A good place to start is by choosing a bag that has enough room for all your gear and then thinking through what you need on each ride and where it should bestow. Having a designated place for everything is important, especially if you’re riding off-road—it helps avoid the kind of frantic hunt that ruins an otherwise good ride.
Backpack’s Back Panel
A backpack’s back panel serves a couple of purposes: to hold your gear in place during hard braking or cornering, which protects you from being knocked around; and to keep your back cool by allowing airflow between your jacket and the bag, so you don’t overheat.
Fitting a bigger backpack to a smaller bike can be difficult, but there are several things you can do: first, check the manufacturer’s specs for load capacity (in pounds) on your motorcycle. Then, if you’re on a cruiser or touring bike, try one of the bigger bags. (If you ride a sportbike, you’ll probably find that even a large backpack doesn’t fit.) Even with larger bags, though, there are still ways to make it work —you can pack small items in stuff sacks and slide them into the bag’s tail pocket, for example.
Motorcycle Bag That’s Sized to Fit your Bike
Another strategy is to buy a motorcycle bag that’s sized to fit your bike but then change its configuration. Redesigning the interior of a backpack can be as simple as removing internal dividers or relocating pockets; others may need more extensive alterations. Be sure to check with a knowledgeable salesperson before attempting this yourself, especially if you’re working with a waterproof bag that has welded seams.
Hydration Pack
A hydration pack allows you to drink more easily on the road, but it’s important to follow some precautions (see box below). It can be tempting to fill your bladder since that will prevent it from leaking when it’s hanging inside of your backpack, but the downside is that it’s uncomfortable to drink from a full bladder.
Those who use hydration packs open up the bag so they can access the drinking tube without removing it from their shoulder straps or top-loading back panel —the two most common mounting spots for hydration bladders. This makes them easier to fill and provides better ventilation.
You can do the same thing with a water bottle—simply slide it into a pocket or clip it to the outside of your bag. You’ll have to stop and take off one of your gloves to use the valve, but you’ll be better off than if you didn’t have access to any liquid during long rides.
You Need More Than Just the Right Size of Motorcycle Backpack
When it comes to choosing a backpack, you need more than just the right size—you also want to pick one with the features that best suit your needs. If it’s built for off-road riding, for example, it should have sturdy handlebars and maybe straps that go over your shoulders instead of around them (riders who wear jackets may not like this, but they’ll be glad when it’s time to go off-road). For touring, the most essential features are comfort and durability.
Good Air Vents
Air vents make a big difference in how much heat you absorb while you’re riding; those with a lot of ventilation tend to be lighter as well. The same is true of air channels that separate your back from contact with the bag’s outer shell—bag designers use all manner of materials to accomplish this, including mesh, foam, and gel. In general, it’s best to find a backpack that doesn’t have large seams on its back panel; making do with seams is better than wearing something you can’t stand because it feels too hot.
Waterproof Motorcycle Bags
Although waterproof bags are the best choice for wet conditions, they aren’t great for summer riding because their shells don’t breathe well. (If you’re planning multi-day tours in warm weather, you may want to consider a hydration pack just so you can use it year-round.)
Fabric
The kind of fabric that’s used is also important—most bags are made from nylon or a combination of nylon and mesh. Polyester won’t absorb moisture, so it’s best for winter riding; the other materials let sweat pass through their fibers, which is better for when you’re working up a sweat in hot weather.
What you plan to carry in your Motorcycle Pack
In terms of size, this really depends on what you plan to carry in your pack. If you wear a tank bag, it can serve as an outer pocket and keep the weight down so you don’t have to haul too much stuff around with you. But if a tank bag isn’t available (or you’re just not a fan), then think about what’s most important to have on hand when you hit the road.
The fact that these bags are in your motorcycle backpack can also mean that you’ll take fewer items with you on the road. This is especially true if there’s a lot of stuff to be stowed; anything that isn’t absolutely essential tends to stay home so things don’t get too heavy. If the only things you’re hauling around are tools, a few sets of rain gear, your wallet, and maybe a phone/camera, then there’s no need to go for anything larger than the basic bag. In fact, you may find that you’d rather use something smaller if it means not overloading your ride.
Well, that’s about it–you’ve got the whole spectrum covered now so you know exactly what to look for when you’re shopping. The best thing to do is check out a few models (in person if possible), try them on, and then leave one in your bag until the next time you go for a ride—that way there’s no guessing, and you’ll be able to see how it feels once you’re out on the road. Good luck!
