Motorcycle luggage is an essential piece of motorcycle gear for riders who need to carry a lot while enjoying the freedom of two wheels. Whether you’re going on a long-distance tour, commuting to work, or just running errands around town, having the right luggage can make your ride more convenient and comfortable.
With so many options available, choosing the best motorcycle luggage can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll break down the key types of motorcycle luggage—backpacks, saddlebags, tail bags, and tank bags—to help you make the best decision for your riding style and needs.
Backpacks are the most portable and versatile type of motorcycle luggage. They’re easy to wear, can carry a variety of items, and don’t require any mounting hardware. However, not all backpacks are created equal, especially when it comes to motorcycling. If you’re considering a backpack for your motorcycle travels, here’s what to keep in mind.
Motorcycle-specific backpacks are designed with the rider in mind. These are the features you should look for:
Popular models include the Kriega R20 Backpack, known for its durable materials and ergonomic design, and the OGIO No Drag Mach 5 Backpack, which features an aerodynamic shape and plenty of storage.
Read about the best motorcycle backpacks.
Saddlebags are a classic choice for motorcycle luggage. They offer substantial storage space and are perfect for longer trips or tours. Mounted on either side of the rear seat, saddlebags provide a balanced load and easy access to your gear without affecting the bike’s handling.
Popular choices include the Milwaukiee Leather Throw-Over Saddlebags for a traditional look, and the Givi Trekker Outback Hard Saddlebags, known for their rugged durability and secure mounting system.
Read about the best motorcycle saddlebags.
Tail bags are a compact and convenient motorcycle luggage option. Designed to sit on the tail of the bike (either on the rear seat or a luggage rack), tail bags are perfect for those who need storage space without the bulk of saddlebags. Tail bags are ideal for daily commuting, short weekend trips, or storing small essential items.
Popular models include the Cortech Super 2.0 Tail Bag, known for its expandable capacity, and the SW-Motech PRO Roadpack Tail Bag, which offers excellent waterproofing for all-weather riding.
Read about the best tail bags.
Tank bags are mounted on the fuel tank and are among the most accessible types of motorcycle luggage. They’re perfect for carrying small, essential items like your phone, wallet, or maps. Many tank bags are equipped with clear, touchscreen-compatible panels, making it easy to use your smartphone or GPS without removing it from the bag.
Some top tank bag options include the Givi XS307 Tanklock Tank Bag, which offers a secure quick-lock mounting system, and the Oxford F1 Mini Tank Bag, known for its compact size and magnetic attachment.
Read about the best tank bags.
When selecting motorcycle luggage, consider the type of riding you do and the amount of gear you need to carry. For short trips and commuting, backpacks and tail bags may be sufficient. If you’re going on a multi-day tour or need more storage, saddlebags are a great option. Tank bags are ideal for keeping essential items within easy reach, making them perfect for both short and long trips.
Each type of luggage has its own advantages, so choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and preferences. By investing in high-quality motorcycle luggage, you’ll enhance your riding experience, making it more convenient, comfortable, and enjoyable.
Read all of my motorcycle luggage articles below.
I love a good duffle bag and the REAX Poseidon Dry Bag is exactly the kind of duffle I want on my next motorcycle trip out of town.
A lot of motorcycle luggage looks like, well, motorcycle luggage—saddlebags, tank bags, etc—but this bag looks more or less like any old duffle. It’s far from any old duffle bag, however, with tons of advanced features.
Continue reading “REAX Poseidon Dry Bag”If you’re like me, you could use saddlebags sometimes but not all the time. That’s where the Nelson Rigg Mini Expandable Sport Saddlebags come in.
These saddlebags are perfect for the person who needs a luggage option for a few trips or a weekend ride.
Continue reading “Nelson Rigg Mini Expandable Sport Saddlebags”If you’re not familiar with the Kriega US-20 Drypack, then you’re missing out. Kriega makes some of the best motorcycle luggage out there, and the US-20 Drypack gives you a bag that’s impervious to the weather and functional.
Kriega sells these bags in a variety of sizes, and with the design being modular, it’s easy to add and attach additional bags all the way up to 70-liter capacity. To start, though, let’s talk just about the 20-liter capacity bag.
Continue reading “Kriega US-20 Drypack”Motorcycle luggage is something that’s really important for long rides, but a good tank bag like the can be helpful for just about any ride, no matter how long or short it is.
This tank bag is packed with features that make it easy to use and a serious asset on your bike. I recommend checking it out.
Continue reading “Sedici T2 Como Tank Bag”Do you need some basic leather saddlebags that would look great on a classic motorcycle?
If you own a classic motorcycle or even a retro-styled one, then some vintage-looking leather motorcycle saddlebags are exactly what you need.
These leather motorcycle saddlebags will work for a variety of motorcycles, and they look better than most other products out there.
Continue reading “Leather Native Motorcycle Saddlebags”Some motorcycle luggage is handier than others, and the Biltwell EXFIL-48 is definitely one of the more easier bags out there. It’s a bag that works as a backpack and it easily straps to your bike when you’re riding.
