Riding the motorcycle is an adventurous feeling until you’re inconvenienced by a lack of space to access your valuables quickly. Things such as your GPS, maps, and other accessories may be too important to need during your ride. Putting them in your backpack isn’t a solution either, and so it is with your pocket as you may have to bring the bike to a halt first. So, what’s the best way to store your bikes while riding? The best motorcycle tank bag is the solution!



Best Motorcycle Tank Bags in September, 2020

After years of riding the bike, I’ve come across an assortment of motorcycle tank bags which I must admit they confused me at first. I can relate to the same feeling you might be having right now when navigating the marketplace hunting for the best tank bag. I’ve been there too but eventually, I’ve mastered the art of picking the best hence I brought you this comprehensive review.

Tune in while I review the best motorcycle tank bags on the market. I went all out to pick the best all-round tank bags that I am certain most bike owners would love. Note that these tank bags come in varying shapes, features, capacities and design materials, the choice of which depends on your circumstances.

Without further ado, let’s delve into our products…



1. Chase Harper 450M – Best Motorcycle Tank Bag in 2019

As I will elaborate later, you’ll notice the difference between the attachment methods for tank bags, and that serves as the differentiator of the best according to your convenience. Described in the name, Chase Harper 450M Magnetic Tank Bag is a magnetic tank bag that attaches seamlessly and effortlessly to your metal bike tank.

The magnet of this bag is covered with non-grip polyester material. This will help give the bag traction when mounted on a sloping motorbike tank especially when riding at higher speeds. Well, the bad side of this bag is that it does not come with straps meaning it won’t really have a secure mount compared to straps-based bags.

I must say this magnetic tank bank has brought me the joy of mounting it with ease and removing it on the go. It’s really the most convenient of them all even though it has its downsides. However, its downsides are not really deal-breakers. It all depends on your style of ride and the typical items you store in this portable luggage.

One important thing to note though

Tank bags are exposed to all sorts of elements. If not taken care of, they may not only wear out but also expose your items to damages. For this reason, I would recommend considering tank bags with water resistance and other waterproof features such as the rainfly. This tank bag is water and tear-resistant.

Made of the tear-resistant, 1680D industrial grade ballistic nylon, I am convinced that the bag will last you long. Thanks to its great durability as only a few excel in this department. It is less likely to scratch your tank with this bag provided its magnetic base is clear of dirt; otherwise, expect scratches because a Neodymium magnetic base can attract dirt.

Warranty

The bag is made in the United States and comes with a lifetime warranty. Combining its excellent design made from top-notch urethane-coated nylon, the bag lasts you for a long time. You’ll forget when the last time you went to the store was.

Also quite remarkable with this bag is how it features additional pockets and compartments. It has quick access pockets and full-length Velcro pocket; they make it easy to store your items. The mesh zipper pocket outside provides a quick access space to store things such as your maps.

Your items will be protected from the damaging sunlight by the 4 corner hooks at the top of the bag meant for UV resistance. The touch-sensitive sleeve can be removed or reversed.

Important technical info to note about this bag is its 4.1 liter (250 cubic inches) storage capacity.

Pros Waterproof, tear-resistant and UV resistant tank bag

Waterproof, tear-resistant and UV resistant tank bag Affordable price tag

Affordable price tag Extra features such as exterior mesh pockets

Extra features such as exterior mesh pockets Magnetic bag to install or remove with ease

Magnetic bag to install or remove with ease Made of the non-grip urethane-coated nylon Cons The magnetic mount is not really rigid to withstand all the abuse

The magnetic mount is not really rigid to withstand all the abuse The magnet attracts dirt and that can mess up your tank finish

The magnet attracts dirt and that can mess up your tank finish Magnet is only applicable to metallic tanks, not the modern plastic-based tanks.

Verdict

Although it isn’t the best capacity, I must say it is enough for indispensable items on your ride. Besides, tank bags are not supposed to large to carry all items lest they hinder your sight of the speedometer or the handlebars.

At first sight, I was a bit skeptical about the price tag of this bag thinking it was just one of the mediocre products I had come across before. Well, I was proved wrong. The bag is exciting with an impressive design featuring an assortment of features. It is probably the luggage bag you’ve been looking for. Although it has a 4.1-liter capacity, I still find it adequate enough for a few days travel.

