Motorcycles are so accessible, and their ability to take you anywhere is one of the reasons why those with a sense of adventure often gravitate toward them. However, carrying your luggage can be quite a hassle. You need an outdoor backpack capable of carrying your things, rugged enough to bear the damage dealt by riding, and portable or easy to mount. Let’s talk about them in this blog post.
Why Does a Motorcycle Backpack Matter?
As one might assume, carrying a suitcase isn’t an option. Motorcycles, unlike cars, have rather limited space and potential for carrying luggage. Most riders want one motorcycle backpack that works well on the highway as well as on adventures to a campsite.
Think of a backpack as an extension of your motorcycle riding gear. It is going to be strapped to yourself, your motorcycle, or you’ll be carrying it. This split role is what makes the choice different from a plain hiking pack or a commuter bag. This one piece of essential gear is going to carry all your stuff: clothes, footwear, first aid, bear spray (if you’re out camping in bear country), and potentially even spare parts. It will contain all your things, so the choice matters. Here’s what to look for:
Fit And Stability
A backpack that fits poorly will make every mile harder, which is why it is worth paying attention to the straps, harness, and overall shape of the pack. Wide shoulder straps that cinch down firmly, a sternum strap that clips securely across your chest, and a hip belt that spreads the load across your hips all work together to keep the pack from swinging side to side while you ride. When the weight is stable and close to your body, your motorcycle handles better, and you feel less tired after hours in the saddle.
Weatherproofing
Gaia is unpredictable, and nothing ruins a ride faster than a sudden rain soaking your clothes or sleeping bag. Whilst sturdy zippers that seal up properly and the bag is made with waterproof fabric can work, a removable rain cover makes it impossible for the rain to get in.
Both approaches will help your stuff stay dry and ride on forward through the rain without a worry.
Protection
Beyond weatherproofing, some backpacks go a step further by including a hard outer shell or a CE-rated back protector. This serves a double purpose: it shields your electronics, such as a laptop or tablet, from impacts and acts as an extension to your protective motorcycle riding gear, protecting your spine in case of a crash.
Riders who spend a lot of time on highways or who enjoy spirited riding often see this as an essential feature because it provides peace of mind while also making the backpack tougher and longer lasting.
Hydration And Access
Long rides leave you drained, and stopping, unzipping your bag, taking out a water bottle, and drinking breaks the momentum. Many backpacks include a hydration bladder sleeve and hose routing, allowing you to sip water without pulling over. Luxury that once experienced, it is hard to live without it.
Quick-access pockets also matter because you don’t want to dig through your bag every time you need your wallet, phone, or a map. Some models even add a soft-lined pocket for sunglasses or goggles, which prevents scratches and saves you from squinting into the late afternoon light.
Ventilation And Comfort
A mesh back panel or a channel that allows air to flow between the bag and your spine can make a surprising difference, keeping you cooler and preventing chafing. These details may seem small, but they add up over hours on the road and can turn what would have been a miserable ride into a comfortable one.
Size And Capacity
Choosing the right size is mostly about knowing the kind of trips you plan to take. For day rides or a single night away, a pack in the range of 20 to 35 liters is usually enough, giving you room for essentials without becoming cumbersome. Once you move into longer rides or actual moto-camping, you may want something in the 40 to 50 liter range. Remember, it is best to pack light, always.
Materials And Durability
The construction of the backpack matters just as much as its features. Fabrics like Cordura and ballistic nylon are known for holding up against abrasion, which is a real concern when your bag is rubbing against your jacket or when you set it down on rough ground. Reinforced bottoms prevent wear from repeated use, and reflective strips or panels improve visibility during dawn or dusk rides. Good zippers, buckles, and clips are another sign of quality, because these are often the first parts to fail on cheaper packs.
Final Word
Choose a motorcycle backpack that feels like part of your gear. One that rides quietly, opens easily, and straps down cleanly. Test it loaded. Walk with it. Then ride with it. The right choice will make both the road and the campsite easier, and that lets you focus on the ride itself.
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Daniel is a Cinnamon Hollow author passionate about house and home, renovations, homesteading and DIY.