OGIO Tail Bag

I'm about as smart as the average bear, but I have to admit that I was a bit perplexed by this bag when it first arrived. It comes with a strange array of straps, loops and clips, none of them appearing to attach to anything specific, and no installation instructions or hardware to be found.

After puzzling on this for a while, I came up with my own solution that I think is both elegant and functional. Essentially, I wrapped the loop ends of the straps over my seat, took a mid-sized key ring and hooked all four loop ends to it under the seat in an "X" pattern. This allows you to pull the straps tight against each other and, as a result, against the seat which keeps the bag locked nicely in place. The little elastic loops let you tuck the ends of the straps neatly under the seat resulting in a nice, low-profile, nearly "strapless" install.

This may be exactly what Ogio intended, but without any instructions to speak of, I'm going to take full credit for the idea. ;)

Once installed, this bag is "just right." Not too big and not too small, it's a great size for commuting and even a one- or two-night trip somewhere. The expansion zipper is great, the integrated rain cover is useful, the clips that allow the bag to be removed are appreciated, and the underpad helps protect both seat and bike. All this at a great price.

Well-done, Ogio, but include some instructions and a mounting ring next time, will you?!

I love this bag. I can fit a foam takeout container in it. I can fit two 4-packs of 18oz. beer cans. I packed clothes for a two day visit to my folks place. Plus it's easy to take on and off my bike and haul with me if needed.

Pros: The OGIO Tail Bag is actually a very nice bag with a surprising amount of room when zipped up and once you expanded it out completely you can fit a full size helmet like my Nolan N43Trilogy with room to spare! When not expanded it is actually quite compact.

Cons: You are pretty much left to your own devices on how to mount this sucker on your bike. No instructions or even examples are included to help you figure out a way to mount it. The straps latches are installed at an odd angle and not movable but I finally figured out a way to get it on securely but it took some extra parts, (courtesy of Kriega), to get the loops and hooks necessary to mount without 1) scratching the frame; and; 2) making sure that the bag stayed secure and wouldn't shift.

I received this bag as an early Christmas present in 2012, and have been using it daily on my CBR250R as a commuter bag. I am still impressed so far, as it does everything I need it to. The rain hood has functioned well in keeping my tools and work clothes dry during light to medium rain. I still have not had a chance to see the bag's performance during a heavy rain ride, but it has had to endure sitting outside with the rain hood on during a decent storm once, and everything was still dry inside. I ended up putting a D-ring under my rear seat and attaching all 4 straps to it, so that I can simply unbuckle the bag as needed and reattach it quickly. This works extremely well. The buckles and straps have all held up well so far, and I unbuckle the bag to take it inside every time I ride to work. There are no signs of tearing on any of the straps or stitching yet.

The only possible durability issues you should be aware of are extremely minor, and do not affect the performance of the bag. I have noticed that, over a year of normal commuter exposure to the elements, certain parts of the bag's finish have faded from the black to a sort of purplish tint. Again, this is strictly cosmetic, the bag performs the same but just looks a little "weathered". (I've also noticed my Ogio mini-tank bag is doing the same thing, not a product flaw, just wear and tear). If you're diligent with keeping it indoors when you're not riding, this probably won't be a problem. Also, the rubber zipper tabs tend to slip off sometimes, but they slide right back on. Some superglue would probably eliminate that.

Overall I'm still very impressed with the bag, it's an awesome value and will hold up as long as you need it.

Been trying to figure out the best way to carry stuff. Backpack or messenger bag? Pain in the shoulders. Don't much care for riding around town with my Givi saddlebags on either -- they make my BMW F650GS feel so wide. And since I'm short, I'd be straining to look over a tank bag to see my gauges. Voila! (Or should I say "Duh!") Discovered the option of a tail bag. This Ogio is a good size for most commuting needs (lunch, jacket, couple of library books, random things you like to have on hand) and expands enough to use for a small haul from the grocery store or for use as an overnight bag. Quick release straps make it easy to take along if the contents are valuable. Waterproof cover folds back into its own pocket so you don't drop it somewhere. Even full, the bag remains low enough for me to swing my leg over when I get on/off the bike. Place anywhere. Mine's on the seat behind me, secured to frame under my seat and then to the back rack. I don't often have passengers and I still have room for a duffel or drybag. The Ogio was less expensive than other, similar sized bags and sometimes I hesitate to pay less in case the quality is compromised. Not so on this bag. A good value and I'm super happy with it.

