Since motorcycle backpacks need to be a little different than regular backpacks, there are a few things that you should look for right off the bat.
Everyone is different, and the right backpack for you will depend on how much you ride your motorcycle, where you are riding it, the weather conditions, and how much gear you need.
Your bag needs to be correctly made. Many of the best backpacks come with additional features like waterproofing and high-quality stitching.
This is one place where you really don’t want to skimp on the quality. Spend a little extra money for a bag that you know works because the last thing that you will need is your bag coming apart while you’re on the road.
The best motorcycle backpacks are also the ones that provide the best support to your back. Since you’ll be sitting up on the bike the whole time that you’re riding with your bag, you want one that offers good back support. If you have a flimsy or unsupported bag, you could be looking at significant back problems down the road.
Many of the best bags come equipped with padding on the back or structural qualities that allow them to adhere to your body fully and not put undue pressure on any part of your back. If you’re in doubt about whether or not a bag is a good fit, it’s a good idea to check the review section to see what other riders say.
You are going to need a bag that can fit all of your gear and keep sensitive items, like laptops, separate from other areas of the bag, so you will want to find a bag that offers excellent storage space. Look for things like pockets or zippered compartments that will store all of your belongings with ease.
This is especially important if you’re going to be using your motorcycle backpack for taking longer trips or if you’re planning on working from the road. Think about what you need your bag to accomplish, and then plan accordingly for the best results.
If you carry around electronics, you are going to want to ensure that you have enough padding in your motorcycle backpack. Padding keeps your electronics or fragile items from jostling around too much.
Anyone who rides a motorcycle knows that bumps in the road are inevitable, and one or two hard bumps can shatter sensitive electronic devices and really hurt your laptop if you carry one with you. Padding is essential to riding with the knowledge that all of your things are taken care of.
It also helps you feel better on the road. Sharp cornered items in your motorcycle backpack can, and do, cut into riders’ backs and cause pain, discomfort, or even long-term injuries. If you’re taking longer trips, it’s essential that you have a sturdy, padded backpack.
Spend a little bit of time with your straps and make sure that they’re adjusted to your body thoroughly before you hit the road.
Your pack needs to fall precisely on your mid to lower back, and without the proper straps, it could hang lower, causing annoyance or even pain. Remember, you’re likely to have this pack on your back for the long run, so ensure that you adjust the straps ahead of time.
It’s also a good idea to put some weight into your bag and walk around with it before hitting the road. You will get a feel for how the pack sits and see if there are any issues before starting your journey. When choosing a good motorcycle backpack, look for ones that have strong straps that won’t snap or get loose over time. If there’s one single important component to your motorcycle backpack, straps are it.
This model from Amazon Basics is our absolute top choice. It’s an excellent backpack that you can use for motorcycle riding, hiking, biking, rucking, or even for traveling. It is versatile enough to be used every day but still sturdy enough to stand up to the challenges of the road.
This backpack is made out of 900D polyester and is just about as sturdy as they come. You will not have to worry about your pack splitting or sagging on the road, no matter how much you fit into it.
Additionally, the Amazon Basics Patrol Sports Backpack comes with something that will make your ride so much easier; pockets. There are several different pockets in this bag, including a top zippered compartment, additional pockets and compartments on the back and bottom, and small slots to organize all of your items inside the bag. This ticks off our boxes because it’s a great way to keep your electronics or valuables safe while protecting your pack.
It also has many different slots for other items on the outside of the bag, including a place for you to put your water or umbrella. With a fully padded back panel and strong straps, this motorcycle backpack is as functional as they get. You can even carry it like a suitcase if you need to, thanks to a front handle that transforms it from a backpack to luggage.
The Amazon Basics Patrol Sports Backpack comes with a two-year warranty, so you can rest easy that you’ll be able to return it if it doesn’t live up to your expectations. We strongly think that you’ll be entirely pleased with this pack, though, which is why we’ve awarded it with our top honor; best choice!
The CUCYMA Motorcycle Backpack Motorsports Track Riding Back Pack is a close runner-up. This pack will work with your body to make sure you are totally comfortable at every stage of your ride.
It’s a perfect size, holding up to 30 liters of cargo, and it has a lot of internal pockets that will keep all of your items perfectly secured. This will help you sort and organize items for long trips and ensure that everything is safe.
