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A motorcycle backpack is a secure way to bring along your necessities when you are on a ride.
Whether you’re riding to work or taking a quick day trip, the right backpack has room for all of your things. It may also help you stay safe.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Motorcycle Backpacks
- OUR TOP PICK: Mardingtop Tactical Backpack
- RUNNER-UP: Seibertron Maque Motorbike Backpack
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Badass Moto Helmet Backpack
Comparison of the Best Backpacks for Motorcycles
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When Would a Motorcycle Backpack Come in Handy?
A motorcycle backpack is extremely useful in a lot of situations. Here’s a quick look at when you might want to use one.
Commuting
Commuting is one of the most popular uses for a motorcycle backpack. If you take your motorcycle to work, a backpack is an essential piece of gear. It holds everything you need for the day, including a laptop, wallet, lunch, and even shoes and clothes for the gym. This is one of the most common uses for a motorcycle backpack.
Day Trips
If you’re planning a day out on the bike, a motorcycle backpack has just the right amount of space without being too heavy. They have enough pockets to hold everything you need for the day. Some of these backpacks might be large and durable enough for longer trips, too.
Off the Bike
When choosing a motorcycle backpack, you should also think about if you want to use it off of the bike. There are a lot of options out there, and some are suitable for hiking or camping. It’s worth thinking about how you want to use your backpack before choosing one.
Are All Motorcycle Backpacks The Same?
No, all motorcycle backpacks are not the same. They are made deferment materials. For example, some are made of polyester while others have a hard shell. Most are water-repellent to protect your gear in the event of a shift in the weather. Some are even waterproof.
Another way that these bags differ is in quality. There are a lot of options that are designed for commuting and carrying the essentials to and from work. But, if you need something a little more durable for longer trips with more gear, you can find that, too.
How to Choose a Motorcycle Backpack
Here are a few of the features to keep in mind when choosing an appropriate motorcycle backpack.
Comfort
Choosing a backpack that fits correctly is the best way to make sure you stay comfortable on the bike. There are a few things to look for. These include padded and adjustable shoulder straps and an ergonomic design.
Storage
A lot of people choose a motorcycle backpack based on the way it looks. But, to make sure you get the one that suits you best, think about what you want to use it for. How much stuff do you have? Are you planning to carry a laptop? Shoes? Clothes?
Materials
Some of these bags are made of lightweight polyester that’s great for commuting or carrying the essentials.
Other bags are made from heavy-duty shells that hold your gear while also providing a little bit of extra protection.
Water-Resistance
Sometimes, the weather can shift quickly, and having a waterproof bag is essential. Note that there’s a difference between waterproof and water-resistant. If you’re planning to carry a laptop in your backpack, water resistance is important.
Mardingtop Tactical Backpack
Review of the Best Backpacks For Motorcycles
Choosing a motorcycle backpack can be difficult, so we put together a list of some of the best products out there to help you decide.
Best Overall:
Mardingtop Tactical Backpack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most people were impressed by the functionality of this bag. The multiple pockets come in handy for carrying a range of items. That said, a few people mentioned that they were disappointed with the thin material. Several people felt this wasn’t a heavy-duty bag.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What caught our eye about this bag is its capacity. There are plenty of pockets and loops to hold anything you need for the ride. We also like the versatility. Straps on the shoulds, sternum, and waist adjust to get the right fit. Plus, there are compression straps to ensure that everything is packed securely.
Some users felt that the material was a bit thin. Whether that’s a problem depends on how you plan to use this bag. It might not be the best choice to lug a load of camping gear through the woods. But, if you’re looking for a motorcycle backpack for your commute, this bag is an ideal choice.
Bottom Line
This is a great motorcycle backpack for commuting or day trips. It has enough pockets to carry just about anything. Plus, it’s available in more than a dozen colors so you’re sure to find one that suits your look.
