The average backpack isn’t designed for use when riding a motorbike. Carrying the wrong gear can cause improper weight distribution leading to vehicle imbalance, or reduce movement from poorly fitting backpack straps making those longer rides feel like a chore. In the worst-case scenario, the backpack’s contents or lack of back support can cause injury during hard impact.
Daily motorcycle commuters to the office will need a bag offering security and waterproof protection for those rainy days. A heavy-duty backpack will be perfect for construction workers looking for durability. Adventure riders and globe-trotters should wear a backpack specially designed for longer journeys.
For optimum motorbike comfort and security, getting the correct information about what type of storage you need can make all the difference to enjoying life on the road.
Discover the 11 best backpacks to travel with a motorbike, and find the perfect balance between ergonomic support, safety, and comfort.
1. Oxford Aqua B-25 Backpack: perfect for off-road riding
Made for riders looking for comfortable, no-fuss travel, the padded backing, and straps of the Oxford Aqua B25 hold a decent 25 liters and still sit snug against the length of your back for added comfort. With welded waterproof seams and a solid PVC tarpaulin exterior, luggage will be kept dry and secure during touring rides or off-road biking.
Best Features of the Oxford Aqua B-25 Backpack:
- Soft material with reflective detailing for visibility
- Large internal pocket for more oversized items
- Plenty of external side pockets with water-resistant zips
- Wipe clean design for those extra muddy days
- Webbed loop for tail light attachment
- Compression straps are adjustable for extreme stability
Cons of the Oxford Aqua B-25 Backpack:
- Lack of small internal pockets
- Very big
Check out this backpack on Oxford Products.
2. Seibertron Motorcycle Backpack: best for lots of luggage
Like the Oxford Aqua in this guide, this compact Seibertron Motorcycle Backpack is designed around working well for touring rides while maintaining versatility and comfort. Packed with all you need features and holding up to 37 liters, you’ll be prepared for anything with this 900D waterproof, heavy-duty beast.
Best Features of the Seibertron Motorcycle Backpack:
- Can hold a full-face helmet in the front compartment
- Ventilated mesh back and padded shoulder straps
- Multiple compartments for small and large items
- Practical velcro attachments for comfort and stability
- Attach a 2-liter hydration bladder for accessibility
- MOLLE webbing system for extra accessories
Cons of the Seibertron Motorcycle Backpack:
- A lot of straps
- Mostly waterproof
Check out this backpack on Amazon.
3. The Ashvault X Backpack: perfect for commuting or off-road
If the heavy-duty backpacks we’ve gone through so far sound a bit too extra for your needs- we’ve got your back with the Ashvault X backpack. Things can’t get any sleeker than these minimalist yet versatile design features perfect for everyday usage. At a highly deceptive 15 litres, commuter bikers will love the comfort and compact storage for those all-important electrical and personal items.
Best Features of the Ashvault X Backpack:
- Water-resistant exterior with two small interior pockets
- Almost weightless at 0.6kg
- Accommodates a 3-liter hydration bladder
- 3D mesh to secure laptop or storage and plenty of pockets
- Specifically designed shoulder straps for handlebar reach
- Room for off-road neck brace or racing hump
Cons of the AshVault X backpack:
- Quite small
- Expensive
Check out this backpack on FlyingSoloGear.
4. Alpinestars City Hunter Backpack: ideal for on-the-go storage
If you’re looking for simplicity but need something larger than the Ashvault X, secure daily essentials in two semi-automatic, locked compartments with the aerodynamically optimized Alpinestars City Hunter backpack. This versatile backpack is designed for the practical rider, can hold up to 25 liters, and is made from lightweight but durable 420D Nylon.
Best Features of the Alpinestars City Hunter Backpack
- Ergonomic shoulder straps and removable waist-strap
- Soft-lined interior for a 15” tablet or similar sized item
- Accessible front pocket for everyday items
- Keep your keys safe with an integrated key clip
- Water-resistant YKK zippers
- Anchorage for extra helmet carrier
Cons of the Alpinestars City Hunter Backpack:
- Only water resesitant
- Expensive
Check out this backpack on Alpinestars.
5. Knox Studio Backpack Mk2: perfect for stylish commuting on rainy days
Style and water resistance go hand in hand with the Knox studio Mk2 backpack. With a holding capacity of 28 liters, 600 denier nylon, leather branded exterior, and fully taped nylon internal lining. Motorcycle riders looking for cutting-edge practicality can’t do better than this.
Best Features of the Knox Studio Backpack Mk2:
- Fully waterproofThree water-resistant zipped outer pockets
- Side release chrome buckles for convenience
- Adjustable and padded shoulder staples
- Adjustable chest and waist straps for added security
- Carrier strap for helmet
Cons of the Knox Studio Backpack Mk2:
- Exterior pockets are not waterproof
- No strap storage
Check out this backpack at Sports bike shop.
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6. John Hybrid Backpack: ideal for riding to walking
This unique 10oz waxed-canvas John Hybrid backpack takes impact protection and style to the next level. This extremely durable hybrid backpack fits snug against the shoulders with wide leather-bound straps that easily convert into a shoulder bag when off-road.
