Riding a motorcycle may mean traveling light, but it doesn’t mean you can’t bring a fair bit of gear along with you. A good pair of saddlebags can turn a weekend warrior bike into a real-world commuter or a vehicle fit for Motorcycle Diaries-style epic journey. But there are many different types of saddlebags as there are motorcycles and destinations, so the best saddlebags for you depend on what you’re riding and the kind of journey you’re on.
Modern motorcycle saddlebag products range from traditional throw-overs that look as much at home on a horse as they do on a Harley Softail or 1970s chopper to laser-cut aluminum alloy hard cases for globetrotting modern bikes. These most extreme cargo units might actually hold up to a few lunar orbits and fiery earth reentry. Here we’ve listed a few that might work for you. A note about names: while saddlebags are also called panniers and vice versa, they both mean side-mount bags in this roundup.
- Nelson-Rigg Sierra Dry : Best Waterproof Saddlebags
- GIVI Monokey Dolomiti : Best Hard Case Adventure Saddlebags
- Milwaukee Leather Dual Pocket : Best Cruiser Saddlebags
- Kemimoto 50 Liter : Best Budget Saddlebags
- Chase Harper Phoenix : Best Universal Saddlebags
With 100% waterproof PVC fabric and heat welded construction, the Nelson-Rigg Sierra Dry definitely lives up to its name. Four quick-release straps make for a secure fit on everything from motorcycles to snowmobiles, and aircraft-grade aluminum buckles and hardware will certainly outlast cheaper plastic pieces on rival bags. Reinforced side plates and removable inserts keep these bags in shape, while two lightweight liners with grab handles are included for easy cargo transfer.
- Universal fit across the motorcycle and powersports spectrum
- Durable and distinctive metal hardware
- Removable shape-defining inserts and liners included
- Not suitable for some sportbikes
- Major style mismatch with the traditional cruiser crowd
- Limited cushioning foam
Rugged all-metal construction and an innovative mounting system make the GIVI Dolomiti series the ultimate luggage for dual-sport and adventure riders alike. The Monokey system allows all the cases you add to be locked with a single key, which is another convenient feature when traveling light. The aluminum shell of these cases delivers nearly impervious cargo protection, and smoothed corners help them slip through the air and deflect branches. That can potentially reduce rider and passenger impact injury. The only downside? These around-the-world capable cases don’t come cheap.
- Rugged die-stamped aluminum shell
- Single key for case lock and mounting
- 100% waterproof and lightweight
- Premium quality, but also a premium price
- Confusing fitment and compatibility
- Mounting rack and hardware sold separately
Traditional cruisers are at least partly about style, so finding a bag that blends is an important factor for many riders. The Milwaukee Leather bags’ old-school style and universal fit make these throw-over bags a top choice for all kinds of cruisers. The company also knows enough about crafting genuine leather jackets, gloves, and apparel to know that synthetic PVC leather is better for durable water-resistant saddlebags. For safety, reflective piping adds night visibility and heat-resistant lower panels help prevent exhaust-related meltdowns.
- Classic cruiser style, universal fit
- Two bonus velcro lock outside pockets
- Lots of clever storage pockets
- Simulated leather is not for everybody
- Outside pockets offer limited protection
- Water-resistant still isn’t waterproof
These 50-liter PVC saddlebags are the ones to get when it’s time to haul a lot of cargo for a relatively small cash outlay. Kemimoto’s 100% waterproof bags come in three different color schemes and can carry enough supplies and gear for a weekend or a cross-country journey. A combination of hook and loop, locking straps, and zippers make securing full bags easy, and the straps roll up the bags to stow when empty.
- Big cargo capacity at a low price
- PVC fabric is tough, waterproof and easy to clean
- ook and loop mounting, adjustable and stowable straps
- Not suitable for bikes with high mount exhausts
- Might need a support rack for heavier cargo
- No internal support shape or lid inserts
The Chase Harper Phoenix is a universal performer for a wide range of motorcycles, and one made of iron-tough fabric with an understated style. Quarter-inch thick foam walls help the bags maintain their shape and add impact protection while Urethane-coated ballistic nylon keeps out the elements. Adjustable hook and loop and quick-release buckle straps work together for universal fit and the bags have full-length zippered inside pockets under each flap for extra cushioned cargo.
- Immensely durable ballistic nylon and foam construction
- Cushioned inside pockets for sensitive cargo
- Universal fit
- Seats over 15-inches require an extender
- Only 11.5 liters capacity per bag
- Plain looks aren’t for everyone
Methodology:
We chose the saddlebags in this roundup based on classes of motorcycles and familiar, perhaps stereotypical, types of riders. Still, the traditional lines between cruisers, dual sports, standards, and sportbikes get hazier every year, and most riders know how and where they plan to ride regularly. The right bags for an interstate hauler with onboard ice coolers and heated seats are probably all wrong for a scooter or knife-edged naked urban road burner. The best saddlebag fits your motorcycle and what you need to carry.