If you like riding your motorcycle away for a weekend trip, around town, or you are just commuting to the office, you already know that a bike doesn’t offer enough space to carry your belongings, be it the laptop, your lunch, clothes, your tech accessories, supplies or tools you need on the road. One of the biggest mistakes many riders do is using a regular backpack when riding to carry their personal items.
If you are already using a standard backpack, you should consider some things, especially when riding for long. A regular backpack is not designed to be worn while riding a motorcycle. Standard backpacks are designed for walking, not for a rider in a sitting position riding at a high-speed. More than that, standard backpacks tend to be bulky and are not always designed to distribute the weight equally. Backpacks designed for riders have strap systems to go over an armored motorcycle jacket. Another inconvenience of using a standard backpack is poor resistance to harsh weather. When riding during rain, the water goes over your helmet straight down to your back and will soak everything in a normal backpack.
The market is full of motorcycle backpacks but choosing the best one can be challenging. There are some essential things to consider and we are going to save you the hassle and the money by discussing some features that will affect your buying decision:
We have selected five of the best motorcycle backpacks on the market according to price and customer reviews and we have highlighted their strengths and weaknesses. Here are our top five picks you should consider:
If you are looking for a good motorcycle backpack, you may have found it – the Ogio Rev RSS Backpack is the first on our list. This motorcycle backpack looks like it was designed by an engineer. Aesthetically speaking, this hard-shell backpack is nice looking and subtle. It comes in one color – black with some red and grey accents giving it a more aggressive look. It is a versatile, innovative choice with many extra features that make it even more reliable and durable. Plus, it provides great value and quality for the price. This motorcycle backpack is a popular choice among urban riders. It is constructed from 600D Pindot Polyester and has a capacity of 1800 cu in.
What we like most about this backpack is the way the main compartment is structured in order to carry the weight of your stuff correctly – remember that this is an essential feature of a good motorcycle backpack. The Ogio Rev RSS Backpack is tech-friendly – it has a dedicated, armor-protected laptop compartment that fits most 17 in. thin laptops. The Ogio system will keep your device safe and protected from anything else in the backpack thanks to the iFOM integrated foam panels that keep all your valuables safe. This product is so well structured that it has even a padded, screen-friendly iPad/Tablet/e-reader pocket, a padded mouse/digital camera compartment, quick access phone pocket, and two zipper side utility pockets. With so many compartments, you will perfectly organize your stuff, from clothes for a short trip, to all the accessories you need.
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The next product on our list is this large capacity motorcycle backpack by Seibertron. If you are looking for a large, practical backpack with plenty of storage space, this is one of the best choices - this backpack is large enough so you can put a lot of stuff inside, from clothes to laptop, tools, and other accessories. We like how this backpack is structured – the main compartment has an interior enclosure, the middle compartment is large enough and expendable and has some interior small-gear pouches, and the third compartment is smaller and can be dedicated to your accessories. This motorcycle backpack is a great choice even if you want to wear it when riding to work or on an adventure trip in inclement weather – it is constructed from waterproof, durable 900D material, and it is accessorized with a resistant alloy zipper; the zipper is not waterproof.
The best motorcycle backpack comes in handy for safely transporting your helmet, and this is exactly what the Seibertron backpack offers. What we like most about this backpack is the outside heavy-duty and top-cinched straps with MOLLE loops for your helmet. This space can securely hold different types of full or half face helmets. Comfort is not an issue with this backpack thanks to its powerful straps that assure a secure hug on your body. It fits well on your body, even when you are wearing an armored jacket, and it is not heavy at all, on the contrary – it decreases the weight you feel on your shoulders and back. Plus, when you are not using this backpack on your bike, you can use it for other outdoor activities.
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We continue our list with this motorcycle backpack from CUCYMA, dedicated to those who love riding at fast speeds. It looks similar to the OGIO backpack with a few differences. This backpack is constructed from water-resistant carbon fiber PVC/1680D. What makes this backpack so good is its aerodynamic and comfortable design and reduced drag thanks to the strong, no-slip straps system, including the adjustable belt and sternum straps. Drag is reduced and comfort increased by the shoulder gasket that fits your body shape, plus the back foam that provides air ventilation. More than that, this backpack is accessorized with padded shoulder straps with quick release buckle and a helmet hang buckle.
