PRODUCT REVIEW: Turkana Gear – Built for Real Adventure
Turkana Gear has proven itself in real-world use as a reliable and durable soft luggage system for adventure riders. What started with the Hippo Hips 20L system evolved into a complete, modular setup suitable for both on-road and off-road use. The products are defined by a simple yet robust design that withstands intensive use and a wide range of conditions. Even in wet and demanding environments, functionality remains consistent, supported by the use of internal dry bags. This positions Turkana as a strong and cost-effective alternative within the adventure motorcycle luggage segment.
Disclaimer. This is my personal take on Turkana gear. it is my own opinion en experience. I am in no way or form a representative or sponsored bij TURKANA. Alle gear is bought with my own hard earned cash
I stopped choosing motorcycle gear based on marketing… and started choosing it based on performance.** About two years ago I was introduced to Turkana Gear — a brand I had never heard of before. Like most riders, I mainly knew the big names dominating social media. That’s where I started. That changed when a good riding friend brought me to Bartang, where owner Peter (also known as the *Turkana Head Ninjaneer*) introduced me to the brand and its philosophy: **Simple. Functional. Built for real-world adventure.
🧳 First Impression: Hippo Hips 20L
My first piece of Turkana gear was the Hippo Hips 20L system. Since then, it has been through:
• gravel roads
• mud trails
• off-road riding
• and a few… "unplanned parking moments"
Result:Brush off the dirt → keep riding. The build quality is impressive. The system is simple, rugged, and clearly designed to take abuse.
🔧 Design Philosophy What stands out most about Turkana:
• no unnecessary complexity
• highly durable construction
• modular setup
• field-repairable (yes, needle & thread level) So far, I haven’t needed to repair anything......which says enough.
🧭 Expanding My Setup After the Hippo Hips, I expanded my setup with multiple products:
Tek Bags (5L) mounted on crash bars:
⛑ Left → First Aid
🔧 Right → Tools & spare parts
Chip Cheeks for organization — upgraded with a custom **3D-printed inlay** for better gear management. This even caught the attention of Turkana co-owner Michnus, leading to contact with him and his wife Elsebie.
🌧 Weather Performance Turkana bags are water-resistant by design.
In my experience:
✔ multiple full days riding in heavy rain
✔ no real issues For full waterproofing,
Turkana uses internal drybags. When properly rolled, your gear stays completely dry.
🏍 Real-World Use Initially,
My setup was built for riding with a pillion.
Later, I added the rackless system "Madmules" for:
• solo riding
• off-road trips
• daily use And again — same conclusion: Simple. Strong. Reliable.
💸 Value for Money Compared to many competitors,
Turkana offers:
✔ strong durability
✔ practical design
✔ modular systems …often at a more accessible price point in my opinion.
My Current Setup My Turkana collection includes:
Madmules
Hippohips
Bushbabies
Oxpacker
Tek Bag
Turtle Trunk
Stowcrow
Pelipouch
Magpie
Sloth
Chipcheeks
Towrantula
🏁 Final Verdict:
If you’re looking for a soft luggage system that is built for real adventure, not just marketing.
Turkana is absolutely worth considering in my opinion.
Check out Turkana Gear for more information.
Verdict: ✔ Durable ✔ Functional ✔ Adventure proven ✔ Good value 👉 Recommended for serious ADV riders ---
What gear do you trust when things get rough?
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