Thumb through this magazine and you’ll discover that helping you to carry stuff on your motorcycle is a thriving industry. Saddlebags, tail bags, tank bags, racks, liners, straps, bungees, and jackets with large pockets are all aimed at giving you the ability to take more than just a little bit of home with you, regardless of your destination.
            Stealth Workshop has introduced its Powersport Utility Bag (PUB). Looking at all the world like a tote for small bowling balls, this nifty carrier opens up to show a world of cleverness and function.
            Built from Cordura material around a 13-inch by 9-inch base, the PUB splits down its vertical center showing a removable, segmented, 1.75-inch deep ABS tray, two zip-off side panels stitched up with seven pockets for tools, pens, utensils, whatever fits, and two loose, 12-inch long clear-sided, zippered pouches. Those sides are actually zippered open semi-rigid bags that hold a surprising amount of stuff.
            That it would work as a near tool carrier is obvious. If you need to carry that many tools on your motorcycles, well, maybe it’s time for a new bike or maybe it means that you’re headed for Tierra del Fuego. In a pinch the PUB works as a small work station for your motorcycle; set its non-slip, non-scratch bottom on your tank, flip open the sides, and go to it. The ABS tray is great for holding small parts and oily rags.
            I looked at it with a different eye, however. I do a bit of motorcycle camping so I packed it with my stove, a can of fuel, four meals, my coffee press, utensils, condiments, and a dishtowel with not problem. My photography needs would also be well served by the PUB. It will easily swallow up my SLR camera, an extra lens or two, a back-up camera body, notebooks, small tripod, a small laptop computer and various other things. And if you can’t get a week’s worth of travel clothes in the PUB it just means that an RV would better suit your style of travel.
            The only thing missing from the PUB at this time is the promised Travel Kit. This option carries exterior access pockets and a strap/tie-down arrangement so it can easily be mounted as a tail bag. That would be nice to have, but I found that a simple cargo net works just fine for attaching it to the rear of my Road Glide’s seat. One thing that is needed, and should be included at no extra charge, is a rain cover. The PUB looks to be water-resistant to a limited extent, but a decent rain will wet whatever’s in the base.
            The Stealth Workshop PUB appears to be well made, rugged, and loaded with possibility. Good for the long haul (both time and distance), suggested retail is $89.95.

For more information contact Stealth Workshop, 877-U-CALL-SWS, www.stealthworkshop.com.