It’s also made out of waterproof nylon and features a carbon fiber design, so it’s rugged enough to stand up to plenty of different types of weather. It dries quickly, so you will never have to worry about riding around with a wet bag on your back. One of the best features of this bag is its reflective detailing. This allows other motorists to spot you on your bike at night and makes it far safer to ride in rural locations or off-the-beaten-path areas.
The straps are soft but very durable, and they won’t bunch up and irritate your neck during your journey. This backpack is a heavy-duty item that can certainly stand up to all of the wear and tear that you’re likely to get while out on the road.
It is more expensive than other varieties, but frankly, we think that it’s totally worth the price. It should last you for years if you take care of it properly.
This particular backpack is an incredible choice for those who want to ensure that they have the utmost protection while out on the road.
The model handles an impressive 30 liters of cargo and comes with plenty of pockets so that all of your valuables are fully protected. With padded compartments suitable for larger laptops and a hard shell, you can rest easy that everything will stay put for the duration of your ride, no matter how long it is.
The exterior shell is composed out of carbon fiber and is completely water-proof and shaped with PVC to make sure that it won’t crumple or get squished while you’re riding. It also has an adjustable belt, which helps keep it from riding up or down on your back. The shoulder straps are fully padded, which just adds to your overall comfort and ease.
One of the best things about this product is that it comes with reflective patches that let people see you late at night. This is great for times when you’re riding on rural roads or places where there’s not a lot of street light.
Although this backpack was made for riding, you can take it other places as well. It’s perfect for rucking or hiking, and its unique shape and hard exterior mean that you can keep all of your gear safely stowed away. With a 180 manufacturer warranty, you can return the product if you’re not fully satisfied- which we’re pretty sure that you’re going to be.
If you’re looking for a motorcycle backpack that has a lot of storage capacity, look no further than the ILM Motorcycle Helmet Backpack Large Capacity Waterproof Lightweight Storage Bag with Reflective Stripe.
This bag was made for carrying around a lot of gear, making it perfect for longer trips. You can store everything you need for riding in this bag, plus clothes, toiletries, and other items. It even comes with a special place for you to store your laptop, so you can keep everything secure and in its place for the total duration of your ride.
It’s lightweight, so it won’t hurt your back while you’re out riding, and it is waterproof, with plenty of pouches. Even the zippers are waterproof, so you don’t need to worry about rain leaking in and damaging your electronics. It also has reflective patches, which are great for night riding as they enhance your visibility to others.
The design of the bag is intuitive. The zipper placement makes total sense and allows you to be able to access any part of your bag on the fly. This is great for quick pit stops and makes this particular model one of the best motorcycle backpacks to use for longer trips. It’s a popular item for a reason!
This military-style backpack has it all, and you can take it riding, hiking, or camping, making it one of the most versatile picks on our list. It’s constructed out of 600D polyester and is a tough option for people who want to be sure that all of their items are totally secure on the road and that they won’t be let down by a bag that rips or falls apart.
The bag comes suited with a hydration element, which allows you to put a rubber bladder inside and hydrate through a convenient tube while on the bike. It also has plenty of molle webbing, allowing you to attach items to the bag with absolute ease.
This motorcycle backpack comes with four hooks perfect for securing a tent, sleeping bag, or other items onto the bag. For those who go on long journeys on their motorcycle, this feature is excellent because it allows them to travel with everything that they need to get a good night’s rest.
Additionally, this backpack has soft shoulder straps and a chest strap, so you’ll be perfectly comfortable anywhere that you are on the road.
If you enjoy the open road and love exploring on your motorcycle, you really need a good motorcycle backpack that will allow you to travel in style and comfort without hurting yourself or damaging any of your precious electronics. All of the backpacks on our list are great for long or short runs and will keep everything in its place and secure for the entire time that you’re out on the road.
Substituting a traditional backpack or attempting to repurpose a hiking backpack or similar pack might work for shorter rides, but it’s definitely not the best for longer journeys. Investing in a quality motorcycle backpack is imperative for those who are serious about the sport.
Fortunately, there are options for just about everyone, in every budget and style. Think about your needs and how often you are really going to be using the backpack before making a choice.
Ultimately, this is one area where you don’t want to skimp on costs. Going for a cheaper option might let you down in the long run, but you can customize your bag to fit your needs. Use our list for inspiration and hit the road in style.