Seat bags, which are relatively easy to install on any bike and offer a wide choice of capacities, are a mainstream item for carrying luggage on a motorcycle. Although they are recommended for new riders, it is often difficult to choose the right one because there are so many to choose from in the first place. So here, we've made a list of recommendations by capacity.

Seat bags with a capacity of 5L or less

Let's start with under 5L. This capacity is quite modest for a seat bag. It is useful for carrying small items such as a smartphone, camera, or tools. Having a place to put those small items can have a big impact on comfort, so it is more convenient to have than you might think, and being so compact it will have little impact on the look of the bike.

DEGNER Seat Holster Bag (1.5L capacity)

As the name suggests, it can be used in two ways: as a holster bag attached to the waist and as a seat bag. In other words, you can attach it to the seat while traveling and when you reach your destination, you can wear it as a holster bag to carry your valuables. The capacity is 1.5L, which is quite compact for a seat bag. However, as a holster bag, it is large enough to hold a long wallet, so it should be very convenient to use.

Seat bags with a capacity of 10L or less

Now let's increase the capacity to between 5.1L and 10L, which can hold not only small items but also a change of clothes and rain gear if you choose carefully. 10L or less is about the size of a large waist bag. For comparison, Mystery Ranch's Hip Monkey bag is 8L.

Jams Gold ROD Seat Bag (5.6L capacity)

This is a stylish bag with a military look, typical of Jams Gold. The bag's style may catch the eye, but its functionality is also great, and it comes with a cooling function. It protects the contents to some extent from direct sunlight and outside temperatures. The main opening is very large, and the side opening is also very user-friendly. The design, which looks like a military-style garment bag, is also unique.

TANAX Narrow-fit Seat Bag M (6L capacity)

The "bottom-cut construction", meaning it tapers toward the bottom, allows it to be securely attached to even the smallest pillion seat. The overall style, including the top portion, is simple, so it is recommended for those who want to add storage conveniently without the obvious look of a seat bag.

ENDURISTAN XS Base Pack (6.5L capacity)

Completely waterproof and dustproof seat bag. The installation method is to fasten the two included belts by wrapping them around the fender or seat. Additionally, although this is for off-road bikes, it can also be installed by fastening the belts to the rear fender with the included bolts. In addition to the waterproof main compartment, there is a bungee cord and mesh pocket on the top, so you can use those for putting items you need quick access to.

HenlyBegins DH-710 Seat Bag (7L capacity)

DAYTONA's basic compact seat bag. It can be easily attached to a rack or seat with the included easy-ring belt. There is a storage pocket on the rider's side that you can use to put a rain cover in. The bungee cord on the top is very useful and the entire top surface opens for easy access. The design tapers toward the tail, so you can add storage space without sacrificing the sporty look of your bike.

HenlyBegins DH-722 A4 Seat Bag (7-12L capacity)

Another one from HenlyBegins. This one has an adjustable capacity, with a minimum of 7L and a maximum of 12L. As for the expansion method, it extends vertically by opening the zipper. As the name suggests, it can hold even A4 size (approx. letter size in the US) documents. This means that brochures and papers can be inserted without folding them, which is a very important point. The top surface is equipped with not only a bungee cord but also two PALS straps and the flat shape makes it highly expandable. An easy-ring belt is included for attachment.

TANAX Light Sport Seat Bag (7.5L capacity)

The unique shape of this Light Sport Seat Bag is eye-catching. When not in use for storage, it can be folded. The top portion opens almost completely, providing an overwhelmingly wide opening that is unparalleled. With its foldability, it is both highly compact and provides ample storage.

DFG Module Motopack 7.5 (7.5L capacity)

The greatest feature of the Module Motopack is its expandability through a variety of combinations. It has a roll-top construction, waterproof inner bag, and watertight fasteners to protect against sudden rainfall and is secured to the seat or fender with two loading belt kits. This 7.5-liter bag is a good size to be attached to the front guard of an adventure bike. It can also be combined with other Module Motopacks to make a large seat bag. Furthermore, by using the Side Bag Base (sold separately), it can also be used as a side bag.

