Some Adventure Riders go to the other extreme and pack as light as possible. These ultralight packers prioritize ride performance over comfort and convenience, bringing only the most essential items. They typically stay in a basic hotel each night, so there is no need to bring heavy camping gear. They ride when the weather is warm and dry, so there is no need for extra layers.

For some ultralight packers, their packing list consists of a pair of flip-flops (thongs), a toothbrush and a change of underwear. Each day they wash their underwear in the hotel sink and hang them to dry over night, then head out for a bite to eat in their flip-flops. They may bring a few other items as well like shorts, a t-shirt, tools, inner-tubes, maps and possibly a few luxuries like snacks, a light jacket, sunglasses and a baseball cap. Ultralight packing may not be for everyone, but if you can handle living in the same clothes for a few days, it can really enhance your off-road performance.

One of the best ways to carry minimalist gear is with a set of small saddlebags. These allow you to hang off the back of your seat on steep declines and squeeze through tight spaces on wooded or rocky single-track trails. Weight is stored low on the bike making it more stable and easier to maneuver. You can also transfer some of the weight from your backpack to your motorcycle, allowing you to ride longer without getting tired.

We’ve compiled a list of 5 minimalist saddlebags for off-road focused adventure riders. These bags are lightweight and have a slim profile with a combined capacity of 30 liters or less. They are built with durable materials that hold up to the abuse of off-road riding and can be installed without pannier racks, saving you even more weight. The list of saddlebags is ordered from small to large in terms of volume.

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