The bag was made in the USA and it comes with a lifetime warranty. It holds well to the tank with magnetic wings covered in a non-grip polyester. While the bag is not really waterproof, it still performs well in reflecting mild rains. However, heavy rains may not be a match. Nonetheless, the product comes with the heavy-duty vinyl cover to deter the downpour.

My second pick goes to the Wolfman Luggage S0303 – Enduro Tank Bag, which seems a bit far of a reach to some people with its expensive price tag. Nonetheless, it is a great buy considering its amazing features. For a tank bag that installs effortlessly and has plenty of features, you wouldn’t mind investing in it.

What else is remarkable in this tank bag?

Well, I have noticed how top-notch its exterior design is with the heavy-duty 1680 denier Ballistic Nylon material. It will last you for a long time. While it is not entirely waterproof, it can repel mild rains in case you do not have the rain cover.

The bag closes easily with the YKK zippers. Thanks to its yellow cord which you can find with ease on the main opening zipper; it also helps with nighttime visibility. The zippers are waterproof, and so rest assured that your contents will no soak in water while riding on the high way.

Installing this tank bag is a cinch

Unlike others that come with straps where you have to spend a considerable amount of time, the bag is a quick release. It mounts with ease on a fuel tank. Every component you need to install the bag is included in your purchase including the instructions, so it shouldn’t take you too long to figure it out.

Still, on the exterior, you will be able to store your map in a removable clear pocket. The mesh pocket outside helps store things you might need urgently; these could be your water bottle, for example. The interior pocket is also a mesh pocket and it can be zippered. Meanwhile, the key clip helps you store the keys.

There’s more to this bag that justifies why it is relatively costly. Its ideal dimensions are 9” x 5 1/2” x 7 3/8”, and a maximum of 6 liters (366 cubic inches). That’s not really an impressive capacity, but at least you can store a few items that you really need.

One of the worries of mounting tank bags is the fear to scratch the tank and mess up the finish. It’s a different story with this bag. It is a non-scratch bag. Thanks to the 4 point quick release that positions the bag off the surface of the tank.

Another sigh of relief is that the bag is made in the USA, although not that everything from the US is top-notch. At least the reviews I have come across about this bag were positive hence I chose it.



Pros 4-point quick release

4-point quick release Easy to install or remove

Easy to install or remove Additional exterior and interior mesh pockets

Additional exterior and interior mesh pockets Silver interior

Silver interior Great quality of the ballistic nylon construction Cons It is pricey

It is pricey Not easy to move from one tank to the other unless the clip system is installed

Verdict

In my experience of using a variety of bags, I have come across different styles and designs. What impresses me about this bag is how it mounts and unmounts with ease. Thanks to the quick-release system. Also noteworthy is that it won’t scratch the surface of your tank. I applaud this type of mount even though it is not as secure as the straps.

Looking at its exterior design, the bag has mesh pockets to store items for quick access. The interior is also impressive with a silver appearance for nighttime visibility. There is also a removable clear pocket for your maps in case you still embrace contemporary pathfinders.

3. AZTOP – Magnetic Tank Bag

Do you own a Suzuki, Yamaha, Harley, Kawasaki or a Honda motorcycle? Perhaps this tank bag could be your ideal purchase as it is designed specifically for those motorbikes. Like my first review above, the bag uses a magnetic field to mount to your motorbike tank.

Magnetic mount

Well, the good side with the magnets is that you need not sweat while installing. Only in a matter of time, you will be done. Moreover, you can unmount the bag to another bike or when you make a quick shopping.

The downside though, the magnets are susceptible to attracting dirt and so they can expose your tank to scratches. Again, they are not as secure as straps, but lucky enough this bag comes with the additional belt to secure it. That adds more convenience knowing that you can speed your bike with no fear of the bag loosening.

Pockets

For storage purposes, the bag features 4 pockets wherein you can store a variety of items. There is a large clear pocket to store your smartphone for GPS directions. Everything about the bag seems to be on point despite its low price tag. Many people might mistake it as a mediocre bag considering how cheap it is. It’s not always that cheap products are mediocre and expensive one’s high quality.

Materials

Also notable is the 1680 oxford fabric the bag has, which will last you for a long time. The build material is water-resistant. Note the difference between a water-resistant and waterproof fabric: a water-resistant one only repels water whereas the waterproof fabric prevents penetration of water.

