Motorcycles are a cool and fun way to get around town. You can use your motorcycle for the daily commute or you could ride it on the weekends as a hobby. Either way, it’s important to have the best motorcycle backpack as part of your cycling accessories kit. You can use the backpack to carry essentials like your water bottle, cellphone, wallet, etc.
Best Motorcycle Commuter Backpack
After doing much research and testing, we found that the following are the best motorbike backpacks on the market.
1. OGIO Renegade RSS Backpack
OGIO is a popular brand that has been perfecting the art of making large motorcycle backpacks for years. This model is known as the Renegade and it’s one of the coolest designs that we’ve seen.
It’s perfect for holding a 17-inch laptop within a dedicated laptop section that’s crush-proof. This means that your laptop will be super safe no matter how big or small it is.
In fact, this compartment is so large and safe that it’s ideal for all of your electronics. This means you can use it to store your laptop, iPad, and iPhone at the same time, and have peace of mind knowing that all of your stuff is super safe. That’s because this compartment isn’t only crush-proof but it comes with foam panels for padded protection.
2. CUCYMA Motorcycle Backpack
Next in our list of the best motorbike backpacks, we have this beautiful 30 Liter model from CUCYMA. Its main compartment is large enough to fit a 15-inch laptop and it comes with a breathable internal mesh pocket that organizes your favorite small items.
The belt strap isn’t only made from high-density weave but it’s fully adjustable. It comes with a removable non-slip sternum strap. This is in addition to the soft neck shoulder straps which are also made for comfort and functionality.
There’s even reflective piping included to improve visibility in low light conditions, making it the best motorcycle laptop backpack for busy students.
3. Seibertron Motorbike Backpack
Seibertron is a well-known backpack manufacturer. Part of their popularity is based on the fact that they offer great value for money. This particular backpack has loads of space, with the capacity to handle up to 37L worth of stuff.
It’s constructed from 900 Denier polyester on the outside. This means that it’s resistant to abrasions of all kinds and water doesn’t stand a chance with this backpack. With that said, you should still put your electronics in a waterproof casing inside the motorcycle laptop bag just to be on the safe side.
Otherwise, the Seibertron is in our opinion, the best backpack for motorcycle commuting.
4. KLIM Nac Pak
Here we have a super useful and functional backpack from KLIM. This one will help you store all of your essentials in one place.
It comes with a removable water-resistant tool pack, a goggle pocket, and a main compartment that’s large enough to hold a medium-sized laptop. Other features include size straps and race-inspired shoulder straps.
This backpack for motorcycle riders is designed for endure racing which is why it’s nice and lightweight. But, it’s constructed from heavy-duty nylon with glove-friendly zipper pullers and you can easily fit a three-liter hydrapak inside it. The only issue we have with it is the fact that it doesn’t come with a water bladder.
5. Shoei Backpack 2.0
Next in our quest, we’ve got the SHOEI 2.0. This backpack is super durable and it can handle all types of different terrains.
If you’re looking for a backpack that will fit all of your essentials, then your search is over. There are very few backpacks with as many compartments as this one, making it a highly functional product. It comes with all of the right straps and pockets to fit things like face shields and visors.
This thing is so useful that it even has space for your motorcycle helmet. That’s even if you’ve put your laptop in there! However, this is also one of the most affordable motorcycle backpacks on this list so you get what you pay for.
6. Crazy Ants Military Tactical Backpack
A list of the best cool motorcycle backpacks wouldn’t be complete without this ultra-durable tactical backpack from Crazy Ants. It’s made to last from hardy materials and can handle all kinds of different weather conditions and terrain.
Not only is it waterproof but it has enough storage space for your laptop, shoes, electronics, and even your shoes! In addition to being able to take so many items, this backpack is easy to use. It features mole webbing, external pockets for extra storage, and carry handles.
It’s worth noting though that Crazy Ants had to make a few concessions in order to make this super affordable. For instance, the zippers tend to come off randomly. But replacing them is a small price to pay for having the best waterproof motorcycle backpack that money can buy.
7. Alpinestars City Hunter Backpack
When it comes to motorbike riding backpack, they don’t get better than Alpinestars. That’s because this brand has a keen understanding of biker needs since they make the best motorcycle boots and jackets.
Their City Hunter motorcycle rucksack is made with the user in mind. It’s constructed from 420D nylon, with a reinforced bottom that’s designed to ensure that nothing accidentally falls out while you’re driving at high speeds.
This is a huge bag with the capacity to store up to 25L worth of stuff. That’s enough for a big laptop as well as some books and other electronics. In fact, they even made a fleece-lined compartment in there specifically for electronics.
8. SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack
The SWISSGEAR backpack was mainly designed as a laptop backpack but it’s actually really useful for bikers for many reasons. For one, it’s durable yet lightweight, making it ideal for daily commuting.
In addition to its compact design, this laptop backpack is water-resistant. This is because it’s made from high-quality polyester. You can wear it in the rain, during windy conditions, and even in a hail and it won’t fall apart in any way.
It’s also made with wide-set padded shoulder straps to ensure a comfortable fit. You don’t have to worry about them digging into your shoulders. It also offers a lot of storage space as well as additional pockets so that you can organize all of your stuff properly..
How to Pick the Best Motorcycle Backpack
Now that you know what your options are, it’s time to look at the criteria that we used to come up with this list, which you too can use as your North Star to figure out which option is the best for you.
