TARK Flexible Panniers Are Indestructible and Perfect for Adventure

In Estonian, TARK means "smart" and after watching the two videos below, we agree with their makers. The design is truly clever and aimed at preventing most of the mishaps that befall pannier systems that ar being taken on an adventure ride or even in less perilous scenarios.

They are made from HDPE, a type of plastic that can withstand elongation up to 300% its length before breaking. This property makes the TARK panniers flexible and renders them almost indestructible, regardless of whether we are talking about testing them in high-speed crashes on the road surface or running them over with a car.

Even though badly out of shape, the Tark panniers are easy to restore to their initial shape but no tools are required in the process in most of the cases. The plastic will easily restore its original form under hand pressure, and this feature tops anything we saw in the adventure world so far.

Other cool features of the TARK flexible panniers include waterproof construction, meaning they won't need external covers, locks which will allow riders to leave them on the bike with fewer fears they will be stolen, and a smart construction that allows the quick replacement of almost any parts one manages to destroy. We also loved the safety system that prevents the lids from opening even if the pannier might fall from the bike at high speed.

The TARK are also much lighter than aluminium sidecases, saving around 50% from the added weight. And because they are flexible, they will minimize the impact energy transmitted to the racks or rear subframe when the bike flips, while at the same time limiting the damage a rider's leg would take if caught underneath.

The TARK flexible panniers can be had for €490 ($560) in either 37 or 48-liter sizes, and the price includes the mounting platforms. Apparently the mounting system is universal, and not for KTM only. Awesome!