New Motorcycle Backpacks

When you need to take a few things along but not enough to justify saddlebags, it’s hard to beat a backpack for convenience. Motorcycle-specific backpacks come with features geared toward riding, like adjustable straps and a measure of water-resistance. Here’s a round-up of moto-backpacks for around $150.

Alpinestars Faster

The Faster by Alpinestars is made of ripstop nylon with PU-reinforced textile. The mesh shoulder straps and back improve ventilation, and the waist belt is adjustable. There’s a compartment for an optional hydration pack (sold separately) and another for an included back protector. There are side mesh pockets for easy access, and a top grab handle for carrying off the bike. Three colors, $139.95.

Cortech Super 20

The Super 20 from Cortech is made of tough 1680 denier ballistic polyester and 1800 denier three-lined twill. The locking zipper pulls don’t flap in the wind or open unexpectedly. There’s a waterproof pocket for a water bladder, along with reflective piping and a built-in drink-tube/headphone exit port. The interior is lined, and two multi-functional side pockets can be used for storage or water bottles. The mesh padded back pad provides ventilation. Black, $104.99.

Icon Squad 2 Mil Spec

The Squad 2 Mil Spec from Icon is made of heavy-duty ripstop nylon, and uses arm straps that exceed military requirements for high visibility. There's a helmet storage compartment, a laptop compartment, and a jacket-carrying system. (three colors, $160.00, www.rideicon.com)

Joe Rocket Blaster Max

The Blaster Max from Joe Rocket is made of polyester, and includes a cell-phone pocket, an integrated audio port, three pen slots, and a media pocket inside the main zippered pouch. There’s a helmet bag in a bottom zippered pocket, and Scotchlite reflective material on the front and the shoulder straps. Black, $124.99.

Kriega R20

The R20 is made of Scholler Dynatech and 420 denier ripstop nylon. It comes with integrated 3M Scotchlite reflective areas. The size-adjustable harness lets you move the pack up or down for the best fit. There's an optional 3-liter hydration reservoir, an option to add 5- or 10-liter Drypacks, and an optional back-protector insert. A side-access pocket is built in. (black, $149.00, www.kriega.us)

Tourmaster Cruiser III Traveler

The Cruiser III Traveler from Tourmaster is made of heavy-duty, weather-resistant 840 and 1000 denier nylon with dark-colored reflective piping that comes alive at night. There’s a lined laptop compartment, two front organizer pockets, and an additional folder and mesh pockets. The two side pockets can be used as storage or to hold a water bottle. The back and shoulder straps are breathable. Black, $124.95.