Have any of you purchased American Trails Ventures cargo bags and if so how was the quality? I have a Mad Dog rear bag for my Rancher that I bought from Cabelas that hasn't been too bad but I have had to reinforce it after one summer. I would like to try something different on my wifes Recon and have just started looking. Any information would be helpful. Thanks
Stan

 

American Trails have received good reviews. OGIO seems to be the mac daddy, but pricey. After talking with Tamarack directly, I would have purchased their bags if I hadn't found the used OGIO bag I just purchased today.

See the post I placed a couple of weeks back. It gives some good reviews of the bags.

 

I have a Tamarack rear bag and love it. Very spacious annd it comes with a detachable cooler! Mine is in black.

 

If you are interested in the Tamarack bag, call them direct. I was really impressed with the customer service and felt they were offering great pricing.

 

I have never had a high opinion of "universal fit" rack bags, especially ones that use velcro fasteners, because they just don't seem to be able to be secured tightly enough to keep from sliding around on the rack...they might not come loose, but it is unsettling and distracting to have the whole thing flopping around...

SO...and I am dealing from ignorance here...are either of these brands you mentioned able to be secured and stabilized by their own fastening systems, and what are the methods used?

 

The typical rack system that is on several utility ATV models, tubular shape, in my opinion would be considered a universal fit. As I researched bags I found that some bags are made with the Velcro attachment or a clip attachment. I have had both on previous ATV's I have owned and did not experience any problems with the "universal" fit. I truly believe the quality of the bag is in the fastening system they make. A good, quality bag will have many attachment points on the bag which will give you a secure fit.

 

The Tamarack bag I put of above secures tight to tube racks and I would assume plastic ones as well. There are 6 straps all adjustable with plastic buckles for quick release.

 

Yes, I have four of the American Trail Bags.

Tried several different bags but this is the best bag I have ever used. Holds it's shape, easy to clean and with the rain cover is totally water, and dust proof. I have 2 of the medium bags for each of my rancher for the rear, a small bag for the front, and a large bag for the rear when going for extended trips in the mountains.

Only complaint I have is when you get the bag it is broke down flat and you have to put the stiffner panels in......can be a pain in the a@# until you get the hang of it. Don't be afraid to trim the stiffner panels some to make them fit easier.

Olympic wrestler Rulon Gardner is the company owner.

Best bag you will own.

 

Thank you all very much for the information, it has been most helpful. I ordered an American Trails this morning. It appears the fasteners are D rings which will be an improvement over my Mad Dog bag. Thanks again.
Stan