5 Recommended Seat Bags and Tank Bags for Motorcycle Touring | Waterproof and Expandable for Day Trips and Overnight Stays
Have you ever struggled with how to pack your gear when heading out for a tour? Wearing a backpack makes your shoulders stiff, and on long rides, your back gets sweaty and uncomfortable. If you strap a convenience store bag to the seat, it flaps around while riding and feels like it might fall off. Even on a pleasant, winding road, you can't focus because you're worried about your luggage... Packing gear on a motorcycle is a subtle but significant concern for riders.
Seat bags and tank bags for touring are tools that solve these problems entirely. They can be firmly secured to the rear seat so they don't wobble while riding. They offer waterproofing to protect your belongings in sudden rain. And, they allow you to adjust the capacity to match the amount of gear you have, from day trips to camping stays. Once you get one of these bags, your shoulders are freed, and the touring experience itself becomes much more comfortable and liberating. You can stop worrying about your luggage and focus on the ride.
In this article, I will introduce seat bags and tank bags that can be used for motorcycle touring. From the perspective of someone who has seen many bags, I have selected ones that are "stable to carry and resistant to rain," looking at details like the reliability of the mounting and the waterproof construction. From large bags by classic brands to small ones for day trips, fully waterproof models, and tank bags that are within easy reach, you are sure to find one that fits your touring style.
To begin with, what makes a touring bag different from a regular bag?
I believe the biggest difference is that they are "designed with the premise of being secured to a motorcycle while riding."
Regular bags are meant to be carried by hand or on your back. But touring bags are used by being firmly secured to the rear seat or on top of the tank. That is why mounting belts that won't shift due to wind pressure or vibration while riding, and shapes that fit perfectly to the vehicle, are important. If the mounting is loose, the bag may shift while riding, or in the worst case, fall off, which is dangerous. Whether it can be secured reliably is an important factor directly linked to safety.
Also, waterproofing is a major difference. There is no escape when you get caught in the rain on a motorcycle. With a regular bag, your belongings would get soaked. Touring bags protect your precious gear from rain with waterproof materials or rain covers. Mounting and waterproofing—these two things are the decisive differences from regular bags.
Mistakes to avoid with touring bags
Only water-repellent, so contents get wet in heavy rain
"Waterproof" and "water-repellent" are different things. Water-repellent only sheds water, and in heavy rain or prolonged rain, water will seep through the seams and zippers. If you don't want your camping gear or change of clothes to get wet, you'll want to check for fully waterproof tarpaulin material or a reliable included rain cover. This difference really shows during rainy touring.
Mounting belts are flimsy, causing the bag to shift while riding
A bag with unstable mounting will gradually shift while riding, and before you know it, it might be tilted or covering the tail lamp. This is a problem that concerns not just appearance, but also safety. Check carefully whether the dedicated mounting belts are sturdy, whether it can be secured at multiple points, and whether the structure is resistant to shifting.
Capacity is fixed, unable to accommodate the amount of luggage
The amount of luggage changes significantly depending on the itinerary—small for day trips, large for camping stays. If the bag has a fixed capacity, you might find yourself unable to fit everything one day, or having the bag be half-empty and causing the load to shift the next. An expandable type that allows you to change the capacity is convenient because it can handle a wide range of itineraries with just one bag.
3 criteria for choosing a touring bag
1. Choose a capacity that fits the number of days of your trip
Basically, choose the capacity based on the number of days of your tour. For day trips to overnight stays, a compact one around 15–25 liters is good. For camping or multi-day trips, a large 40–60 liter bag that can fit a tent and sleeping bag is better. If you choose an expandable type, you can handle both day trips and overnight stays with just one bag, using it according to your itinerary.
2. Choose the level of waterproofing based on your usage
If it is fully waterproof (roll-top type with welded tarpaulin), it can perfectly protect your belongings even in heavy rain. On the other hand, a simple waterproof + rain cover type is sufficient for light rain and is easy to handle. If you are carrying things that absolutely cannot get wet, like camping gear, choose fully waterproof; if you mainly do local day trips, simple waterproofing is efficient.
