Product review: Viking Moto Motorcycle Backpack
- Built-in helmet sling, waterproof zippers
- Apr 24, 2017
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 17, 2020
I expected to hate this backpack....
I am extremely picky about my backpacks, and am notorious for my meticulously packed bags so I was prepared to have issues with this bag. No backpack ever fits me at 5’2 and 115 pounds. They always are too large even when tightened completely, leaving extra bits to flap about in the wind. The bottom is never right and they constantly hit the passenger seat while I ride. The handles are usually awkward and uncomfortable to carry for any length of time and the straps are far too wide for my petite frame, or so skinny that they dig into my shoulders.
The Viking Bags backpack is a whole different experience. Although it can comfortably fit a very large rider, somehow they managed to design it where I can easily adjust the straps to fit my body perfectly. There are no wide extra bits flapping about, and the pack is form fitted. The straps are not too wide but they are nicely padded to reduce digging into my shoulders, even while carrying a heavy load. The bottom waist straps have built in ‘wings’ that help support the bag while cushioning the weight on your waist.
This motorcycle bag fits perfectly while you are on the bike, the flat bottom cut does not hit the passenger seat even with very short riders like me. It is extremely comfortable, with or without gear:
And when tucked at speed, the aerodynamic cut gives this backpack a serious advantage to other so-called motorcycle packs that always catch the wind and try to rip my shoulders off;
The bag is very durable and the waterproof zippers are a nice touch. The cut is made for a RIDER, and could not be more functional. The bottom is of the perfect height and does not to hit the passenger seat while you're riding. Perhaps the most impressive aspect to this pack is that it is nicely fitted with or without gear. It molds to your back and still remains comfortable even over a fully armored jacket. The best part is that the thing is comfortable no matter how much you pack in it.
Packing is surprisingly easy. I did not expect to be able to carry much more than a few items for a couple hours of riding as this seemed like a ‘commuter-pack’ only. The internal pockets are well laid out and the laptop sleeve is extremely well padded. It has a couple of large half-pockets inside as well as a stash pocket in the top back of the pack and two small side pockets along the side. I easily packed my gear for a few hours on the road and by throwing in my laptop, keyboard, magazines and running shoes and there was plenty of room left over. A lot of other moto backpacks are full with that amount of items, but not this one.
Because I had so much extra room, I decided to see if I could use this pack for a longer trip and brought out all of my gear for an overnight ride. I expected it to be quite a chore to figure out how all of these items would fit into this little pack but it was far easier than I anticipated. Here is a picture of my gear for an overnight ride laid on the table and then all of it packed neatly inside...even a full sized curling iron fit ;).
ITEMS IN OVERNIGHT PACK:
Full tire repair kit
First aid kit
Disc brake lock
SAM splint
4 handwarmer packs
2 emergency instant cold packs
Basic tool pack
Flashlight
Full knife and holding clip
USB charging bank
Jacket
Handkerchief
Long sleeve shirt
Summer shirt
Shoes
Curling iron (really)
Hair brush, toothbrush, shampoo, hair spray, deodorant, lip balm
iPod, charger, adapter, cell phone charger
Motorcycle manual, key
15” Macbook Pro
Keyboard
An additional, very cool feature is the helmet sling that allows you to attach your helmet to your pack, freeing up your hands to do other things. This is a really nice feature that comes in quite handy. The sling is located in a zipper along the bottom back of the pack and easily attaches to three d-rings in the front to create a hammock for your helmet. This is a very quick and easy process and dismounting is just as fast. The sling is big enough to fit even the largest helmet with room left over. I can see it being used to carry a jacket and other items should you have a helmet lock on your bike or ride without a helmet altogether.
I was hesitant to order this backpack after seeing some online reviews that mentioned straps whipping around while riding, but it is no different than any pack - you simply have to tie off your strap bottoms. They also mentioned the skinny pockets on the side not being very functional, however I found them very useful for credit cards, cash and electronic cords.
Bottom line- I am very surprised and impressed by this pack and would recommend it to any rider looking for an aerodynamic, functional pack that won’t interfere with their sense of movement and freedom on the bike. If I were to be picky, I would ask for larger side pockets and another outside expandable pocket in front...but then I'd expect to pay a whole lot more for the backpack. In the end, I am surprisingly happy with this bag and now it has become my go-to pack of choice.
Check it out here for more details or to order it yourself.
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