When it comes to motorcycle travel, choosing the right bags is just as important as selecting the right gear. For riders who value comfort, functionality, and style, SW-MOTECH offers backpacks and bags that are tailored for motorcyclists. With a sophisticated design and made from durable materials, these essential companions ensure a hassle-free experience whether you’re on a daily commute or an adventure ride. Their waterproof construction helps protect belongings from harsh weather conditions, making them the ideal choice for any journey.
If you’re searching for the Best Camera Bags for Travel, these backpacks not only keep your gear organized but also offer superior protection against the elements. Designed for both long-distance touring and quick rides, they provide the durability and practicality needed for demanding trips. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a casual traveler, these backpacks enhance your experience by ensuring your valuables remain secure in all weather conditions.
Waterproof Motorcycle Gear for Riders
A best rucking backpack is a must-have for motorcycle riders who need reliable gear for both daily commutes and longer trips. The Daily WP Backpack stands out with its waterproofing, ensuring your items stay safe and protected from harsh weather and road elements. Made from durable material, it offers robust storage space with multiple compartments to keep essentials organized and easy to reach. Whether you’re on adventurous tours or navigating through traffic, the Drybag 300 provides quick access while its reflective details enhance visibility. A true companion for any riding experience, it’s built to handle unpredictable conditions with ease.
Compact, Waterproof Storage for Riders
For motorcycle riders who need a compact and waterproof solution for carrying small items, the Belt WP Bag is an essential piece of gear. Designed for everyday use and shorter rides, it offers extra storage space for smartphones, wallets, and keys, keeping them dry even in heavy rain. Its lightweight build makes it easy to wear without adding bulk, making it an indispensable option for those who prefer a minimalistic setup on the road.
A comfortable ride demands the right gear, and a well-designed motorcycle backpack makes all the difference. For riders who need quick access to their essentials, choosing a backpack with multiple pockets ensures everything stays organized. Built for the road, these bags are crafted from weather-resistant materials, making them as reliable as Waterproof Camping Bags & Holdalls. Their modern design not only complements any outfit but also performs exceptionally in tough conditions. A durable backpack, securely attached without limiting movement, provides storage without bulk, ensuring freedom to ride comfortably. Whether it’s a short trip or a long journey, having stylish and functional gear means you’re always ready to go.
Backpack guide to the best motorcycle backpacks with our tried and tested favorite’s
A motorcycle rucksack is one of the most convenient options for riders who need to carry things while on the bike. Unlike tail packs, top boxes, tank bags, saddle bags, or panniers, a well-fitted backpack moves with the rider and offers a streamlined look, especially for those on a sportsbike with a seat cowl. There is a huge range of rucksacks available, from cheap everyday styles to expensive high-end designs, ensuring a tailor fit for every need. Many are made from soft fabric that adapts to the shape of what you’re stuffing inside, making them flexible and comfortable for long rides.
For those carrying essentials like wallets, keys, and water bottles, backpacks with external stretch pockets and a secure zip allow for easy access. If you need extra durability and protection, a hardshell option with a rigid outer helps keep items internally safe. Some models are designed with aerodynamics in mind, reducing drag at high speeds. If you’re into photography, investing in one of the best photography backpacks ensures your gear stays secure while riding.
Things to consider when buying a motorcycle rucksack
Size
Choosing the right size of a motorcycle backpack depends on what you require for your rides. If you’re packing for a long weekend, a 25-litres bag might not be enough, and you may need extra storage like panniers or a tailpack. For daily work, a smaller capacity bag is often sufficient, especially if the layout includes well-placed pockets and compartments to keep bits secure. If you carry a laptop or computer, look for a specific section designed for it. A well-organized bag with the right pieces and options will make your rides easier.
Construction
A motorbike adventure demands a rucksack that can withstand the elements while keeping your essentials secure. The right bag should offer weatherproofing to protect against unexpected rain, preventing your clothes and laptop from becoming soggy. A waterproof design, often reinforced with a rain cover, ensures that even a wet road won’t ruin your gear. Many backpacks include expandable sections to accommodate extra storage, while strong mounting straps make it easy to secure them as a tail bag. A well-designed mount system helps distribute weight evenly, so you’re not lugging around an ungainly load. Some models even feature dedicated space to carry a helmet, making them an essential companion for any rider needing a seamless change from the road to daily life.
of the best motorcycle rucksacks we’ve tested
Tried and tested by Justin Hayzelden for six months and 3,350 miles
“I opted for the biggest bag in the collection, the B-30 motorcycle backpack, as it has the option to be used as a rucksack or tail pack. Thanks to a well thought out ergonomic design it’s a comfortable thing to carry even when fully loaded, but that flexibility comes in handy if you want to expand on its 30-litre capacity with other bags in the modular range.”
