I have the rear compartment and really like it. There is a top plate that covers the opening. It holds about 6 litres of stuff. I keep my air pump, tire repair kit and other stuff I like to have with me whenever I leave the garage. I have made two extra top plates for it so I can use it to hold a Rotopax gas can, or use my Giant Loop Great Basin saddlebags or just have a large rear rack. If I can figure out how to attach photos I will send a few. Cheers, David