The 11 Best Motorcycle Backpacks for Commuting
Now that you have some tips on how to choose the right motorcycle backpack for you, let's wheel out some prime picks to get you revved up...
The Ashvault Backpack went through multiple iterations to hone its bike-friendly design. And it shows with considered features such as a sleek, contoured profile for reduced drag, along with a distraction-free strap system. The highly water-resistant build includes weatherproof YKK zippers and water-resistant twill polyester with a waterproof backing. It's also backed by a three-year warranty for peace of mind. A padded sleeve accommodates a back protector (available separately), a hydration bladder or a 13″ laptop. Additional pockets are on hand for further orgaization including a padded tablet pocket and a fully waterproof interior pocket for valuables. The 15L pack weighs just 0.6kg and offers double-curved shoulder straps for enhanced range of motion, a breathable back panel, and a removable chest strap. Other useful features include a helmet holder, tie-down points, reflective detailing, and a bright orange interior for improved visibility of the contents and emergency signal use.
If weather protection is a priority, check out the 20L SW-MOTECH Triton. This waterproof backpack has a welded PVC construction with reflective detailing for enhanced visibility on the go. The ergonomic design includes a comfy, breathable back panel, a padded harness and chest and waist straps for load stability on the move. It fits a 17″ laptop inside a dedicated pocket, with a front quick-access pocket for smaller essentials and side compression straps to adjust the volume as required.
Another great option if you'll be traveling through wet environments is the OGIO All Elements Backpack. This completely waterproof backpack has a roll-top closure and reflective detailing for enhanced rider safety. A sternum strap and removable hip belt keep the load secure, with a strap containment system also on hand to secure straps at high speeds. The pack has a high-vis removable liner and a choice of pockets to organize your gear, including laptop and tablet pockets and an exterior quick-access pocket.
Tough, water-resistant and stylish, this pack looks equally good on the road or in the office and is built to embrace the demands of daily motorcycle commuting or weekend adventures. Protection from the elements comes courtesy of a water-repellent 12oz waxed canvas body, a Hypalon top, durable suede base and water-resistant zippers. It fits up to 15″ tech in a padded laptop pocket, with exterior slip and zippered pockets for frequently used items. The pack also has mounting loops to secure it to a luggage rack using your own mounting straps.
Looking for a dialed-in fit for maximized freedom of movement? Kriega's R20 Backpack delivers with a thoughtful design that adapts to the individual rider. The adjustable harness adapts to different body sizes and allows the pack position to move up or down for a tailored fit. Kriega's Quadloc-lite™ system keeps the harness angled away from under the arms for freedom of movement and the front harness buckle is easy to use even with gloves on. Further useful features include reflective detailing, four-point compression, securing options for loose webbing, and a removable waist strap. The pack can also accommodate a CE level 2 back protector or a hydration bladder. The tough build combines 1000D Cordura® on the base and harness with 420D nylon ripstop and water-resistant YKK zippers. And it's backed by a 10-year guarantee too.
While not created as a dedicated motorcycle backpack, the sleek and functional design of Aer's Duffel Pack 2 allows it to adapt to two wheels. The pack is tough and durable, with a water-resistant and ergonomic design that helps keep the load stable while protecting your gear from the elements. A sternum strap and padded, breathable back panel help keep loads comfortable throughout the day, with a clean silhouette and minimal dangling parts to reduce drag. With multiple pockets on hand including a padded laptop pocket, ventilated shoe pocket, plus two compartments to store work and workout/travel gear separately, it's a solid pick for organization too.
Want a low-key pack that moves from weekday commutes to weekend adventures? Velomacchi's Giro Backpack is well up to the task. A water-resistant quick-access laptop sleeve keeps tech at the ready, while the waterproof main compartment features a magnetic roll-top closure. The suspension system incorporates pivoting straps that adjust to the torso for stable load carrying and freedom of movement on the go, as well as a magnetic sternum strap. The shoulder straps are stowable if required, and tie-down points allow you to anchor the bag to a luggage rack with optional straps. The pack can also accommodate a hydration bladder for easy hydration on the move.
Durable and adaptable for the commute or downtime explorations, Timbuk's Especial Medio Cycling Laptop Backpack combines a durable, water-resistant exterior with a waterproof drop liner to keep gear safe from the elements. Reflective detailing and a tapered design help keep you visible and let you look easily over your shoulder. Multiple quick-access pockets keep essentials at the ready and there's also expandable storage for bulkier items. Inside you'll find padded storage for a 15″ laptop, while the ventilated and padded back panel helps keep you cool. Plus there's also a sternum strap and waist belt to stabilize the load. Bonus? It's backed by a lifetime warranty.
If reducing drag is one of your top concerns, the OGIO No Drag Mach 5 should be on your radar. The aerodynamic design minimizes drag and the molded exterior shell is also weather resistant. The bag packs plenty of additional features into its slick design including a helmet strap, removable sternum and waist straps, padded protection for a tablet and a 15″ laptop, and dedicated shoe storage. The bag also includes a removable fleece-lined hip accessory pouch, ergonomic straps with a quick-release buckle, and the ability to expand if you need a little extra space.
If you like the fit adjustability of the Kriega R20 but need more space, the R30 Backpack is a good alternative. The pack features Kriega's Quadloc™ harness for an adjustable, tailored fit and improved comfort and freedom of movement. Gear is well protected in the 100% waterproof main compartment, which combines a roll-top closure and removable white liner for weather protection and enhanced interior visibility. The pack fits up to a 17″ laptop, with two water-resistant exterior pockets for quick-access items. Reflective detailing, loose webbing strap management, and six compression straps round out the features of this durable pack. And with its burly combination of 1000D Cordura® and 420D ripstop nylon and a 10-year build guarantee, you can rely on it to keep going strong for years to come.
The Velomacchi Speedway Backpack is a rugged, weatherproof backpack that adapts to weekday carry and overnight trips alike. The articulating design of the shoulder straps enables the pack to adjust to and move with different torso sizes, enhancing freedom of movement during the ride. And with the magnetic sternum coupler you can enjoy quick, convenient harness closure too. The roll-top backpack is built to take a beating and is made with Aquaforte 1000D fabric. A helmet hook, compression straps, and quick-access pockets add to the functionality of this hard-wearing pack.
