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 having to take off a backpack or go digging around in jacket pockets with gloves on.
Kriega R3 Waist Bag
Oozes Quality
It’s expensive, but when you get your hands on one of these, it’s immediately apparent that a lot of thought has gone into its design, build quality and detailing. SportsBikeShop
Givi EA125 Waist Bag
The Value Sweet Spot
A good quality roll-top closure bag with a decent level of water resistance at a great price. SportsBikeShop
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.
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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.
Pros
Incredibly well made- Fully waterproof
- Durable
Incredibly well madeCons
- Expensive (though in this case, you get what you pay for)
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.
In anything other than a sustained, heavy downpour, your stuff should stay dry.
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.
Pros
- Represents good value for money
- Roll-top closure
- Fully waterproof inner compartment
Cons
- None
Oxford Waist Bag
This is a cheap and cheerful, no-frills, durable bag from Oxford.
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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.
Pros
- Quality, durable bag
Cons
- No water resistance
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.
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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.
If you’re just after a bag to throw your keys and phone in, this might be more than you need.
Pros
- Beautifully made and designed
- Fully waterproof compartment and water-resistant compartment
- Tool roll
Cons
- Expensive
Givi EA108B
This is a cheaper version of the EA125 bag listed earlier. And, honestly, it’s hard to recommend this bag over its slightly more expensive cousin.
A well-made, well-designed, and perfectly functional, but for only a few extra pounds, you can get a fully waterproof inner compartment.
Comfortable, adjustable, and a decent bag for the price, this is one for those on a very tight budget.
Pros
- Cheap and well-made
- Plenty of compartments
Cons
- Lack of waterproof compartment
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 levels of abrasion resistance and durability.
The 1000D Cordura fabric used in Kriega’s bags should last a very 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 a bottle of water.
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 important factor in choosing the right bag.
If your phone and wallet are going in there, they need to 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.