The 12 Best Motorcycle Backpacks – We’ve Got Your Back
Daily commute or weekend away, throw on a backpack, and you’re good to go. Rest assured, though; we’ve got your back with The 12 Best Motorcycle Backpack review.
Disclaimer: Article contains affiliate links*
We’ve drawn on our vast knowledge of life on two-wheels to bring you the best backpacks on the market today. Whether you are looking for stylish, practical, high tech, or a combination of all three, you’re sure to find a backpack to suit your style and needs.
| Best Overall | Best Budget |
| Urban Dezire Leather Vintage roll-tot | Vintage PU Leather Backpack |
| Solid, no-frills, retro design | Cheap, cheerful, and vegan friendly |
| Best Unlimited | Best Wildcard |
| Kriega R20 Backpack KRU20 | Cali Crusher Smell-Proof Backpack |
| Top of the range action backpack | Feature-packed and odor-concealing! |
Best Overall Motorcycle Backpack
Urban Dezire Leather Vintage Roll On Backpack
Dimensions: 35.5×45.7x10cm – 14ix18in (24in unrolled) x 4in
If you like solid, no-frills, and retro, then the Urban Dezire is the motorcycle backpack for you. It may appear compact, but its sides bellow out, and a roll-top adds volume.
The leather is solid, double-stitched, and buckles are functional rather than ornamental. The finish is a little rough, but at this price, you can’t go wrong as the more kicked-in it gets, the better it will look.
Inside the lined interior are two padded dividers and two zipped compartments. The backpack can take a laptop, a heap of paperwork, or a change of clothes for a weekend jaunt.
Best Budget Motorcycle Backpack
Vintage PU Leather large Backpack
Dimensions: 30x47x16.5cm – 11.8×18.5ix6.5in
This traditionally designed backpack is made using synthetic leather, and apart from being veggie-friendly, is also showerproof. The interior features a padded laptop sleeve and two inner pockets within the large main compartment.
Externally, you’ll find a zipped pocket on either side, a large front pocket, and a vertical, zippered stash pocket. The lightly padded shoulder straps are adjustable, and there is an airflow back-panel for comfort.
Beneath the false buckles are magnetic poppers but your belongings are stored safely thanks to a sturdy zip closure. Finished in black with brown detailing, this is a handsome, practical backpack for a bargain-basement price.
Best Unlimited Motorcycle Backpack
Kriega R20 Backpack KRU20
Dimensions: 28x47x15cms – 11×18.5×5.9in
With a reputation for quality and design, the Kriega R20 is the most expensive backpack on our list. Constructed from 420D rip-stop nylon, with 1000D Cordura and Hypalon reinforcement, it’s one fierce backpack.
Its modular design enables other Kriega packs to securely attach, adding to overall capacity.
Apart from the quality, YKK zips used throughout, the Quadloc-lite harness is worth the cost alone. The shoulder harness is designed to give maximum freedom of movement and has additional sternum and waist straps for total riding comfort.
Best Wildcard Motorcycle Backpack
Cali Crusher 100% Smell Proof Water Proof Backpack
Dimensions: 45.5cms (61) 18” (24” unrolled)
Odor-concealing backpacks are popular on the West Coast. If you find yourself transporting anything highly fragrant (such as Stilton cheese or old fish) this is the backpack for you.
Activated carbon, thermal linings aside, this backpack is an excellent addition to your riding kit as the material is weather-resistant and highly versatile. You’ll find an inner zippered laptop compartment along with another two internal pockets.
Thanks to the roll-top design, the carrying capacity increases significantly and is secured with water-resistant zips.
Best of the Rest
ONE WAY – Vintage Leather and Canvas Backpack
Dimensions: 31x48x21cm – 12.2x19x8.2in
This backpack has an Alpine climber feel. The retro vibe continues throughout the bag, with a combination of water and abrasion-resistant canvas and aged top-grain leather inserts.
The inside reveals three segregated compartments. The laptop and tablet pockets are secured via a Velcro strap. Externally are two side pockets and one large front pocket.
A drawstring keeps the main compartment secure, and each of the external pockets is secured by buttoned leather straps. Shoulder straps are padded, and the base features a flexible insert, which ensures the pack retains its shape. On the side of the backpack is a concealed USB and headphone jack.
Best Eco Friendly
Datsusara Vintage Hemp and Organic Cotton Canvas Backpack
Dimensions: 33×48.3×20.5cm – 13x19x8in
Reminiscent of a vintage military kitbag, the simple design of the Datsusara ensures gear is easy to find. The large front pocket and two side pockets are secured with button fasteners. The main opening has a drawstring closure.
This bag backpack is quite deep. When taking advantage of its full-size, adjustable straps allow the wearer to fasten the flap to secure its contents. Made from a hemp and organic cotton blend means it’s anti-microbial and friendly to the environment.
