Custom motorcycles aren’t exactly known for their luggage capacity. That’s part of the charm—clean lines, stripped-down silhouettes, and a focus on aesthetics over utility. But it also means that when it’s time to haul groceries, head out on a weekend trip, or carry your laptop to work, a backpack often becomes the default solution.
And while any old rucksack will technically do the job, the best backpacks for motorcycle riders are designed with the road in mind. They’re built tougher, resist the elements, and offer clever features for both on and off the bike.
We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites. Here are six backpacks for motorcycle riders.
Kriega x Roland Sands Design Roam 34 Backpack
The Roam 34 is what happens when a heritage aesthetic meets modern engineering. Built in collaboration with Roland Sands Design, it pairs waxed cotton panels with Kriega’s tried-and-true 1000D Cordura and QUADLOC-Lite harness. The result is a backpack that looks right at home on a classic café racer but performs like the rest of Kriega’s bulletproof luggage line.
Capacity-wise, the Roam 34 is split into three sections: a laptop sleeve, a fold-down organizer compartment, and a main bay that expands from 22 to 30 liters. It was designed to fit a full-face helmet when needed, or handle a grocery run without breaking a sweat. Add in a fleece-lined eyewear pocket, optional waist strap, and sissy bar attachment straps, and you’ve got a bag that’s equally happy on your back or lashed to your bike.
Available in black or ranger green, the Roam 34 manages to be both understated and versatile. It’s a rare backpack that nails both style and substance without compromise. [Kriega]
Biltwell Exfil-48 Backpack
Biltwell knows about adventure. Trips like Operation Numbnuts and the El Diablo run have given them endless insight into how to pack your gear on a motorcycle, and the Exfil-48 is a perfect execution of this knowledge.
Like all of Biltwell’s Luggage, the Exfil-48 is named for its ability to carry 48 twelve-ounce cans—two cases of beer, if that’s your kind of road trip math. This rugged piece is built from 1680D ballistic nylon with a PVC coating for durability and water resistance.
The layout is simple but thoughtful. There’s one main compartment with a padded laptop sleeve, plus two secondary compartments for tools, keys, and small gear. Each one is lined with hi-vis orange nylon so you won’t be fishing around in the dark. A PVC-treated tool caddy sits in the lower pocket, and cinch straps make sure the load stays stable—or help secure the bag to a sissy bar when you don’t feel like carrying it.
Comfort hasn’t been overlooked either. The shoulder straps are padded and adjustable, a sternum strap provides stability, and a ventilated BioFoam back panel helps manage airflow. The Exfil-48 is built for abuse, but it’s also practical enough for everyday duty.
RGD Submersible Airtight 35L Backpack
If your rides regularly involve torrential downpours or salty coastal air, the RGD Submersible Airtight 35L might just be overkill—but in the best way possible. Constructed from a 600D TPU shell with scuba-grade airtight zippers and double-stitched seams, it’s designed to withstand rain, snow, dust, and even odors. It carries an IP67 rating, which means your gear will stay dry even if the pack goes underwater.
The main compartment opens via a full-length vertical zipper, making it easy to load larger or wider items—something some roll-top designs struggle with. Two additional airtight face pockets add useful storage for electronics, snacks, or quick-access essentials. Oversized mesh pockets hold bottles or fuel canisters, while multiple external straps help lash on tents or sleeping bags.
At 35 liters, the RGD Submersible hauling power, yet it’s built to carry comfortably, thanks to robust kidney and chest belts. Multiple anchor points give you the ability to attach the bag a luggage rack or sissy bar, too, making it one of the most versatile heavy-duty motorcycle backpacks on the market. [Rugid Gear]
Nelson Rigg Hurricane 2.0 Backpack
Nelson Rigg has been making luggage for decades, and the Hurricane 2.0 is their no-nonsense waterproof option. Made from UV-coated PVC tarpaulin with electronically heat-welded seams. Its roll-top design guarantees your gear stays dry.
With a 30-liter capacity, the Hurricane 2.0 strikes a nice balance between everyday practicality and road-trip readiness. A purge valve makes compression easy, so you can cinch it down tight for stability. There’s MOLLE webbing for add-ons, a hydration bladder pocket, and even a side pocket sized for a 30-ounce fuel bottle. Add in Nelson Rigg’s lifetime warranty, and you’re looking at a waterproof pack that’ll last as long as your riding career. [Nelson-Rigg USA]
Malle Expedition Backpack Backpack
Malle London approaches gear with the same adventurous spirit as their rallies. Tested on the Malle Rallies across Britain, the Alps, and even 5,500 miles to Nordkapp in the Arctic Circle, their products, like the Malle Expedition Backpack, are more than just a fashionable accessory. They are built to endure long days in the saddle, harsh conditions, and rough terrain—yet still look elegant when you’re off the bike.
Handmade from waterproof coated canvas with bridle leather accents, welded brass hardware, and military-spec webbing, it’s as much a piece of craftsmanship as it is a travel tool. Flexible capacity and smart attachment points make it adaptable for daily commutes or global expeditions
Inside, you’ll find a quilted lining, a padded laptop pocket, a secret passport pocket, and a storm hood with quick-access mesh storage. If you want a backpack that blends heritage style, expedition-grade durability, and a dash of luxury, the Expedition Backpack is it. [Malle London]
KLIM Nac Pak Backpack
For riders that split their time between asphalt and dirt, the KLIM Nac Pak is a trusted name. Redesigned for longer rides, it balances storage, comfort, and hydration in a package that’s rugged without being bulky. The molded, vented back panel and race-inspired straps keep it secure and breathable, even on technical terrain.
The Nac Pak comes with a removable tool pouch, a padded sleeve for a small laptop, and an optional 3-liter Hydrapak bladder. Add in compression straps, glove-friendly zipper pulls, and a goggle pocket with its own chamois, and you’ve got a backpack that covers more bases than most.
Sized right for a full day of adventure, the Nac Pak is versatile enough for trail riding, enduro weekends, or even daily commutes. It’s proof that not all moto backpacks have to be oversized to be effective. [KLIM]
Backpacks may not be the most glamorous part of custom culture, but they’re one of the most indispensable. The right pack keeps your gear safe and dry, carries comfortably for hours, and looks good doing it. Whether you lean toward waxed cotton heritage vibes, expedition-ready waterproofing, or dirt-focused utility, there’s a backpack here that’ll match both your motorcycle and your riding style.
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