3. Mounting method and reliable load-carrying capacity
The most versatile and secure type of seat bag is one that attaches to the rear seat using dedicated straps. For tank bags, choose between magnetic or strap-mounted types based on the material of your motorcycle's tank. Note that magnets will not stick to resin tanks. For safety, ensure the bag is securely fastened and does not cover the taillights or turn signals.
5 Recommended Seat Bags and Tank Bags for Motorcycle Touring
1. TANAX MOTOFIZZ Field Seat Bag (The classic, expandable choice in the touring world)
First, I want to recommend the MOTOFIZZ Field Seat Bag MFK-101 from TANAX, a staple in motorcycle bags. It is truly a classic in the world of touring bags.
The best thing about this bag is its convenient expandability. You can expand it from 39 liters up to a maximum of 59 liters by opening the zippers or the roll-top. Whether it's a small bag for a day trip or a large one for camping, this single bag can handle a wide range of itineraries. It attaches securely to the rear seat with dedicated straps, so it won't shift while riding. As someone who usually looks closely at bag construction, what impressed me most about this bag was the rigidity of these attachment straps. The thick, sturdy straps and non-loosening buckles provide a sense of security; even when hit by wind pressure on the highway, it stays firmly in place. The stitching that supports the load is also meticulous, so it doesn't sag even when packed with heavy camping gear. Even from a bag-maker's perspective, I feel the robustness of this foundation is the real deal. It is the perfect classic choice for those who want a reliable, all-in-one bag.
To be honest, a weakness is that it is only water-resistant, so the included rain cover is essential during heavy downpours. Since it is not completely waterproof, it is safer to put items that absolutely must not get wet inside waterproof bags. Even so, its versatility and reliability make it a companion you can use for a long time.
2. TANAX MOTOFIZZ Mini Field Seat Bag (The perfect compact, expandable size for day-trippers)
For those who say, 'I don't camp; I mostly do day trips or one-night stays,' I recommend the same TANAX Mini Field Seat Bag MFK-100. It is from the same series as the large one mentioned earlier, but it differs in being a compact size designed for day trips.
The appeal of this bag is its capacity, which can be expanded from 19 liters to 27 liters—just right for day trips. It is not too big, and it neatly holds a change of clothes, rain gear, and small souvenirs from a day tour. What really makes a difference is the ease of handling that comes with this size. Because it is small, it doesn't interfere with the feel of the bike, and you can use it casually for city riding, such as popping into convenience stores or roadside stations. It retains the secure attachment straps and stable loading capacity of the classic series while offering a lightweight feel. It is the perfect choice for those who find large bags too much to handle and want to enjoy day trips and city riding with ease.
A point to note is that because it is compact, it lacks the capacity for the heavy luggage of a camping trip. If you are going on multi-night trips or camping, the larger model mentioned earlier is more suitable. It is a recommended choice for those who want to enjoy day trips to overnight tours with light luggage.
3. HenlyBegins Waterproof Seat Bag (A professional-grade, fully waterproof choice for worry-free camping)
For those who absolutely do not want their luggage to get wet even in the rain, I recommend the Daytona HenlyBegins Waterproof Seat Bag DH-749, 60 liters.
The reliability of this bag comes from its commitment to being completely waterproof. It uses welded tarpaulin material to eliminate seams and a roll-top closure, so the contents stay dry even when riding through heavy rain. From the perspective of someone who has seen many bags, I am impressed by the meticulous processing of these welded parts. By joining the fabric with heat instead of creating 'water entry points' like seams, water truly cannot get in. After riding in the rain, opening the roll-top to find the contents completely dry makes you realize the certainty of its construction. The peace of mind of being able to carry camping gear and clothes without worrying about rain is exceptional. With a large 60-liter capacity, it easily accommodates camping luggage. The material is tough, and it is easy to maintain—just wipe it clean if it gets dirty. It is the perfect choice for serious riders who want to protect their luggage perfectly, even during rainy camping tours.