Design
If you’re going to use your backpack for the daily commute to work, then you should make sure that it doesn’t look like something that an emo-punk would carry.
That’s why aesthetics matter and it all depends on the type of environment in which you plan to use your backpack.
Size
The thing about small motorcycle backpacks is that they should offer the best of both worlds. They should be small enough for ease of use and large enough to store and organize all of your accessories.
To determine backpack capacity, you only need to look at its liter capacity, which typically goes from 10 to 20L, for small to medium-sized backpacks while larger models can go up to 30 liters and more.
Durability
Another feature that will determine your backpack’s ability to handle the elements is its durability, which comes from the materials that it’s made from. Your motorcycle rucksack should also feature a corrosion-resistant zipper and sturdy stitching.
A backpack with all of these features will give you peace of mind knowing that your belongings are safe from different weather conditions.
Usability
It’s also important to make sure that your backpack is easy to use, considering that you might have to fiddle with it while wearing gloves in the rain. So, you want to look out for things like accessible compartments and glove-friendly zippers and buckles.
It’s also worth considering things like excess strap management because you want a backpack that’s easy to put on and take off when needed.
Waterproof
A motorcycle is not like a car. You don’t have doors and windows to protect you from the elements. That’s why you want a backpack that’s weather-resistant and waterproof or at least water-resistant so that it can protect your laptop and other items.
Useful features worth considering in this regard include storm flaps and water-resistant zippers, as well as roll-top closures, waterproof liners, and welded seams.
Weight
You should also make sure that your backpack is lightweight. This is because it’s going to be on your back the whole time. It should also offer even weight distribution qualities so that you’re not itching to take it off while on the road.
Versatility
You should look for a versatile model that can take you from your motorcycle to your bicycle for short riders, from tarmac roads to off-road trails.
Of course, this depends on how adventurous you are but if you own a motorcycle then chances are you like to live life on the edge and you aren’t afraid to go off the beaten road.
Why You Should Get a Top Motorcycle Backpack
Here are some of the benefits:
- Rider-Friendly: It’s important to ensure that your backpack is as comfortable as it’s durable, with proper weight distribution to boot. It should also be constructed in a way that ensures that it can withstand the elements.
- Aerodynamic: The great thing about an aerodynamic backpack is that it doesn’t cause a lot of drag. You won’t even feel it while riding your bike.
- Practical: Motorbike backpacks are so versatile that you can use them for other applications, like hiking and camping.
- Protective: The best motorbike backpacks come with a padded back panel for comfort and protection.
Types of Motorcycle Riding Backpacks
Protective motorcycle backpacks come in the following different types:
Regular
There’s no shortage of backpacks on the market, but each has its purpose. From motorcycle-specific models to general-purpose ones that can be used for pretty much anything.
The latter are typically water-resistant and easy to wear over protective riding gear. They’re also super comfortable because they can carry your body weight.
Touring
A motorbike touring backpack works good mainly for bikers that like to enjoy long, cross-country rides. As a result, they usually offer a lot of storage space.
They also feature a lot of different storage compartments so you can bring all of the essentials that you need for your trips. This includes side pockets and laptop compartments that are so big that you can even fit your shoes and clothes.
Commuter
A lot of good motorcycle backpacks are suitable for daily commuting. As such, they come with compartments specifically for electronics like school supplies, books, iPads, and laptops.
Commuter backpacks are usually also windproof and waterproof and feature comfortable padding that’s resistant to impact. They’re also easy to carry, durable, and compact.
Rugged
Rugged tactical motorcycle backpacks are particularly popular among bikers who enjoy riding through rough terrain because they can handle impact better and typically feature durable construction and design.
They’re also usually reinforced and compact for ease of use.
Best Motorcycle Backpack Brands
As with anything, there are brands that stand out above the rest when it comes to backpack manufacturers.
Nelson-Rigg
Nelson-Rigg is a company that was founded back in 1972 and they make motorcycling apparel, luggage, and covers.
Axo Sport
Axo Sport was founded in Santa Clarita California in 1978 and the brand is known for making motorsport and cycle riding accessories, footwear, and apparel. They’re the first brand to make MX boots and they’re all about making winning products that work as advertised.
Shoei
Shoei is a brand from Japan that has been around since 1959 and they started out by making motorcycle helmets. But, they’ve since branched out into all types of different motorcycling equipment including backpacks.
Ogio
Ogio is a well-known manufacturer of apparel, accessories, and bags for endurance, motorsports, and golf. It’s based in Carlsbad, California.
Viking Bags
Viking Bags is a company from Los Angeles, California and they’ve been around since the year 2007. They mainly make backpacks, tank bags, and saddlebags for motorcycling.
Extra Tips
- If possible, stick to smaller motorcycle backpacks that are expandable. That way, you can keep it small when you don’t have a lot of stuff to carry, knowing that you can always expand it to fit more stuff when you need to.
- Make sure your backpack has a lot of compartments and pockets, especially if you know that you carry a lot of stuff. Exterior pockets are great for accessibility.
- If you’re going to use your backpack for electronics like laptops and iPads, make sure it’s padded to protect your stuff from impact.
Conclusion
That’s all you need to know about how to find the best motorcycle backpack. If we were to pick one option, it would be the OGIO Renegade RSS Backpack.
We like this backpack because it looks stylish and it’s so big that it can fit a 17-inch laptop as well as other electronics like your iPad and iPhone. It’s crush-proof and comes with padded protection for safety and protection.