend for help if I can’t get them patched up, though that only weighs ounces. Weight-wise, they are out of balance, but I don’t feel it when riding, especially by packing the heaviest tools at the very bottom.
I have found it easier to fill the dry bags while they are inside the holsters, so the contents conform to the correct shape. Otherwise, items poke out, making it more difficult to slide the bags into the holsters. Once full, half full, or empty, the holsters have waist and top cinches to keep contents from shifting.
The dry bags close with hook-and-loop closure, roll-down tops, and buckles to stay watertight. The front and rear of each holster include MOLLE panels for attaching additional carry bags. The dry bags slide out so you can leave the holsters on the bike and bring the bags into your campsite or motel room.
I put 550 miles, on- and off-road, on the OBR Adventure Gear 38L Rackless saddlebags in a single day, and they never budged. I also made sure to leave some empty space when packing, so I could stow rain and cold-weather layers as the day warmed.
Made in Idaho, OBR ADV Gear’s products are rider-designed, trail-tested, and built to handle falls and off-road abuse. I have been using OBR’s Grip Mitts every winter to keep my hands warmer, protected, and dry. OBR ADV Gear manufactures many styles of soft bags and luggage as universal fit accessories for adventure riding, and the updated 38L Adventure enhances the company’s reputation.
Due to its size, the Honda CRF300L Rally can only accommodate limited storage, which requires more planning. The OBR 38L Adventure saddlebags allow for fill-to-the-brim packing if needed. Rackless storage needs to be rugged, secure, easy to mount and remove, and have a clean appearance on the bike. OBR has included all of that in this version 2.0 and backs the product with a limited lifetime warranty.
OBR ADV Gear 38L Rackless Adventure Saddlebags Review Photo Gallery
