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.
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.
I've got quite the collection of decals and reflective tape to add to these, in due time.
