A Buyer's Guide To Backrest Bags - You Can Take It With You

Iron Rider Luggage Motorcycle Luggage System Bags Start At $40
The Motorcycle Luggage System consists of six different bags that can be mixed and matched for more than 30 combinations, stacked up to three high. They fasten together with adjustable straps that clip onto D-rings on each bag. Attachment is made simple, with one or two hook-and-loop straps (depending on bag size) that go around the backrest plus safety straps. The bags feature heavy-duty nylon exteriors with stiffener panels to maintain shape. The bottom of each bag is made of a tough-looking "diamond-plate"-design rubber. We sampled the main bag, large roll bag and roll bag. The MB has a zippered expansion section, a very large zippered pocket and a mesh pocket on each side. Inside are two mesh pockets and a rain cover, while a shoulder strap and detachable carry handle are featured outside. The LRB zips open on each side as well as the front. It includes a rain cover, shoulder strap and detachable carry handle. Finally, the RB has a zippered top opening like the other bags, as well as mesh pockets inside and its own rain cover.
Size (main bag): 11.5"H x 23"W x 11.5"D
Size (large roll bag): 10"H x 18"W x 10.5"D
Size (roll bag): 6.5"H x 14"W x 10.5"D
Volume: 3042ci (main bag)/1890ci (large roll bag)/956ci (roll bag)
Warranty: 2 years
dowco-inc.com

Kuryakyn Ultra Tour Bag $140
The Ultra Tour Bag is best described as a small steamer trunk, with its large and nearly square main compartment deeper than any other in this group. Kryakyn claims this depth makes the bag very comfortable when used as a backrest by a solo rider. The heavy-duty nylon exterior is backed by plastic stiffeners to increase rigidity. It's large enough to fit a full-face helmet and a week's worth of clothes. If you pick up a few souvenirs, each side of the bag has a 2-inch zippered expansion panel, and there are 16 D-rings for lashing on more kit. And if that isn't enough space, each side also has two large, zippered pockets, each with a 2-inch zippered expansion panel. The bag opens via either side or a large, zippered top flap with a zippered mesh pocket inside as well as on each side of the interior. Bike attachment is via a wide hook-and-loop belt plus two sewn-in security straps. When things get wet, don't worry: The zippers are all waterproof, and there is a rain cover for added protection.
Size (expanded): 15"H x 20"W x 15"D
Size (collapsed): 15"H x 16"W x 15"D
Volume: 4500ci (open)/3600ci (closed)
Warranty: 1 year
kuryakyn.com

Nelson-Rigg RiggPaks CTB-950 King Tourer $195
A modern-style backrest bag, the RiggPaks King Tourer has a heavy-duty nylon outer material backed by a combination of foam and plastic that helps protect your gear as well as maintain the shape of the bag when it's less than full. When combined with the included roll bag, there's enough storage capacity to make it across the country-and stow a few souvenirs on the way by using the King Tourer's zippered expansion section. The main compartment zips open around three sides like a suitcase. On the back are a large organizer pocket and a smaller envelope-size pocket. Each side has two large pockets, the bottom one expandable for even more gear. The roll bag has a large, zippered opening and a small pocket on each side; it can be mounted to the main bag as well as mounted by itself to the bike. Other nice features include hidden backpack straps, loops on the bottom of the main bag to securely cable-lock it to your bike, and reflective material on the back of both bags.
Size (expanded): 18"H x 14"W x 12"D
Size (collapsed): 18"H x 14"W x 8"D
Size (roll bag): 13"W x 9" diameter
Volume: 3024ci (expanded)/2016ci (collapsed)/827ci (roll bag)
Warranty: Lifetime
nelsonrigg.com

Rapid Transit Division Tail Frame Bag $170
The Division Tail Frame Bag and the Nelson-Rigg King Tourer appear to share the same basic design and architecture. That's actually a good thing, because the DTF Bag has the same high-quality construction and most of the features of the King Tourer. And if there's a feature this bag doesn't have, you don't need it. Made of heavy-duty wind- and water-resistant nylon, with other nylon fabrics giving it a high-tech look, the DTF has foam and plastic stiffeners throughout. The main bag zips open like a suitcase and has a 3-inch zippered expansion section, two pockets on each side (the bottom ones expandable), a large organizer pocket on the front plus a pocketbook-size pocket. There are backpack straps, two shoulder straps, a carry handle on top and a bewildering array of straps for fastening to the backrest. This bag managed to make the attachment system complicated, and we had to go on the Internet to find instructions. Nevertheless, attachment to the bike is very secure, and there is even a detachable pad included with the mounting system so the passenger isn't reclining against straps.
Size (expanded): 18"H x 23"W x 13"D
Size (collapsed): 18"H x 23"W x 10"D
Size (roll bag): 15"W x 11" diameter
Volume: 5382ci (expanded)/4140ci (collapsed)/1425ci (roll bag)
Warranty: 1 year
rapid-transit.com

River Road Sissy Bar Tall Trunk $125
When you don't need to bring the kitchen sink, this bag may be just the ticket. About the overall size of a small suitcase, the Tall Trunk has a zippered, three-sided opening. The interior of the bag even looks the part, having plastic stiffeners around the sides and attached clothing hold-down straps with quick-release fasteners. The exterior is made of heavy-duty nylon with a water- and UV-repellent coating and has foam and plastic stiffeners throughout. The interior fabric is lighter-weight but still-sturdy nylon cloth. The front of the bag features a zippered organizer pocket and second pocket. Inside the main cover are two organizer pockets, one zippered and one mesh. Each side of the bag has a tall zippered pocket plus a shallower zippered pocket that is perfect for maps and airline tickets. If you need to carry more gear, the top has detachable, quick-release buckled straps and six metal D-rings. Attachment to the bike is via two large hook-and-loop straps plus additional safety straps. A rain cover hides in its own pocket, and there are three carry handles. Reflective material is on the back and sides, too.
Size: 18"H x 16"W x 6.5"D
Volume: 1872ci
Warranty: 1 year
www.riverroadgear.com

Saddlemen S3500 Deluxe Sissy Bar Bag $200
This bag is a nice mix of modern materials with classic features like leather-look pocket flaps and chrome buckles and straps. Made of UV-, water- and rain-resistant heavy-duty nylon, the bag's rigid construction comes by way of plastic reinforcements, which makes the bag quite durable but also adds a fair amount of weight. This is a big bag, too, capable of holding two full-face helmets. Each side opens by zipper, and each "door" has three mesh organizer pockets inside. The front of the bag features a large organizer pocket and a second cargo pocket. Each side has two pockets, one with a traditional buckle and the other a smaller mesh pocket with a retention strap. On top is a carry handle and a small, zippered pocket containing the rain cover for the main and roll bags. The Saddlemen also includes removable, padded backpack straps and a shoulder strap. The roll bag (not pictured) attaches to the main bag with four quick-release buckles and can also be attached by itself to the backrest. Straps on top of the main bag can be used to fasten on other gear.
Size: 22"H x 16"W x 11"D
Size (roll bag): 14"W x 9.25" diameter
Volume: 3872ci/941ci (roll bag)
Warranty: 1 year
saddlemen.com