Ever felt that annoying tug on your shoulders during a long ride? Maybe your gear slides around, making you feel off-balance. Riding a motorcycle is freedom, but carrying your essentials shouldn’t feel like a chore. Finding the perfect backpack for your adventures is trickier than it looks.
You need something that stays put, keeps your gear dry, and doesn’t turn into a sail at highway speeds. Cheap bags might seem like a good deal, but they often fail when you need them most. You worry about rain soaking your electronics or the straps digging into your back after just an hour.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down what truly matters in a motorcycle backpack—from waterproofing to aerodynamics. By the end, you will know exactly what features fit your riding style and budget.
Ready to ditch the discomfort and ride with confidence? Let’s explore the best ways to carry your gear safely and comfortably on two wheels.
Top Motorcycle Backpack Recommendations
- Ample Capacity: This motorcycle helmet backpack can hold most motorcycle helmets, full-face helmets and more. Measures 50*36*20CM, for daily trips, outdoor sports, you can place a 15-inch electronic devices, rugby, volleyball, 1-2 sets of clothes and small items.
- Safety Design: The reflective strip design of the motorcycle backpack allows you to ride the motorcycle safely at night or in a dimly lit environment, ensuring the safety of the rider's day and night travel.
- High Density Nylon: The soft shell helmet backpack is made of high density nylon fabric and can protect bag contents from getting wet in light rain outdoor riding conditions. And also can be tear-resistant.
- Bag pocket design: The backpack has 1 main pocket, 3 compartments, 2 zippers, which can separate small items well and facilitate access to items.
- Perfect Motorcycle Backpack: With WEPLAN's reliable after-sales service and superb craftsmanship, we promise that if you are not satisfied within one month, you can get a refund.
- Waterproof and durable carbon fiber material to protect your belongings from rain and wear
- Hard shell design to keep your helmet (not for full face helmet, )and other items safe and secure
- Reflective material for added visibility and safety while riding at night
- Perfect for motorbike riders who need a reliable and stylish backpack for their daily commute or weekend trips
- Light Version,Not heavy
- Small Tactical Hydration Backpack: This 15L small military tactical backpack is made of 600D polyester, Heavy-duty YKK buckles & zippers. The back area and shoulder straps use breathable and comfortable ventilation pads that reduce sweating and pressure-keeping you comfy during all-day hikes, hunts, or tactical missions. Size:9.5*5.5*16.9inch, Weight:0.8KG
- Hydration Compartment: This assault pack with hydration compartment space and can hold a 2.5 Liter hydration bladder. HYDRATION BLADDER IS NOT INCLUDED, the tube is fed through the top of the bag near the grab handle
- Consummate Design: Molle webbing throughout this small tactical backpack for attaching additional tactical pouches or gear, Equipped with 4 webbing attachment points at the bottom, it can be paired with drawstrings to hang outdoor gear such as tents, sleeping bags, and moisture-proof pads. The patch area on the top of this small hiking backpack can be used to paste your favorite patches.
- Spacious & Organized Storage: This Molle rucksack has multiple compartments and pockets provide ample, organized space for outdoor essentials including hiking, biking, hunting, tactical gears. The main compartment can store 15inch laptop and large-capacity front compartment designed to fit a cycling helmet
- Ideal Outdoor Companion: This tactical assault pack backpack can be used as range bag, hunting backpack, hiking backing, running backpack, motorcycle backpack, survival backpack, army backpack, trekking backpack, biking backpack, or day pack for daily use, and it has innovative helmet holding system for secure helmet, which is perfect for cycling, motorcycle rides, and tactical outings.
- Tactical Backpack：This 28L military tactical backpack is made of 600D polyester, YKK buckles & zippers，The back area and shoulder straps use breathable and comfortable ventilation pads，Size:10.8*8.7*17.3 in(L*W*H)
- Hydration Compartment：This military backpack with hydration compartment space and can hold a 2 Liter hydration bladder，HYDRATION BLADDER IS NOT INCLUDED, the tube is fed through the top of the bag near the grab handle
- Consummate Design：Molle webbing throughout this small tactical backpack for attaching additional tactical pouches or gear，The molle backpack also has bottom compression straps which can hang on your sleeping bag, tripod, or tent，The patch area on the top of this camping backpack can be used to paste your favorite patches
- Waist Belt Design：The waist belt of this tactical backpack is stitched in, but you can slide them into the middle space behind the back padding support，You can slide it out if needed，It can be a pretty snuggle fit and won't slide back out on its own
- Ideal Outdoor Companion：This molle backpack with chest strap is suitable for outdoor activities, it is suitable for a 2-day assault pack, trekking backpack, hunting backpack, survival backpack, motorcycle backpack, or hiking daypack，It can even be used as skateboard backpacks,bike backpack, riding backpacks, or EDC backpacks
- Maximum Visibility for Riders, Stay safe with hi viz reflective panels designed to make you stand out on the road, day or night — ideal for motorcycle and bike commuters.
