Thigh Bags for Motorcycle Riders

Phone, wallet, keys, a power bank. These are the things you reach for most on a ride, and the things most likely to be buried in a pocket or at the bottom of a tank bag. A thigh bag keeps them on your leg, one zip away.

It straps around the upper thigh and sits clear of the tank and the seat. You can grab your wallet at a toll or your phone at a signal without digging through a tank bag or a backpack.

The thigh bags here are picked for riding. They have secure straps, glove-friendly zips and enough structure to protect your phone.

Thigh bag, tank bag or backpack?

A thigh bag holds small items you want right now. A tank bag holds more and sits in front of you, which suits navigation and bigger loads. A backpack carries the most but puts weight on your shoulders, which gets tiring on long rides.

Many riders mix them: a thigh bag for the essentials, and a tank bag or tail bag for everything else. Our guide to what to carry on a long motorcycle tour shows how to split the load.

What to look for in a thigh bag

• Size: 5L is plenty for a phone, wallet, keys and a few extras.
• Straps: a firm thigh strap and, if you want it, a waist strap to stop the bag sliding.
• Base: a semi-hard base protects a phone and cards from being crushed.
• Zips: glove-friendly pullers make a real difference at a toll booth.
• Extras: mesh pockets for organising, and options like fanny pack or magnetic tank mode.

Two ways to wear one

The Raida Compass Thigh Bag is a 5L thigh bag with a detachable thigh strap, and three magnets let you stick it to a steel tank. The Rynox Pod Thigh Bag 5L is also 5L, with a waist strap, a detachable thigh strap and a fanny pack mode, and it fits waists up to 56 inches.

FAQs

Q1: Are thigh bags comfortable on long rides?

A1: They are, if you keep them light and strapped snugly. A heavy bag swinging on your leg gets tiring. Keep heavier things in other luggage and use the thigh bag for essentials.

Q2: What can I carry in a 5L thigh bag?

A2: A phone, wallet, keys, a power bank, earplugs, a small multi-tool and a snack. It is not made for a water bottle or a jacket.

Q3: What is the difference between a thigh bag and a tank bag?

A3: A thigh bag rides on your leg and holds small items. A tank bag mounts on your fuel tank and holds more. Some thigh bags, like the Raida Compass, can convert to a magnetic tank bag on a steel tank.

Q4: Can I use a magnetic thigh bag on any bike?

A4: Only on a steel tank. Magnets do not hold on plastic, aluminium or fibreglass tanks. You can still wear it on your thigh on those bikes.

Q5: Will a thigh bag fit riders of all sizes?

A5: Most thigh bags have adjustable straps, but check the listing for the strap range. The Rynox Pod, for example, fits waists up to 56 inches.