MikeF5000
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Aluminum Panniers

I decided to switch to some aluminum panniers. The OEM plastic ones weren't entirely waterproof, and the clamshell design was a giant pain to load. Finicky latches were the finally straw. The aluminum ones, while not quite as large as the OEM boxes, are much easier to load, and I can fit more in them because of that. Plus the bungee loops on the top allow for significant more storage. A matching top box is in the works. I mounted these boxes with some modified Happy Trails quick release 5/8" pannier mounts, and added Walmart lashing straps to the top of each. The factory luggage racks are not as substantial as most aftermarket, so if I were starting from scratch, I'd look at the Happy Trails racks. The Happy trails panniers themselves are top quality, but so are Muffin Top Industries, and they're a fraction of the cost.
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For test loading purposes, I threw my two drybags on  top of the panniers, and set my auxiliary fuel tank in-between. This is roughly going to be the Alaska setup. One kayak bag is holding a zero degree sleeping bag, and the other kayak is holding my tent and sleeping pad.
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I've got quite the collection of decals and reflective tape to add to these, in due time.

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