Mild downfalls shouldn’t be a problem for a water-resistant fabric. I recommend you consider buying the rain cover for in case you drive in a heavy downpour.

The bag size dimensions are 13.17” x 7.87” x 3.94”, which I believe shouldn’t be a problem to mount on any tank. Big bags are great and convenient but then they tend to hinder access to the bike’s dashboard. Either way, these tank bags are designed to fit important things that you might need while on the go.

Note This bag is not fit for Honda 2010; Yamaha R3; Yamaha M1, Kawasaki KX85, Kawasaki KX65, Kawasaki KLR650 and BMW1200



Pros Features 4 pockets to store your items

Features 4 pockets to store your items Affordable motorcycle tank bag

Affordable motorcycle tank bag Made of high-quality oxford material

Made of high-quality oxford material Easy to install with magnets

Easy to install with magnets Additional belt to fasten it Cons Others may find it too small

Verdict

This tank bag is generally very portable and high quality. Besides, it does not break your bank as it is relatively cheaper. However, if you are looking into something fairly big, this may not be your go-to option. Its magnets are effective when holding a few items. Large items may render the magnet weak, but then the additional belt included can come to your rescue.

I would recommend the bag to any traveler looking forward to storing a few items. Installing the bag is a cinch, so even beginners shouldn’t sweat to get it in order.

Cortech tank bag is also talked among the enthusiasts with its impressive mid-sized design. It isn’t small nor big, but just moderate enough to give you storage options for your short trips. Stuffing items in your pockets is a thing of yesterday considering how inconvenient that can be.

Storage compartments

The good thing about this bag is that it can store a wide variety of small items and let you access them when need be. No need to pull over and search for your items. All thanks to the rear pocket in which you can store your cell phones or any other important item. There are also pockets inside, which can help you categorize your items without compromising their safety.

Mount

If you are worried about installing, relax because a magnet installs seamlessly and effortlessly. The base of the bag is fitted with magnets that hold tightly onto your bike tank. It’s a plus as you need not stress about altering the finish of your tank.

Moreover, it’s easy to remove a magnetic bag. As much as a magnetic bag has its upside, the downside can be stressful but not really a deal-breaker. For instance, you need to be vigilant of heavy stuff you put in the bag as it can compromise its magnetic ability when riding at high speeds. Also, it can attract dirt and thus scratch your finish if not vigilant enough.

In spite of these downsides, the Cortech bag is a deal worth having. It is a bit pricey though but, nonetheless, an investment worth your penny. It weighs just 2.3 pounds, which makes it one of the portable tank bags. And its dimensions are 10 inches in length, 9 inches width and 4 inches height. Measure your items before your ride. Note that it is a 12-liter bag.

Security wise, the bag has an additional strap which you can secure it with. While that is not really a tougher security measure, it can deter lazy criminals who just want a quick snatch.

Let’s talk about the rain effect

The bag does not look like it is waterproof hence the inclusion of a transparent rain cover. Well, the cover will not obstruct your view of the maps on your devices. Ideally, the bag is water-resistant. So, for mild rains, you can safely ride without the rain cover, but to stay on the safe side I reckon you consider it at all the times.



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Pros Magnetic tank bag to install with ease

Magnetic tank bag to install with ease Additional trap to fasten it

Additional trap to fasten it Portable bag with enough storage pockets

Portable bag with enough storage pockets Rain cover included Cons A bit pricey

A bit pricey No tougher security measures if you were to leave it unattended

Verdict

This Cortech bag makes a mark on the market as well with its impressive mid-sized design. It is available in 10 and 18-liter options. When choosing the capacity, however, you should note the distractions of the bag. All in all, the bag is worth the value of money.

I love magnetic bags because they attach with ease. I can detach it anytime on the other bike or run a few errands in the store. While it may not compete with the strap bag in terms of security, it is still a fair deal with the additional strap. Thanks to its available pockets and a clear rain cover to be able to see maps.

5. OHMOTOR Motorcycle Tank Bag

The Ohmotor Motorcycle Tank Bag is great for holding small items when you ride. It has a very powerful magnet on the sides that’ll stick to your bike. There’s no need for you to use the strap that it comes with (although you might want to do this anyway as a safety precaution).

