A bad bag gets old fast. The best motorcycle backpacks stay planted at speed, keep your gear dry, and don’t make your back hate you 20 minutes into the ride.
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That’s the problem with buying one online. Two bags can look almost the same on a product page, but one shifts around on the highway, traps heat, and turns into a chore the second you load it up. The other feels like part of your gear.
Our OASTHAR Product Research & Testing Team narrowed it down to seven picks that make sense for different riders, budgets, and use cases. Here’s where each one stands, and which bag fits the way you ride.
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Best motorcycle backpacks at a glance
- Best Overall: Kriega R20
- Best Premium: Alpinestars Amp-7
- Best Waterproof: Kriega Trail 18
- Best Value: RSD x Kriega ROAM 34
- Best for Aerodynamics: Alpinestars Tech Aero
- Best Hard-Shell: OGIO No Drag Mach 5
- Best Budget: Riderbag Motorcycle Backpack
How we test motorcycle backpacks
In our assessment, a motorcycle backpack has to work in the wind, in traffic, and off the bike. We research major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Currys, then compare the bags using the same in-house process.
Harness fit and ride stability
A backpack can have great materials and still fail the second you get up to speed. We test how the straps sit over riding jackets, how much the bag moves under braking, and whether chest and waist straps keep the load from shifting. A stable bag feels smaller than it is, and that matters more than flashy styling.
Storage layout and usable space
Raw capacity numbers don’t tell you enough. We look at how easy it is to pack daily gear, whether a laptop fits without awkward bulging, and how quickly you can reach small items like gloves, wallet, tools, or a phone. Good storage is about access, not only liters.
Weather protection
Rain claims are easy to make and harder to trust. We check if the bag uses roll-top closure, waterproof zips, a rain cover, or only light water resistance. We also pay attention to wet-gear management, because a bag that keeps rain out but turns into a soaked mess inside still misses the point.
Build quality and long-term durability
Motorcycle backpacks take abuse. They rub on jackets, sit on dirty floors, get overpacked, and spend hours in wind pressure. We compare fabric strength, zipper quality, reinforced stress points, and how the shape holds up over time. Materials like Cordura, ripstop nylon, and YKK zips usually give a bag a better starting point.
Safety and visibility
Visibility doesn’t get enough attention in this category. We check reflective panels, high-vis sections, and smart rider-focused touches like back protector sleeves or designs that won’t scuff your tank or helmet. Safety extras only matter if you use them, so we favor features that fit into daily riding without extra hassle.
Price and customer reviews
Price matters, but value matters more. We compare each bag against its direct rivals, then analyze hundreds of customer reviews to see what real riders say after weeks and months of use. That helps us spot the gap between a strong spec sheet and a bag that still holds up when your commute, weather, and gear are less forgiving.
The best motorcycle backpack isn’t the one with the biggest number on the tag. It’s the one that stays comfortable, organized, and predictable every time you throw a leg over the bike.
Star rating: 4.9/5
The Kriega R20 gets the basics right, then adds the details that make you keep reaching for it. Its superpower is balance. At 20 liters, it’s big enough for work gear, layers, and the usual daily carry, but it still feels compact once you’re moving.
The materials are right where they need to be. You get 420D nylon ripstop through the main body, plus 1000D Cordura reinforcing the base and harness. That matters because those are the spots that take the most wear. Kriega’s Quadloc-Lite harness is the other big win here. It shifts weight off your shoulders and spreads it across your chest and torso, which makes long rides easier.
Small touches finish the job. There’s a zipped side pocket for tools or goggles, a sleeve inside for either a hydration system or a back protector, and reflective details on the harness and rear print. If you want one backpack that works for commuting, light weekend rides, and general grab-and-go use, this is the cleanest answer in the group.
Capacity: 20L | Main material: 420D nylon ripstop | Reinforcement: 1000D Cordura base and harness | Harness: Quadloc-Lite | Extra storage: Side zip pocket, hydration/back protector sleeve
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent all-around size
- Outstanding harness comfort
- Tough high-wear materials
- Useful safety-minded layout
- Easy daily carry choice
Reasons to Avoid
- Not the cheapest option
- Limited if you overpack
Who should buy it: This fits the rider who wants one bag and doesn’t want to think twice about it. If your week mixes commuting, errands, and short trips, the R20 has the easiest blend of comfort, size, and durability.
Star rating: 4.8/5
The Amp-7 is the bag for riders who want almost every box checked. Its superpower is control. Four straps lock the bag against your body so it stays stable when speed picks up, and that tight fit helps it feel more aerodynamic on the highway.