What makes this motorcycle backpack even more special and safe is its shell decorated with reflective material that increases nighttime visibility. The backpack has a volume of 30 liters and is well organized. This is great grab-and-go motorcycle backpack. So, if you are looking for a great motorcycle backpack, this a good choice for both commuting and traveling.
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Another great motorcycle backpack that got our attention is this one designed by Viking Bags, known for their high-quality motorcycle bags. The Viking Moto Motorcycle Backpack perfectly combines innovation with style and is a good choice no matter your riding style. This sturdy, durable backpack is manufactured with heavy-duty Cordura and provides everything a rider looks for in a reliable backpack, from well-organized compartments – a 15” laptop compartment, a pocket dedicated to your eyewear, dedicated organizer for keys, wallet, and other small belongings, to additional piping for increased night time visibility and even a built-in helmet holder.
In terms of aesthetics, this motorcycle backpack is both sleek and aggressive. It is accessorized with adjustable height and sternum straps to perfectly fit your body and reduce drag. This backpack is the perfect choice for commuters.
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The last product on our list is this versatile motorcycle backpack designed by MotoCentric. This is a multifunctional internal and external dual use backpack, with an interesting, aggressive design. This product is manufactured from ultra-wear resistant Oxford cloth and nylon splashing water, with a comfortable breathable layer on the back for maximum comfort in all weather conditions. To increase safety during the night, the backpack is accessorized with a reflective strip.
The interior is well organized, providing a dedicated laptop compartment for 14” devices, plus other pockets for your personal belongings. The bottom pocket comes with a convenient net for your helmet that straps to the backpack itself. The chest and waist straps are adjustable and comfortable, so you can wear this backpack over an armored jacket too. This nice-looking motorcycle backpack is convenient for multiple riding styles and other outdoor activities.
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Regular backpacks are great. They are versatile and if made of high-quality materials, can be used in a variety of situations. However, when driving a motorcycle, especially on long distances, it is important to look at other factors than the number of pockets and the durability of the materials. A backpack that is especially designed for motorcycle driving is easy to use, distributes weight uniformly, is aerodynamic, keeps your stuff safe and is more practical than the average models. If you are looking to buy such an accessory, you will notice that most products have a compact design, a beautiful shape with clear edges, padded shoulder straps and a padded bottom. It doesn’t protrude on the sides and doesn’t feel too heavy.
Depending on the type of motorcycle that you own, you should be looking for a backpack that allows you to move freely and to maintain a correct position while seated. Being waterproof, dust proof and durable is also important. If you truly want to buy the best backpack for your needs, then you should also consider a model that has UV protection. This way, you will never worry about discoloration or fabric damage.
Besides weight, fit and durability, a motorcycle backpack should also ensure the safety and integrity of your personal belongings. By all means, you need a backpack that is waterproof. Imagine driving through rain or storms, getting all wet and having your stuff damaged by water. It is not the ideal situation, which is why it is recommended to choose this accessory wisely and go for a product that has waterproof protection. While some models are only water resistant, some come with full waterproof protection. If you live in a hot area where it rarely rains, then a water resistant fabric will do. However, remember that the fabric isn’t the only thing that matters. Look for products with high-quality zippers that don’t allow water to go through.
If you have already decided to buy a dedicated motorcycle backpack, there are a few things that you should cross off your checklist before actually ordering it. There are some features that are essential, while others are optional and depend on each person’s preferences. First of all, it is crucial for the backpack to be well-organised. Otherwise, you will spend minutes trying to find your stuff and this can lead to a lot of frustration. Second, it should be very comfortable, meaning that it needs to have high-quality padding and a good weight management system. Last, but not least, it is important to choose a model that is convenient. This means that you should have at least a few small pockets that are easy to access. In terms of optional features, you can think about the design. If you want to be fashionable even when riding your motorcycle, then you can choose a trendy model that you can mix with your leather outfit.
Whatever bike you ride, whatever your riding style and whatever preference you have, make sure you choose the best motorcycle backpack that matches your expectations. After all, you are not a real biker if you don’t have a reliable backpack.
