Best Motorcycle Backpacks – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Riding a motorcycle can be demanding with additional accessories to purchase. For instance, there is no adequate storage on motorbikes where you can store your gear whether a simple pack of electronics or multi-day hiking gear. That’s where the best motorcycle backpacks come into place. Note that not any backpack can be suitable as a motorcycle backpack because there are certain features to factor in for one to qualify.

The market is full of these backpacks the choice of which can be daunting to anyone not well-rounded with important features to pick. I am going to save you the hassle and the money of perusing every corner looking for the best backpack. In my reviews I have handpicked the best based on comfort, waterproof, capacity, size, and other indispensable features such as storage compartments.

To equip you with more information, I have wrapped the reviews with the buyer’s guide in addition to an elaboration of important features within the reviews. Let’s start by previewing the important features in the table below to get a gist of these best motorcycle backpacks on the market.

Best Backpacks for Motorcyclists

OGIO Mach 5 Motorcycle Backpack – Best Backpack for Motorcycle Riders

Starting off my list is the OGIO Mach 5 Motorcycle Backpack with carbon fiber shell to sort out water resistance challenges. This design is aesthetically appealing and will match with most of the motorbikes. Nonetheless, it isn’t about the elegant appearance only but the performance of the backpack when riding for long or short distances.

The backpack is renowned for its No Drag technology to enhance your riding experience. It’s an improvement from the popular Mach 3 with extra features added on. You will be able to store your valuables in the main compartment with its adjustable partitions, and also add electronics in the in the detachable fleece-lined hip pouch. There is also the deluxe organizer panel with mesh dividers for more storage. The reason I have chosen this to be my top pick is because of these impressive features to give you more storage in a waterproof shell.

Included is the padded helmet visor sleeve in the backpack to carry your helmet. What I like is that you can categorize your gear in each compartment. For example, there is a dedicated laptop sleeve to avoid scratches on your expensive laptop. Other gear like hiking boots or other tools can also be stored in their respective compartments.

It has a volume capacity of 1475 cu. in. / 24.17L which is enough to store your laptops and other accessories for the trip. For a multiday trip, you might need a large volume than this one.

SHOEI BACKPACK 2.0 – Best Motorcycle Backpack with Helmet Holder

Shoei is a reputable brand and needs no introduction. Its quality backpacks are noticeable with a legit and visible logo at the back of your backpack. The SHOEI BACKPACK 2.0 is the best value for money for anyone thinking of stuffing gear and hit the road with the motorcycle. From the design and performance, the backpack is worth the value of money.

It comes with an aerodynamic design and appearance at least to catch the attention of your onlookers while making sure it accommodates your laptop up to 17 inches. That’s actually spacious enough considering that many seldom accommodate more than 15” of laptops. Added to the features is the helmet holder in case you walk while carrying the backpack on your back.

For a firm snug fit, it comes with the hip belt and the chest straps which are adjustable to fit a variety of body sizes. The padded shoulder straps are also adjustable to enhance your comfort while wearing this backpack.

The backpack comes with the main compartments to store large items such as hats or any gear. I find this backpack pretty cool especially with additional storage of side pockets with mesh to store additional items such as bottles. There are internal pockets as well to categorize your belongings especially the small electronics. The helmet is also easy to hold with the three-point buckle and flap system.

The shoulder straps and back piping are all reflective to improve your safety when riding at night for others to notice your presence.

Viking Moto Motorcycle Backpack – Best Backpack for Your Money

Viking Moto is also a well-known brand producing high-quality backpacks for motorcyclists. With Viking Moto Motorcycle Backpack you can fit laptops up to 15 inches, which is a bit little compared to the aforementioned Shoei brand. Nonetheless, it is still a brand of its own with unique features. It comes with the detailed organizer for small belongings such as watches, wallets and car keys.

The width and the height of the sternum strap are adjustable so there is no worry about buying a perfect size since it’s challenging to purchase online. Its padded should straps are also adjustable to provide a snug fit so the backpack does not wiggle when riding at higher speeds. It actually provides safety to you in case anyone hits you from the back.

The main compartment of this backpack is partitioned into several compartments for ease of categorizing your valuables so they do not scratch each other unless of course, you decide to put keys in there by mistake.

Givi EA104B Expandable Backpack – Best Expandable Motorcycle Bag

Givi EA104B is a versatile backpack that can be expanded from 17 liters to 24 liters and then store more items for your road. If you want a relief from the heaviness of your helmet then you can safe it in the helmet holder of this backpack. It’s more of a helper than a mere backpack.

Design-wise the backpack is impressive. Its rain cover shields your expensive belongings against the inevitable rainfall. If not needed, the rain cover can be removed. You can also remove the helmet holder just to trim the total weight if not needed. The outer shell of the backpack is made durable by the 600D polyurethane polyester which exceeds international standards.

