One of the oldest problems in the book for motorcycle riders is the lack of storage space which results in the question: what do I do with my helmet when I park up?
They are bulky, awkward to carry around, and simply quite annoying.
Fortunately for us, manufacturers have started to produce backpacks that will carry not only our stuff but also our lids when we aren’t riding.
We have gathered together some of the best on the market, followed by a short guide, so you know what to look for.
Let’s get started.
Here are our top backpacks for motorcycle helmets.
Seibertron Helmet Bag
Excellent Value, Good Quality, Large Capacity
A great value, huge capacity backpack that will hold your full-size helmet securely.
OGIO No Drag Mach 5 Backpack
Premium Construction, Aerodynamic, Hard-Shell
Perfect for keeping your stuff safe and secure, with a sturdy helmet strap.
Backpacks For Motorcycle Helmets Reviewed
Seibertron Backpack
It is a rare experience in the motorcycle world to find quality kit at reasonable prices, as generally with motorcycle gear, the saying “You get what you pay for” is the most accurate and true.
This Seibertron backpack on Amazon is the bag that breaks the rules; it proves that you don’t need to rob the bank to have quality motorcycle gear.
First off, there is an integrated adjustable helmet carrying system that can fit a full-size helmet comfortably in any size.
It is very secure, with a soft-lined flap covering three-quarters of the helmet and multiple ratchet straps holding it in place.
The bag is very large and has multiple compartments. It can easily fit a large laptop, change of clothes, pair of shoes, folders, drinks bottles, etc.
The compartments are accessible when the helmet is fitted on the bag, so there’s no fuss getting to your kit.
It is also waterproof, with the zippers, sewing thread, and webbing being water-resistant materials and construction.
An abundance of straps, hooks, and pockets means that attaching items to the bag for extra storage is super easy too.
It might be overkill for a daily commuter bag, but the value it offers is truly exceptional.
Pros:
- 900D ballistic material construction
- Very secure helmet carrying system
- Excellent value
- Adjustable
- Versatile options for storage
Cons:
- None
OGIO No Drag Mach 5 Backpack
The OGIO No Drag Mach 5 backpack sits at the other end of the scale altogether and is very much a premium bag.
This backpack has been thought through for what motorcyclists need out of a bag when riding, resulting in a hard shell aerodynamic pack that reduces drag significantly despite you carrying a large load.
The helmet carry strap is integrated and is built of Nubuck leather, so there is no worry of scratching your helmet from the strap.
There is a separate visor compartment, so carrying your spare clear or dark visor has never been easier, and there are no worries about it getting broken or scratched in transit.
It is in the materials used and construction that the premium feel of the backpack comes to light, with a fleece-lined electronics compartment, a protective laptop compartment, an organization panel, and a specific shoe compartment.
It has been designed to be ergonomic for maximum comfort and is expandable to suit all your riding needs.
Pros:
- Integrated helmet Nubuck leather carry strap
- Helmet visor compartment
- Quality construction
- Hard shell design
- Aerodynamic
- Expandable storage
Cons:
- Pricey
Shoei Backpack 2.0
It wouldn’t make sense to cover backpacks for motorcycle helmets and ignore the offering from one of the leading helmet manufacturers.
Shoei has released the Backpack 2.0, and it means business.
An external 3-point ratchet strap system and flap holds your helmet in place, along with a detachable visor bag that will keep a spare visor safe and secure.
It is a 35L backpack, so there is plenty of storage space, a specific laptop-carrying compartment, and padded protective areas to keep things safe.
An adjustable waist and chest strap help the bag fit to your body and stay comfortable.
It is a good all-round motorcycle backpack with enough space to take on your daily commute or overnight trip.
Pros:
- Safe and sturdy helmet carrying system
- Separate spare visor bag
- Large capacity
- Adjustable for comfort
Cons:
- Not waterproof
REAX Traveler Backpack
The REAX Traveler is a more casual-looking backpack that doesn’t scream motorcycle backpack, which will suit some riders aiming to be more subtle.
