Real-Life Review: Viking Bags for Bikers

Post by Jack McIntyre | Images by Viking Bags & Jack McIntyre

And don’t stop with these two bags, visit Viking Bags and check out their full lineup. There’s a solution for just about every rider.

I’ve been chasing motorcycles, rallies, and the biker lifestyle with a camera since the late ’90s. From Daytona and Sturgis to the backroads most riders never get to see, one thing has always remained the same, my camera gear goes wherever I go. When you’re carrying nearly 15 pounds of cameras and lenses worth more than $11,000, protecting that investment isn’t just important… it’s mandatory.

A while back, the crew at Viking Bags reached out and asked if I’d be interested in putting a couple of their products through a real-world review. I chose the two bags I knew would log the most miles strapped to my motorcycle because that’s the only kind of review that really matters. If a bag can’t survive thousands of miles in the saddle, it’s not worth talking about.

The first thing that stood out after opening the box was the quality. These aren’t flimsy bags trying to look rugged. The material is lightweight without sacrificing durability, the stitching is first-rate, the zippers are heavy-duty, and every pocket feels like it was designed by someone who actually rides. From the moment I loaded them up, I knew they were built to withstand the punishment that comes with life on the road.

As a motorcycle photographer, I don’t trust expensive camera equipment to just any sissy bar bag. My gear has to arrive exactly the way it left, safe, dry, and ready to capture the next moment. Viking Bags checked every box. They stayed secure mile after mile, held their shape, and let me stop worrying about my equipment so I could enjoy the ride ahead.

Of course, you don’t have to fill these bags with camera gear. Pack them with clothes for a weekend getaway, camping equipment, tools, rain gear, or whatever your next adventure demands. I’m simply showing you how they fit into my world. If they can protect thousands of dollars’ worth of professional photography equipment bouncing across America’s highways, they’ll handle just about anything you can throw at them.

With the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally just around the corner, there’s no better time to make sure your gear is protected. Anyone who’s ridden into the Black Hills knows exactly what I’m talking about. You’ll leave camp under bright blue skies, ride straight into a soaking rainstorm, get pelted by hail, and somehow finish the day back in sunshine. That’s Sturgis, beautiful, unpredictable, and always an adventure.

The bottom line? If you’re looking for a tough, weather-resistant bag that’s built for riders instead of simply looking the part, Viking Bags has earned my respect. They passed my real-world test, and that’s about the highest compliment I can give. Whether you’re carrying camera gear, camping supplies, or everything you need for the ride of a lifetime, these bags are ready to go wherever the road takes you.

42L-Voyage Elite XL Motorcycle Sissy Bar Bag

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20L-Axwell Medium Motorcycle Sissy Bar Bag

So to conclude this review, I these Sissy Bar Bags a big Thumbs Up on behalf of all photographers or anyone that tours across country, or just around town. Give Viking Bags a chance, you won’t be disappointed.