- Lightweight, Built for Motion, Ergonomic and featherlight for long rides or daily commutes. Designed to reduce strain and enhance comfort while on two wheels.
- Helmet Holder Included, Carry your helmet hands-free with the built-in external net — perfect for motorcycle, scooter, or biking gear on the go.
- Laptop & Gear Storage, Spacious interior fits a laptop, tools, or daily essentials. Organize your ride with multiple compartments and 2 water pockets on the side
- Commuter 35L Ready Design, Ventilated back padding, adjustable straps, and weather-resistant materials make this your go-to bag for cycling, sport, or city commuting.
- Generous Storage Capacity: This 20-liter motorcycle backpack provides ample space to securely store your full-face or modular helmet along with essential riding gear, keeping everything organized and easily accessible for your daily commute or weekend adventures
- Hidden Net Design: Features an innovative concealed mesh net system that expands to accommodate various helmet sizes and shapes while maintaining a sleek, streamlined appearance when not in use, preventing loose straps from flapping in the wind during your ride
- Motorcycle-Specific Construction: Engineered specifically for riders with reinforced stitching, durable water-resistant materials, and strategically placed padding to protect your valuable helmet and gear from scratches, impacts, and weather elements during transport
- Comfortable Carrying System: Equipped with padded, adjustable shoulder straps and a breathable back panel that distributes weight evenly across your shoulders and back, reducing fatigue during extended wear whether you're walking through parking lots or navigating city streets
- Versatile Organization: Multiple compartments and pockets allow you to separate your helmet from other items like gloves, documents, tools, and personal belongings, making it easy to grab what you need quickly while keeping everything protected and in its place
- Streamlined single shot molded exterior is water resistant and will not deform from wind shear. Shoulder gasket conforms to body and increases aerodynamics. Capacity: 1,350 Cubic Inches expandable to 1,475 Cubic Inches
- Bolstered back foam profile increases air ventilation. Soft neck shoulder straps increase comfort while riding and will not scratch helmet exterior. 360-degree retro reflective safety piping and logo.
- Removable off center hip belt won't scratch gas tank. Zippered fleece lined personal electronics pocket. Large main compartment with multiple interior storage compartments.
- Fully featured organizer panel with zippered security pocket. Dedicated shoe storage compartments for the commuting professional. High visibility red interior lining.
- Ergonomic, padded and fully adjustable riding specific shoulder straps with quick release exit buckle. Concealed aerodynamic carry handle. Fully adjustable and removable no slip sternum strap.
- 1. Large Capacity: This motorcycle helmet backpack can accommodate various motorcycle helmets, ski helmets, off-road helmets, full-face helmets, rally helmets, flip-up helmets, etc. The size is 50*36*20 cm, which can hold 15-inch electronic devices, gloves, protective gear and other cycling equipment. The double opening and multi-pocket design can effectively separate small items and make it easy to take and put items.
- 2. Safety Design: The reflective strip design of the motorcycle bag allows you to ride the motorcycle safely at night or in a dimly lit environment, ensuring the safety of the rider's day and night travel. The lightweight design can save you extra weight when riding.
- 3. Waterproof Design: This helmet bag is is made of polyester and nylon fabrics, which has good tear resistance and waterproof performance, is sturdy and durable. The zipper and seams are also waterproof to protect your items from water or rain, so you can use it even on rainy days.
- 4. Durable Construction: The back and shoulder straps are designed with breathable thick foam pads to effectively relieve shoulder pressure and ensure comfort even for long-term carrying. Reinforced straps on the sides and chest balance the weight of your motorcycle gear, making it easier to carry and keeping your items more stable.
- 5. Multifunctional: This helmet backpack can also be used to carry basketballs, footballs and volleyballs, and can also be used as a daily backpack, suitable for daily, commuting travel and outdoor sports. It is also a perfect birthday, surprise, Christmas,holiday gift.
The Ultimate Motorcycle Backpack Buying Guide
Riding a motorcycle is fun. You need a good bag to carry your stuff. A motorcycle backpack keeps your gear safe. It also keeps you comfortable on long rides. This guide helps you choose the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a motorcycle backpack, look for several important things. These features make your ride better.
1. Aerodynamics and Shape
Good backpacks are shaped so they don’t flap in the wind. This is called aerodynamics. A streamlined design reduces drag. Drag is the wind pushing against you. This keeps you comfortable at highway speeds. Look for a slim profile. Avoid bulky, boxy shapes.
