As the Mercedes Sprinter van gains popularity in the motorcycle world and now Ford, Ram, and others are making similar headway into this “toy hauler” market, weekend warriors around the world are stuck wondering “what’s the best way to make electrical power available from my van?”

While it’s a bit outside our normal blog topics, which are entirely about motorcycles, motorcycle trips, etc., we thought it important enough to share with you just how easy, affordable, efficient, useful and powerful the sun can be in this article.

Time to pay tribute to what has basically become a "permanent fixture" in this motorcycle traveler's busy lifestyle: The Ortlieb "Moto Rack-Pack" by Ortlieb USA.

On the short list of great products I've had with me in recent years, this waterproof duffel bag stands out for it's incredible durability, functionality, and overall value in the sense that I have truly gotten my money's worth.

Perhaps the greatest thing about the Rack Pack is its "simplicity." With the wide open roll top and cavernous interior, getting your riding gear, parts, clothing, or whatever in and out of this bag is incredibly easy. Once you roll the top shut and clip the straps into place, it's perfectly water and dust proof, as I have proven in many thousands of miles these past years. (And please trust when I say this bag's waterproofness has really been tested in Patagonia, Bolivia, Peru, Croatia, Montenegro, etc.)