Tested: The Best Motorcycle Backpacks For Commuting

Motorcycles provide a number of advantages over other vehicles and modes of transportation, from their ability to maneuver through traffic to their unparalleled unobstructed views of the road and its surrounding scenery to acceleration, speed, and performance that’s comparable to that of a supercar while being available at a small fraction of the price. One area where motorcycles undoubtedly fall short of the four-wheeled rides they share the road with is storage space. As a result, gear manufacturers have long produced bags and luggage specifically engineered for riding in a bid to remedy this shortcoming.

Though panniers and tank and tail-bags no doubt possess their own strengths, ultimately nothing compares to the convenience, utility, and versatility of a motorcycle backpack. And while in decades past, riders were largely forced to pick from outdoor-focused bags that vaguely lent themselves to two-wheeled commuting duties, today’s market boasts an enormous selection of backpacks that are purpose-engineered from the ground up to meets the needs of commuter motorcyclists. Below, we’ve scoured the sector to deliver this hand-picked guide to and hands-on review of the best motorcycle backpacks for commuting, rounding up the finest bags the industry has to offer, as well as briefly touching on what factors to look for and consider when shopping for a motorcycle-specific pack.

Selection & Testing

As motorcycling has grown ever-more-popular, there’s been a steadily-increasing number of fantastic motorcycle-specific backpacks to choose from, whether you’re looking for a daily commuting bag or an off-roading pack. In a bid to find the best available options on the market, we began our search by first making a list of the most important qualities and areas to consider when shopping, such as overall design, motorcycle-specific features and amenities, shell construction and material selection, hardware and trim, water resistance, harness system, and volume. Using this criteria to guide our selections, we then proceeded to scour the market in order to generate a shortlist of bags that we suspected may represent some of the very best motorcycle backpacks — selecting anywhere from one to three bags for each of the five main categories that we’ll be including (best commuter bag, best all-weather bag, best ADV bag, best value bag, and most versatile bag).

Thanks to in-depth product descriptions, robust spec sheets, and detailed product photography, one can genuinely get a decent sense of a motorcycle bag just from looking at it online. Having said that, the only way to gain a comprehensive sense of how the bag feels, functions, and performs, is to actually use it — so, that’s precisely what we did; tracking down samples of each backpack comprising our shortlist and putting each one to the test via a hands-on review process. In a bid to more objectively judge each potential pick, every bag on our shortlist underwent a series of standardized tests. 

This included a waterproofing test, in which each bag way sprayed with a hose on medium pressure for several minutes. Additionally, alongside a load capacity test, we also carried out a harness system test where each backpack was loaded with a 25-pound weight and then put on before having its wearer intentionally shift their weight around as much as possible in order to determine the support, fitment, and stability that each system offers. The ample heft of the weight plate helped to exaggerate any shifting or movement, giving us a better understanding of each harness system’s on-the-bike performance. More importantly, however, each backpack on our shortlist was also used to commute to and from the office for three days. This latter test would allow us to discover what it’s actually like to live with and use each motorcycle backpack from day-to-day. 

What’s more, each backpack was also closely scrutinized off-the-bike. This enabled us to glean information on areas such as each bag’s overall craftsmanship and build quality, along with info on how each pack’s features actually function in-practice, trying out the convenience and ease-of-use of elements such as helmet carriers. We also paid close attention to the overall comfort of each selection. Once armed with the intel from our hands-on testing phase, we then proceeded to compare and contrast each pick side-by-side. This would ultimately allow us to narrow our initial shortlist of candidates down to a final hard list of what we found to be the best motorcycle backpacks that money can currently buy. 

Klim Tek Pak

Best Value Pick: Offering over 20 liters of storage space, the Klim Tek Pak is a unique riding bag that’s compact in size yet is heavy on moto-specific features. Weighing just over 4lbs and measuring 12.5” L x 7.0” W x 22.0” H, the Tek Pak is made from a heavy-duty water-resistant fabric and features three pockets; a bottom pocket; a quick-access top pocket; and a main cavity with a full clamshell opening setup with zipper tracks surrounding the pack’s back panel. The bag’s trio of pockets is supplemented via a pop-out system on the front face of the bag that boasts five aluminum G-hooks set on a series of straps that together allow for a wide variety of external mounting and carrying options — including a helmet fastener system that’s both secure and easy to use. 

