Best Motorcycle
Touring Luggage
2025 Guide — Soft Panniers, Hard Cases & Backpacks
Getting luggage right transforms a tour. Too little capacity and you're leaving kit behind. Too much and the bike handles badly. Get the right system for your bike and your trip.
Andy's Top 4
Kriega Overlander-S 36L
£279
The gold standard for Route 66 soft panniers. Works on any bike including rental bikes. Waterproof, modular, and incredibly secure. Andy's choice for every USA tour.
Weight
2.1kg
Safety Certs
IPX6 waterproof
Touring Comfort
Key Features
- → Fits any bike / rental
- → IPX6 waterproof
- → Modular expansion system
- → Anti-theft strap attachment
Pros
- Universal bike fit
- Fully waterproof
- Modular expansion
Cons
- Premium price
- Soft — not lockable
- Complex initial setup
Oxford X-50 Pannier Set
£129
Excellent budget soft panniers. Waterproof, quick-release mounting, 50L combined. A great starting point for a first long tour without breaking the bank.
Weight
1.8kg
Safety Certs
Waterproof
Touring Comfort
Key Features
- → 50L combined capacity
- → Waterproof construction
- → Quick-release mounting
- → Reflective strips
Pros
- Excellent value
- Quick release
- Waterproof
Cons
- Less durable than Kriega long-term
- No modular expansion
- Cheaper hardware
Givi Outback 37L Side Cases
£349
Lockable hard panniers for riders on their own bikes. The Outback is impact-resistant, fully lockable, and simple to remove. The choice for overnight security at US motels.
Weight
3.2kg/pair
Safety Certs
IP water resistant
Touring Comfort
Key Features
- → Impact-resistant polypropylene
- → Lockable with key
- → Quick-release from rack
- → Waterproof gasket seal
Pros
- Lockable — motel overnight security
- Impact resistant
- Waterproof
Cons
- Only for bikes with Givi rack
- Adds significant width
- Expensive with rack costs
Kriega R30 Backpack
£169
The touring backpack done right. 30L capacity, waterproof, load-spreading harness system. Essential for day trips away from the base hotel or keeping valuables separate on Route 66.
Weight
0.9kg
Safety Certs
IPX6 waterproof
Touring Comfort
Key Features
- → 30L capacity
- → Waterproof roll-top
- → Load-spreading harness
- → Hydration reservoir compatible
Pros
- Genuinely waterproof
- Comfortable load distribution
- Compact when empty
Cons
- Backpacks reduce back airflow
- Price vs standard backpack
- Not lockable
Comparison Matrix
Buying Guide
Soft vs Hard Panniers
Soft panniers fit any bike including rentals — essential for Route 66 EagleRider bookings. Hard cases require a specific rack system but are lockable overnight. Choose based on whether you're on your own bike or a rental.
Waterproof is Non-Negotiable
Every piece of luggage claims to be waterproof. The Kriega range is genuinely waterproof to IPX6. Budget options use waterproof covers which work until they don't. On a 2-week tour, this distinction matters.
Weight Distribution
Panniers should carry your heaviest items lowest and centred. Never carry camera gear or laptops in a tail bag — the pendulum effect affects handling significantly at speed.
Capacity Planning
For a 2-week tour like Route 66: 30-40L in panniers + 10-20L tail bag covers most riders riding gear requirements. Pack for 5 days, do laundry twice. Don't overpay for capacity you don't need.
Andy's View
I've used the Kriega Overlander-S on every USA tour. The key advantage isn't just the waterproofing — it's the universal mounting that works on every EagleRider rental without needing a specific rack. For riders on their own bikes with luggage racks, the Givi hard case system offers the overnight security that soft panniers can't.
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