The 6 Best Motorcycle Backpacks in 2023 – By Experts

Whether you’re planning to go on a motorcycle trip over the weekend or you just need to carry your day-to-day items on your commute, a backpack is an excellent addition to your riding gear. After all, space is incredibly limited on a motorcycle, and while panniers can be useful, they aren’t compatible with all bikes and cause too much drag.

This is why motorcycle backpacks are the answer because they’re designed to be as aerodynamic as possible, and you can use them regardless of what size your bike is. They’re a versatile solution that can be used not only on your bike but also for day-to-day activities or even camping and hiking trips.

With so many different options on the market, picking the right backpack may seem daunting. This is where I come in. In this article, I’ve reviewed some of the best motorcycle backpacks on the market today to help you find the one that best fits your needs.

At A Glance

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
Best Overall	OGIO 123007.36 No Drag Mach 3	Rating: 4.5/5	View On Amazon
Best For Road Trips	Seibertron 37L	Rating: 4.6/5	View On Amazon
Budget Pick	Axo 29101 Commuter	Rating: 4.1/5	View On Amazon
Best Lightweight	Nelson-Rigg CB-PK30	Rating: 4.3/5	View On Amazon
Best Laptop Backpack	OGIO Renegade RSS	Rating: 4.7/5	View On Amazon
Best For Carrying Helmet	Seibertron Molle Helmet Holder	Rating: 4.6/5	View On Amazon

Why You Should Buy a Dedicated Motorcycle Backpack

While you can technically wear any backpack you own while riding, you should consider buying a purpose-built motorcycle backpack since the average backpack isn’t made to be worn by bikers.

Most regular backpacks are not ergonomic. This may not be a huge issue while walking, but it can be downright hazardous once you get on your bike. After all, no one wants their backpack to cause discomfort or even imbalance, especially when worn for long periods of time.

By contrast, dedicated motorcycle backpacks are designed with riding in mind. Many of them come with a padded back panel that increases comfort and can also reduce the risk of back injuries in case of a crash.

Moreover, most motorcycle backpacks are aerodynamic in design, which means that they are constructed to minimize drag as much as possible even while riding at top speed on the highway. They also distribute weight more evenly to increase stability.

Motorcycle backpacks are also more durable than regular ones. They are often made of tougher and more durable materials in order to be more resistant to tough environmental conditions.

The 6 Best Motorcycle Backpacks in 2023

Now that you understand the importance of a motorcycle backpack, let’s check out why some options on the market make better purchasing decisions than others. Here are the pros and cons of each backpack to help you decide the one that best suits your needs.

1. OGIO 123007.36 No Drag Mach 3 – Best Overall

The Ogio No Drag series is a favorite among riders for a good reason. Those who buy a dedicated motorcycle backpack are usually looking for increased safety, improved aerodynamics, and the OGIO No Drag Mach 3 delivers on that front.

The exterior was designed to be as aerodynamic and streamlined as possible for minimal drag and better airflow so that it wouldn’t affect your ride’s performance. Moreover, the molded exterior shell is both wind and water-resistant.

The excellent build quality unfortunately means an increase in weight. At 2.7 pounds, it’s on the heavier side. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s uncomfortable to wear, as the reduction in drag will definitely make your ride easier.

To increase riders’ comfort, the straps, along with the back, are padded. Moreover, to ensure a snug fit, the Mach 3 features fully adjustable shoulder, waist, and chest straps. The back also features bolstered foam to improve ventilation and keep you cool on long rides.

The backpack has a fleece-lined pocket to store electronics, as well as a dedicated shoe storage compartment. Moreover, it comes with a removable helmet strap to carry your helmet while walking.

Unfortunately, with a capacity of about 22 liters, it’s the smallest on this list. It will, however, be enough for shorter rides and daily commutes. That said, it may not be the best choice for longer rides as there isn’t enough room to accommodate all you may need to bring. 

Bottom Line

The Mach 3 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for safety, comfort, and optimum aerodynamics. If you don’t particularly mind the price or the slightly smaller capacity, then this is the backpack to get.

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2. Seibertron 37L – Best For Road Trips  

If you’re looking for as much capacity as possible, then look no further than the Seibertron 37L backpack. With an impressive capacity of 37 liters, this backpack is the largest on our list. It offers a ton of space that can accommodate just about anything, from your riding gear to any additional belongings you may need to bring to your destination.

This makes it an excellent choice for those who go on long motorcycle trips that require considerable packing. Not to mention, it even has a back pocket that can fit a 2-liter water bladder, making it the ideal backpack for long rides where you’ll no doubt need to stay hydrated.

Moreover, the backpack includes a main compartment with several zipped and meshed inner pockets, as well as so many other pockets, making it an excellent choice for fans of compartmentalizing. The excellent storage capacity, unfortunately, means a slight increase in weight, as it weighs around 2.8 pounds.