Runner-up:
Seibertron Maque Motorbike Backpack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most people agreed that this pack was roomy and had a lot of pockets to carry anything you need. The adjustable straps do come in handy to secure everything, some people felt that there were too many straps to be practical for a motorcycle.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We like that this backpack has so many pockets and can hold a fair amount of gear without looking too bulky. The D-rings and molle system are useful for small belongings and make this backpack exceptionally useful off the bike.
That said, some people thought there were too many straps for a motorcycle. You have to make sure everything is buckled and tucked out of the way before you ride. Is this a deal-breaker? Not necessarily. This is still a great bag. It just takes a few more minutes to get ready to go.
Bottom Line
This is a great bag if you’re willing to invest a few minutes making sure all the straps are tucked away before heading out on the bike. We like the carrying capacity and how much this one can hold.
Best for the Money:
Badass Moto Helmet Backpack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent users agree that this bag is roomy and ideal for commuting. It’s the perfect size to take a change of clothes and a pair of shoes to work for the gym. The net is convenient, but some people mentioned that it doesn’t fit large helmets.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The thing that stands out about this bag is the helmet storage. Carrying your helmet with you can be a pain, especially if you’re commuting. Slipping your helmet into the net and carrying it into the office or while you run errands is a lifesaver.
While some users felt the material was a little thin and that this bag might not last too long. That said, it depends on how you use it. This might not be the best bag for touring or carrying around camping equipment. But, it’s perfect for carrying your daily necessities to and from work.
Bottom Line
This bag is good for what it’s designed to do: carry a few things on your bike while you ride. If you’re looking for a good commuter bag with a convenient place to store your helmet, this one is a good choice.
Best Waterproof Motorcycle Backpack:
JFG Racing Hard Shell Backpack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
There are some conflicting reports about this bag. Some people commented that the bag has a lot of space, but others thought it was a little on the small side. There are lots of little pockets inside for storage, though. Some buyers also complained that the straps are of low quality.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This bag has a unique look thanks to the hard shell and streamlined appearance. The design is also aerodynamic and helps reduce wind resistance.
Some people felt that this one didn’t have a lot of room, but that depends on how much you need to carry. It fits a 14-inch computer and a padded compartment for a tablet, camera, and riding gloves.
Again, this bag is marketed to be a heavy-duty rucksack but it’s not cut out to carry loads of camping equipment. For a motorcycle backpack, though, it’s great for light trips and commuting.
Bottom Line
The aerodynamics of this backpack are great and add to its appeal. It has enough space to carry the essentials, so it’s a good option for short rides and day trips. It has a unique look that makes it stand out.
Best Motorcycle Backpack with Helmet Holder:
Seibertron Helmet Backpack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A few people mentioned that this bag isn’t as large as they expected, though plenty of other commenters were impressed with the size. Although this pack claims to be waterproof, a few users mentioned that this is not the case. The security straps are useful, but making sure everything is tucked away before riding takes a few extra minutes.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Again, a motorcycle bag with helmet storage is always a winner. Having a place to stash your helmet while walking to your office or shopping is convenient. Plus, you don’t have to worry about anyone stealing from your bike.
This is another backpack that is great for light use when commuting or heading out on your bike for the day. It’s not durable enough to haul heavy loads for long periods. If you use it as intended, it’s a nice option with a lot of pockets for storage.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a motorcycle backpack with helmet storage, this is another great option. Buyers’ comments indicate that it’s not a great option for heavy hauls and camping, though.
Best Hard Shell Motorcycle Backpack:
Kingslong Business Backpack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users agree that this bag is excellent. Most people love the cool modern look and how much you can carry in this bag. It’s big without being bulky. That said, some people did mention that large 17-inch laptops didn't fit well in this bad.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This bag has a lot going for it, and it’s hard to pick just one thing. We love the durable materials and the hard-shell design keeps all of your things protected. It’s water-resistant and scratch-resistant, too, so it should stand up to wear and tear pretty well.
There are a lot of details about this bag that make it worth a closer look. It has ventilated mesh shoulder straps and an adjustable buckle for comfort. The double-stitching adds durability. Plus, there’s a super convenient 2.0 USB charging port that’s easily accessible. Note that a power bank is not included.