Comfort is a big part of why it ranks this high. The shoulder straps are padded and ventilated, the chest and waist straps can be clipped with one hand, and the back panel uses comfort pads so the bag doesn’t dig in. Inside, there’s a padded laptop compartment, while quick-access outer pockets keep daily essentials from getting buried.
This is also one of the more polished picks here. A rain cover comes in the box, and three grab handles make the bag easier to move around once you’re off the bike. If you want a second read on how this kind of premium bag performs in the wider market, MCN’s motorcycle rucksack testing also points to the Amp-7 as a strong style-and-substance option.
Capacity: Check current specs | Fit system: Four-point strap setup | Laptop storage: Padded compartment | Weather cover: Included rain cover | Carry points: Three grab handles
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent high-speed stability
- Strong long-ride comfort
- One-handed strap operation
- Good laptop protection
- Premium finish and feel
Reasons to Avoid
- Price is on the high side
- Capacity varies by model listing
Who should buy it: This is a smart fit if you ride often, carry gear daily, and don’t mind paying more for better comfort and polish. It also makes sense if a laptop rides with you often and you want a bag that feels secure at speed.
Star rating: 4.7/5
If wet weather is part of your normal ride, the Trail 18 is the easy pick. Its superpower is simple, real waterproofing. The main 11-liter body uses a roll-top closure, so water doesn’t have an easy way in, even when conditions get ugly.
Kriega adds a separate 7-liter rear zip compartment, which is smart because it lets you grab quick-use items without opening the sealed main section. Total capacity lands at 18 liters, a practical size for a day ride, dual-sport run, or commute where you don’t need to haul your whole closet. The build also looks right for rough use, with 420D Cordura Lite Plus and heavy-duty YKK zips.
Like the R20 and ROAM 34, this bag uses the Quadloc-Lite harness. That keeps the weight from sitting on your shoulders all day. An external Hypalon net with elastic cord gives you a place for wet gloves or outer layers, and reflective harness panels help when light fades. This is the bag you grab when “chance of rain” means “it’s probably going to pour.”
Capacity: 18L total | Main compartment: 11L roll-top waterproof body | Rear compartment: 7L zip-access section | Material: 420D Cordura Lite Plus | Harness: Quadloc-Lite
Reasons to Buy
- Proper waterproof main body
- Smart dual-compartment layout
- Great wet-gear storage
- Comfortable weight distribution
- Tough zipper and fabric choices
Reasons to Avoid
- Less space than commuters want
- Roll-top access is slower
Who should buy it: This makes the most sense for riders who don’t stop because of weather. If your route includes rain, trail dust, or long hours outside, the Trail 18 gives you better peace of mind than a bag that only claims light water resistance.
Star rating: 4.6/5
The ROAM 34 is the commuter pick with style that doesn’t feel flimsy. Its superpower is range. You can run it at 26 liters for everyday use, then expand it to 34 liters when you need more room for extra gear, groceries, or a full-face helmet once you’re off the bike.
Roland Sands Design gives it the look, and Kriega gives it the bones. The outside uses waxed cotton, with 1000D Cordura underneath for real reinforcement. The roll-top closure adds weather protection without making you rely on a separate rain cover. That’s a cleaner setup for commuting because it’s always there, not something you have to remember.
Comfort stays high because of the Quadloc-Lite harness, which spreads load across your body instead of dragging on your shoulders. It’s also hydration-compatible, has reflective details on the harness, and supports optional waist straps if you want more security. For riders who commute often and want one bag that looks good when the helmet comes off, this one lands in a sweet spot.
Capacity: 26L to 34L | Outer material: Waxed cotton | Reinforcement: 1000D Cordura | Closure: Roll-top with zip expansion | Harness: Quadloc-Lite
Reasons to Buy
- Expandable daily-to-weekend size
- Strong commuter-friendly harness
- Stylish but durable build
- Good weather protection
- Helmet-sized flexibility
Reasons to Avoid
- Expensive for a commuter bag
- Waxed finish isn’t for everyone
Who should buy it: This is for the rider who goes straight from bike to office, coffee shop, class, or weekend errand run. If you care about both looks and function, the ROAM 34 does better than most bags that try to straddle both worlds.
Star rating: 4.4/5
The Tech Aero is built for riders who notice drag, fit, and small on-bike details. Its superpower is rider-specific design. The helmet compartment sits at the top of the pack and holds the helmet close, instead of letting it hang low and smack into your body while you walk.
Inside, you get waterproof zippers, a padded laptop sleeve with a Velcro seal, and extra pockets for cords and smaller accessories. That makes it more useful day to day than some sport-focused bags that lean hard into shape and forget basic organization. The back panel is also ventilated, which helps on longer or warmer rides.