Best Features of the John Hybrid Backpack :
- Capable of holding 17.5 liters
- Handcrafted waxed canvas exterior and bridled leather interior
- Sturdy leather base to protect expensive items
- 15” padded laptop pocket
- Storm flap covering the zip fastener
- Five interior pockets for everyday items
Cons of the John Hybrid Backpack:
- Expensive
- Not ideal for off-road
Check out this backpack at Malle.
7. Biltwell Exfil-60 Backpack: perfect for touring
Riders looking for the 7 best motorcycles for the Pan-American highway will love the functionality of the Biltwell Exfil-60. This all-in-one rucksack provides useful storage for a bedroll and universal mounting for tail bag convenience to prevent shoulder strain during longer journeys.
Best Features of the Biltwell Exfil-60 Backpack:
- UV and PVC treated for weather resistance
- Large interior holds 60 12-ounce cans
- Attach extra gear on three rows of MOLLE webbing
- Adjustable and removable padded nylon straps
- Secure items with reinforced nylon quick-release buckles
- 1680 denier ballistic-grade interior and exterior
Cons of the Biltwell Exfil-60 Backpack:
- Not ideal for commuting
- Awkward positioning of MOLLE rows
Check out this backpack at Biltwell.
8. Velomacchi Hybrid Duffel Backpack: best suited for extreme traveling
Tourers and globe trotters rejoice in the versatility-defined Velomacchi Hybrid Duffel rucksack. Purpose-built and constructed with extreme adventure in mind, the impenetrable 1000D abrasion-resistant fabric and watertight 50-liter capacity, will keep you going for days. Carry as a duffle bag, use it as a shoulder bag or strap it down as a tail bag via built-in anchor points.
Best Features of the Velomacchi Hybrid Duffel Backpack :
- Waterproof 42-liter interior and 8-liter exterior pockets
- Hefty 10TKK zipper
- Adjustable torso size with cam lock system
- Insertion slot for hydration bladder
- Easy excess to personal items and accessories
- Optimize fit and weight distribution with pivoting straps
Cons of the Velomacchi Hybrid Duffel Backpack:
- Expensive
- Quite heavy
Check out this backpack at Urban Rider.
9. Lomo Dry Backpack: perfect for no-fuss riders
Tailored for the adventurous tourer, the waterproof Lomo dry backpack is flexible but durable, available in 30, 40, or 60-liter capacity. The waterproof PVC Tarpaulin material rolls up and clips down instead of a zip-top for those who prefer to embrace minimalism and uncomplicated storage.
Best Features of the Lomo Dry Backpack :
- Two interior compartments
- Adjustable chest and waist straps
- Padded back and shoulder straps for comfortable riding
- RF- welded seams
- Easily accessible zipped front pocket for personal items
- Roll-top secured with buckles
Cons of the Lomo Dry Backpack:
- Thin material
- Only one interior compartment
Check out this backpack at Lomo.
10. Held Mini Backpack: best for easy storage
Convenience is personified in the highly practical and uncomplicated fold-away Held Mini backpack. Fold it up and clip it to your bike when not in use, then whip it out once needed. This bag’s stylish and lightweight functionality means riders worldwide are prepared for all luggage emergencies, and the best part is that durability won’t be compromised by frequent folding.
Best Features of the Held Mini Backpack :
- Water repellant PVC coating (100% polyester)
- 12-liter capacity
- Can be folded into a compact zipped bag, clipped, and stored
- External zipped pocket
- Waist strap for added security
- Built-in rain cover for the whole bag
Cons of the Held Mini Backpack:
- Not waterproof
- Can’t hold heavy luggage
Check out this backpack at Play Well Bikers.
11. GIVI EA104B Easy-T Backpack: ideal for the hop-on-hop-off motorcycle rider
Sometimes it’s good to stretch your legs, right? As it’s probably not the best idea to keep your helmet under your arm while you traverse the nearest mountain top; enter the GIVI Helmet holder backpack. This reliable, 22-liter backpack doubles as the perfect go-to bag for when you need to keep your helmet close but don’t want to carry it around with you.
Best Features of the GIVI EA104B Easy-T Backpack:
- Wrap around the waist belt for a secure fit
- Soft fabric cover for your helmet
- Padded interior for secure laptop storage
- Extractable, soft stretch fabric helmet holder
- Extractable rain cover
- Easy grab top handle
Cons of the GIVI EA104B Easy-T Backpack:
- Awkward shape
- Few small compartments
Check out this backpack at Givi.
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Things to consider when choosing the best backpacks to travel with a motorbike:
Before you hop on your bike and ride to the nearest motorbike retailer, think about a few things first, such as how much you’re willing to spend- generally, the more features a motorbike backpack has, the more expensive it’ll cost.
Sometimes you’ll fall in love with the practicality of a new bag but soon realize the shoulder straps are uncomfortable around your jacket. You may want a backpack specifically designed for laptop security, in which case padded and security accented zippers will be an essential factor to look out for.
As you can see, there are a lot of motorcycle backpacks to choose from and plenty of features to consider. In this video, the guys over at DriveMag riders talk about the reasons why it’s important to find the perfect motorcycle backpack for short or long-term travel. Deciding what features are best for you can determine whether or not you will be comfortable and feel safe while riding. Happy riding!
