Disclosure: Viking Bags sent me the Tactical XL Motorcycle Sissy Bar Backpack for review and use. This post shares my early, out-of-the-box impressions as a rider and as a soldier who has carried more backpacks than I can count. Some packs were good. Most were not. A lot landed somewhere between poor and just sad.
Quick take: The Viking Tactical XL Motorcycle Sissy Bar Backpack looks like a durable, practical motorcycle backpack built for riders who want sissy bar mounting, everyday carry organization, and enough toughness for commuting, touring, and road-trip gear.
My previous experience with Viking Bags was their Viking Bags Sport Tail Bag review. That bag lasted nearly 10 years before it finally had to be replaced, so I came into this unboxing with high expectations for Viking motorcycle luggage.
Why this motorcycle backpack caught my attention
A good motorcycle sissy bar backpack has to do more than carry stuff. It needs to mount securely to the bike, hold up to regular riding abuse, protect the gear inside, and still work as a backpack when you get off the motorcycle
Initial thoughts on the Viking Tactical XL Motorcycle Sissy Bar Backpack
Right out of the box, the Tactical XL feels well made. The Cordura nylon construction gives it the rugged feel I expect from motorcycle luggage that is going to be strapped to a bike, carried around, loaded, unloaded, and used often.
The padded laptop and tablet compartment is a major plus. For riders who commute, travel, or bring electronics on the road, that protection matters.
The MOLLE attachment points on the shoulders and front are a smart touch. They add flexibility for riders who like to customize their motorcycle backpack setup with small pouches or extra carry options.
The large Velcro patch area also fits the tactical style of the bag and gives riders room to add patches, identification, or personality.
The bonus sunglass case and wet gear pouch are useful extras, not throwaway add-ons. Those are the kinds of details that can make a motorcycle backpack more practical on real rides.
Based on the materials and first inspection, this looks like a backpack that should last for years if it performs on the bike the way it feels in hand.
One possible issue to watch
The only nit I can pick during the unboxing is that the sissy bar attachment straps may get in the way when the bag is used as a regular backpack. That is not a deal breaker at this point, but it is something I will pay attention to once I start using it on and off the motorcycle.
First impression verdict
My first impression of the Viking Bags Tactical XL Motorcycle Sissy Bar Backpack is positive. It has the right ingredients for a strong motorcycle luggage option: tough material, useful organization, a padded electronics compartment, MOLLE attachment points, patch space, and practical bonus storage. The real test will come after time on the bike, but the unboxing gives me a good reason to expect this Viking motorcycle backpack to hold up well.
If you ride with a backpack, sissy bar bag, or tail bag, I’d like to hear your experience—leave a comment and help other riders choose the right motorcycle luggage.
Related reading: Check out my other Viking Bags motorcycle gear reviews, including the Viking Bags Sport Tail Bag review.
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