Let’s be honest: Part of the appeal of motorcycling is the gear. Motorcycle clothing is cool, and wearing the Harley-Davidson logo can be a source of pride for both riders and passengers. Back in the early days of motorcycling, riders adopted some of the same clothing that the early aviators wore. They quickly discovered that…
“Into each life some rain must fall, Some days must be dark and dreary.” — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Longfellow wasn’t referring to a motorcycle ride, but he might as well have been. Ride long enough and far enough, and eventually you’re going to have to deal with the rain. Some riders panic at the…When one is looking for rugged outdoors gear, there are generally two ways to go: natural or synthetic. Synthetics have rip-stop, waterproof treatment, tend to be lighter weight and more technical, and usually require no maintenance. Natural materials tend to be a little more involved, requiring treatment to keep them waterproof but gaining character over time. But one of the best things about natural materials is that they generally won’t melt if you put them too close to your campfire or they happen to rub up against your exhaust pipe.
The Top Side Backpack by the Normal Brand, isn’t designed specifically for motorcycle use, but it is designed for hard, daily wear. There is a large main pocket with a section for a laptop and a separate one for a tablet. The canvas and leather both come treated to be water-resistant right out of the bag. There is an easily accessible multi-purpose flap-pocket in the front, perfect for storing a camera or any other items you may need quick access to. Very importantly for riders: there is a D-ring closure to secure the straps and keep them tight while on the bike.
This bag is designed to be worn in and out of the city, durable enough to take out on your adventures but stylish enough to carry to work for the day. We’ve been bashing this bag to the best of our ability and it has been taking it like a champ, starting to show a little wear now and gaining the character of its new owner.
If you’re looking for a versatile and stylish bag that can stand up to whatever you put it through, will last you ages, and won’t melt when you set it a little too close to the coals, the Top Side Backpack is an awesome option.
The Top Side Leather Backpack retails for $199.99 and is available at TheNormalBrand.com
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has declared May as “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.” Maybe you’ve seen signs along the highway, or heard ads on the radio. Motorcycle Safety Awareness affects both motorcyclists and other motorists, whether on the open highways on cross-country road trips, or on residential streets during your daily commute. For…