LIVING WITH RAIDA GEAR

Tested on Open Roads, From Mumbai to Panchgani

- Words By: Sohil Nikam

Motorcycle gear reveals its true character not in product shoots or spec sheets, but on the road, when conditions change, plans stretch, and fatigue quietly sets in. My ride from Mumbai to Panchgani for India Bike Week 2025 offered exactly that kind of test bed. Long highway stints, early-morning chill, afternoon heat, winding hill roads, and two full days of festival chaos made it the perfect environment to live with Raida's touring-oriented gear rather than merely review it. Over the course of the trip, three Raida products became constant companions: the Compass K16 Tank Bag, the Hydration Bladder paired with the Dryporter Waterproof Hydration Bag, and the Frigate Riding Jacket. Each served a distinct purpose, and together, they formed a surprisingly cohesive ecosystem for real-world riding.

RAIDA COMPASS K16 TANK BAG

Thoughtful Utility Over Gimmicks

The Compass K16's 16-litre capacity immediately places it in a sweet spot for touring. It's not oversized to the point of feeling cumbersome, yet it offers enough space to genuinely reduce dependency on a backpack. Believe it or not, on this three-day trip, it was the only piece of luggage I carried. A pair of comfortable shorts, three t-shirts, sunglasses, perfume, a pair of slippers (for which there's a separate compartment at the bottom), some underwear, and a whole lot of other knickknacks fit comfortably in this tank bag, without it ever feeling overstuffed.