One of the main — and most obvious — highlights on this pack is undoubtedly its harness system. Equipped with a secure yet easy-to-unlock center buckle, this four-strap harness system does a phenomenal job of keeping the pack firmly pressed to my back, preventing shifting and bouncing while leaning and moving around on the bike. The harness system also sports a set of D30 chest armor, adding extra protection. I’m particularly fond of this feature as the vast majority of riding jackets don’t come with chest armor — plus the D30 pads can be removed, allowing the chest armor pockets to double as a smartphone pocket. Another noteworthy feature that further separates this Klim bag from other packs on the market is its integrated cable lock system, which allows the entire pack to be locked to the bike or fixed objects such as poles. One of my favorite features of this bag is its ultra-secure zipper setup. All three pockets utilize zipper tracks with triangular-shaped pulls. Once the zipper is fully closed, small pieces of HYPALON can be used to run through the opening in the middle of the triangular pulls, locking the zippers in place and preventing the pockets from accidentally opening. 

It’s also abundantly clear that the Tek Pak’s design is insanely calculated — as evidenced by minor details such as how its shape is designed  to allow airflow to reach the ventilation ports on riding jackets. The straps and G-hooks adorning the front of the bag also act as compression straps that help to minimize bulk and wind drag when the thing isn’t fully loaded with contents and riding gear. I also thoroughly appreciate how the Tek Pak includes both exterior and interior water bottle holders. The back panel also offers stellar breathability. The very bottom of the bag is also capped off with a rubber-like material that ups the Tek Pak’s durability — another simple yet practical feature that speaks to the highly-calculated nature of the pack. The Tek Pak is also compatible with both Klim’s 3-liter hydration bladder and the brand’s tool pouch. With the main compartment’s clamshell opening being located on the perimeter of the back panel, said compartment can’t be opened when the pack is being worn. As such, I really appreciate the soft-lined quick-access top pocket as it allows for easy access to wallets, keys, phones, or other frequently-needed items. What’s more, the back of the main compartment features a slip pocket that’s padded inside and out, allowing it to house a laptop — or be used as a pocket for stashing spine armor. 

Despite offering a collective 21 liters of internal storage volume, this real estate is divided across the bag, making it harder to fit larger items into it. Even though it sports roughly the same volume as several of the other bags I tested, its overall storage space feels quite a bit more limited. This isn’t an issue for daily commuting and weekend runs through the canyons, but it does mitigate the Tek Pak’s conduciveness to touring and long-range two-wheeled travel. I also think the cable lock is great but it does require that you use your own separately-purchased lock. This isn’t a big deal considering how cheap and widely available locks are these days, but I still would have liked to see Klim include one with the pack — even if it resulted in the price being a tad higher. The bag didn’t fair particularly well in our in-house hose-spray test, though it wasn’t engineered to be waterproof — only weather-resistant — so it’s hard to fault Klim for this. Lastly, as you can probably tell just from looking at it, there’s just a lot going on with this bag’s design. The front face of the pack just feels a bit cluttered and it does take a bit of time to become fully acquainted with — though once you get up to speed it becomes clear each element serves a specific function and/or purpose, making its overall busyness a lot easier to justify.  

Verdict: Offering fantastic bang-for-your-buck, the Klim Tek Pak is a compact riding bag that’s laden with moto-specific features that make it an excellent choice for commuter or short-range two-wheeled travel — not to mention one of the best harness systems on the market. 

Fuel Moto Expedition Backpack

Best All-Weather Pick: Based in Barcelona, Fuel Motorcycles first got its start in 2012, building its name on the strength of its retro-inspired custom bike builds before eventually expanding its operations to include producing an impressive range of riding gear and accessories — like the Fuel Moto Expedition Backpack. Tipping the scales at under 3.0lbs, the aptly-named Expedition pack is an ultra-rugged moto-specific carry solution that’s been engineered from the ground up for off-road and adventure riding — though the thing lends itself just as well to daily-use and commuting. Completely waterproof — and even submergible — Fuel Moto’s Expedition Backpack is cut from a hardwearing coated polyester that’s been pieced together using welded seams before being capped off with SuperFabric reinforcements at the base of the pack. 

