Yea it is kind of counter intuitive... the velcro flap is sort of a pain too.. but the bags work nice.. I have my FirstGear cold weather pant in the one bag and my rain gear/sweatshirt/microfiber/honda polish in the other.. hoping I can leave my tank bag parked for the more spirited rides (like when Fishhook schools us up the dragon, probably going to get me like the kid on the furry 600.. I did keep up with him for about a mile)WOW.. my bad sorry. my bags look similar only the zipper is at the back.. I guess just make sure the zipper pull is tucked under the velcro flap closure then..