The clever part is the strap setup. A chest strap with a flip-down clear window lets you keep a toll pass or ID in reach, and the quick-release shoulder system is handy when you’re geared up and want the bag off fast. Hip pockets add another layer of easy access. If you ride fast roads often and want a backpack that feels purpose-built for that job, this one has a lot going for it.
Capacity: Check current specs | Helmet carry: Top-mounted helmet compartment | Laptop storage: Padded sleeve with Velcro seal | Weather protection: Waterproof zips plus full rain cover | Extra access: Hip pockets and toll-pass window
Reasons to Buy
- Smart aerodynamic focus
- Excellent helmet carry design
- Handy toll-pass storage
- Ventilated back panel
- Good small-item organization
Reasons to Avoid
- Premium price for its niche
- Layout won’t suit everyone
Who should buy it: This fits sporty riders and highway commuters who want more than a normal bag with shoulder straps. It also makes sense if you deal with toll roads often and want quick access without awkward digging at every stop.
Star rating: 4.2/5
The Mach 5 is the structured pick in this lineup. Its superpower is shape retention. The single-shot molded exterior keeps the bag from collapsing or deforming in the wind, which gives it a more planted feel at highway speed and better protection for delicate gear.
Inside, OGIO keeps things more practical than you might expect from a hard-shell bag. There’s a large main compartment with an adjustable divider, a proper organizer panel for smaller items, and a fleece-lined pocket for electronics and valuables. That last part matters because loose keys and a bare phone are a bad mix in a moving backpack.
A few smart details make it easier to live with. The shoulder gasket wraps around your body to reduce drag, the off-center hip belt helps avoid scratching the gas tank, and softer shoulder straps are less likely to scuff your helmet. Reflective piping around the bag improves nighttime visibility without turning it into a high-vis commuter pack.
Shell type: Single-shot molded exterior | Weather resistance: Water-resistant shell | Interior layout: Main compartment, adjustable divider, organizer panel | Valuables pocket: Fleece-lined | Visibility: 360-degree reflective piping
Reasons to Buy
- Strong hard-shell protection
- Holds shape at speed
- Good internal organization
- Clean night visibility
- Gas-tank-friendly belt placement
Reasons to Avoid
- Less flexible packing shape
- Water-resistant, not fully waterproof
Who should buy it: This works best if you carry electronics or want a backpack that feels rigid and stable on faster road rides. Riders who prefer a softer bag with expandable packing room may find it too structured.
Star rating: 4.0/5
The Riderbag wins on one thing right away: visibility. Its superpower is a reflective shell built around being seen. The brand story starts with the founder getting hit because a driver didn’t see him, and this bag is clearly shaped by that kind of real-world problem.
The reflective shell uses glass bead technology that bounces light back toward headlights from more than 500 feet away, day or night. That’s the headline feature, but the bag also gives you useful daily storage. The 35-liter main compartment can hold a 15-inch laptop, clothes, and even groceries. Two side bottle pockets help with basic carry, and oversized zipper pulls are easier to work with while wearing gloves.
It also packs in a few thoughtful rider touches. A hidden back pocket is sized for a spine protector, wide padded straps sit better over a motorcycle jacket, and both chest and waist straps help lock the load down at speed. Add the clip-on helmet net, and this becomes a practical commuter bag with a strong safety angle at a friendlier price.
Capacity: 35L | Visibility tech: Reflective shell with glass bead technology | Laptop fit: Up to 15-inch | Safety storage: Hidden spine protector pocket | Extra carry: Helmet net and dual bottle pockets
Reasons to Buy
- Strong visibility focus
- Big storage for the money
- Glove-friendly zipper pulls
- Jacket-friendly strap design
- Useful helmet net included
Reasons to Avoid
- Bulkier than smaller rivals
- Waterproofing isn’t the main pitch
Who should buy it: This is a good match for budget-minded commuters and newer riders who want to be seen without spending premium money. If safety visibility ranks above fancy materials or a sleek sport shape, Riderbag has a clear place on your shortlist.
All recommended motorcycle backpacks compared
If you want the fast view, this table breaks each pick down by the features that matter most on the road.
| Backpack | Capacity | Weather protection | Stability on the bike | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kriega R20 | 20L | Strong daily weather resistance | Excellent | Best all-around pick for commuting and light weekend rides |
| Alpinestars Amp-7 | Check current specs | Rain cover included | Excellent | Premium everyday riding and laptop carry |
| Kriega Trail 18 | 18L | Waterproof roll-top main body | Excellent | Wet-weather rides and day trips |
| RSD x Kriega ROAM 34 | 26L to 34L | Roll-top protection built in | Excellent | Commuting, mixed daily carry, off-bike use |
| Alpinestars Tech Aero | Check current specs | Waterproof zips plus rain cover | Very good | Sport riding and toll-road commuting |
| OGIO No Drag Mach 5 | Check current specs | Water-resistant shell | Very good | High-speed street riding and electronics |
| Riderbag Motorcycle Backpack | 35L | Waterproofing not highlighted | Good | Budget commuting and high visibility |
The pattern is pretty clear. Kriega dominates on harness comfort and daily ride stability, Alpinestars goes after feature-heavy performance, OGIO is the structured hard-shell choice, and Riderbag is the value pick if visibility is high on your list.
