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The struggle of taking things with you on a motorcycle ride is real, it unites all of us, and a motorcycle backpack is the solution. Sure, you could add saddlebags, but then you can’t easily bring your belongings with you when you get off. Plus, they change the look of your bike. A motorcycle backpack gives you complete freedom and makes it easy to bring everything you need in a portable bag. Whether you are like me and need a waterproof backpack for your laptop or planning your next great wilderness adventure, there is a backpack perfect for your storage needs. I’ve created this list of backpacks that will make your life easier with padded electronic pockets, waterproofing, ergonomic strap design, and hydration bladder compatibility.

Ogio No Drag Mach 5 Backpack

Best Overall: Kriega R22 Backpack

Best Budget: Cortech Super 2.0 Backpack

Honorable Mention: Ogio No Drag Mach 5 Backpack

Best Duffel Bag: Velomacchi Hybrid Duffel Pack

Best Waterproof: Kriega Trail18 Adventure Backpack

Best with Hydration Pack: USWE Core 25 Daypack

Best for Work: Alpinestars City Hunter Backpack

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

I have worn a non-motorcycle backpack while riding, and it became painfully obvious I had made the wrong choice. I do not want you to make the same mistake. You should be able to depend on and trust that the team behind The Drive has been there, done that, and bought the t-shirt. So just like our list of the best motorcycle helmet locks, I looked for the best motorcycle backpacks. I focused on brands that value performance and think about more than just looks. First, I focused on essential features like waterproofing, adjustable stabilizing harness, durable zippers, ergonomic strap design, and capacity. Then I narrowed down top picks by looking at ride style features like rugged adventure-ready construction, electronics pockets, aerodynamics, and hydration bladder compatibility.

My top pick for the best motorcycle backpack is the Kriega R22 Backpack. It is designed for comfort, is fully adjustable, and is waterproof. In addition, the large internal capacity gives you plenty of room for all of your stuff. 

The Cortech Super 2.0 Backpack is a great budget-conscious alternative with plenty of nice features to make it versatile for a range of riding styles. 

The motorcycle backpack that you choose needs to fit your body. We are all of different heights, weights, and compositions. First, consider the shape of the shoulder straps, where they sit on the body, and their adjustability. Then look at the chest, waist, and hip straps. They need to hit you in the right place to be comfortable and adjustable enough to fit snugly without being too loose or tight. For example, someone with a longer torso may find that a waist strap sits too high and cuts into the bottom of your rib cage. Or someone with a short torso may find that the hip strap sits too low on their legs and interferes with their leg position on the bike. Men with a broad chest and women should look for sternum strap adjustability to give extra space in the chest area. 

What do you plan to carry in your backpack? If you want to carry a hydration pack, you need a backpack designed for this. If you plan to commute with your laptop, a cushioned pocket large enough to hold it is a must. Large compartments are nice, but if you plan to carry smaller items, they will get lost in the bottom. Nothing is more frustrating than digging around, blindly hunting for something in the bottom of your bag. Small organizational pockets make it much easier to stay organized. 

The type of riding you do will influence the kind of backpack you buy. Depending on the bike model, your body will be in a different riding position. Therefore, the backpack you choose needs to work with your body position. For example, the Dainese D-Mach backpack has a sleek design that is perfect for sport bike riders because the wind at faster speeds will flow right over it with minimal drag. Additionally, bike type coordinates with your riding habits. For example, a commuter backpack meant for daily city riding does not have the rugged construction needed for use out on an adventure ride. In contrast, a rugged Kriega Trail18 Adventure backpack is overkill and out of place for an office setting. 

You can buy a quality motorcycle backpack for $100 to $200. Pricing within this range depends on the size of the backpack and the features included. Larger bags and those with hydration pack compatibility tend to be more expensive. While there are backpacks available for less than $100, these tend to be lower quality and lack necessary features. You get what you pay for, so do not expect these cheap backpacks to last. You can also find backpacks for over $200, but they tend to be specialty-use backpacks designed for a particular type of riding. This could be a hardshell aerodynamic bag meant for sportbike riders or a rugged adventure bag that is perfect for the rider spending a week or longer out in the wilderness. 

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.

A: Some motorcycle backpacks protect fragile items like cameras or laptops with fleece lined or padded pockets. The bag construction will be water resistant or waterproof and have extra padding. In addition, some backpacks have protective armor built into the construction of the bag, which can provide the rider with additional impact or abrasion protection in the event of a fall.

A: Instead of wearing a motorcycle backpack, you can mount it on your bike. It would help if you had a luggage rack on your motorcycle to secure the backpack. Then use tie down straps, bungee cords, or a mesh cargo net. Secure the backpack so it won't move while you are riding.

A: Yes and no. No, you should not wear a standard luggage duffle bag while riding a motorcycle. These bags are not designed to be worn while riding and cannot be securely attached to your body or have weight stabilizing features. However, there are motorcycles backpacks with a duffle style. These are safe to wear while riding because they have the necessary construction and straps.

A: Check your manufacturer's owners’ manual to find the maximum carrying weight for your motorcycle model. The average is 350-450 pounds but can vary beyond this for smaller and larger motorcycles. The weight you carry should be evenly distributed on the left and right sides and kept low so that you maintain a lower center of gravity while riding.

A: As long as you take care of your backpack, you can expect it to last for several years. When not in use, keep it in a cool, dry place with low humidity. If your backpack gets dirty, clean it so that dirt and oils do not prematurely degrade the materials.

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