There are changes coming to East Coast Overland Adventures. We are currently in the process of re-designating the company from a for-profit LLC into a 501 non-profit. This will not affect the frontside of things here at ECOA. Our core mission isn’t changing, and we will continue to focus on education, but we are going to ramp up the philanthropic side of things. The biggest changes will happen with fundraising and how we interact with our Corporate Partners.
Moving forward we will have three classifications for companies that work with us. The first will be Equipment Sponsors. Those companies will supply gear that we use on our rigs, in our kits, and on our trips. Second are Door Prize Sponsors. These are companies that have donated products to use to use in raffles to volunteers that assist us with philanthropic projects. Lastly will be Product Review Sponsors. These companies have asked us to review their products and we will provide honest feedback to them and to you. Most companies will fall into one of these three categories, but a few will probably fall under two.
Viking Bags
Viking Bags approached us a few months ago eager to sponsor ECOA in one way shape or form. To be honest, my first thought was, ‘the last thing I need is another bag.’ After I thought about it, I realized Viking Bags made a great candidate for a Door Prize Sponsor for the annual Bald Mountain Clean-Up Project with Virginia Four-Wheel-Drive Association and Tread Lightly! (see links to prior projects below). Over the years the VA4WDA has done a great job recruiting volunteers and organizing a small door prize raffle for volunteers. With the shift at ECOA in the works, I feel this is a great opportunity to pay it forward and share my industry connections with project volunteers. Although, I may regret this decision. This bag from Viking Bags is nice.
- 2025 VA4WDA & Tread Lightly! Bald Mountain Cleanup Project
- 2024 VA4WDA & Tread Lightly! Bald Mountain Cleanup Project
- 2023 VA4WDA & Tread Lightly! Bald Mountain Cleanup Project
Since starting in 2008, the main audience for Viking Bags has been the motorcycle community. They have a wide variety of saddle bags, tank bags, handlebar bags, and backpacks. What makes their bags unique is that they are designed to work with the motorcycle’s natural shape and existing mounting points. As such, the list of available bags is pretty extensive. Being a Jeep guy and not a bike guy, and opting for a bag that would have appeal to any outdoor travel enthusiast regardless of what they drive — or ride — I opted for their XL Tactical Motorcycle Backpack.
The longer I looked at it and started exploring all the compartments
the more I wanted to be selfish and keep it for myself.
The XL Tactical Motorcycle Backpack lists a total capacity of 45 liters (just over 2,700 cubic inches). This is divided amongst one large compartment with an internal laptop sleeve; a medium size central compartment; two smaller front compartments one of which one has a builtin organizer for pens, tools, or other such small items; and lastly two side-mounted mesh pockets for water bottles. There is also velcro on the front of the top small compartment and reinforced PALS webbing for MOLLE accessories on the front lower compartment. The bag also includes a small reinforced pouch for sunglasses and a rain cover that folds into its own small pouch.
One of the coolest features of this bag are the straps. Being a dual-purpose bag for motorcycle riders, this bag can be set up in a backpack configuration with two shoulder straps and a waist strap. While no hiking backpack, the wide straps with light padding make it more than comfortable enough to lug on short hikes or a walk through town. With modularity in mind, the shoulder straps can be disconnected and stowed behind a padded back panel. This makes stowing the bag in a vehicle — or an overhead compartment on an airplane — super nice. I use a similar mil-spec bag for my carry-on and could easily see this bag taking over that duty if I could keep it. When the shoulder straps are stowed, a series of smaller straps and buckles are accessible and can be used to attach the bag to a rear rack on a motorcycle. For those with more than two wheels, I see options of attaching the pack to a seat-back or internal MOLLE rack of some kind. Lots of ideas are coming to mind. It should be noted that the rain cover can be used while the bag is attached to a bike or when in backpack mode.
Review Conclusion
The retail price on the backpack is $124.99, but was (as of this posting) recently listed on sale for $93.74. Given the quality of the bag, its internal and external features, and its modularity, I think this is a great price for the bag. Although made overseas in Pakistan, the overall quality of the bag — including the hardware, fabric, and stitching — is very solid. Like most military inspired “tactical” bags all the major seams are double stitched and reinforced where needed with webbing. Even the front laser-cut PALS panel has webbing running behind it to reinforce the attachment points for MOLLE accessories.
Quality buckles, mesh lining of the shoulder straps help set this bag apart from other cheaper imports
Whoever wins this bag in the spring is going to be a very lucky person! I on the other hand am going to be a bit bummed that I let such a good bag slip through my fingers. Huge thank you to the team at Viking Bags for supporting our mission here at ECOA!
Stay tuned as we continue to build more Door Prize Sponsors for upcoming projects in 2026.
Are you interested in a chance to win this bag or another product from one of ECOA’s Corporate Partners? Make sure to check our Event Schedule to see a list of upcoming classes, events, and service projects. Also make sure to fill out our contact form to get on our email list for upcoming service projects!
Disclaimer: The product(s) mentioned in this article were provided at no-cost to ECOA to be used as a door-prize at an upcoming event. The opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author and do not reflect the opinions of any other organization or company mentioned in this article or affiliated with ECOA.