DEGNER Nylon Slim Seat Bag (8L capacity)

This basic seat bag features a slim profile. It has a narrow width and a slightly tall form. A rain cover is stored in a dedicated pocket under the Degner logo, so you don't have to worry if it starts raining suddenly. It is attached with the included "easy belts". It's that easy.

RS TAICHI RSB312 Sport Seat Bag.10 (10L capacity)

Removable dividers allow for more effective use of storage space. The structure allows the center of the bottom to be bent, making it possible to install on bikes with a raised pillion seat. It can be attached with the included Octaflex belt.

Seat bags with a capacity of 20L or less

Next up is 20L or less. In terms of capacity, this is quite roomy for storage. It is a versatile size, easy to use for both daily use and long tours. Personally, I like to use 20L for daily use. The rack on a Cub is actually pretty big, so it looks better with a larger bag.

ENDURANCE Universal Rear Seat Bag (13L capacity)

Universal seat bag suitable for road models. Easy installation by wrapping around the pillion seat. Fits seats up to 49cm in circumference. Features a wide opening that wraps around to the rider's side.

TANAX Euro Seat Bag MFK-063 (14L capacity)

A storage pocket is provided on the topside of the lid, convenient for storing maps or other items that you need to quickly retrieve. In addition, there is a mesh pocket on the underside of the lid for a rain cover. The rider's side is padded to reduce discomfort when the back comes in contact with the bag, and in addition to the four attachment belts, the bag also comes with the K-system Belt that TANAX is proud to offer, making attachment very easy and flexible.

DEGNER Waterproof Seat Bag (20L capacity)

This is the seat bag from DEGNER's waterproof bag series. The waterproof side bag is also a very popular standard item, and I have been using it for quite a long time. The seat bag is a very useful item as well, and although it has a very large capacity of 20 liters, the wide opening allows for easy storage. The waterproof inner lining and roll-top construction make it easy to handle even in the rain. It is attached with easy belts.

Seat bags with a capacity of 40L or less

The next section is 40L or less. From this point on, the look is what you think of when you hear the term "seat bag". The large capacity is good for overnight touring. If you go camping, you'll definitely want this kind of capacity.

DOPPELGANGER Tarpaulin Touring Drum Bag (30L capacity)

The drum bag shape with reduced width from front to rear makes it easy to fit on sport bikes. The top flap is a floating type, which is equipped for carrying additional luggage and can be removed. Combined with the 30L drum bag section, you can carry even more luggage. The D-rings make it easy to use a touring net for additional cargo.

GIVI EA115BK Waterproof Bag (40L capacity)

GIVI, a top brand for hard cases, also offers this seat bag in their lineup. The structure is simple: a large waterproof tarpaulin bag, which is a standard item for camping, is equipped with a buckle for attaching to the seat. Though it is simple, it is one of the most convenient bags for camping and touring. It is highly waterproof, and the simple one compartment construction allows you to pack in large items.

Seat bags with a capacity of 41L or more

A capacity of over 40 liters is perfectly suitable for camping and touring. The most common type of bag for a reasonable price is a waterproof tarpaulin bag. In most cases, there are no sub-pockets or dividers, so they are not as useful as a fabric seat bag, but the bags themselves are lightweight and have a large enough capacity to hold everything you need. In a sense, it is the ultimate large-capacity bag.

HenlyBegins DH-749 Waterproof Seat Bag (60L capacity)

This bag is amazingly affordable making it perfect for first time campers. The structure is similar to GIVI's EA115BK Waterproof Bag. However, if you look closely, you will notice that the handle also has D-rings. These D-rings make it possible to carry additional luggage on top, or even add another seat bag. In terms of capacity, expandability, and price, I think this is the best high-capacity seat bag for this list.

Conclusion

There are many other seat bags in addition to those introduced here, but we hope this list can be a starting point for you to find the bag that best suits your needs and preferences.

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