Tail bags are a great alternative to tank bags. You can use both, but if you have a great paint job that you don't want to cover up, a tail bag will serve every non-map purpose of the ever-popular tank bag.
Cortech's Sport tail bag is an excellent example of the versatility these bags offer. The exterior is 1680 denier ballistic nylon, and the interior has a soft tri-coat lining. The bag itself offers 16 liters of storage capacity that can expand to 18 liters. Most of this space is in the main top loading compartment, but there are internal pockets to help keep everything organized.
This tail bag might not be enough for you, but there are built-in buckles for Cortech's saddlebags. These buckles store neatly away under a Velcro flap when not in use, which makes this bag easier to carry considering it has a shoulder strap and rubberized carry handle. Reflective striping and a complementary rain cover make this bag as road worthy as any riding gear.
The attachment mechanism is the only point of contention. The bag does attach to the bike securely with built-in bungee cords, but they are not covered, and bikes with wide tail ends might meet with some unnecessary wear. If Cortech could throw some neoprene covers on those cords, this would greatly improve the product.
Compare this with the Shift Drifter backpack.
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