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How we chose: this guide is research-based, built from manufacturer specifications, safety certifications and owner feedback rather than hands-on testing. How we research.
The best motorcycle saddlebags depend on your bike: Nelson-Rigg Hurricane waterproof soft bags suit most street bikes, the Giant Loop Mojavi roll-top is ideal for adventure and dual-sport bikes, and Street & Steel Slanted bags give cruisers a classic look. For a modular system you can move between bikes, look at the Kriega Overlander-S, and for traditional leather bags, Leather Works throw-over and bolt-on saddlebags are made from heavy American-tanned leather.
Quick picks
-
Best waterproof soft bags
Nelson-Rigg Hurricane Saddlebags
- Type
- Soft, waterproof
- Best for
- Street and touring
- Price
- $$
-
Best for adventure bikes
- Type
- Roll-top soft
- Best for
- ADV and dual-sport
- Price
- $$
-
Best modular system
- Type
- Modular drypack
- Best for
- ADV touring
- Price
- $$$
-
- Best semi-rigid bags: Shad E48SR
- Best leather throw-over bags: Leather Works 103Z Pony Express
- Best leather bolt-on bags: Leather Works Classic Bolt-On
We picked current 2026 soft and semi-rigid saddlebags and replaced discontinued models from our older list. Check that your bike has (or can take) the right mounts or a heat shield before buying.
Saddlebags compared
| Saddlebags | Type | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nelson-Rigg Hurricane | Soft, waterproof | Street and touring | $$ |
| Giant Loop Mojavi | Roll-top soft | ADV and dual-sport | $$ |
| Kriega Overlander-S OS-22 | Modular drypack | ADV touring | $$$ |
| Street & Steel Slanted | Leather-look | Cruisers | $$ |
| Shad E48SR | Semi-rigid | Sport touring | $ |
| Leather Works 103Z Pony Express | Leather throw-over | Cruisers, classics | $390 |
| Leather Works Classic Bolt-On | Leather bolt-on | Cruisers | From $520 |
The best motorcycle saddlebags for 2026
1. Nelson-Rigg Hurricane Saddlebags: best waterproof soft bags
The Hurricane bags are fully waterproof soft saddlebags that strap to most street bikes, a great choice for commuting and touring in any weather.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Fits most bikes
- Good value
Cons
- Soft bags can sag without supports
2. Giant Loop Mojavi Roll-Top Saddlebag: best for adventure bikes
Giant Loop’s Mojavi is a rugged roll-top bag designed for dual-sport and adventure bikes, built to take falls and rough trails.
Pros
- Rugged
- Roll-top closure
- Made for off-road
Cons
- Less structured for street use
3. Kriega Overlander-S OS-22 Drypack: best modular system
Kriega’s Overlander-S system lets you mount waterproof drypacks to a base that fits your bike, then move or swap packs as you need. It’s a favourite with ADV tourers.
Pros
- Waterproof drypacks
- Modular
- Very durable
Cons
- Needs the base system
- Pricier
4. Street & Steel Slanted Saddlebags: best for cruisers
Classic slanted saddlebags for cruisers, in small and large sizes. Pair them with a cruiser look from our cruiser boots guide.
Pros
- Classic cruiser look
- Two sizes
- Good value
Cons
- Check mounting for your bike
5. Shad E48SR Saddlebags: best semi-rigid bags
Shad’s SR bags are semi-rigid, so they hold their shape better than soft bags while being lighter than hard cases. They mount with bike-specific hardware.
Pros
- Hold their shape
- Lighter than hard cases
- Good capacity
Cons
- Need bike-specific mounts
6. Leather Works 103Z Pony Express Throw Over Saddlebags: best leather throw-over bags
Styled after the original Pony Express mailbags, these are cut from 10 oz. American-tanned, struck-through leather with quick-release clips hidden behind stainless roller buckles, so they open easily without unbuckling. They hang from an under-seat yoke with zip-off connections, have a small inside zip pocket for documents, and measure 13.5 x 12 x 5 inches each. RevZilla lists them at $390 and recommends saddlebag supports, as with any throw-over bag.
Pros
- Heavy, traditional leather
- Quick-release clips
- Removable via zip-off yoke
Cons
- Supports recommended
- Leather needs regular conditioning
7. Leather Works Classic Bolt-On Saddlebags: best leather bolt-on bags
For a permanent, factory-custom look, Leather Works’ Classic bags use 10–12 oz. American-tanned struck-through leather, which the maker calls the heaviest leather used in the industry. They bolt on with the Easy Brackets quick-detachable system, and nickel clips on top let you strap a duffel or bungee extra gear. RevZilla lists them from $520, with bike-specific fitment.
Pros
- Very heavy leather
- Quick-detach bracket system
- Clips for extra luggage
Cons
- Expensive
- Bike-specific brackets
Best leather motorcycle saddlebags
If you want the classic look on a cruiser, bagger or retro bike, leather is still the top-rated choice. The Leather Works bags above use thick, American-tanned leather; for budget and model-specific leather bags for Harleys and metric cruisers, see our Viking bags guide.
- Throw-over vs bolt-on: throw-over bags drape over the seat and are easy to fit and remove, but need supports to keep them off the wheel and exhaust. Bolt-on bags mount to brackets and sit tighter and more securely.
- Leather weight: heavier leather (around 10 oz. and up) holds its shape better and lasts longer.
- Weather: leather isn’t waterproof. Condition it regularly, use a rain cover, and pack clothes in dry bags inside.
- Heat: keep leather well clear of the exhaust, which can dry and crack it.
Leather vs synthetic saddlebags
Leather bags look traditional and age well but need care and aren’t waterproof. Synthetic and textile bags from brands like Nelson-Rigg and Kriega cost less, weigh less and can be fully waterproof, which makes them the better choice for touring in mixed weather. Planning a long trip? Our motorcycle touring packing list helps you decide how much space you need.
How to choose saddlebags
Soft, semi-rigid or hard?
Soft bags are cheapest and fit most bikes. Semi-rigid bags hold their shape. Hard cases are most secure and weatherproof but need racks. Rebel owners can find model-specific rack options in our Honda Rebel 500 accessories guide.
Mounting and heat
Make sure bags clear your exhaust; use heat shields or supports where needed.
Waterproofing
Look for welded seams or roll-top closures, or use dry bags inside.
No room for your helmet in the bags? Lock it to the bike instead with one of the best motorcycle helmet locks, from bolt-on Kuryakyn locks to portable carabiners.
FAQ
Do saddlebags fit any motorcycle?
Universal soft bags fit many bikes, but supports or brackets help on some. Check the maker’s fitment.
How much weight can saddlebags carry?
Check the maker’s limit and your bike’s load capacity.
What are the top-rated leather motorcycle bags?
For traditional leather saddlebags, Leather Works’ Pony Express throw-overs and Classic bolt-on bags use heavy 10–12 oz. American-tanned leather. Viking Bags makes cheaper model-specific leather saddlebags for many cruisers.
Are leather saddlebags waterproof?
No. Leather is water-resistant at best. Condition it, use a rain cover and pack valuables in dry bags.
Are soft saddlebags secure?
They’re less secure than hard cases. Take valuables with you.
What else do I need for touring?
A good GPS and intercom; see our best motorcycle GPS and intercoms.
Related reading: why most motorcycles have no storage compartment.
Verdict
Buy Nelson-Rigg Hurricane bags for waterproof street touring, the Giant Loop Mojavi for adventure riding, or Street & Steel Slanted bags for a cruiser. If you want real leather, go for Leather Works. Securing extra gear on top? See the best motorcycle tie-down straps.
Browse all our accessory guides.
