For some of us it's always a problem to figure out how to carry more stuff on a motorcycle. Sure, you can usually get by with less but sometimes it's also nice to have the little extras along.

Tour two up and it's often not the extras that you are worried about but just the basics... like how to have camping gear along for two people without using a side car or trailer.

Jo's Custom Creations came up with one unique answer to this problem and called it the U-Pac. Recently we picked up a medium-size U-Pac to evaluate.

The U-Pac concept is pretty much exactly what the name implies; viewed from the top it looks like a squared-off "U" the idea is for the center portion of the "U" to fit across a rack or tale section, while each side of the "U" faces forward over hard or soft luggage, leaving a pocket in the center for a passenger (or even just a solo rider).

The suggested packing method for the U-Pac is to fit a sleeping bag in the front of each side section and a packed tent across the back, along with two Therm-A-Rest mattresses. Even then, there is quite a bit of room left over for other miscellaneous items, but in consideration for passenger comfort we suggest softer items like clothing and towels should be stowed toward the center of the U.

Of course, other items can be packed, such as shown in one photo (not shown on this site,)including another bag with motorcycle cover and rainsuit over that, handlebar mounted hand warmers over a bag with a cold weather suit, and in between a tent, ground cloth, heavy cold weather gloves, walking shoes, clothes and a stove and cook kit. And this is just what we were able to get into medium size impact which is 12"Hx22"Lx32"W.

One inch nylon tie-down loops are sewn into the lower edges of the U-Pac, two at the front of each side and two at the front and back of the center section. The manufacturer recommends securing the bag with nylon cord, although our photos (not shown) show bungee cords being used.

Three U-Pac sizes are available: 10"Hx20"Lx30"W 12"Hx22"Lx32"W 14"Hx24"Lx34"W Custom sizing is also available.

The U-Pac has numerous and obvious applications for much of today's sport touring machinery without travel trunks, although it can be seen that other types of machines can also use the system. One thing is require however, and that is some kind of hard or soft saddlebag set to support the sides of the U-Pac. The only drawback we could find would be in applications where the U-Pac might rub some paint off the tops of some models of painted saddlebags. Otherwise, happy camping.

- Bob Anderson