“On a daily basis, the B-30 is my go-to rucksack and has more than enough internal storage to transport laptop, lunch and a change of clothes to the office. The outer construction is a tough but flexible rip-stop fabric with a kind of rubberised reinforced base, that feels like it’s been built to last. Inside is a removable waterproof dry bag, and as a neat touch extra bags can be added using the same hook and loop fastening to create separate compartments.”
Among the biggest advantages of the B-30 is its modular design, allowing riders to expand its 30-litre capacity based on their needs. This motorcycle backpack is a go-to choice for daily commutes, offering an ergonomic fit that remains comfortable even when fully loaded. The rucksack features multiple compartments with internal storage for a laptop, lunch, and a change of clothes, making it perfect for the office or long rides. Its outer construction is crafted from tough, rip-stop fabric, with a rubberised, reinforced base, ensuring it’s built to last.
The flexibility of this bag makes it easy to carry or use as a tail pack, adapting to any ride. It includes a removable waterproof dry bag to keep gear dry, while the hook and loop fastening adds a neat touch by securing extra items. With its range of features and transport versatility, this collection of well-crafted backpacks stands out as a reliable choice for riders.
Kriega R22 Backpack
Tried and tested by Steve Herbert-Mattick for five months and 2,600 miles
For over 20 years, Kriega has been crafting luggage that can withstand the toughest conditions, and the R22 is no exception. Designed for bikers, this back pack offers a 22-litre capacity, combining an 18-litre main compartment with a 4-litre non-waterproof front pocket for easy access. The waterproof section, featuring a roll-top closure and a removable, washable lining, keeps essentials like a laptop, lunch, or gym kit dry during a daily commute.
Built to endure, the R35 model even survived a 50mph crash, with only a scuff, proving that these bags are made to last a lifetime. The Quadloc-Lite™ harness helps in distributing weight evenly, reducing strain during a 500-mile, 15-hour ride, preventing fatigue in the shoulders and upper body. The moulded, padded straps and air-mesh back panel ensure a comfortable fit, even with light loads, making it a top choice for serious riders.
Alpinestars AMP-7 Backpack
Tried and tested by Michael Neeves for 13 months and over 10,000 miles
“It’s secure and comfortable to wear on and off the bike, thanks to its padded, vented and shaped shoulder straps, which have reflective strips around the front. There’s also a buckled waist strap and a chest strap that moves up and down on a rail, so you can get it in the perfect position. The chest strap has a neat magnetic fastener that can you flick open with one hand wearing gloves. All straps are adjustable.”
“I prefer the AMP-7’s clean, sleek looks over a bulkier canvas-type rucksack with their plethora of straps, buckles and drawstrings.”
“Over my 22-year MCN Road Testing career I’ve tested waterproof rucksacks, practical ones with lots of handy compartments and many have been comfy and easy to wear, but none have managed combine all those good bits and more, like the Alpinestars AMP-7. It does everything you want from a rucksack, but it’s fully-opening front flap, handy internal bag and neat waterproof cover are its highlights.”
The Alpinestars AMP-7 stands out as a comfortable and secure option for riders who need a reliable rucksack without unnecessary bulkier features. Unlike traditional canvas-type designs with a plethora of straps, buckles, and drawstrings, this backpack offers a clean, sleek look while maintaining practicality. The fully-opening front flap provides quick access to the internal bag, making it easy to organize your gear. A waterproof cover ensures protection in wet conditions, while multiple compartments keep essentials neatly stored.
For a comfy wear, the padded, vented, and shaped shoulder straps reduce strain, while the buckled waist strap and chest strap keep the backpack in a stable position during the bike ride. The magnetic fastener allows for a flick open action with one hand, even while wearing gloves. Reflective strips on the front improve visibility at night, adding a safety feature to the design. As someone with a 22-year Road Testing career at MCN, I can say this backpack blends waterproof protection with a practical and rider-friendly design.