Affording 30 liters of storage space, the Expedition Backpack consists of one single main cavity with a roll-top closure that isn’t supplemented by any additional pockets or compartments. In addition to its main roll-top closure, the pack’s single main compartment can also be accessed via a vertically-running side zipper and off-set vertical front zip — both of which use coated, waterproof tracks. Though I was initially worried the bag’s exterior zipper tracks may compromise its waterproofing, I actually came to really appreciate both the existence of the tracks, along with their orientation and placement, as it allowed me to easily remove smaller items from the pack without having to take it off and undo the rollmop closure. In fact, the side zipper appears to have been designed to allow you to use it while still wearing the backpack on one shoulder. Made by world-renowned custom motorcycle shop and boutique gear brand, the backpack also boasts a harness system consists of a standard set of padded and vented shoulder straps supplemented via a sternum strap that’s adjustable for both height and tension. 

Thanks to its coated poly construction, welded seams, and waterproof tracks, the Expedition Backpack affords remarkable levels of waterproofing — plus it even has a pressure release valve. In our hose-spray test, not a single drop of water found its way into the interior of the bag. In typical Fuel Moto fashion, a great deal of time and effort clearly went into the branding, graphics, and overall style of the bag. The Spanish shop’s logo adorns the front of the pack, just below the words “Fuel Motorcycles Expedition Garments Division.” The very bottom of the bag has also been decorated in black and white safety stripes while the top of the pack’s front face sports a Velcro pile for ID tags and morale patches — two of which are included with the backpack. I also really appreciate the bag’s super beefy, heavily-reinforced rubber grab handles on the top and side of the pack, as they not only make the backpack super easy to grab and pickup, but they also serve as effective mounting points for securing the thing to a bike. In fact, its harness system is removable, allowing it to intentionally double as a soft pannier, tail bag, or duffel bag. And, though it is made in China, the build quality on this bag is pretty fantastic. All in all, it also affords pretty solid bang-for-your-buck. 

The Fuel Expedition Backpack is about as minimalistic as a roll-top bag can get, with just a single main compartment that’s completely and totally devoid of any organizational features. This is fine for motorcycle camping or off-roading, though it definitely leaves something to be desired when using the bag for commuting to and from the office. I’d also really liked to have seen Fuel bestow the thing with a laptop sleeve. Likewise, I feel like the pack could also really benefit from some exterior attachment points for lashing extra gear to the outside of the bag. Being designed for adventure and off-road use, it actually really surprised me that Fuel didn’t opt to include any exterior webbing or netting. And, while it offers pretty decent support compared to a regular backpack, the Expedition pack’s harness system simply pales in comparison to the more advanced harness setups on bags like the Enduristan Hurricane 25 Rucksack, Kriega Max28, and Klim Tek Pak models also featured on this list. 

Verdict: Extremely minimalistic in nature, the Fuel Motorcycles Expedition Backpack is a super-rugged carry solution that’s perfect for anyone that favors waterproofing over robust organizational amenities. 

Revival Cycles Dirt Bag Rolltop Backpack

Most Versatile Pick: Revival Cycles is a world-class custom motorcycle shop famous for brining beautiful designs to life using meticulous craftsmanship, top-shelf materials, and a painstaking level of attention to detail — a formula also used to create the Austin-based outfit’s first-ever backpack design. The Revival Cycles Dirt Bag Rolltop Backpack is a highly-versatile 25-liter bag that’s crafted from a rugged sonic-welded 840-denier nylon with a thick TPU coating that affords the thing robust levels of waterproofing. Weighing in at a little over 2.50lbs, the Dirt Bag Rolltop takes a minimalistic yet thoroughly premium approach to bag-making. 

The Dirt Bag Rolltop Backpack hugely benefits from the use of super high-end trim and hardware throughout. On top of waterproof zippers with zipper garages and custom-branded HYPALON pulls, this bag also sports mini Cobra-style quick-release buckles for its roll-top closure. Even the harness systems adjustment buckles and sternum strap hardware consist of aluminum items — in fact every piece of hardware on the entire thing is of the alloy variety. This unequivocally represents one of my favorite features on this bag, as all-alloy hardware setups are extremely rare — even more so on a backpack at this price. Speaking of price; Revival’s Dirt Bag Rolltop offers pretty fantastic bang-for-your-buck considering all you get for under $200. It’s value is furthered by the fact that this pack is extremely versatile, lending itself just as well to riding as it does airline travel or regular (off-the-bike) EDC use — an area owed to elements such as its bevy of organizational features, exterior MOLLE webbing, luggage handle pass-through, and an appearance that doesn’t readily announce itself as being a motorcycle-specific carry solution. Revival also offers a matching 60-liter Dirt Bag Duffel bag model that’s cut from the same top-shelf, waterproof materials, equipped with the same premium hardware and trim, and offered in the same color options as the Dirt Bag Rolltop backpack. 

