There’s nothing quite as satisfying as cruising down the road with the breeze between your knees, looking to your side and seeing car drivers stalled in traffic.
Sure, they might be sitting comfortably in their sheltered vehicles, listening to music, texting on their phone while they wait for a red light, but you’re the one who’s moving, and you’re free. That’s why I ride a motorcycle.
But I’m also the type of fellow who always has something he needs to carry on his person. My gaming laptop, my Nintendo Switch, my roleplaying dice or my novels. Even just a simple water bottle is too much to carry when you’re on a motorcycle, and you’re using both hands.
Best Backpack for Riding Motorcycle
So naturally, I’m quite choosy about the backpack that I use to carry whatever miscellaneous possessions I happen to need. Here’s a list of the best backpack for riding motorcycle I’ve taken for my motorcycle excursions:
Bilt Backpack
This is the cheapest but most efficient backpack on the list, and it was designed specifically for motorcycle riders. It has extra-large zippers, which means you can pull on them much easier when your hands are gloved. It also has a helmet hood built-in, so you can show off your lid when you’ve reached your destination.
There’s going to be a lot of bumps and jostling on the road. You need a backpack that’s going to keep your possessions organized and from rubbing uncomfortably on your back, or worse, from breaking. This backpack, fortunately, comes with internal organizing pockets.
It also has a webbed grab handle, which comes in handy for grip. The shoulder straps are padded with easy, simple pull adjusters, and they are very durable. I find this pack to be quite comfortable. Comfort is especially important since you don’t want to be distracted on the dangerous road – or have a cramp in your good time.
This bag overall is both roomy and tall. It has a rubber bottom, so it isn’t sliding around whenever you sit down.
OGIO 123007.36 No Drag Mach
I find this backpack to be a bit more stylish. The KOGIO 123007.36 No Drag Mach is made from 600 denier nylon and leather, which makes it very durable.
The design is roll-top and can carry up to 25 liters, so you can fill the backpack as much as you can, then roll it down and securely clip it so all of your possessions are safe from the elements that will be bearing down on you when you’re out on the road.
The backpack is 100 percent waterproof. Its outside material is made from PU-backed 600 denier nylon, so it’s both tough and durable. Within, the interior nylon lining is fully taped at the seams, perfect for keeping moisture out.
Some other features to keep in mind are its leather branding and the leather carrying handle. The shoulder straps are padded – once again, a feature that’s very important to me because it makes for less distraction when I’m riding my motorcycle.
The shoulders are fully adjustable, while he waist and chest straps are made for both security and comfort when you are out on the road.
By the way, there’s also a helmet carrier strap that you can use when you’re off of your bike.
Klim Nac Pack
Much pricier than the previous backpacks, but worth it if you are seriously in need of a good, quality motorcycle backpack. It has an ideal combination of accessory carrying capacity, cargo capacity, quick access to your possessions and smartly designed tool storage.
The large main compartment is amazingly convenient since I’m always bringing my laptop wherever I go. There’s a hydration bladder inside of the backpack that holds up to 3 liters of liquid, as well as two external hydration exit ports for your water tube.
The large inner main compartment has an accessory pocket, which I use for my Magic: The Gathering cards. But what’s best about this backpack is the storage space for tools, because knowing my unusually cruddy luck, there’s always something going wrong while I’m on my motorcycle. The tool pouches are removable, which makes access to my tools that much easier.
The shoulder straps have perforated padding, adding immensely to my comfort, and the waist strap has a low profile, so no one is easily able to notice it. This backpack also has reflective material, so drivers will spot you in the night, which is a very valuable security feature.
Lastly, the zippers are very heavy duty. Most backpacks I have, the very first thing to go are the zippers. But the zippers on the Klim Nac Pack have never once snagged, stuck, nor broken off, and I’ve had this brand for almost five years.
Alpinestars Roving Backpack
Above all, the best blend of both carrying capacity but also lightness, it’s my favorite on the list. It’s big enough that I can carry my essential possessions, but it’s also light enough that I’ve never felt dragged down when I’m riding my motorcycle.
It has an aerodynamic shape, which means that the air streams over the pack and doesn’t inhibit my speed. My things also remain tidy inside of the pack, even when I’m cruising at a high speed. The highly advanced back panel and the mesh allow air to flow between my back and the backpack. If there is one thing I cannot stand while I’m riding my motorcycle, it’s a sweaty and itchy back.
Best of all are the interior organizers. My gear never gets mixed up or broken, thanks to the expert organizational design of the Alpinestars Roving Backpack.
This backpack can hold up to 18 liters. I can customize the chest connection and the waist belt is adjustable or completely removable. It even comes with a rain cover that is reflective, along with red zipper tabs that are easy to find and use.
Leave a Reply