A point to note is that because it is a fully waterproof roll-top type, it is slightly cumbersome to frequently open and close it to take out small items. It is more comfortable to keep frequently used items in a separate tank bag or pocket. It is a reliable choice that excels in rain and offers large capacity.
4. DOPPELGANGER Tarpaulin Seat Bag Days (A casual, unique choice that is easy to clean by wiping)
For those who want a waterproof bag that is easy to use, I recommend the DOPPELGANGER Tarpaulin Seat Bag Days DBT575, 24 liters.
The benefit of this bag is the ease of handling that comes with waterproof tarpaulin material. It is easy to maintain—just wipe it with a damp cloth if it gets dirty—and it is resistant to rain. With a 24-liter capacity that is just right for day trips to overnight stays, it also comes with a shoulder strap, making it convenient to carry over your shoulder once you get off the bike. You can use it casually for city riding or short shopping tours. It is the perfect unique choice for those who want a bag that is waterproof, easy to maintain, and easy to use.
A weakness is that because of its simple structure, it lacks the large capacity or fine compartments of the larger models. It is best used as a casual companion, primarily for day trips. If you choose based on ease of maintenance and handling, it is a reliable choice.
5. GIVI Tank Bag EA138B (A unique choice for quick access, perfect to use in combination with a seat bag)
For those who want to use it in combination with a seat bag, I recommend the 6-liter EA138B tank bag from the prestigious Italian brand GIVI.
The convenience of this bag lies in its placement on the tank, allowing you to quickly reach small items like your smartphone, wallet, or keys even while riding. You can divide your gear by keeping large items in the seat bag and frequently used small items in the tank bag. Since it supports both magnets and belts, you can choose the mounting method that suits your motorcycle's tank material. If it has a map pocket, it's also convenient for placing your smartphone to use as a navigation device. It's a perfect, unique choice for those who want to use it alongside a large seat bag to make accessing small items easier.
A point to note is that magnets cannot be used on motorcycles with resin tanks, so you will need to use belt mounting. It is safer to check whether your motorcycle's tank is made of steel or resin before purchasing. It is a thoughtful item that will boost the comfort of your touring.
Tips for safe and comfortable touring beyond just bags
Once you have decided on your bags, paying a little attention to how you pack and use them will make your touring safer and more comfortable.
First, when using a bag that is not completely waterproof, it is a good idea to put valuables and smartphones in a zippered bag for double protection. Even in sudden rain, you can ensure your most important items stay safe. If you keep your smartphone in the tank bag's map pocket, it will be easier to check as a navigation device while riding.
When carrying a large load, using a touring net or compression belt in addition can help secure your luggage firmly and prevent it from shifting while riding. It provides an extra layer of security on top of the bag's own mounting belts.
And above all, the most important thing is the final check of the mounting before you start riding. Always check before departure that the bag is securely fastened, that it does not cover the taillights, turn signals, or license plate, and that there is no looseness that could cause it to shift while riding. This little bit of extra effort protects your safety and that of the vehicles behind you. Prepare yourself to ride with peace of mind and enjoy the best touring experience.
Summary
If you choose a motorcycle touring bag that meets the criteria of 'being securely mountable,' 'having waterproof properties suitable for your needs,' and 'having an expandable capacity to match your itinerary,' you can free up your shoulders and enjoy a free-spirited touring experience where you can focus on the ride.
For a classic expandable option, try the Tanax Field Seat Bag. For a compact size for day trips, the Mini Field Seat Bag is great. For completely waterproof camping, HenlyBegins is a good choice. For casual day trips, try Doppelganger. If you want a tank bag that is convenient for accessing small items, GIVI is a great option. Surely one of these will become your touring companion.
When you are freed from worrying about your luggage, the joy of motorcycling expands even further. Load up your favorite bag, feel the wind, and head out toward scenery you have yet to see. Have a great tour.