I was particularly surprised by how supportive and effective the bag’s harness system was, despite being devoid of a waist strap/belt. Even when fully loaded, the pack remained firmly planted against my back, preventing it from bouncing or shifting as I leaned and moved around on the bike. Is it as robust or effective as the more advanced harness setups found on the Klim, Kriega, and Enduristan packs? No. But it’s no doubt sufficient for riding duties — and markedly better than the harnesses used on the Fuel and Mission Workshop bags. Thanks to the use of EVA foam padding, the harness is also extremely comfortable. And, just like with Fuel’s Expedition Backpack, the Dirt Bag Rolltop performed phenomenally in our hose-spray test, with the pack’s contents staying completely and totally dry, even when the spray was directed straight at its front zipper track. I also really appreciate the slew of exterior attachment points that the Dirt Bag Rolltop features, as it allows its 25 liters of internal real estate to be massively bolstered. Though admittedly subjective, I also love the Revival Cycles branding decorating the pack — and that it’s applied using reflective printing. And, while it has zero impact on the bag’s performance or user experience, I think it’s really cool that the bag happens to be made by one of the world’s most elite custom motorcycle shops. 

As much as I genuinely love this backpack, it isn’t without a few minor issues here and there. For starters, the mesh water bottle pocket on the side of the pack feels decidedly cheaper compared to every other element on it. Sure, it works just fine, though the premium nature present everywhere else made this lightweight mesh construction stand out to me. Next, the extra layer of coating on the base of the pack only covers the sides and doesn’t extend to the bottom of the bag — another area I’d like to see changed. Additionally, I found the sternum strap was extremely stiff and difficult to adjust, even after days of use. Lastly, I would have loved to see Revival produce this backpack completely in-house as part of its Revival Limited lineup — though it’s build quality is still premium through and through, and its Chinese manufacturing no doubt plays a role in its more accessible price point. These minor gripes, however, are massively outweighed by everything else the bag has going for it — which is a lot. And, considering this is Revival’s first-ever attempt at producing a backpack, the Austin-based outfit has objectively knocked it out of the park in my opinion. 

Verdict: Made by one of the world’s most renowned custom motorcycle shops, the Revival Cycles Dirt Bag Rolltop Backpack is a wildly-versatile riding pack that benefits from premium materials, all-alloy hardware, and practical organizational features — amenities that make it just as conducive to travel and EDC use as it is riding. 

Kriega Max28 Expandable Backpack

Best Commuter Pick: Engineered from the ground up for commuting on two wheels, the Kriega Max28 Expandable Backpack is an ultra-hardwearing, riding bag that’s made from an immensely-durable combination of HYPALON and CORDURA Lite Plus. Compatible with hydration reservoirs, the bag features 22-liters of normal storage, though can be expanded to 28-liters — at which points it can accommodate a full-size full-face motorcycle helmet. In fact, just about anything one could want in a urban riding bag, the Max28 has. 

Kriega’s Max28 Expandable Backpack is premium through and through, from its top-shelf materials to its fantastic build quality to its use of high-end hardware and trim. I’m also particularly fond of the matte black-finished YKK zippers used throughout. Though the backpack itself is only weather-resistant, it does feature a tape-seam-sealed roll-top laptop compartment that’s fully-waterproof. Unsurprisingly, the bag faired pretty well in our hose-spray test, with not a single drop getting into the waterproof roll-top compartment, and the rest of the compartments only seeing a very small amount of water find its way in — an area no doubt owed to the pack’s HYPALON storm flap. Though one of the walls in my apartment is literally lined with over a dozen backpacks, the pack I used most days when commuting on two-wheels is Kriega’s R25 model, which features the brand’s original Quadloc harness system. Because I’m used to that bag’s harness, I expected the Max28’s Quadloc Lite harness to be noticeably less supportive. And while it does lack Kriega’s signature alloy waist tension adjusters — which allow the harness’ fitment to be perfectly dialed in with incredible ease — it nonetheless affords a nearly identical experience, which is a very good thing as I’d say the Quadloc system is the best harness setup I’ve ever experienced on a motorcycle pack. 

