Mosko Moto Launches All-New Backpacks and Tank Bag Options
These innovative luggage options from Mosko will make you want to hit the trail.
Mosko Moto has become an important player in the adventure riding scene, and for all the right reasons. Its founders, Pete and Andrew, are hardcore adventure motorcycle enthusiasts who employ enthusiasts, which is always a positive. But what sets Mosko’s purpose-built gear and luggage apart from some the mainstream brands is not just the quality of materials and level of craftsmanship, but the extreme amount of on-trail R & D that goes into each new design.
The company’s brand new sampling of backpacks and tank bags are no exception. All have been trail tested and tweaked for a result that will not only hold up to a thrashing, but will just make so much sense each time you go to reach into a perfectly-place pocket or click a secure strap.
Wildcat 12L & 8L Backpacks
First up let’s check out the Wildcat Backpacks, the first dedicated backpack line from Mosko and currently available for preorder with September shipping. There is a 12 Liter pack and an 8 Liter version, both which house an included 3 Liter Hydrapak water reservoir with insulated hose for on-the-go guzzling.
The 12L Wildcat Backpack with empty reservoir measures 18.25 x 9.5 x 6 inches and weighs 3.2 pounds, while the 8L weighs 2.8 pounds and measures 18.25 x 9.5 x 4 inches. The exterior of the bags is made from 630D high-density, 100-percent recycled nylon with a water-repellent finish, while inside there is 210D nylon lining.
Of course a description of a bag doesn’t always translate to how it’s going to feel on your body, especially when you’re moving and carrying variable weights in different riding conditions. That’s where the Mosko team’s background comes into play. Because Pete and Andrew both came from the world of outdoor gear equipment design and manufacturing – think of all the expensive stuff you buy at REI – they know a thing or two about how backpacks work on an articulating body, and also know how to design one pack with the adjustability to fit not only a variety of body types, but also to fit over different apparel, which in our world can range from a summer jersey to a heavy all-season, armored ADV jacket.
So the Wildcat Backpacks offer pressure-point avoiding shoulder straps with five position options, as well as the traditional adjustable/removable sternum strap. A molded back panel provides cushioning.
The packs offer plenty of functionality, too, including a fleece-lined top pocket for goggles or sunglasses, adjustable external flap pocket for those extra layers (Mosko photos show it also housing two small MSR gas bottles). Each pack has one main pocket with an internal zippered panel, and of course the 12L will house a few more goodies overall. The front straps include lots of cutouts for clipping on essentials and a dedicated spot to secure your GPS communicator on your shoulder for easy access in an emergency.
The cutout panels on the outside of both backpack styles aren’t just for looks. Those are Molle panels that let you add on additional smaller bags and items using a snap-on bar system. Definitely a unique feature, though our favorite component of these backpacks might be the innovative chest rig system that gives you access to your essentials without removing the bag or even having to swing it around.
The decidedly handy clip-on chest rigging adds $50 to your backpack purchase. It measures 9 x 7.5 x 1 inches and weighs 0.7 pounds and comes in black only. The 12L and 8L Wildcat backpacks are available in Black, Woodland or Stargazer color combos for $219, and $199 respectively.
Gnome & Nomini Tank Bags
Also brand new and currently available for preorder, but shipping this month, are two handy-size functional tank bags that join the already existing Nomax and Hood tank bags, and the minimalist Pico design.
One of the most innovative features of the Gnome 5L and Nomini 2L is their perpendicular “landscape” mounting system. So, instead of riding vertically, in line with the shape of the tank, these tank bags are positioned across the upper portion of the tank, making them perfect for shorter-tanked dirt or enduro-style bikes.
Whether it’s dirt or adventure bike riding this shape also makes good sense in creating more room for the rider, especially when angling around the cockpit. It also keeps anything you clip to or slip behind the Molle panel on top of the bag, within a safe sightline. (Who remembers bending over, trying to see maps in the dreaded plastic panels? Whew, glad those days are gone).
Both bags mount using an easy on-and-off clip system, so are fast to pop on and off at stops. The main body of these new tank bags is made from 630D high-density, 100-percent recycled nylon with a water repellent finish, with a lining of 210D nylon.
Aside from more carrying capacity, the larger Gnome bag also doubles as a water hauler and comes with a 1.5L Hydrapak reservoir with insulated hose. It’s designed to hold more kit, too, including tools and electronics in addition to the requisite snacks. There is a “stealth passport pocket” for valuables and an exterior “quick stash” pocket for earplugs and such, while the fleece-lined slot is for easy access to sunglasses.
The Nomini has an even smaller footprint making it especially handy for smaller bikes and shorter rides. It also has the stealth pocket for valuables and quick stash exterior pocket, and get this, when you pop it off you can deploy waist straps and wear it like a (yes, they’re back!) fanny pack.
The 11 x 8 x 5 inch, 1.5 pound Gnome and its included hydration system is available for $149, while the 9.5 x 6 x 4 inch Nomini, weighing just 0.7 pounds, sells for $65. Both are available in Black, Woodland or Stargazer color palettes.For more details about the new Wildcat Backpacks and Gnome and Nomini Tank Bags visit Mosko’s Preorder Collection page.
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