While the design may not be streamlined or aesthetically pleasing, it’s reliable and gets the job done. Its outer shell is made of 900D polyester, which is very durable and will provide excellent abrasion resistance in case of a crash. It also offers an acceptable level of water resistance. Bear in mind, though, that it isn’t fully waterproof, and some leakage may occur.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a backpack that you can take with you on long-distance trips, then this is the backpack for you. You’ll be able to store everything you need with its incredible 37L capacity, which also comes at a very competitive price.

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3. Axo 29101 Commuter – Budget Pick

A good motorcycle backpack doesn’t necessarily have to come at a premium price. In fact, for a very competitive price, you can buy the Axo Commuter backpack, which is a reliable biking bag that can carry all your daily essentials.

With various color options to choose from, it’s certainly a departure from the typical black biking backpacks. This lightweight model, which weighs only 1.05 pounds, is made of heavy-duty nylon, and it offers excellent storage capacity. It has a spacious main compartment that can fit a 15-inch laptop or even a full-face helmet. It also features ventilated mesh pockets on both sides for extra storage.

Capacity is not the only thing this backpack excels at. It also offers a great level of comfort with its padded back and shoulder straps, which are thick enough to sit comfortably on your back on long rides. Unfortunately, the straps are not fully adjustable, unlike other models, and they may be too short for those with wider shoulders.

Bottom Line

If you’re shopping on a tight budget but still need a backpack that’s comfortable, stable, and spacious, then the Axo Commuter Backpack is the one for you. 

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4. Nelson-Rigg CB-PK30 – Best Lightweight

At just 0.25 pounds when empty, the Nelson-Rigg CB-PK30 is by far the most lightweight backpack on our list, and it proves that a backpack doesn’t have to weigh a ton to do its job properly.

When not in use, it packs down to fit into one of your pockets. But don’t let that fool you. When unrolled, it offers an impressive 30-liter capacity in a single compartment that can store a full-face helmet. It also features adjustable straps, and while they’re not padded like other backpacks, they’re enough to keep the backpack in place. 

Its weight and the fact that it’s made of Tri-Max nylon unfortunately means that it may be more susceptible to ripping if it carries heavy loads for extended periods of time. However, at less than $20, it’s still a steal.

Bottom Line

The Nelson-Rigg CB-PK30 is a lightweight backpack that’ll appeal to anyone trying to give their poor back a break. It offers excellent capacity at a price that won’t break the bank.

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5. OGIO Renegade RSS – Best Laptop Backpack

Motorcycle backpacks and electronics don’t usually go together very well. I’ve long struggled with finding a secure backpack that I can entrust with my laptop and other valuables. After all, no one wants to risk having their laptop broken into pieces should anything happen. That was before I tried the OGIO Renegade RSS with its high level of protection.

It features a dedicated laptop compartment with integrated foam panels, and I can see why the company calls this compartment a crush-proof tech vault. Moreover, the compartment is both secure and spacious and can securely carry a 17-inch laptop thanks to its 30-liter capacity. There’s even a padded pocket to carry a smartphone or a tablet.

Since laptops can be pretty heavy, ensuring the rider’s comfort is crucial. This is why the heaviness of laptops is more than made up for by the backpack’s 1.05-pound weight.  Additionally, the back panel is specially designed to ensure maximum comfort and safety, and the backpack also features padded and adjustable straps to ensure a perfect fit.

While the backpack is not waterproof, it does offer a degree of water resistance. Not to mention, you don’t need to worry about the water seeping into the laptop compartment, thanks to its additional reinforcement. Unfortunately, I wasn’t too impressed with the stitching quality, so there’s still some room for improvement.

Bottom Line

The OGIO Renegade RSS is the best choice for students and young professionals looking for a secure backpack to secure and transport their laptops or any other electronics. 

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6. Seibertron Molle Helmet Holder – Best For Carrying Helmet

Riders often face the question of where to store their helmets, and as obvious as it may seem, not all backpacks offer a secure and easy way to attach a helmet to them. This is definitely not the case with this Seiberton backpack, which comes with a dedicated helmet compartment.

It has prominent top-cinched straps that not only add an aesthetic touch but can also securely hold full-face or half-face helmets. I also like how versatile it is. When you’re not using it to carry your helmet, you can instead store many things, including shoes, a water bladder, or even a baseball.

As you can guess from the fact that this backpack can accommodate a helmet, it has a pretty large capacity. While its capacity is not specified, its dimensions are 19 inches x 11 inches x 11 inches, meaning its capacity should be around 30 liters. Additionally, it’s both durable and waterproof as it’s made of 900D Polyester with PU coating, although the zipper is not also waterproof.

Moreover, you don’t need to worry about stacking all your belongings in one compartment as this backpack is structured into 3 compartments. The main compartment features an interior enclosure. The middle one is also pretty roomy and comes with interior pouches to store small gear, whereas the third one is smaller.