Using it with your Smartphone

It’s made to never rip and tear and should last for an extended period when handled normally. You can place your smartphone in the transparent front pocket. It’ll fit plus-sized phones too, although the fit is a little tight along the edges. There’s no hold to charge the phone so be sure that you have a full battery before placing it inside. Still, put it on your list if you want a tank bag that’s strong and able to stay in once place when you’re on the bike.

Overall

Pros There are powerful magnets (four total) embedded within the bag that keeps it secured to bikes without moving around when in motion

There are powerful magnets (four total) embedded within the bag that keeps it secured to bikes without moving around when in motion Good materials that aren’t easily torn or loosened

Good materials that aren’t easily torn or loosened The transparent pocket is large enough to fit a plus-sized smartphone inside Cons The transparent smartphone pocket has no holes for getting charging cables through

The transparent smartphone pocket has no holes for getting charging cables through A cover must be used during periods of heavy rainfall

6. Joe Rocket – Waterproof Tank Bag

Available in black with some white backgrounds to increase nighttime visibility, this is yet another tank bag worth considering. Perhaps worth mentioning first is that it is such an affordable tank bag you wouldn’t mind purchasing twice.

Materials

The bag is constructed with the water-resistant Rock Tex 680 material. I am certain that the material will last you long but not quite sure about its exposure to elements. Luckily, the product with the hidden rain cover which can protect against the downpours. Even without the rain cover, the bag can resist mild water penetrations.

Design

Looking at the exterior design, the bag is eye-catching. It has a transparent cellphone pouch, but it is not that big enough to hold larger screens. An iPhone 5 shouldn’t be difficult to fit in there, as well as its similar-sized smartphones.

The bag is zippered and has compartments for easy storage of assorted items. Its dimensions are 13 x 7.5 x 4.5 inches, which I find the ideal for your small trip to the mountains holding some snacks in there.

Mount

Now, coming to the installation part, the bag is magnetic. The majority of tank bags are magnetic considering how easy it is to mount and unmount them. But, if your bike features the modern plastic tanks then bad luck as this bag will not be compatible.

There is also an additional belt to secure this bag.

Pros Magnetic mount system which is easy to install

Magnetic mount system which is easy to install Belt buckle guard for additional security

Belt buckle guard for additional security Top-notch quality Rock Tex 680 construction

Top-notch quality Rock Tex 680 construction Water-resistant with a hidden rain cover Cons Not big enough for a multiday trip

Not big enough for a multiday trip Can scratch your tank’s finish as the magnet attracts the dirt

Verdict

Moreover, it comes with the removable shoulder strap which helps you walk with the bag. Typically, you can turn them back into a backpack when hiking mountains, and it will come to your rescue considering how portable it is.

While it may seem as though it’s low quality with its low price, many customers are really impressed with the bag, and so am I. I find it very appealing considering how it was built and how portable it is. Well, it isn’t really a suitable bag for a multiday trip, of course, you may consider other large bags. But, I recommend this bag for anyone who doesn’t want to break his bank. Available pockets make it a cinch to store valuables and hit the road.

I found the CD player pocket a little bit outdated though. I mean who still carries CDs while we have portable and smart audio players these days? Anyway, it may tend out to be useful for the conservationists.

Enjoy your adventurous rides with the Chase Harper 1602M Black Manta X2 Magnetic Tank Bag. With dimensions 12”L x 3”H and 6”W, this is a bag to stow your small essentials as you hit the road. The good part is that it won’t obstruct your speedometer or your handlebars. It’s portable enough to ride all the way around.

It has a capacity of 3.3 liters, which I still find sufficient to stuff only the important items. While it isn’t really the best capacity out there, I must say it is one of the best portable bags on the market. The best part is that it is affordable.

Materials

Made in the USA, the bag comes with a lifetime warranty. Besides, it features the high quality and heavy-duty industrial grade ballistic urethane-coated nylon. Not only will this fabric material last long but it will also resist water when riding amid rainfalls. Again, it does not tear easily. This makes the bag adorable to have.

The bottom of the bag is rubberized, which makes it convenient to attach to the tank without causing jaw-dropping scratches as others do. And to install it, it comes with magnetic wings to attach effortlessly to a metallic tank. The magnet holds tightly to the tank and thus withstands rough abuse on bumpy roads. But, with heavy stuff, it can be shaken when riding on rough terrains. Nevertheless, the magnetic wings add convenience to this tank bag.