The bag is just clearly designed by a team with ample real-world riding experience. As such, it comes loaded with a myriad of super clever, practical features that hugely elevate the bag as a whole. For example, the bag features a series of dots sewn into the webbing on the shoulder straps, providing a visual point of reference that helps to ensure that said shoulder straps are always evenly adjusted. It’s honestly a feature that I think every backpack should have, as it’s simple, yet wildly effective. The Max28 also boasts the best organizational features out of every backpack that I tested — and by a pretty significant margin, too. Though it boasts super rugged materials and construction, should you manage to damage the bag, Kriega fully stands behind the thing with a generous 10-year warranty. I really appreciate the peace of mind that this decade-long warranty affords — plus it no doubt points to how incredibly durable and well-crafted the bag truly is. What it lacks in versatility, it more than makes up for with how insanely well it lends itself to daily commuting, too. Additionally, everything feels super secure, robust, and heavily reinforced. All in all, the Max28 is just an all-around stellar backpack. 

Though it provides excellent coverage and protection, accessing the waterproof compartment or the two other main compartments is a bit more elaborate and complex than I’d like, requiring four buckles to be undone and the roll-top to be opened. This isn’t a huge deal, though I found it particularly annoying when forgetting my gloves or keys in the bag, and then having to take it off and go through that entire process before being able to saddle up. For the price, I wouldn’t mind seeing the CORDURA Lite shell construction upgraded to a ballistic-grade material, though the 420-denier shell is nothing to scoff at. The Max28’s back panel is super plush and is immensely comfortable, though it’s for sure lacking in breathability — at least compared to other bags I tested like those from Enduristan, Mission Workshop, and Fuel Moto. Like Revival’s Dirt Bag Rolltop, all of the Max28’s downsides are massively outweighed by its laundry list of highlights and noteworthy features. 

Verdict: The Kriega Max28 Expandable Backpack is something of the ultimate urban riding pack, combining a world-class harness system with stellar weatherproofing and equally impressive organizational amenities — making this the obvious choice for those that commute on two-wheels. 

Enduristan Hurricane 25 Rucksack

Best Off-Road/ADV Pick: Engineered in Switzerland and developed using a spare-no-expense approach, the Enduristan Hurricane 25 Rucksack is an ultra-rugged and ultra-robust riding bag built specifically to meet the needs of modern-day off-road and adventure riders. Offering 25 liters of storage space while weighing in at just 4.5lbs, the Hurricane 25 is composed of a super-hardwearing amalgamation of rubberized waterproof fabric and ballistic-grade 1,000-denier nylon. This high-end — and highly-durable — material selection is also pieced together using welded seams and a heavily-reinforced construction throughout. 

Though not necessarily minimalistic, the Hurricane 25 Rucksack is definitely simplistic, albeit not in a bad way. In total, the thing sports just three main compartments and tracks. Each of the three exterior zippers is equipped with massive oversized pulls. I quickly found myself appreciating this detail as said pulls made it super easy to open and close the pack while wearing riding gloves. It’s also worth noting that the Hurricane is the only motorcycle backpack currently on the market to feature zipper tracks that are legitimately waterproof — not weatherproof or water-resistant, but completely and totally waterproof. The Hurricane 25’s harness system is no doubt another major highlight on this pack, as it’s incredibly supportive and keeps the pack firmly planted against its wearer’s back. I do wish the backpack’s waist straps were integrated into the shoulder straps — like on the Klim and Kriega bags that I tested — though it’s hard to complain about this considering how well the harness works. The level of comfort and support it provides also makes it perfect for off-road and adventure use. The hip belt also boasts straps for Enduristan’s available Add Packs. And, while it was developed for off-road and adventure use, I found Enduristan’s Hurricane 25 Rucksack to be just as conducive to commuting applications, with great organizational amenities, stellar waterproofing, and impressive overall levels of durability. Inside, the Hurricane 25 Rucksack features an impressive array of organizational features that hugely up its ability to lend itself to commuting — including a padded laptop sleeve that can accommodate notebooks of up to 15”. The bag’s 25 liters of internal storage space has also been supplemented via an exterior mesh pocket that’s set beneath a corded webbing setup that makes it particularly easy to lash or mount extra gear or clothing onto the bag’s shell. 

