Viking Bags 30L Voyage Backpack
The Viking Bags 30L Voyager Backpack
tl;dr - I have been using this bag for over 6 months now, both on and off my motorcycle. I highly recommend it for multiple reasons. It’s perfect for a weekend or a week of gear, depending on how you pack, and had a higher than expected build quality for me. Please read on to see my thoughts on this backpack and how much I enjoyed using it.
When I travel by motorcycle, I tend to pack moderately. I’m not the rider who brings everything, but I do like knowing I have what I need for longer days and unexpected stops. Storage can become tricky when you don’t run a full touring setup with a trunk, so I’m always looking for gear that adds carrying capacity without turning the bike into a cargo wagon.
Over the last six months, I’ve been using the Viking Bags 30L Voyager Motorcycle Backpack, both mounted to my bike and as a traditional backpack during travel. This bag was provided to me for review, but it has seen hundreds of miles of riding and even a week-long trip to Europe, so I’ve had plenty of real-world time to evaluate it.
First Impressions and Build Quality
Right out of the box, the Voyager backpack feels solid. The hard-shell style construction gives it a rigid structure that immediately separates it from typical soft travel backpacks. Even when the bag isn’t full, it keeps its shape, which helps with packing and overall durability.
After six months of use—including motorcycle trips and non-riding travel—the bag still shows no signs of wear. The shell has done an excellent job protecting my gear, and the stitching, zippers, and straps have held up extremely well.
At roughly $130, the overall build quality feels like a strong value, and honestly, the experience with this bag has already made me more confident in Viking Bags as a brand.
Mounting
One of the biggest selling points of this bag is its ability to quickly convert between a traditional backpack and motorcycle-mounted luggage.
I use this bag on my 2019 Honda Shadow Phantom, which has a sissy bar and a small rear rack. The Voyager uses quick-release mounting straps and a rear sleeve that slides over the sissy bar. All straps tuck away cleanly and eliminate loose material flapping in the wind.
Installation takes about two minutes, and once secured, the bag stays extremely stable. I’ve ridden with it mounted for trips reaching 300 miles in a day and never experienced shifting or looseness at highway speeds.
Storage Capacity and Organization
The 30-liter capacity feels accurate in real-world use, and the internal layout offers more storage than expected. The bag includes a large main compartment, four side pockets, a front external pocket, and a dedicated laptop sleeve.
During testing, the bag served as primary luggage for a week-long trip to Europe, demonstrating its ability to handle extended travel packing.
Comfort as a Traditional Backpack
While designed for motorcycle use, the bag performed well during extended walking travel. The shoulder straps are well padded, and the chest strap helps distribute weight effectively. The only improvement that could be made is the addition of a waist strap for longer walking comfort.
Weather Protection
The hard-shell construction provides natural water resistance, and the included rain cover adds additional waterproof protection. The rain cover was tested at 60 MPH and remained secure without shifting or loosening.
Practical Travel Performance
This backpack transitions seamlessly between motorcycle luggage and personal travel gear. Only taking a few seconds to pull the shoulder straps from their dedicated storage on the bag and clipping them directly into place. It works well as a trunk replacement or as supplemental storage alongside saddlebags. Even when partially packed, the rigid structure prevents the bag from feeling bulky.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Durable hard-shell construction
- Secure and fast motorcycle mounting system
- Large storage capacity with strong organization
- Comfortable enough for extended walking
- Rain cover performs well at highway speeds
- Maintains shape even when partially packed
- Strong value for the price
Cons
- No waist strap for extended walking comfort
- No reflective safety elements
- Slightly large for quick overnight trips
Who This Bag Is Best For
- Riders taking multi-day or long-distance trips
- Motorcycles without trunk storage
- Riders wanting luggage that doubles as travel carry gear
- Touring or cruiser riders seeking flexible storage
Final Thoughts
After six months of use across motorcycle travel and international trips, the Viking Voyager backpack has proven to be reliable, durable, and extremely versatile.
If I needed to replace it tomorrow, I would absolutely purchase another one. It has become one of those pieces of gear that earns a permanent place in travel setups simply because it works consistently and reliably.
Disclaimer: I do not earn commission and am not paid for my opinion. Everything I have stated in this review is my opinion and is in no way influenced by Viking Bags or any other source. I have tested this product in my free time, and if I did not recommend this bag, I would state that.
