When you’ve decided to take off on a whim to see the whales in Tadoussac, or go full throttle down to Caraquet, New Brunswick, just for a shrimp poutine, your luggage has to keep up. That’s where the Oxford Drystash 30L travel bagcomes in, as the kind of partner that won’t abandon you at the first downpour.
Oxford: not just for nerds
OK, so “Oxford” sounds a bit like university. But in the world of motorcycling, it’s just the opposite: these are solid accessories made to withstand real life. The brand is well known among motorcyclists for its sturdy, practical accessories. The Drystash 30L is a waterproof travel bag, and let me tell you, they didn’t do it by halves.
Construction as solid as the Champlain Bridge (new version)
The Drystash is a double-flap bag. This kind of closure isn’t just flashy: it keeps all the water out. Like, even a frog would be comfortable in there. The bag is made of durable 600D polyester. It’s the same material as many motorcycle coats, made for all climates. As for the seams, they allow you to ride in a storm without your spare bobbins getting soggy. That’s something.
Space and ergonomics: the rider’s concern
At 30 liters, the Drystash is an ideal size for a few days’ travel. You can fit in your laundry, a rain kit, a toilet bag, and even a small tool kit if you’re the far-sighted (or unlucky) type. As an added bonus, it’s compact, so it fits nicely on the back seat or attaches securely to a rack with its built-in compression straps.
There’s also an adjustable shoulder strap if you need to drag your bag to a motel. It’s also equipped with reflective writing, which is always a good idea when you don’t want to end up as a bumper decoration.
Waterproof, but also waterproof
It may be redundant to talk twice about its waterproofing, but that’s the heart of the product. I left the bag outside during a thunderstorm – not a little downpour, this, a real deluge we had in May this year (2025) – and everything stayed as dry as the team’s defunct bottle of rum at the Classique Moto Fest. Not a drop inside. If you’re looking for a bag that can survive the Baie-Comeau weather (I’ve always visited this town in the rain), well, you’ve found it.
Verdict: put it on your list, between the beer and the toothbrush!
The Oxford Drystash 30L isn’t just a bag. It’s a rain shield for your clean laundry, a riding accomplice, a kind of flexible safe that you can roll up, tie down, garoosh (in moderation) and ignore while you enjoy the wind in your face.
Is it the perfect bag? Not by a long shot. It may lack a small waterproof exterior pocket for your cell phone or keys, but for the price (usually around $60 to $80), it’s one of the best values for riders who don’t want to break the bank.
And between you and me, it’s much cooler to arrive at your destination dry. Because nobody wants to be that guy who smells like a wet old dog when he takes his wet clothes out of his sports bag.
In a nutshell:
- Strengths: ultra waterproof, sturdy, good size, easy to attach to a motorcycle.
- Needs improvement: no outside pocket.
- Rating: 9/10 – It’s not a Louis Vuitton suitcase, but it’s clearly a bag that rolls as hard as you do.
So, the next time you step out on an adventure, don’t forget your helmet, your license… And your Drystash 30L. Because even if you’re not sure where you’re going, at least you’re sure your stock will arrive dry.
Thanks to Kimpex for testing this waterproof travel bag.