The Hurricane 25 also features a Velcro pile for ID tags, labels, or morale patches, plus is compatible with the three-liter Hydrapak hydration system that Enduristan offers as an optional add-on. Though made in Taiwan, the bag could easily pass for a USA-made product, as its craftsmanship and overall build quality is just extraordinary. I was also really impressed with how the bag performed in our hose-spray test, as it didn’t allow a single drop to penetrate the shell, even when sprayed from practically every angle. Further elevating the bag is its interior organizational features, which include a series of elastic slips and loops, multiple zippered pockets, an admin pocket, several mesh pockets. The thing also sports a collapsible pockets on both sides of the pack for housing water bottles or fuel cans. And, while it’s admittedly a very small feature, I definitely appreciate the removable key clip buckle that provides a secure place to stash your keys when off of the bike. The pack’s exterior compression straps also do a terrific job of packing down the shell when it isn’t particularly full. I also really appreciate the slew of custom elements found throughout the bag, from its bespoke hard zipper pulls to its custom Enduristan-branded grab handle. 

In order for its tracks to achieve their true waterproof status, the Hurricane 25 uses chunky and robust zippers that are heavily coated. While this prevents even a drop of water from getting through the teeth, it does make for a particularly stiff zipper. In fact, right out of the box, these were probably the stiffest zippers I’ve ever experienced on any backpack or bag. Fortunately, Enduristan is well aware of this reality and has opted to include a tube of a silicone-based lubricant with each Hurricane 25 backpack. After applying just a bit of this stuff to the teeth of the tracks, the zippers were tremendously smoother and much, much, easier to open and close. They’re still a tiny bit stiff, but are no means difficult to use. At the end of the day, I only had two gripes with this bag — albeit both are pretty minor. Compared to how premium and robust the rest of the pack feels, the mesh construction of its fold-out water bottle pockets feel somewhat flimsy and cheap. They performed just fine, but this detail still stood out to me as it’s in stark contrast to the noticeably top-shelf nature of the rest of elements that comprise the bag. My only other issue is with the bag’s MSRP.  With a starting price of $300 — before any optional add-ons — the Enduristan Hurricane 25 Rucksack doesn’t come cheap. Having said that, when you factor-in its highly-calculated design, premium materials, and tremendous build quality, I’d actually argue its MSRP is justifiable. Sure, it may not be the most value-laden bag, but you really do get what you pay for here in my opinion. 

Verdict: Developed specifically for hardcore off-roading and adventure riding, the Enduristan Hurricane 25 Rucksack is an ultra-robust moto-specific carry solution that manages to lend itself just as well to commuting and everyday use, making it an obvious choice to consider when shopping for a riding pack. 

Mission Workshop Rhake VX

Best USA-Made Pick: While it technically wasn’t engineered specifically for riding, the Mission Workshop Rhake VX’s incredibly rugged and ridiculously weatherproof nature makes the thing beyond conducive to motorcycling. This upgraded version of the already stellar roll-top bag now features an extraordinarily lightweight and hardwearing, and 100% waterproof VX sailcloth construction and also adds a set of magnetic Fidlock buckles. Inside, the bag boasts a generous suite of organizers and compartments with 22-liters of space and a padded laptop sleeve that can accommodate notebooks of up to 17”. The use of the practically-rip-proof featherweight construction also allows this full-size commuter bag to tip the scales at less than 3.5lbs. The bag features a unique take on traditional roll-top designs that uses a folding VELCRO setup that’s then secured via a G-hook — a setup that’s ultra-secure, that provides stellar protection from the elements, and that allows the pack to be expanded to allow for more storage. 

Even though it doesn’t use welded seams, the use of its VX sailcloth construction nonetheless affords the VX-spec Rhake with some super robust levels of weatherproofing, as the bag can stand up to pretty much any weather short of a monsoon. Another area that sets this pack apart from other options on the market is its unbeatable organizational features. The interior of the bag and the way the pockets and its organizational amenities have been designed is just really practical and intuitive, brimming with genuinely usable features. The padded and ventilated shoulder straps are both super comfortable and super breathable. The use of oversized zipper pulls and the bag’s front-facing Fidlock buckles make it incredibly easy to open the pack’s front pockets, even with gloves on. I also really love how the sternum strap is secured using a Fidlock V-buckle, as it makes it super easy to open or close, even when wearing riding gloves and a motorcycle helmet. 

So, while it isn’t a motorcycle-specific backpack, the Rhake VX’s litany of strengths and highlights make it more than deserving of a spot on this list. The Rhake VX isn’t just one of the best motorcycling backpacks, one of the best backpacks period. Whether you’re looking for an office and work bag, an EDC backpack, or a travel pack, the Rhake really can do it all. Super rugged and durable, the MW Rhake VX also features a pair of Arkiv rails on the shoulder straps, allowing for a myriad of optional modular attachments such as a cellphone pocket. The RHake is also compatible with Mission Workshop’s Arkiv Tool Pocket and Internal Tool Roll. As you can probably guess by now, the hose-spray test didn’t manage to penetrate the shell of the bag, its unique roll-top design, or the waterproof zipper tracks used throughout the bag. 