Unfortunately, the excellent storage capacity comes with a caveat. At 3.08 pounds when empty, this is by far the heaviest on our list, and the weight will only go up once you start filling it up with belongings.

Bottom Line

If you need a backpack to which you can easily attach your helmet, then the Seibertron Helmet Holder is the one to buy. It also offers considerable capacity and great build quality, making it an all-around great choice.

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Motorcycle Backpack Buying Guide & FAQs

Features to Consider When Buying Motorcycle Backpacks

In order to choose the right motorcycle backpack for you, there are some factors you need to consider first.

Durability

Motorcycle backpacks can be quite an investment, so you need to make sure that you’re buying a backpack that’ll stay with you for years to come. You should go for a backpack made of strong, thick fabric with an anti-corrosive coating for the zippers. 

Additionally, the quality of the stitches is vital. The tighter the stitches, the more capable your bag will be of withstanding weather conditions. 

Weight And Stability

No matter how athletic you are, carrying a heavy backpack can get tiring fast. You should get a backpack that’s as lightweight as possible and try to avoid excessive ornamentation that will add extra weight. 

Keep in mind, though, that in most cases, extremely lightweight backpacks may not handle heavy loads as well as sturdier models. Moreover, weight distribution is also essential to avoid being thrown off balance or suffering from additional strain on your back.

Fit 

Pick a backpack with adjustable straps to ensure it fits as snugly and as comfortably as possible. Also, if possible, choose a backpack that comes with additional chest and waist straps for a better fit. Padded straps are also preferable as they don’t slip over other fabrics. I also suggest taking your body size into consideration as your height, weight, and even body type will play a role in choosing the right-sized bag.

Wind Resistance

The wind can be very strong while riding a motorcycle. Add that to a backpack that isn’t specially designed to withstand high winds, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. 

The lesser the drag pressure on your backpack, the smoother your ride will be, and thankfully there are many backpacks featuring aerodynamic designs that can keep drag to a minimum. 

Waterproofing

If you live in a wet or muddy environment, it makes sense to go for a fully waterproof backpack with water-resistant zippers to keep your belongings dry. Some backpacks also come with additional features such as storm flaps and welded seams for additional protection.

Capacity

A good backpack should be able to store all your gear but still not be big enough to be a nuisance to carry. A capacity of 20-30 liters should be enough, though you may want to go for one above 30 liters if you plan to go on hikes or long trips that require lots of packing.

Pockets

Some people prefer having a single large compartment to store everything, while others would rather have many pockets and compartments to properly arrange their items, especially smaller ones. 

Beware, though, that Some backpacks may contain many pockets that are of no use because of how small or oddly-shaped they are, so always check their actual storage capacity first!

Design

Some backpacks are specially designed with an aerodynamic design to withstand high speeds, making them suitable for sportbike riders. Others are designed to be more versatile and ideal for road bikes, which makes them a better choice for longer rides.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are Motorcycle Backpacks Safe?

There will always be a degree of risk with motorcycle backpacks. But fret not! If you wear your backpack correctly, you can minimize this risk greatly.

You should make sure that the backpack is tightly secured to your back and not loose. Weight distribution is also essential and ensures that your motorcycle won’t tip over while you’re riding it. 

If your backpack feels uncomfortable, it’s probably a sign you should change it, because you don’t need anything to distract you from the road ahead!

Can I Wear a Backpack While I’m Riding With a Passenger?

If there’s a passenger on your pillion, it will be much safer if your passenger is the one who wears the backpack. This way, you’ll reduce the risk of your passenger falling off the motorcycle in case of a collision or a sudden stop. Not to mention, it’ll be incredibly uncomfortable to have a backpack squeezed between the two of you.

Should I Get a Backpack With One or Two Straps?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It all depends on personal preference as well as what you intend to use your backpack for. To illustrate, if you usually carry heavy loads or go on long road trips often, then a backpack with two straps makes more sense. 

But if you will primarily use it for your daily commute, then a single strap is enough and will even be more comfortable to wear.

How Do I Attach a Helmet to my Backpack?

It depends on the brand and the specific model. Some backpacks are designed to carry a helmet and will come with all the needed attachments. 

For those who don’t have a dedicated helmet compartment, however, there are some hacks you can try. For example, you can loop the carabiner through your backpack’s DD rings then buckle it to the strap.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best backpack can be challenging if you don’t know what you want out of it. I suggest first considering what features are deal breakers for you, then take it from there. And remember, it all comes down to how exactly you’re going to use your backpack. 

Those looking for a sturdy backpack with optimum performance should look no further than the OGIO 123007.36 No Drag Mach 3. For the restless souls who go on hikes or even longer road trips often, a backpack with higher capacity makes more sense, and the Seibertron 37L is a great choice in this category. As for the young professionals who need to securely carry their laptops in style, the OGIO Renegade RSS offers a great protection level.