what should you look for when choosing a motorcycle backpack?
You're skipping four wheels for two. Public transport for the thrill of the throttle and that alluring sense of freedom. Hey, on a motorcycle even the mundane daily commute becomes an adrenaline adventure. But while it's easy to get caught up in the purr of that enticing engine, you also have practical considerations to think about on a motorcycle commute. Because let's face it, a motorcycle doesn't offer the same load-hauling flexibility that a car does. No ample back seat for possessions to sprawl across. You need to get a little clever in the carry department. And sure, you can add panniers to the mix but they aren't going to offer the same on/off bike carry freedom that a motorcycle backpack does. Plus when it comes to zipping through crowded streets, swapping bulky panniers for a backpack will help cut a little width off your motorcycle's profile.
So what should you look for when choosing a motorcycle backpack?
Load stability, comfort and freedom of movement
When you're subjecting your pack to the demands of motorcycle riding, you need to feel confident that it will stand up to the abuse. The last thing you want is to be thrown off balance by a shifting load at high speeds or when leaning into turns. A compact, aerodynamic design will help reduce drag and keep the load close to your body. A sternum strap and waist belt will help stabilize the pack, assist with weight distribution and prevent shifting from side to side. And compression straps can help cinch the contents down for minimum bulk on your back. Additionally, the harness should enable freedom of movement, allowing your arms to steer easily. If you can dial in the fit to your specific body, even better. And when it comes to comfort, you'll appreciate well-padded shoulder straps and a ventilated, padded back panel.
Weather protection
On a motorcycle you're totally exposed to the elements. So if you're commuting in wet weather and/or carrying items you don't want to get wet (such as tech), you'll want good weather protection from your pack. If you're navigating through the occasional shower, a water-resistant pack should be sufficient, with perhaps added protection such as water-resistant zippers or storm flaps to protect exterior pockets. But if rain or snow are regular participants in your commute (or you want a pack that can double for downtime adventures in wet, muddy settings), a waterproof backpack might better suit your needs. In that case, look for features such as welded seams, waterproof liners and roll-top closures to help keep the elements at bay.
Durability
Life on a bike isn't always easy, both for you and your backpack. So you want to make sure it's tough enough to handle regular use. Does it need to be super burly? For most commuting environments, probably not. But if you want that downtime adventure adaptability, you'll want to invest in something a little more rugged. It will likely cost more (and probably weigh more), but you won't have to worry about how it will hold up when the going gets tough. If you're sticking to cruising on city streets, you can probably save yourself some carry weight and cash with a more affordable option that still offers sufficient durability for your needs.
Work-appropriate aesthetics
If you're using a motorcycle backpack for commuting purposes, it should look appropriate in your specific work environment. If that environment is casual, you've got more freedom in the aesthetics department. If it's a little more formal, you'll want to stick to cleaner, understated designs with muted colorways.
Work-ready organization
What do you need to carry in your backpack? A laptop? Keep an eye out for padded tech protection. Lots of smaller items? Consider a bag with multiple pockets to prevent rummaging. Ready access to frequently used gear? You'll want exterior pockets on hand that will fit those items. The ability to carry bulkier items if needed? Then you'll want some form of expandable storage. If you favor pouches over pockets or simply don't carry a lot, you can dial back on the organization options.
Ease of use
You'll likely be using your backpack with riding gloves on a lot of the time. So it's worth considering features such as glove-friendly harness buckles and easily accessible main compartments. Additional features such as excess strap management will also add to the overall user-friendly experience. Also consider how easy a pack will be to get on over bulky protective riding gear.
Versatility
Do you want one backpack for the city streets and the off-road trails? Are you sticking to urban commutes or need a little flexibility to adapt to short trips? Ultimately it's up to you to decide how versatile you want your pack to be. Maybe you'd like it to hold a hydration bladder. Maybe adjustable volume (such as through a roll-top closure or expandability) would be useful for travel needs. Bear this in mind when deciding whether a bag is right for you and how much you want it to be able to do.