With this backpack, you won’t have to deal with looseness because it has waist and chest straps to fasten it or adjust accordingly. But a woman with huge breasts may find it challenging to fasten the chest strap. There are inner pockets to store your valuables and separate them from items in the main compartment.

Seibertron Waterproof Backpack – Best Waterproof Motorcycle Backpack

Seibertron Waterproof Backpack is indeed a versatile motorcycle backpack that can be used by hikers, motorcyclists, backpackers, basketball players, footballers, and many more. The backpack is characterized by a large capacity, large enough to hold items for a multiday camping with your motorbike. That is advantageous to negate the need for the inconvenient tank bags attached on your bike.

The backpack’s outer shell is made with the durable 900D waterproof fabric. Riding in the rain while the backpack is uncovered will not get your valuables soaked in rain, but only a moderate rain. The downside is with the zippers, they are not adequately treated to repel water in heavy rains. A modest rain is not a threat. I would recommend a separate rain cover if you plan to ride amid heavy downpours.

Attacking the backpack is a cinch with its adjustable 45-inch waist belt and 60-inch chest belt. Additional gear can be stored using the side and top security straps in case the interior is filled to capacity. Despite the zippers not being waterproof, they are strong enough, made of heavy-duty thick alloy.

Alpinestars 3517-0403 City Hunter Backpack – Best Colorful Backpack

Adorned with red/white/black color, this is one of the aesthetically appealing motorcycle backpacks. Alpinestars 3517-0403 City Hunter Backpack will not only hold your items but also make your bike decorative. The outer shell is made of the lightweight 420D nylon and the other with the 420D ripstop nylon at the bottom. These materials are water repellent but not waterproof, so riding in a heavy rain is a bad idea lest you soak your items in it.

To store your electronics you have 2 external waterproof pockets on the front. They also make it simple to access your valuable electronic gadgets without having to open the main compartment. Meanwhile, in the main compartment, you can store a laptop up to 15 inches and then zip it to protect from the elements. The overall capacity is 25 liters, which I find impressive for everyday use. But for multiday camping adventures, this capacity could be insufficient. There are still storage pouches in the main compartment.

Porsche Motorsport Collection Backpack – Best Large Backpack for Motorcycles

The quality of this backpack might resonate with the famous vehicle brand “Porsche”. Of course, the backpack is from the luggage collection of Porsche motorsport. There is no doubt is one of the top-notch quality backpacks on the market with a large capacity of 35 liters. How many items do you plan to take for your ride? If you have lots of items then consider this backpack.

The Porsche brand name is clearly printed in red color at the back just above the “X” reflective design in red color. This reflective X-design helps improve your visibility at night when cars flashlights to you. Many motorcyclists get into accidents because of lack of reflective material. It is for your safety. The backpack in itself is also an added safety in case you get hit.

There are two additional pockets at the bottom in each side for the storage of your electronics for ease of reach when you need them. These pockets are zippered to protect against outdoor elements or loss.

This backpack is attractive from a distance with its black and red color mix. It also has sharp corners. Meanwhile putting it on your back with its padded shoulder straps and waist straps have never been this easy. But I have to warn you though that the backpack is relatively bulky. That’s understandable considering the 35 liters of volume. Most backpacks do not even go to that value.

Nelson-Rigg CB-PK30 Black Compact Backpack – Best Budget-friendly Backpack

Nelson-Rigg CB-PK30 Black Compact Backpack is more of a convertible day-to-day backpack usable for a wide variety of applications. Giving you a volume capacity of 30 liters, this is a backpack worth having if you have more items to stuff in. Although it has a relatively larger capacity, I still regard it as lightweight. You can lift it up with your one hand when filled to capacity.

And traveling with this backpack is not cumbersome. It is large enough to accommodate a full-face helmet, many clothes or other packable large items. A sports fanatic can also find the backpack usable in his travel needs, for instance, to pack a basket or soccer ball.

The outer shell is made with the durable Tri-Max nylon and reinforced with embroidery style stitches to improve the strength. What I found missing is the reflective materials so you might need to invest in one. The overall design has no flaws to me apart that lack of reflective material. As long you care for the backpack per instructions, you will enjoy a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer.

Badass Motogear Motorcycle Travel Backpack – Best Motorcycle Touring Backpack

If you’ve been looking for a heavy-duty motorcycle backpack for your adventures, I suggest you look into the features of this Badass Motogear Backpack. Weighing just 1.25 pounds, it’s a burden worth having for longer distances without causing much of the fatigue on your back. Whether you are an avid motorcycle rider, hiker, backpacker or camper, this could be your best option if you need ultra-light backpackers.

