Introduction
Green Chile Adventure Gear is not a common name in the dual sport or adventure market yet. GCAG, as they call themselves, is a relatively new company with a completely different opinion on luggage systems for dual sport and adventure motorcycles. GCAG is based out of Dixon, New Mexico, employees only a handful of people, and is proud of its Made in USA label.
The owners, Adam and Ben started GCAG in early 2014 after having the vision to make a lightweight and heavy duty luggage system.
The goal of the kit is to make a luggage system as lightweight and universal as possible.
The Kit
The luggage system is basically made up of two separate kits: the Uprising Soft Rack and the Bag Snake Kit. Together these kits will hold many different styles of dry bags, duffel bags or most any other thing you need to transport.
The base for the entire kit is the “Uprising Soft rack.” The base is basically a grid made from nylon webbing in your choice of 6 colors. The base price starts at $60.99 and goes up from there. A well thought out, full luggage system will be approximately $250 with dry bags and all necessary straps. The full line of options can be viewed on the product page of Green Chile Adv.
The Package
As Tested:
Pecos Value Bundle $269 This price includes two NRS 22 liter dry bags, Uprising Soft Rack and 2 Bag Snake Kits.
NRS Cam Buckle Bumpers x2 $15.90 Cam rubber protectors sold in packs of two. Great for protecting plastics from scrapes.
NRS Tuff Sack Dry Bag $36.95 Large 38 liter waterproof dry bag. Not a required bag, but will provide a massive amount of added storage.
Total as tested: $321.85
My kit was designed to be a full travel kit. With 2 medium and 1 large dry bag. I will be able to pack for at least a week long camping trip and not need additional storage.
When you order the Pecos Bundle you can pick between several different bags from NRS and Wolfman. The price will change based on the bags you pick.
Mounting The Rack
Mounting the Uprising Soft Rack is not difficult, but its easiest if you take your time. Each motorcycle is different and each has mounting points that are slightly different. It took me about 10 minutes to settle on a configuration on the strapping points and tightness of each strap. There are 4 straps that hold on the rack, 2 at the rear and 2 at the front corners that go to the passenger pegs. I found it easiest to place the rear straps in place then tighten away from them, pulling down and forward into the passenger pegs. There is adjustment in the forward straps simply by changing how many loops the strap goes through before it goes down to the passenger peg. I had no interference with the exhaust or other parts on the Suzuki DR650.
Bag Snake
Dry bags are pretty standard in the adventure world, used mostly as a duffel on the rear rack, or strapped to the top of panniers. In the GCAG kit the dry bags are the primary container for your belongings.
The Bag Snake kit is used to hold these dry bags onto the bike by strapping to the Uprising Soft Rack. I used pictures I found in the gallery section to help with ideas for mounting. I found that if using the two smaller bags only i prefer placing the dry bags lengthwise with the bike rather than across.
What Can I Mount?
As you will see in this short video: "nearly anything"
My Thoughts
I prefer soft luggage options for offroad riding. Soft luggage is safer for my legs and motorcycle. The only downfall of this is that your luggage can be damaged in a fall or from straps that are too tight.
The GCAG kit is very versatile, and it is so customizable that it feels complicated at first. The names for the pieces of the kit are unique and I kept finding myself looking at the instructions and the pictures on GCAG’s website making sure I was picking the best strapping method. There really isn't a right or a wrong way to use the kit.
The GCAG kit does come with instructions, but it is only a general set of tips. It is so customizable and versatile a full set of instructions would be nearly impossible.
Strapping all of the bags onto the rear of the motorcycle was not a difficult task. They can easily be removed and placed back if the straps are not removed from the soft rack. If camping, I would simply leave the straps on overnight making it easier to load up in the morning.
I personally do not feel like I will use this kit every day. I don't feel that I need that much capacity for commuting, but on an overnight trip or multiple day trip this kit would be great. When you get your bags strapped down they are very secure, it has an ample and customizable amount of storage, and its an excellent kit for the cost.There are some great qualities of this kit that may not be apparent at first, but after a little practice you realize it has unlimited options.
The kit is designed and constructed right here in the USA. Each piece is sold separately so if something tears, gets burned, or just wears out it can be replaced. GCAG has a lifetime warranty on all parts they manufacture and a return policy that states “if you are not satisfied with one of our products….you can return it”.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Customizable
- Universal Fit
- Lifetime Warranty
- Strong
- Lightweight
- Can be combined with other luggage
- Can utilize luggage and bags you may already own.
Cons
- Luggage could be damaged in a fall
- Items in bags could be damaged if strapped too tight
- Friends will want you to haul their stuff
Written by Jacob Roby, contributing editor for Spirit Strike, power-sports writer and motorcycle enthusiast. Please leave a comment below with any questions or comments or you can contact the manufacturer at