The Best Motorcycle Backpacks For 2024-1
Not all backpacks are made for motorcycling. Check out our list of the best motorcycle backpacks for every type of rider.
Things to Consider When Shopping for a Motorcycle Backpack
The aftermarket provides plenty of storage options for those who want to mount luggage on their bikes. But what about the rest of us? How are riders of sport bikes, ADV bikes, cruisers and choppers, standards, naked bikes, and the rest supposed to carry our stuff?
A motorcycle backpack will allow you to tote almost anything you want on your back while you're in the saddle. It really depends on exactly what you plan to carry, where and when you ride, the style of bike you're on, and how much stuff you have. There are all kinds of motorcycle backpacks on the market; here are some things to think about while you're shopping for yours.
1. MOST AERODYNAMIC-Alpinestars Tech Aero
The aggressive riding position that sport bikes put motorcyclists in is great for aerodynamics. It's also lousy for backpacks. Even the slimmest of regular backpacks can get buffeted by the wind and flop around back there, not only jostling and yanking and distracting the rider but also putting extra stress on slim fabric shoulder straps that aren't designed for such punishment. You really want to trust your laptop to stressed and fraying canvas straps?
The Tech Aero is aerodynamically profiled and comes with a host of rider comfort and performance features, such as anatomical shoulder straps, a padded and articulated back panel, and a quick-release strap system. It's not a hard and heavy turtle shell; rather, it's made of lightweight and tough 600-denier poly-fabric on the main body and 1200-denier at the base. Best of all, it expands from 16 to 26 liters, somehow making room for a full-face helmet for when the ride is over.
2. BEST FOR ADV-Kriega Trail18
Adventure and off-road riding require gear that's heavy-duty, functional, and relatively lightweight. The Trail18 Adventure fits the bill on all counts. Made of tough 420-denier Cordura, it's got an integrated chest harness and a removable waist strap. The Trail18 also features an air mesh back panel and a roll-top closure to keep the main compartment dry.
A second compartment can be used for toting more stuff or for an optional hydration reservoir. It also has a waterproof smartphone storage pocket and an external Hypalon net that can hold gear externally under tension—the perfect place to air out that wet beach towel.
3. MOST STYLISH-Burly Voyager
If you're into the rugged look of waxed canvas, the 15-liter Dark Oak Voyager from Burly Brand is the backpack for you. It comes with comfortable flannel-lined straps, a roll-top variable-height snap closure, and leather reinforcement panels that will develop a lustrous patina over time. The interior features a padded sleeve for a 15-inch laptop, and large front zipper pockets provide storage for loose items and valuables.
The square-ish shape is different, making the Voyager a bit wider than rectangular backpacks, but the size is ideal for commuting, overnights, and casual runs.
4. BEST HARDSHELL-OGIO No Drag Mach 5
OGIO makes fantastic luggage, and the Mach 5 motorcycle backpack is no exception. A streamlined, single-shot molded exterior provides a water-resistant shell that pierces the air around the rider's body and will not get bent from wind shear. The shoulder gasket conforms to the upper back, while a bolstered foam back panel increases air ventilation and comfort. The soft shoulder straps are comfortable and will not scratch your helmet if you're worried about that kind of thing.
It has a large main compartment with an adjustable load divider, plus multiple interior storage compartments including an organizer panel with a zippered pocket and stretch mesh dividers. Of course, it has a sternum harness but it also includes a removable waist belt with an off-center buckle that won't scratch your fuel tank if you're worried about that sort of thing. Best of all, the waist belt features a removable fleece-lined fanny pack that's ideal for EDC items like your phone, wallet, and keys.
5. BEST URBAN COMMUTER-Kriega Max28
The Max28 is ideal for city and suburban commuters because it can accommodate whatever you need to carry to the office. Once emptied of your laptop and whatnot, it expands from 22 to 28 liters of capacity—large enough to stow your helmet in. Fact is, 28 liters of storage is plenty big enough for all your gear on overnight runs and weekend road trips.
Kriega's Quadloc-Lite harness keeps the weight off your shoulders and onto your chest and body. The roll-top main compartment keeps contents dry, while the last compartment folds open to reveal storage and organizational pockets so you know where your EDC and valuables are.