#1 Best Seller
Oakley Kitchen Sink Backpack
Dimensions: 35.5×50.7×20.2cm – 14x20x8in
Famous for sunglasses, Oakley also produces exceptional backpacks that are perfect for motorcyclists.
The Kitchen Sink has everything from multiple zipped external pockets to a hard shell compartment for breakable items. Its main compartment is lockable, and anchor points on the front allow wearers to lash-on extra gear.
The shoulder straps and molded back section are heavily padded and fitted with sternum and waist belts. The bag’s bottom compartment with drainage ports is ideal for stowing wet weather gear.
Best Secure Backpack
XD Design Urban Anti-Theft Backpack
Dimensions: 31.7x47x15.2cm – 12.5×18.5in (rolled)x6in
If security is a priority, check out the XD. The material and strap are cut-proof, there are no external pockets, and the roll-top is lockable.
The bag has good water resistance. And there’s a hidden credit card pocket in the strap and a concealed pocket in the back of the pack. Inside you’ll find a laptop sleeve, but that’s it, so if you’re a detail freak who likes compartments, read on.
Apart from the obvious security benefits, the XD also makes a good bike-pack. The front cargo net is large enough to take a crash helmet. While behind the padded shoulder straps is a heavy-duty horizontal luggage strap that is the right size to slide over a motorcycle sissy bar.
Best Leather Backpack
Berliner Bags Vintage Leather Leeds-XL Backpack
Dimensions: 35×45 (rolled)x11cm – 13.7x 7.7×4.4in
The Berliner is a classy looking top grain leather backpack. Its uncluttered feel and thick leather give it the right amount of rustic charm that will only increase with road miles.
Its roll-top and extended leather straps let you pack extra gear. The practical pack has a cotton-lined interior with a laptop sleeve and several compartments featuring YKK zips.
Hand-made and vegetable-tanned; no two backpacks are the same. As for size, the Berlinger backpack has enough capacity for a weekend away, and with lots of double stitching, is capable of taking the knocks.
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Best Practical and Value Backpack
WITZMAN Nylon Travel Backpack
Dimensions: 33×55.8×17.7cm – 13x22x7in
Offering great bang-for-buck, the backpack’s nylon material is scratch-proof, cut-proof, and water-resistant. At 22in high, you can pack a lot, and adjust the padded straps to enable the weight to rest on the seat behind you.
If you need to lash this pack to your motorcycle, it’s possible to access the large bottom compartment without having to remove the bag. For anyone riding through wet weather, this feature is excellent for accessing waterproof clothing or tools.
Best Protection for Transporting Tech
OGIO Renegade RSS Impact Resistant Backpack
Dimensions: 35.56×49.53×26.67cm – 14×19.5×10.5in
If you depend on a high-end laptop and tech gear, then choose the OGIO Renegade RSS Impact Resistant Backpack.
The cavernous Renegade is made from tough textured nylon. The pack is water-resistant and features a number of well thought out compartments and pockets.
As for its security credentials, a padded, suspended sleeve protects your laptop from drops, and a crush-proof ‘tech-vault’ compartment keeps fragile items safe.
Best for Carrying a Helmet
Cortech Super 2.0 Backpack With Built-in Helmet Strap
Dimensions: 35.5×48.5×20.2cm – 14×19.3x8in
The feature-packed Cortech Super 2.0 is designed for the motorcyclist on the go. Its exterior shoulder straps and back are well padded, and there is a waist and sternum strap.
The front features subtle yet efficient reflective piping and provides access to the large main compartment. Inside is a padded laptop sleeve with several compartments. Two extra standout features are the water bladder pocket and hide-away ‘helmet house’ to provide hands-free operation.
Made from 1680 ballistic grade polyester, the backpack is tough, waterproof, and with locking zips, there’s nothing to flap around.
Check out our guides on best retro style helmet and certified carbon fiber helmets
What to Look for in a Motorcycle Backpack
Your choice of a backpack will depend on what and how much you need to carry. For the commuter, a pack should be throw-on and go. For a weekend away, it will need to accommodate the right amount of gear.
With such a varied choice of styles and specifications, a backpack can be retro, high-tech, or complement its wearer’s style. Whichever you choose, you can be confident The Best 12 Motorcycle Backpacks have your back!
FAQ’s
Q: Do I need a motorcycle-specific backpack?
A: Provided the specification fits your needs, you can buy whatever suits your style.
Q: Does the motorcycle backpack need sternum and waist straps?
A: Yes and no, if you’re cruising around town, no. If you’re going further and faster, extra straps keep things securely in place.
Q: What size motorcycle backpack should I buy?
A: Opt for the smallest that will comfortably accommodate your needs. Remember, the bigger the backpack, the heavier and less aerodynamic it may be.
*Products in our Buyer’s Guide section are carefully chosen and we recommend only the best for our loyal audience. Bear in mind that this article contains affiliate links and if you purchase via our links – Old News Club will earn a commission.
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