However, it is a very detailed and well thought out bag that will carry your gear and helmet safely and securely in comfort.
To carry your helmet, there is a secure compression strap that also doubles as a bottle opener.
It is the all-singing and dancing touring backpack for everything you could need when riding; it is also waterproof, so it will keep all your gear dry.
Padded compartments will keep everything safe, including a padded laptop compartment for laptops up to 17” in size.
Plenty of pockets of varying sizes allow you to fit everything in its place, and anti-theft zippers will secure your stuff when walking around town.
The straps are adjustable so you can get the right fit, and it is a molded pack for correct ergonomics when you are wearing it.
Pros:
- Quality materials and construction
- Comfortable
- Functional
Cons:
- A little bit complicated in its layout
Givi EA1O4B/ EA1O4GR Easy Range Backpack
The Givi Easy Range backpack is as simple as it gets, easily sinking your helmet into its pouch for safe, secure carry.
It has a waterproof rain cover that you can slip over to protect your stuff from the elements.
It has a 17L capacity that expands to 24L, the smallest of the backpacks on the list. Therefore it would make a good day bag for just the basics, a bottle of water, a wallet, an extra layer, and your helmet.
However, it will accommodate fitting in some extra bits on your way home if you pick up some shopping, etc.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Expandable storage
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Basic
- Smaller capacity
Buyers Guide
Care, Considerations and Cost
When buying a backpack for your helmet, there are a few things to consider to get the right one to suit your needs.
The key points to consider are:
- Is the bag comfortable to wear?
- Is your helmet secure?
- Is the backpack big enough?
- Does it offer the features you need?
Here are my top tips for buying a backpack for your motorcycle helmet:
Comfort
The most important thing for any backpack when riding your motorcycle is to ensure it is comfortable and fits properly.
The last thing you want is your bag to hurt your shoulders, back, neck, or rub under your arms; it can be distracting while riding and annoying.
So the best backpack should be adjustable so you can fit the bag properly. Being adjustable will be useful if you ride throughout the year and with different jackets too.
It should be snug to reduce any drag when riding, and when the backpack sits against your body, the pressure doesn’t sit in just one place on your back.
Chest straps or waist straps are also an excellent option to reduce strain.
Reducing drag is essential to keep you safe in adverse weather. The last thing you want is to have the wind hit the bag and cause you to swerve when riding.
Type of Helmet Carrier
Next, you need to consider the kind of carrying system you want out of your backpack.
Some backpacks come with a simple strap that hooks around your chin bar, others have pouches the helmet slips into, and others use a ratchet strap and flap system to hold the helmet in place.
All options are good and secure choices. With a good quality backpack, you shouldn’t have to worry about the carrying system failing and dropping your lid.
What you might want to think about, though, is that the backpacks with a simple strap for carrying your helmet will allow your lid to just hang down, and there is a risk of bashing it against things when you’re moving around wearing your backpack.
Another note is to check you can access the main compartments of the bag even with your helmet fitted; this is particularly applicable to those with a strap and flap system.
Capacity and Features
Lastly, make sure you think about how much stuff you want to carry in your bag and whether it has the capacity for it.
Remember that you can get all sorts of luggage for motorcycles that can carry heavier items easily, and keeping the backpack light will be best if making longer trips.
As for extra features, if you carry a spare visor when riding, going for a backpack with a visor pouch would be super helpful.
The backpacks we have picked vary in features and capacity, so if you need a laptop compartment and padded areas for your electronics, we have you covered. Alternatively, if you just want a helmet carrier and a place for your wallet, there is one for that too.
Just be sure to read the backpack’s spec to meet your needs.
Conclusion
Easily the best overall pick for a backpack for your helmet is the Seibertron Backpack on Amazon; it offers excellent value for money and is loaded with extra features that far exceed the price point.
The OGIO No Drag Mach 5 is the perfect choice if you want something more premium and luxe.