Bottom Line
This is a great choice for a hard-shelled bag. It’s great for multiple occasions, including commuting, camping, hiking, and more. There’s plenty of storage and the ergonomic design is exceptionally comfortable. It’s backed by a 60-day warranty.
Best Reflective Motorcycle Backpack:
RiderBag Motorcycle Backpack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People are very pleased with the visibility that this bag provides. It provides plenty of storage space, and the straps keep everything secure. Some people did comment that the design of the bag was great, but that the material was a little flimsy.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It’s important to be seen on a motorcycle, and this backpack helps you do that. Not only is it brightly colored, but the reflective material increases visibility at night, too. There’s a helmet net included so you can also store your helmet when you’re off the bike.
The laptop pocket fits a 15-inch screen, so this is a great choice for commuting. If you want to add a back protector, there’s a pocket for you to do so.
We also really like that this bag comes with free returns and a six-month guarantee. This indicates that the manufacturer stands behind its product.
Bottom Line
The best thing about this backpack is the visibility. If you ever ride at night, the reflective material makes sure you’re seen and, therefore, safe. It’s water-resistant and can tolerate a bit of rain. And, the six-month guarantee makes this one a safe bet.
Best Ogio Motorcycle Backpack:
Ogio 123007.36 No Drag Backpack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users report that this bag is spacious and sturdy. There are plenty of pockets inside for storage. Because the zipper faces your back, it’s exceptionally secure. This also makes the zipper a little difficult to open, though. The molded exterior also provides some extra protection that buyers loved.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There’s a lot to love about this bag, but the thing that stands out the most is that it also provides extra protection. Being safe when riding should always be your top priority, and the fact that this backpack helps with that makes it a great option.
This is also just a great backpack. It has a lot of pockets for storage and the high-visibility red interior helps you find things quickly. It’s also extremely comfortable, thanks to the ergonomic and adjustable shoulder straps. There’s also a helmet strap made of soft nubuck leather that comes in extremely handy.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a high-quality bag that has a lot of room for your things, look no further than this bag from Ogio. The molded exterior keeps you and your things safe and secure.
Dos and Don’ts of Motorcycle Backpacks
When riding with a motorcycle backpack, there are some dos and don’ts.
Dos
One of the benefits of wearing a motorcycle backpack is that they’re both comfortable and practical. When you have a motorcycle backpack, you have a place to keep everything important close at hand.
Some of these backpacks are designed to provide a little bit of extra protection. If you want to reinforce the protection of your other gear, look for a backpack with a hard shell or one that allows you to slide in spinal protection.
Badass Moto Helmet Backpack
Don’ts
Don’t overload your backpack. Some are made to carry a lot of your belongings and are tough enough to handle long journeys. Others are made of lightweight material that is only meant to carry a little bit of gear.
Don’t ride with too many loose straps. A lot of these backpacks have adjustable straps, which are great for keeping things secure. But it’s important to make sure that these straps are all secure before taking off on your bike. If not, they will blow around in the wind. If they get hooked onto anything, it can be dangerous.
Don’t carry anything too heavy. A heavy backpack could not only lead to an accident but can also cause more injury if you do end up coming off the bike.
Comparison Overview
Choosing a motorcycle backpack isn’t easy. Here are some direct comparisons to consider when you shop.
Motorcycle Backpack vs Regular Backpack
The biggest difference between a motorcycle backpack and a regular backpack is security. A motorcycle backpack has straps to secure everything in place, making it safer and more aerodynamic than a regular backpack.
Motorcycle backpacks also have a lot more pockets than a regular backpack. This is important because they keep all your gear safe and in place. In a regular backpack, things can move around and throw you off balance.
Tail Bag vs Backpack For Motorcycle
A tail bag sits on the back portion of the seat or the luggage rack. Some include straps to attack the pack to the bike. Others require a bungee cord. There are a lot of options for tail bags out there if that’s something you’re interested in.
