Where to store trail tools?

I have always used a bike mounted tool bag. I had it all tricked out. Well today I lost it some where in the middle of nowhere. I've never had an issue with it falling off. It was strapped down and gave no indication it was in any danger of falling off. That said, it did. So now being faced with the task of replacing all my tools, where do you store your tools? What special tools do you carry? Do you carry both tubes or just a front? Thanks for reading this far.

For trail riding I carry a small tool bag in my backpack, along with lunch, water, clothing, etc. A spare tube and tire changing tools go on the front fender. If a have to ride at night I move the fender pack to the back pack. I got a used OEM tool box, but it looked like it would fall off so never used it.

I have lost a front fender bag before, but the WRR front fender has a nice shape which keeps the bag clamps from loosening.

Several companies make a rear fender tool pouch, I would recommend one that bolts onto the fender...

I was concerned it might slip and be lost, or worse, foul the front wheel, so I drilled (4) 1/8" holes and used small cable ties to help prevent it coming loose.



I need to buy another front fender bag, since mine stayed on the DR650 I sold to buy the WRR.

I just bought when of those Tusk fender bags. I am concerned about how the reviews say the clips cut the straps causing it to fall off. I may either tool dip the clips or buy the Wolfman clips to ensure I don't lose the bag and my tube, tools, etc. It was nice that it came with irons is why i chose it over a Wolfman in the first place.

So I opted to just use my backpack that carries my water, first aid, food, and misc stuff I bring anyway. I can put the tools down in the bottom where they will be out of the way, and there is no risk of them falling off anymore. My bike will feel lighter as the weight isn't fixed to a high point on my bike anymore. I really appreciate your advice everyone.

Coop wrote:

I just bought when of those Tusk fender bags. I am concerned about how the reviews say the clips cut the straps causing it to fall off. I may either tool dip the clips or buy the Wolfman clips to ensure I don't lose the bag and my tube, tools, etc. It was nice that it came with irons is why i chose it over a Wolfman in the first place.

If the straps are tight, and the clips can't move (cable ties), I really doubt the clips would saw through them. Mine wasn't on too long, maybe 1,000 kms but it showed zero signs of wear.

I think the key is to have a soft item (like a tube & a rag) in it so it compresses when straps are tightened, and that compression helps maintain tension on the straps.

Some folks reportedly use a bolt & fender washer to secure the bag to the fender, which would also slow down a thief.

For the price and peace of mind, I really like the fender bag. Unless I find a smoking deal locally in the meantime, I'll get another next time I drive south of the border.

I wish I could see the MSR, Moose, and Tusk side-by-side, as based on web only, they all seem similarly designed. It looks like only the Tusk includes irons, which is nice because they are held separately from main compartment items they could damage, like your spare tube, or patch cement.

Thanks. I do think some of those guys had problems because they were overloading the bag. I plan to carry a front tube, patch kit, pump and mini air gauge and that's it (other than the included irons). I have a rear tool box for regular tools. I only want the bag for flat repairs.

I really wanted to buy one of those Tusk bags, but was turned off by the user comments on Rocky Mountain off-road's site.

Daamud wrote:

I really wanted to buy one of those Tusk bags, but was turned off by the user comments on Rocky Mountain off-road's site.

Those are the reviews/comments I was talking about. The problem all seems to be in the clips that is why I am either going to replace them with Wolfman clips or dip them in tool dip to minimize any I chance of the clips cutting the straps which is what seems to be the common complaint about them. I liked the design with the pockets on the outside for the irons, that's why I bought it, not the price. So spending $6.50 more on clips doesn't concern me if it keeps the bag on my bike haha.