Shad SW45 Rucksack
Tested by Ben Clarke for two months and 600 miles
The Shad SW45 is a rucksack that can be transformed into a roll bag, offering practicality for riders who need flexibility. With 40 litres of luggage capacity, it can handle a heavy load, making it perfect for any trip. Its IPX5 100% waterproofing ensures full protection without needing an external cover, so you can trust it in all weather circumstances. The novel flap design lets you carry a jacket, while the externally accessible pockets provide extra storage without losing main space.
For comfort, the plush shoulder straps, chest link strap, and waist strap help relieve pressure on your back, even when fully packed. Whether you’re in a rush and need to stuff it and go or require secure straps to fix it to your motorbike, this backpack adapts to every rider’s needs.
RST Rucksack
Tested by Gareth Evans for six months and 3000 miles
The RST range of motorcycle rucksacks is built for riders who want a practical and comfortable solution without an overly flashy design. This perfectly-sized bag offers a generous 42.5-litre capacity, making it ideal for daily use. It features a laptop pocket along with a trio of zipped smaller pockets to store essentials like disc locks and earplugs. Designed for durability, this backpack has taken a battering for six months and still looks nearly perfect, with hardly a nick on it.
For riders who need a reliable backpack for both daily use and long trips, the RST Rucksack offers a secure fit with adjustable chest straps and waist straps, ensuring stability while riding. Designed for endurance, its breathable padding and back protection enhance comfort, even on extended journeys. Whether carrying luggage for a trip or making a lifestyle choice, this bag delivers great value for its price. Inspired by Adventure Racing Backpacks, it blends durability with practicality, making every ride a joy. No matter the destination, this rucksack is a smart investment that offers functionality without compromising on style.
QBag Waterproof Backpack 15
The QBag Waterproof Backpack 15 is a cheap and cheerful option that delivers surprisingly good performance. With a 30-litre capacity, it easily holds a change of clothes, a laptop, a packed lunch, and a drink bottle, making it great for the office or gym. The roll top closure ensures a waterproof seal, keeping everything dry even in motorway spray. Built with tough, rubberised construction, it is designed to last and is easy to wipe clean after a ride.
Comfort isn’t overlooked, as the adjustable shoulder straps provide a secure fit. The waterproof zipped pouch keeps a wallet, phone, and spare gloves safe, while the mesh side pockets offer convenient access to items like a visor cleaning kit. Originally designed as a dry bag for canoe and yacht use, this backpack is a genuine bargain for riders needing a reliable storage solution.
The Oxford Atlas B-30 backpack has noticeable
similarities to the Kriega R30, making it a solid choice for riders covering long miles in different environments. However, key differences set it apart, offering a unique design with distinct features that make it stand out. While some might joke about a lawsuit, this review takes a closer look at how the kit performs on the road.
Construction
The Oxford Atlas B-30 backpack is built with 420D and 1000D polyester, reinforced with polyurethane waterproofing to keep gear dry. Its Hypalon synthetic rubber base adds durability, while the reflective strip on the centre panel improves visibility. The straps are shaped for a better fit, and the clipping system works well with an airbag setup. A magnetic Fidlock connector ensures quick and secure fastening, while strong snaps and cord adjustments make it easy to handle.
Inspired by the Kriega R30, this motorcycle luggage offers a tough design while staying comfortable for long miles. Even when loaded, the mesh panels make it softer on the back. The trade company gives credit to its features, offering a warranty for faulty materials or manufacture issues. Riders must register their purchase with an authorised stockist to make warranty claims. The detachable buckles, zip pullers, and liners are designed for easy replacement, adding more life to the backpack. Unlike standard bicycle bags, this one handles heavy use with ease. Over the years, it has proven to be tough in the real world, as seen in many written reviews, which are regularly updated to reflect real wear and tear.
Storage capacity
A good motorcycle backpack needs the right storage capacity, and this one delivers. The main compartment is fully waterproof and offers 30 litres of space, making it perfect for a weekend away, shopping, or even a family picnic. It includes a removable insert with Velcro hooks and loops, allowing you to organize the inner bag into compartments for separating clothes, food, or an electronic kit from water. The main section of the pack also features a tall, zipped pocket on the back panel and a zipped mesh panel on the side, ideal for carrying wet gear to let it dry in the wind while you ride. A 0.6-litre Sigg water bottle fits easily, or a larger bottle can be stored in the back pocket.