Stay safe with its reflective piping strip at the back to alert others of your presence. Then enjoy the comfort of adjustable straps at the shoulder and waist. This, in fact, fits almost everyone thus eliminating the sweats of online shopping with uncertain sizes.

There is a padded laptop sleeve for your expensive laptop, and it is combined with a vented compartment for other gear such as clothes. In addition to these compartments, you will find mesh and zipper pouches for your electronics and other small accessories such as sunglasses, goggles, and gloves. Thanks to the water resistance of this backpack because you can now enjoy riding in moderate rain falls without soaking your clothes in rain.

Other features include the helmet holder which can also hold soccer balls or any other large items in this secure webbed holder. From the design, quality to the performance, this backpack redefines the comfort of motorcycle backpacks.

Advocator Waterproof Motorcycle Backpack – Best Light-weight Backpack

Advocator backpack has a padded hard shell which I found to be durable. It also eliminates the sweat problems. The bag’s design is weather resistant while the rain cover ensures that no downpour tampers with your belongings. This rain cover can be removed if no longer needed.

With the capacity of 20 liters, this is a portable and compact backpack to hold minimal items while riding the motorbike. It also weighs less than 2 pounds, a weight best-suited for ultra-light avid excursionists. Well, if you have a large laptop bad luck because the bag fits only up to 14 inches in its large main compartment. Add to this multiple storage compartments both inside and outside of the back. It’s an added bonus to hold as many accessories as possible.

To last you long, the outer shell is made of superior quality polyester which is good in repelling water. The rain cover is an added bonus to give a complete waterproof. This shell will not shrink or stretch that easily, that’s why many companies prefer polyester for its resilience, durability and heat resistance. It performs well in outdoor settings. With the padded shoulder straps, you will be able to adjust to your size the backpack so it does not wiggle too much while riding.

Best Motorcycle Backpacks – Buyer’s Guide

As per the promise, let’s go through a comprehensive guide regarding the purchase of motorcycle backpacks. Like any other motorcycle accessory, you have to be vigilant when purchasing these backpacks. They come in a plethora of features that could be overwhelming. Let’s highlight some important features hereunder.

Contents:

What are important features to look for when buying motorcycle backpacks?

Among others, you have to look at the weight, capacity, build materials, carrying straps, and waterproof.

Carrying Straps

Because you have to carry the backpack with straps for your short and long rides, it is important to examine the nature of straps before making a purchase. Because purchasing online is challenging, you have to check the description carefully or even ask for advice from previous customers.

Usually, there are chest, shoulder and waist straps. These straps play an important role in distributing weight throughout your body particularly to the hips. As thus, you need to ensure that they fit tightly around those areas. To achieve this, you need padded adjustable straps. They will fit a variety of body sizes.

Build Materials

Backpack for motorcycles usually experience abuse when riding in different terrains. You come across harsh weather conditions. It is only superior fabric material that can withstand that. Always assess the quality of the fabric. Generally, the backpacks come with either nylon or polyester as durable and lightweight materials. The quality of the fabric goes hand in hand with the thickness of the material. Thick fabric will surely last long, but if you are into lightweight stuff then go for thinner materials.

Capacity

The capacity of the backpack is of paramount importance too. For every product in my review, I have researched the capacity in volumes to help you make the right decision. The choice of the capacity is inspired by personal preference. For instance, if you are planning a multiday riding or camping, you might opt for large capacities perhaps over 35 liters and if you are only short trips then a small capacity should suffice.

Some capacities are portioned into several compartments to categorize your gear. There are small pockets both inside and to outside to aid you in packing the backpacks. All these must be factored in when choosing the capacity.

Waterproof/water resistance

Motorcyclists are often exposed to treacherous weather conditions with heavy or moderate rain falls. If you’re not well-prepared then the rain may soak your valuables which could cost you a lot of money. The solution to this is to consider waterproof or water resistance when choosing these backpacks.

Waterproof shells are superior over water resistance coatings which can wear out over time. The main purpose of the water-resistant backpack is that it repels water. A waterproof backpack, on the other hand, lasts for a very long time while effectively block any kind of penetration.

Weight

The overall weight of your backpack is important too. If you hold an empty backpack and realize it feels so bulky, then you might get into trouble if it gets filled to capacity. Always look for light bags.

What should you carry in a motorcycle backpack?

You can carry anything valuable for your trip. Be it a laptop, clothes, boots, or any other gear, it can fit well in the backpack depending on the capacity. These backpacks come in numerous compartments to be able to separate your gear. Beware of stuffing abrasive utensils with your laptops or other electronics with no scratch resistance. There is a reason there are interior and exterior compartments so you can prevent these scratches.

Editor's Choice

Reviewer

David Shon

Review Date

2018-09-13

Reviewed Item

OGIO Mach 5

Author Rating

5