The biggest difference between a tail bag and a backpack is how you carry it. If you prefer to have a backpack that you can carry when you get off the bike, a backpack is a way to go. Tail bags are better when you need to carry a little more gear. While you can carry a tail bag with you when you get off the bike, it’s not quite as convenient as a backpack.
Motorcycle Backpack vs Saddle Bags
Motorcycle saddlebags hang over the rear wheel of your bike. They’re a great option for touring or longer trips. For one, they’re larger and can carry more equipment. And, since they sit on the bike, you don’t have to worry about the weight of all this stuff on your back.
As mentioned, some backpacks are just not built to handle more than a few items so they’re not suitable for a long trip. This is one reason why it’s so important to think about how you’re going to use the backpack before you buy one.
Strapping a Backpack to a Motorcycle
You might be tempted to strap your backpack to your motorcycle. This is possible, but it has to be done correctly. If the bag isn’t properly secured, it can lead to a lot of problems and maybe even fall off the bike. Here are some tips for strapping your backpack to your motorcycle:
- Use strong, durable straps to keep the backpack in place while riding.
- Make sure everything is secure before taking off on the bike.
- Position the straps so that there is no chance of you sitting on them or bumping them loose.
- If you choose to use bungee cords, make sure that they are strong and durable enough to keep everything secure.
- When placing your backpack on the bike, make sure it's positioned so that the weight is equally balanced.
Generally, backpacks are made to be worn on the back. If you want a bag that straps to your motorcycle, there are some other options to consider. Tank bags are a good choice if you have a bike with a metal gas tank. They use magnets to stay in place and hold just about the same amount of personal belongings as a backpack.
Conclusion
A motorcycle backpack is a safe and convenient way to carry your personal belongings with you to and from work or while running errands. The right bag can also be used for travel and camping, too. We have a wide range of options to consider when trying to find the right backpack for you.
People Also Ask
We know that choosing a motorcycle backpack is tricky and that you probably have a lot of questions. To help you figure out which is the best one for you, here are some of the most common questions people have about them.
Is it Safe to Ride a Motorcycle With a Backpack?
Yes, as long as you wear it properly. All of the straps should be connected and tightened. Any long ends should be tucked away to prevent them from blowing around while you ride. Some backpacks with hard shells can provide extra protection in the event of an accident.
Where Are Ogio Bags Made?
Ogio was founded in 1987 and is located in California. But, they have offices and manufacture their bags all over the world, including China.
Are Ogio Backpacks Machine Washable?
No, and putting them in a washing machine could void the warranty. Always read the care instructions before attempting to wash a motorcycle backpack. Handwashing with warm water, mild dish soap, and a clean sponge is a safe way to clean these bags.
When Wearing a Backpack On a Motorcycle, Should You Put the Reflective Vest On It?
Visibility is important when on a motorcycle. You can wear a vest and a backpack, but you have to make sure everything is snug and securely in place. If you’re concerned about safety and visibility, consider a backpack with reflective piping.
JFG Racing Hard Shell Backpack
How to Keep a Backpack Dry in Rain on Motorcycle
The best way to make sure your backpack stays dry in the rain is to get a waterproof backpack. Then you don’t have to worry about anything getting wet. If you still want some extra protection, get a cover or rainfly for your backpack.
What Goes Into a Motorcycle Backpack?
What you carry in your motorcycle backpack depends on where you’re going. It can carry anything, including your wallet, cell phone, or a spare set of clothes to hit the gym after work.
Why Do You Need a Motorcycle Backpack?
If you need a secure way to carry your personal belongings with you while riding, a motorcycle backpack is one of the best ways to do it. These bags come in particularly handy when you’re commuting or taking a day trip.
What is a Motorcycle Dog Backpack?
A motorcycle dog backpack is just what it sounds like. It’s a backpack made to carry your dog on your back while riding. There are a lot of options available, and the style that’s right for you will depend on the kind of dog you have.