Storage compartments

One other attraction is the inclusion of pockets to stow your items selectively. There are two inner compartments which should be adequate to store small items into. Then the top lid mesh pocket helps store other items for easy access. These could be your maps, GPS, smartphones, water bottles, and many more. In the main pocket, you can store extra gloves, sunglasses and many more items worth taking for your ride.

When taking the bag off the bike, the removable shoulder strap will come to your rescue. It makes it easy to hold the bag because leaving it unattended may attract the opportunists to snatch it.



Pros Removable shoulder strap to hold it off the bike

Removable shoulder strap to hold it off the bike Adequate inner pockets to stow essentials

Adequate inner pockets to stow essentials Mesh pocket for quick access

Mesh pocket for quick access Made of the industrial-grade ballistic urethane coated nylon

Made of the industrial-grade ballistic urethane coated nylon Magnetic wings to attach easily Cons It is not really sufficiently big, and so you might have to trim your essentials.

Verdict

Considering how it was built, this bag can be your go-to storage for your essentials. It is such a portable bag though with a capacity of 3.3 liters, meaning most of the large items will not fit. Nonetheless, as long you stow what you actually need over what you want then I see no problem. I consider the product worth the value of money. The overall design is elegant and it is made of durable materials that are water-resistant and tear-resistant.

This is yet another Cortech flagship product I handpicked. It may seem as though it is a mediocre product but it isn’t. I can attest to that.

Available in only black color, Cortech 8225-2405-00 Micro 2.0 is a great looking bag to complement the color of many motorcycles. I regard it as an add-on for every motorcyclist out there. While it appears to be tiny, you have to note that it isn’t meant to be a travel bag, but additional storage options for your tiny valuables.

Storage compartments

For a travel bag, consider other bags in our catalog. In this bag, you can stow a variety of essentials such as additional gloves, keys, smartphones, and many more items that you actually need for your ride. The transparent window on the bag makes it convenient for your smartphone for GPS directions. My iPhone X fitted with ease, but I am not sure about larger phones, I doubt they can fit that nicely. Nonetheless, that’s not a deal-breaker.

This Cortech bag is convenient from many angles: installation, storage, and design. As small as it is, it still has pockets to categorize your essentials. Installing it takes you a few minutes to attach the magnetic wings to the tank. Just make sure you position it in a convenient place not to obstruct your view of the dashboard.

Mount

The bag comes with the shoulder strap that helps you take it off the bike. For additional security, you may consider the additional strap to secure this bag. But, generally, these bags are not designed to deter criminal activities. So just make sure you take it off the bike when leaving your bike unattended.

Design-wise, the bag is made of industrial-grade fabric material. Cortech strives to give its customers the quality worth paying for. This is evident in their flagship. It may not be waterproof but it will resist water in mild rainfalls. Never immerse the bag in water with your valuables.

The bag will not be shaken by winds when riding on highways. All thanks to strong magnetic wings designed to endure such resistance.



Pros Portable bag

Portable bag Magnetic wings for installation

Magnetic wings for installation Affordable with great features

Affordable with great features Water and tear resistant Cons Tiny bag not suitable for a handful of items

Tiny bag not suitable for a handful of items Not really secure to deter criminal activities

Verdict

Looking for a portable and affordable tank bag? This could be your go-to bag. It impresses me with its portability and affordability. Lots of tank bags are priced and thus out of reach for others. This one will not break your bank.

From the design, it is eye-catching. It features pockets to stow your essentials, and the clear window helps stow a smartphone for smart directions. No more stopping by the side of the road to check the directions one more time.

Dowco Iron Rider is an American brand renowned for its great quality and unique design. The bag is large enough compared to others in my list as it has a capacity of 7 liters; this should be sufficient to stow numerous essentials.

Features

It has great features that you won’t believe it is that cheap. There is a map pocket that is made from a UV-resistant plastic film to protect your map or your smartphone. In addition, it is made of the water-resistant polyester construction that should typically resist mild rainfalls. For heavy rainfalls is a different story.

