Bum bag, waist bag, or even the dreaded fanny pack, whatever you want to call it, an easy-to-reach bag that sits on the hip is a practical addition to your gear.
Perfect for easy access to essentials without taking off a backpack or digging around in jacket pockets with gloves on.
Best X – Quick Picks
Kriega R3 Waist Pack: Best Overall
Givi EA125 Waist Bag: Best Value + Quality combo
Oxford XW1s Waist Bag: Budget Option
Kriega R8 Waistpack: Large Capacity Pick
Best Motorcycle Bum Bag Reviews
Let’s dive into our top picks
Kriega R3 Waistpack
Kriega makes some of the best motorcycle-specific bags on the market.
This 3-litre unit is made from 1000D, fully waterproof Cordura fabric with a machined alloy buckle.
Materials and build quality are top drawer.
The fabric, stitching and detailing is more like what you’d expect from a high-end textile jacket than a bag.
We found it easy to adjust, and all the buckles and straps felt durable.
These bags are all pretty comfortable when riding but often start to slide over the hips as soon as you step off and are hard to adjust correctly.
That is not an issue with this bum bag; the straps, padding, and placement of the buckle mean it is perfectly comfortable off the bike too.
- Incredibly well made
- Fully waterproof
- Durable
- Expensive (though in this case, you get what you pay for)
Givi EA125 Waist Bag
This is a lot of bag for the price.
The main compartment is 600D polyester fabric, rated as water-resistant.
One thing to note on this is the roll-top closure, probably the cheapest and most effective way to ensure no water can get through the weakest point of the bag.
Your stuff should stay dry in anything other than a sustained, heavy downpour.
A fully waterproof inner compartment is also included for things like passports, phones, and wallets.
Givi’s gear usually represents a sweet spot between performance and cost, and this bag is no exception – recommended.
- Represents good value for money
- Roll-top closure
- Fully waterproof inner compartment
- None
Oxford XW1s Waist Bag
This is a cheap and cheerful, no-frills, durable bag from Oxford.
It’s 1.5L, made of 600D Ripstop material, and is an ideal solution for riders who want to have a few essentials close to hand while riding.
There’s no waterproofing going on here.
It’s perfectly comfortable to wear on long rides, adjusts easily, and uses a quick-release buckle.
At this price, this is a handy addition to your gear, but the waterproofing of the only slightly more expensive Givi bag seems like a better choice.
Kriega R8 Waistpack
This is an 8L dual-compartment solution from Kriega.
The larger of the two compartments is 6L with a decent level of water resistance; the smaller pod is a 2L, fully waterproof compartment.
Everything is made from 1000D Cordura fabric, and like the R3, the build quality, design, and layout are second to none.
A tool roll for all your essentials is included.
This bag is lightweight, durable, and comes with a 10-year guarantee.
It isn’t cheap, but this is made for serious conditions.
This might be more than you need if you’re just after a bag to throw your keys and phone in.
- Beautifully made and designed
- Fully waterproof compartment and water-resistant compartment
- Tool roll
- Expensive
Buyer’s Guide
Straps
Most of these bags use a similar system for the straps and buckles.
The Kriega models all use CNC milled, alloy buckles and a higher grade of polyester, meaning they’re likely to be the most durable bags on our list.
Materials
Even the cheapest examples use 600D poly – which has decent abrasion resistance and durability.
The 1000D Cordura fabric used in Kriega’s bags should last a long time and is backed up by a ten-year guarantee.
Sizing
Most people use these types of bags to keep a few essentials within easy reach.
A 1.5L bag will fit your phone, wallet, sunglasses, and water bottle.
The bigger Krieger 3-8L bags are an alternative to a motorcycle backpack.
Kriega’s R8 is the largest on our list and has a dedicated compartment for a toolkit built into its design.
Comfort
This depends on the person.
I prefer this kind of bag for longer journeys or when I’m just out riding for fun.
When in the riding position, none of the weight from the stuff in your bag is on your neck, shoulders, or back.
Waterproofing
For most riders in the UK, waterproofing is an essential factor in choosing the right bag.
If your phone and wallet are going in there, they must be protected; look for bum bags with a roll-top closing or an inner waterproof pocket.
Alternatives
There are several other motorcycle bag options with different pros and cons; see these posts if you aren’t convinced a bum bag will suit your needs:
Conclusion
If you’re after something that can substitute for a backpack, consider looking at Kriega gear.
If you need something to throw a few things in and forget about, take a look at some of the cheaper options on our list.