If you want another broad look at the category, WebBikeWorld’s motorcycle backpack roundup hits many of the same decision points, fit, weather protection, storage, and how a bag behaves on the bike.
What to look for in a motorcycle backpack
Start with the right size
Most riders don’t need the biggest bag they can find. If you commute with a laptop, lunch, and a layer, 18L to 25L is usually the sweet spot. If you carry bulkier gear or want grocery room, 30L and up makes more sense. Bigger isn’t always better, because extra volume can turn into extra movement in the wind.
Put harness comfort ahead of style
A backpack can look sharp and still ride badly. Wide padded straps, a chest strap, and a waist strap all help, but the real difference is how the load sits against your body. Systems like Kriega’s Quadloc-Lite work well because they move weight off your shoulders. That’s a bigger deal than you might think after an hour on the bike.
Choose your rain protection honestly
Be real about your weather. If you ride through storms, a waterproof roll-top bag is the safer move. If you only deal with light rain now and then, waterproof zips or a rain cover may be enough. Water-resistant and waterproof are not the same thing, and this is where a lot of shoppers get tripped up.
Think about what you carry every day
Laptop sleeves, quick-access pockets, bottle holders, tool pockets, helmet nets, and hydration compatibility all sound nice. The question is which ones you’ll use every week. A commuter may care most about a padded laptop area and easy phone access. A weekend rider may care more about a back protector sleeve or a place to stash wet gloves.
Look for visibility and safety extras
Reflective trim is easy to ignore until you’re riding home after dark. Some bags go much further with full reflective panels or sleeves for armor. These features won’t matter to every rider, but they can make a real difference in traffic. If you ride in low light often, don’t treat visibility as a bonus.
Match the bag to how you ride
This is where the best motorcycle backpacks separate themselves. A hard-shell design works well for highway miles and fragile gear. An expandable commuter bag makes more sense if your load changes day to day. A slim aerodynamic pack is better if you ride fast and want less drag. Buy for your real routine, not the ride you imagine taking once a month.
Why Trust OASTHAR?
I’m Shashini Fernando, an associate editor who specializes in accessories, bags, and everyday carry gear, along with wearable tech and travel products. For this guide, I looked at these motorcycle backpacks the same way you’d use them in real life, on the move, in changing weather, with daily gear that has to stay secure and easy to reach.
Each product in this category is reviewed through our in-house process, and I also analyze hundreds of customer reviews from real users to see what happens after the first week of ownership. That gives you a list built around comfort, stability, storage, and durability, not marketing copy. The result is a shortlist of the best options people can buy in 2026.
Best Motorcycle Backpacks FAQs
What is the best motorcycle backpack overall?
The Kriega R20 is the best overall pick. It has the right size for daily use, a top-tier harness, durable materials, and a layout that works for both commuting and light weekend trips.
Are hard-shell motorcycle backpacks better than soft bags?
Not always. Hard-shell bags like the OGIO No Drag Mach 5 keep their shape well and can protect electronics better, but soft bags often carry more naturally and handle odd-shaped loads with less fuss.
What size motorcycle backpack should you buy?
For most riders, 18L to 25L is a safe everyday range. If you carry larger items, extra layers, or groceries, stepping up to 30L or more makes sense, but only if the harness can keep the load stable.
Can you carry a laptop in a motorcycle backpack?
Yes, as long as the bag has a padded compartment or enough structure to stop the laptop from shifting around. The Kriega R20, Alpinestars Amp-7, Tech Aero, ROAM 34, and Riderbag all make sense for riders who bring a laptop along.
Is waterproof better than water-resistant?
If you ride in real rain, yes. Waterproof bags like the Kriega Trail 18 give you better protection than a water-resistant shell or a basic rain cover, especially if your gear has to stay dry no matter what.
Final Verdict
If you want one answer and you’re done shopping, get the Kriega R20. It has the best mix of comfort, size, and all-around usefulness, and it doesn’t lean too far toward any one niche.
If rain is the main problem, go with the Kriega Trail 18. If premium comfort and features matter most, the Alpinestars Amp-7 is the stronger fit. For commuting, the ROAM 34 is easy to like. For high-visibility riding on a tighter budget, Riderbag is the simple value play.
The right bag should disappear once the ride starts. That’s the whole point.