The zippers are also water-resistant. But, for proper water resistance or waterproof, I recommend considering the rain cover for any emergency. This will make sure you are all sorted if it rains heavily. Some bags come with this cover, but this one does not seem to have one included.

Mount

It’s an absolute breeze to install this bag, thanks to its sewn-in magnets that attach firmly to the tank. Added to these magnets is a non-skid protective pad. Whether you are an amateur or an inexperienced motorcyclist, it should make you sweat to maneuver the bag.

This bag is intended to be used in combination with the Iron Rider Luggage System to make your storage options even more pleasing. It measures 11.25 x 7.5 x 4.75 inches, which I find adequate to stow numerous items such as water bottles, maps, food, cards, and many more items. The pockets make it a cinch to categorize the items.



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Pros Made of UV resistant plastic film to protect the maps

Made of UV resistant plastic film to protect the maps Water resistant fabric material

Water resistant fabric material Large enough to accommodate numerous items

Large enough to accommodate numerous items Affordable yet having great features Cons Magnets do not offer an adequate security compared to the straps

Verdict

If you want great features at an affordable price, I would recommend this bag. It is a great add on to your motorcycle. Having it was a great experience for me as I could stow plenty of small items. However, although there is a weight limit, beware of stuffing lots of items that can jeopardize the strength of the magnets.

From the design standpoint, the bag is great with extra pockets. It fits your smartphones in its external pockets for ease of access. It is water-resistant and UV resistant; all these make it a worth considering storage bag.



Buyer’s Guide





Buying motorcycle tank bags can be a daunting experience for the inexperienced when you don’t know the typical features you should focus on. Below I summarize some features worth considering.

What are the best materials for a motorcycle tank bag?

Riding motorcycles exposes us to harsh conditions and the least to have is a bag made of poor quality materials. Take a closer look at the typical materials the back has. Many of my choices are made of the industrial-grade ballistic urethane-coated nylon and some with the durable polyester. These are proven quality materials you should consider for your bag.

Water resistance

Water-resistance is important because, oftentimes, you will come across rainfalls in different quantities. A water-resistant tank bag will resist water penetration and thus save your essentials. Even the zippers need to be water-resistant and all the seams.

However, note the difference between water-resistant and a waterproof bag.

UV resistance

A waterproof bag would not allow any water penetration even if it’s heavy rain. Unfortunately, waterproof fabric materials can be more expensive. To compensate for a lack of waterproof materials, companies include rain covers as an emergency.

UV resistance is also an important feature to consider. Most of these bags come with transparent exterior pockets to stow your maps or smartphones for GPS directions. If it is not UV resistant, then your device may be exposed to potential damages.



Capacity

The capacity of the tank bag informs you about a number or size of items to store. In general, these bags are designed to store small items such as water bottles, gloves keys, credit cards, and many more small items you can think of. In my list so far, the highest capacity was the bag with 12 liters and the smallest with 3.3 liters.

But, some bags are expandable. Look for such options if you know you may vary your essentials. Note that the bags are not meant to be travel bags.



Pockets

It is standard that these bags must feature pockets for convenient storage of your valuables. There must be external and internal pockets. Some are mesh pockets at least to increase ventilation in your bag. Others come with compartments inside to categorize your items. Take a closer look at such bags.



Ease of installation

Now, this feature is notably important to consider. There are typically three different mounts, viz. straps, quick release, and magnets.

Straps are popular but are a nuisance to deal with. Imagine having to tie and untie the straps. That could take a significant amount of time. Nonetheless, straps offer the best security of your bag.

A quick-release mount is also popular in that it takes you seconds to release your bag. Installation is also a cinch although you need a ring and a mounting plate. Again, it may be burdensome to move a quick release from one bike to the other because it needs an adapter.

The last option is a magnetic mount. This one is my favorite in that it installs and uninstalls easily. Simply attach the bag to a metallic tank with ease. However, the downside is that magnetic attachments are prone to detachment in case you stuff heavyweight items. Also, they attract dirt that can scratch your tank.



Wrap up!

I have reached the end and thank you for tuning in while I review the best motorcycle tank bag on the market. These bags are important for motorcyclists. You can’t afford the inconvenience of not owning one. Besides, they are affordable, with only a few out of reach but worth the value of money.

The bags come in different designs, sizes, and features. My buyer’s guide demystifies the complexity of choosing these tank bags.