I needed the ability to carry something other than my cell phone and wallet when riding. I didn't like the idea of a tank bag. Just don't like the way they look, the fact that it covers up the fuel door or the idea of having to lean over cargo. I researched a bunch of tail bags and not one could beat the Ogio. It is extremely well made, has expandable storage and looks great. I can ALMOST fit my Arai profile helmet in the bag with the expansion zipper undone, but not quite. Typically, I carry a pair of shoes, hoodie, a bottle of water, snack bars, a second visor. No problem with this bag. Carrying a 13" MacBook is not a problem either. The side and top pockets are really useful for carrying smaller items. I haven't needed it, but the integrated rain cover is great to have on standby. The best part is that it comes undone with floor snap-clips and you're able to carry it inside your home or office in no time at all. The straps are long enough that it should fit a wide variety of bikes. That said, I had to get creative to make the straps work on mine. Definitely recommended!

Just to confirm what the other reviewers have written that this bag is all that and more.
Other tail bags may be as good or better (not likely for my bike or use) and not having tested, or for that matter owned any other tail bag, reviews like this are limited in scope.
That said, this bag is everything that I hoped it would be. The attachment of the straps to my bike (Superhawk) was very easy and fast. As other reviews stated, this might not be true for all makes and models. I was lucky as there is well located attachment points. Detaching the bag from the mounting straps is quick and easy. Also the shape of the tail faring works very well with the bag and the neoprene coating on the underside is perfect for eliminating movement.
There is a sturdy carry handle for transport off the bike. Another reviewer had mention that a backpack feature would be nice. I agree, it wouldn't take much to add a set shoulder straps as an extra feature or better yet, an optional add on. The price/feature/quality ratio is about as good as I could expect. Adding features would raise the price. With a little creativity I think that a shoulder harness could be fashioned to work with the existing strap mounting points. Something to think about.
Usable space and overall dimensions are spot on. Not too big, not too small. I'm able to get an Arai Profile, size small, in the main compartment with the expansion feature utilized. Capacity should be good for a light weekend or commuting essentials. The side pockets and top flat pockets work well for organizing and stashing small and medium size items. The only feature I would like to see improved is the size of the side pockets. A little larger would make them more useful. I also have the matching saddle bags so when the need arises for more space, I'll be covered. Which brings up the built-in rain cover. What a great Idea. No misplacing or worse, having it blow off while riding.
Durability remains a question mark, but based on the quality of fabric, zippers, and other hardware I think that the bag will give years of service.
If, like me you've been having a hard time deciding on which bag to purchase, opt for this one, you will not be disappointed.

Bought this because I didn't want to have to wear a backpack on day rides to carry things like water, rain liner, some power bars, shield cleaner, and stuff like that as my bike has no storage.

This bag attaches nicely to my bikes small rear rack with 4 web type straps with pinch clips on them. I just loop the straps around the rear passenger grab handles and the base of the rack and it clips on in about 10 seconds. Its definitely on there securely because I've been decently into triple digits (closed course) and it didn't budge.

The neoprene base has good grip and seems like it wouldn't hurt paint, but it doens't touch paint on my bike anyway.

One of the really nice features is that its expandable. At its smallest form, it fits my rain liner, extra pair of gloves, a couple 1 litre water bottles, some power bars, and other odds and ends in the main compartment. Expanded, I can (just barely) fit my girlfriends full face helmet in it If I go pick her up for a ride but she left her helmet at my place.

I got it cause I wanted something compact and inconspicous for day rides and it fits that bill nicely.

I was bouncing back and forth between this and the Kriega tail bag, but I wanted ease of opening and closing and decided I didn't need something that was major water proof so I opted for the Ogio.
It's perfect. I fit my laptop (thinkpad), some gym clothes and sneakers, and can still get some personal items in the top compartment. Ran the straps under the pillion seat and leave the small buckles exposed when the bag is off, but it's real easy to unbuckle on and off and bring with you.
If you don't need a giant bag and aren't considering using it for overnight trips with questionable weather, then this bag is just right. Price was decent too.

I installed this tail bag on my Monster 796. It doesn't come with installation instructions, but I followed somebody else's post and used a caribiner, which worked like a charm. The expands or contracts depending on how much you want to stuff in it. It easily carries my gym clothes, sneakers, work shoes and other items. I fully expect it will carry all I need for a weekend tour. My two minor issues are (1) it can be hard to get my bike's seat to snap back in place with the straps under it; and (2) the flap can hang down and block my brake light so I have to remember to tuck it under. Otherwise, this is a great bag.