Because it wasn’t designed to be a motorcycle backpack, it unsurprisingly has a few shortcomings when being judged for moto use, such as its harness system which no doubt leaves something to be desired compared to more robust moto-specific setups like those found on the above Klim and Kriega packs. What’s more, the main compartment’s interior liner sometimes comes out of the bag when removing larger items — making me wish the company had opted to anchor this interior liner. The bag also doesn’t have a waist strap, and, unlike several other Mission Workshop bags, the Rhake isn’t offered with an available hip belt upgrade. Lastly, at $545, the Rhake VX is an objectively pricey bag. With its ultra-premium materials, top-shelf hardware, and domestic manufacturing, it isn’t too difficult to justify its price tag, though nearly-$550 is just a lot to spend on a backpack — though it is practically guaranteed to last a lifetime. 

Verdict: While not engineered for motorcycling duties, the Mission Workshop Rhake VX boasts a level of durability, organizational features, and immense weather resistance that make it a go-to option for anyone that can swing its nearly $550 MSRP. 

Motorcycle Backpacks Comparison Chart

What To Consider When Shopping

If you haven’t spent time trekking to and from work and the local shops on a bike, then there are likely aspects that you may not think to consider when buying a new bag for commuting. To help get you privy to some of those finer points, we’ve outlined the top ten most crucial aspects to take into account when in the market for a moto commuter pack.

Intended Use: How you plan on using your bag should be the main factor that guides your purchase, as this will determine what amenities and features you’ll likely need, as well as the size of your bag, its degree of durability, and weatherproofing, among numerous other elements. It’s also important to point out that while backpacks offer unrivaled convenience for urban commuting, bike-mounted luggage tends to be a better option for motorcycle touring and long-distance use.

Size: Piggybacking off of your intended use, the size of the bag – which is typically measured in liters — that you need should be determined by the gear you plan on routinely shlepping with you to and from work. You’ll also want to consider whether you plan on taking a laptop or tablet to work and the size of your device(s), in order to ensure a bag can accommodate your complete daily loadout.

Fitment & Balance: It’s extremely important that a motorcycle backpack fits its wearer snugly and has its weight tightly and evenly distributed across their shoulder, sternum, and waist straps. Loosely-fitting backpacks — especially heavy ones — can pull riders in one direction and throw off their balance. The types of supplementary straps and fitment systems present on motorcycle backpacks are a big part of what separates riding bags from other types of vessels.

Materials & Construction: No matter what type of bag you’re buying, it’s always worth exploring the materials and construction techniques, and this is even more important when it comes to riding backpacks. If a regular backpack tears, you might drop some of your belongings, though if a moto bag breaks, you run the risk of all of your stuff spilling out across a busy freeway at 60mph+. In the event you should go down, it’s also important to have a backpack that — like the rest of your gear should be able to — can survive a slide on the tarmac at speed.

Weatherproofing: Unlike cars, motorcycles provide practically zero coverage from the elements. As such, weatherproof bags are somewhat essential, especially for those that commute on two-wheels rain or shine. It’s also worth exploring a particular bag’s degree of weatherproofing, as these backpacks can range from being able to stand up to light rain, to being fully-submersible under multiple feet of water without letting in a single drop.

Moto Amenities: Part of designing a backpack specifically for motorcycling often means bestowing a bag with features that specifically cater to the needs of riders. This includes elements such as helmet carriers, built-in armor, rain covers, hydration sleeve compartments, action camera mounts, helmet carriers, reflective elements, and integrated (or removable) motorcycle tool rolls, just to name a few.

Harness System: Though it’s technically another motorcycle-specific amenity, this area is no doubt deserving of its own call-out here, as a decent harness system plays a monumental role in separating the best moto bags from the rest. This area is so pivotal because it not only helps distribute the entire weight and load of the bag across the wearer’s entire body, but it also keeps it planted firmly and snuggly against the rider’s back, preventing it from shifting and swaying as they move around on the bike. 

