Keeping your stuff dry and organised on a motorcycle can be a constant challenge. After 20+ years of touring, I know what works and what can be your best friend (or worst enemy) on the road.
The MotoCentric Waterproof Motorcycle Backpack (28 L) caught my attention because it promises a bit of everything, lots of storage, lightweight, weather resistance, with a bargain price of US$32 (£24).
This combination I think is ideal for commuters or students on scooters etc. A cheap, weather resistant, decent looking, reliable backpack, that has enough space to store a laptop, books, jacket etc.
Purchase & Shipping
I purchased the Motocentric Backpack from AliExpress. Total cost to the door US$32 (£24) and took around 10 days to arrive from China.
AliExpress Link: Motocentric 28L Waterproof Backpack
Features & Specifications
Capacity: 28 Litres
Weight: 0.9 kg (2.0 lbs) empty
Colours: Black with reflective accents
Dimensions: Approx. 45 × 24 × 53 cm (fully expanded) – about as tall as a carry-on bag (fits a 15″ laptop)
Materials: 1200D waterproof Oxford cloth (synthetic) with PVC lining; heavy-duty stitching on straps.
Water-resistant design: The main fabric is waterproof-coated and comes with sealed
seams in many areas. Zippers are standard, not fully sealed, so extreme rain may creep in.
You can see the zippers at the images below, also the sealed zipper seams.
Straps & comfort: Ergonomic padded shoulder straps with a sternum (chest) strap and
waist belt to stabilize the load at high speeds. Straps are adjustable and long enough for various rider sizes . There’s a grab handle on top for convenience.
Soak Test
I’ll be honest, I was a little skeptical this backpack would actually be weatherproof, let alone somewhat water resistant. After giving it a good soaking I was pleasantly surprised, not a drop of water inside the backpack. More on this at the video below.
Verdict
As a budget backpack, this offers great value in my opinion. Of course it’s not as good as a Kriega or Mosko Moto, but you are paying a fraction of those brands prices.
Who is this helmet aimed at, other than the budget minded?
Daily commuters and students: If you ride to work or school, this bag is great for carrying a laptop, a change of clothes, lunch, etc. It looks unassuming enough for the office or campus, and it keeps your stuff dry on that ride home in the rain.
Weekend warriors / short tourers: For overnight trips or weekend rides, 28 liters is usually sufficient. You can fit the essentials (rain gear, toiletries, a pair of shoes and clothes). The backpack format means you don’t need luggage racks, so it’s perfect if you’re riding something like a sport bike with no hard luggage.