For smaller essentials, a small zipped pocket on the left strap is great for earplugs, while the right strap has a pocket with a Velcro closing that holds a credit card, though it’s a bit tricky with gloves. A cover flap adds security, and a quick-access pocket provides plenty of room for essential gear. You can also fit a large laptop or even a full-face helmet in the main area. For added versatility, an optional bag liner can be used to create a cool bag insert for keeping items chilled during a trip, whether on a motorbike, while cycling, or on a walk. The standard liner adds even more protection, making this backpack an excellent choice for everyday luggage needs.
Ease of fitting
The Oxford B-30 backpack is a versatile choice that can be strapped securely to your bike or worn comfortably for walking, cycling, or even a push-bike ride. The G-hook connection and adjustable straps allow for a snug fit, ensuring that the rucksack stays in place even when carrying extra luggage. The system is specially designed to work with Tourpacks and soft luggage, offering additional room when needed. The chest buckle and shoulder position can be quickly adjusted to keep the pack steady, while metal adjusters from Kriega allow you to make it looser or tighten it as required.
Over months of use, a minor criticism is that when the backpack is empty, the bottom tension can feel slightly off. However, the sewn-in markers help in maintaining the right position and preventing any flapping. The rear Velcro loops ensure no plastic or floating straps are flailing around while riding a motorbike. The load spread is well-balanced, so even when packed with shopping or a kit, there’s no strain on the shoulders or chest. Whether for an adventure, racing, or daily commuting, this bag offers a securely attached, easy-to-use fit.
Features
The Oxford B-30 backpack comes with extra features that make long rides more comfortable. A hydration pack is essential, especially in extreme conditions like a Spain heatwave, where temperatures stay high for hours on the road. Unlike the Kriega R30, this bag offers space for a 2-litre bladder, keeping cold water available to stay cool. The hook pocket is perfect for securing small essentials, while the liner bag adds convenience. The Source hydration system, trusted for over 15 years, ensures reliable performance on every ride.
Waterproofing
The main compartment of this pack features a roll-top design, ensuring a fully waterproof seal. Even in a Spain deluge, the side pockets and back pockets with water-resistant zips keep essentials safe from rain. Unlike the Kriega R30, this bag prevents water from pooling at the bottom, keeping gear dry. An inner bag adds extra protection, while the opening allows for an additional hydration bladder pipe without risking leaks or a damp interior during a ride.
Security
The Oxford rucksacks offer a secure way to carry gear while riding. Unlike traditional soft luggage, they can be strapped firmly to the bike, reducing movement. With multiple compartments, riders have the option to organize essentials efficiently. While stopping at a shop, some bags can feel vulnerable, but a secure lock feature helps keep belongings safe. Easy to pop on and off, this back-mounted design ensures convenience without compromising security.
Three alternatives to the Oxford Atlas B-30 rucksack
For riders looking for an alternative to the Oxford Atlas B-30, there are some tough, high-quality options that stand ahead in different areas. The Kriega R30 is an excellent choice, built as a piece of durable kit that many riders trust. Known for its gear storage and waterproofing, this pack has received strong review ratings, making it a solid pick for long rides.
If budget is a concern, the Oxford Aqua Evo at £89.99 is a decent option. It has great features and is cheaper than the B-30, though its smaller size may not suit everyone. Another Oxford model, the Atlas B-20, costs £149.99 and works well for riders whose funds allow a mid-range option. For those wanting a premium, high-spec pack, the Alpinestars Rover Overland at £209.99 is a strong contender. It has been reviewed for its advanced features and durability, and can be found at gb.alpinestars.com.
Oxford Atlas B-30 rucksack review: Verdict
The Oxford Atlas B-30 backpack is an accomplished piece of kit that delivers great value for its brand. With years of experience in motorcycle luggage, Oxford has created a well-made pack that offers plenty of space and brilliant features. The design touches make it practical for everyday use, whether on a motorbike, cycle rides, or even walks. While some elements of the Kriega R30 are absent, the Atlas B-30 has been used for over 4,000 miles and still performs reliably. Highly recommended, it’s a great choice to own. Feel free to tell me if you have any questions!
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