2. Hydration Compatibility
Staying hydrated is crucial. Many riding backpacks have a special pocket for a water bladder. This lets you sip water without stopping. Make sure the hose clips easily to your strap.
3. Organization and Storage
You need space for different items. Look for multiple compartments. Separate pockets help you find things fast. A dedicated laptop sleeve is great for commuters. Some bags have external helmet carriers. This is very useful when you park your bike.
4. Safety Enhancements
Safety is number one. Look for reflective piping or panels. These shine when car lights hit them. This makes you more visible in low light. Some bags include a built-in rain cover. This protects your electronics from sudden downpours.
Important Materials Matter
The material of your backpack affects its durability and weight.
- **Nylon and Polyester:** These are common choices. High denier (a measure of thread thickness) nylon, like 1000D, is very tough. It resists rips and tears well.
- **Water Resistance:** Look for bags made with coated fabrics. Tarpaulin or PVC coatings help keep water out. Always check if a separate rain cover is included.
- **Hardware:** Zippers should be strong. YKK zippers are famous for lasting a long time. Plastic buckles should feel sturdy, not flimsy.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality shows up in the details. Good construction lasts longer.
What Makes a Backpack Better?
- Padding and Straps: Thick, breathable padding on the back panel is essential. This prevents sweat buildup. The shoulder straps must be wide and adjustable. Good weight distribution reduces back strain.
- Ventilation: Mesh panels on the back allow air to flow. This keeps your back cooler, especially in hot weather.
- Waterproof Closures: Sealed or waterproof zippers keep moisture out, even without a rain cover.
What Reduces Quality?
- Flimsy Stitching: If the stitching looks thin or uneven, the bag might break easily under heavy load.
- Poor Fit Adjustment: If the straps only adjust a little bit, the bag won’t fit different body sizes well.
- Non-Protective Interiors: Cheap bags often lack soft lining inside the electronics pockets. This can scratch your devices.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your backpack changes what you need.
For daily commuting, focus on easy access and laptop protection. You need a bag that is quick to put on and take off at work. A smaller capacity (15-25 liters) usually works best.
For weekend trips or touring, capacity is key. Look for expandable sections. You might carry extra layers of clothing or tools. Comfort on long rides becomes the most important factor. A good hip belt helps transfer weight from your shoulders to your hips.
Riders often complain about standard backpacks shifting during sharp turns. Motorcycle-specific bags usually feature a chest (sternum) strap and sometimes a waist strap. These straps lock the bag firmly in place. This greatly improves control and safety.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Motorcycle Backpacks
Q: Do I really need a special motorcycle backpack?
A: Yes. Motorcycle backpacks are designed to stay stable at high speeds. They also focus more on aerodynamics and protection from the elements than regular school bags.
Q: How much capacity should I choose?
A: For daily use, 15 to 25 liters is usually enough. For weekend trips, look for 30 liters or more. Always check if the bag is expandable.
Q: Are all waterproof backpacks truly waterproof?
A: Not always. Some are just “water-resistant.” Look for bags labeled as fully waterproof, often using roll-top closures or heavy-duty PVC material. A good rain cover is a reliable backup.
Q: How do I keep the backpack from making my back sweaty?
A: Look for backpacks with raised back panels or heavy mesh padding. This creates an air channel between your back and the bag, allowing air to circulate and reduce heat buildup.
Q: Is the sternum strap the same as a waist strap?
A: No. The sternum strap goes across your chest to keep the shoulder straps from slipping off. The waist strap (or hip belt) carries the weight, which is better for long rides.
Q: Can I wear a hydration pack under my motorcycle jacket?
A: It is generally not recommended. Hydration packs add bulk. Wearing them under armor can make the jacket fit too tightly, restricting movement and potentially causing overheating.
Q: How important is reflective material?
A: It is very important for safety. Reflective strips help drivers see you when your brake lights aren’t fully visible, especially when riding at dusk or dawn.
Q: What is the best way to clean my motorcycle backpack?
A: Usually, you should spot clean with mild soap and water. Avoid putting high-tech, coated bags in a washing machine, as this can damage the waterproof membrane.
Q: Does the backpack affect my riding posture?
A: If the backpack is too heavy or poorly balanced, it can pull you backward, forcing you to lean forward more. A good backpack distributes weight evenly, helping you maintain a natural riding position.
Q: Should I buy a hard-shell or soft-shell backpack?
A: Hard-shell (or armored) backpacks offer excellent protection for electronics and better aerodynamics. Soft-shell bags are often lighter and more flexible for everyday use. Choose based on your need for protection versus flexibility.