Mounting Options: While we personally prefer using a backpack for motorcycle commuting, there are undeniably times when a tail bag is simply a better choice. For this reason, it’s more than worth looking into motorcycle commuting backpacks that have integrated tie-down straps and mounting points that enable them to double as tail, sissy-bar, or saddlebags.

Tech & Laptop Storage: For the vast majority of us, laptops, tablets, and other devices have become increasingly integral parts of day-to-day life. This makes laptop, tablet, and tech storage of particular importance, which in turn makes it crucial to review each motorcycle pack’s device storage amenities, as well as if the bag’s device compartment(s) or sleeve(s) is padded, floating, or equipped with a false bottom. 

Style: While shopping for a motorcycle backpack should mainly be about function and utility, there’s nothing wrong with letting your aesthetic tastes play a key role in your decision-making process, especially considering that the industry currently offers a wide range of truly stellar bags in all manner of shapes, styles, and colors. And, while backpacks admittedly may not be as comfortable or practical as a tail bag in some situations, a lot of riders simply prefer the appearance of a backpack over mounting luggage onto their bike.

Honorable Mentions

Not unlike Fuel Moto’s Expedition Backpack, the Dainese D-Storm Backpack is a robust all-weather riding backpack that offers 26-liters of fully-waterproof storage space — including a 15” laptop compartment — thanks to a TPU film-laminated 420-denier nylon construction that’s been pieced together using welded seams throughout. Sporting an aerodynamic shape, the D-Storm is a stellar riding bag, though it’s currently being phased out of production, leading us to include it only as an honorable mention. 

Combining design elements for cycling packs and military bags, the Biltwell EXFIL-48 Backpack is a heavy-duty riding bag that offers some pretty incredible bang-for-your buck. Priced at under $200, the EXFIL-48 features an ultra-rugged PVC-coated ballistic-grade 1,680-denier nylon construction and packs a ventilated BioFoam back panel, a padded laptop compartment, half-a-dozen heavy-duty exterior lashing points, and enough storage space to house 8 six-packs (48x 12oz cans) of your favorite canned beverage. 

Benefitting from the brand’s “No Drag Technology,” the OGIO No Drag Mach 3 Backpack is a unique, aerodynamic 22.1-liter riding pack that’s constructed around a streamlined single shot-molded PU exterior. Weighing less than 3.0lbs, the NDM3 comes loaded with 360° reflective safety piping, a dedicated shoe storage compartment, an integrated helmet carry strap, hydration system compatibility, a concealed carry handle, a fully-adjustable harness system with a tac pack-style quick-release system and a shoulder gasket that conforms to body, and a padded 15” laptop sleeve supplemented by a second padded tablet sleeve and a fleece-lined electronics pocket — all in an ultra-sleek and highly-aerodynamic package. 

With Kriega unequivocally making some of the best moto carry and storage solutions on the market and REV’IT! churning out some of the finest riding gear that money can buy, it should come as no surprise that when the two come together the brands produce one of the best adventure packs on the market in the form of the REV’IT! Barren 18L H2O Backpack. Using Kriega’s fantastic QUADLOC-Lite harness system, this expedition-ready backpack features a fully waterproof 11-liter main storage compartment with a seam-taped liner that’s joined by a rear 7-liter compartment, plus sports a HYPALON exterior lashing system, an air-mesh back panel, hydration system compatibility, and Kriega’s normal brand of top-notch craftsmanship. 

While most motorcycle backpacks protect your everyday carry essentials, work kit, and other gear, the Helite H-Moov Electronic Airbag Backpack actually protects the bag’s wearer. This is thanks to the integration of a state-of-the-art wireless airbag system that’s controlled by an advanced algorithm being fed real-time data from a series of accelerometers, gyroscopes, and GPS sensors — though the pack is also offered in a mechanically-deployed (tethered) version — as well as an onboard SAS-TEC level 1 back protector. Cut from water-repellent fabric and fitted with waterproof closures, this 18-liter riding bag undoubtedly represents one of the biggest innovations in the moto backpack space, and while it doesn’t come cheap, it’s easy to justify investing in considering its ability to hugely mitigate the chance of an injury in the event of a crash, with the airbag covering the wearer’s back, neck, chest, abdomen, and sacrum.

Tested: The Best Motorcycle Helmets For Everyday Riding

While there’s no denying the fact that motorcycle backpacks are a bonafide must-have for any rider, the reality is that they aren’t quite as essential as motorcycle helmets — the latest and greatest of which can be found in our extensive guide to and hands-on review of the best motorcycle helmets for every rider.