Motorcycle Dry Bag Guide: What to Look For

Lebanon's weather can turn quickly — sunshine on the coast, a downpour a few minutes up the road. On a motorcycle or scooter you can't duck for cover, and a wet phone, wallet or spare layer ruins a ride. A waterproof dry bag strapped to your bike is one of the cheapest ways to keep the important things dry.

Why a dry bag works well on a bike

• It's sealed by folding, not zipping. A roll-top has no zip to fail in a downpour or to clog with road dust.
• It's flexible. Unlike a hard pannier, it takes whatever you give it and rolls smaller when it's half empty.
• It's light and quick to move. Unclip it and carry it into a café or hotel with the shoulder strap.

What to look for

• Roll-top closure with a buckle. The most dependable waterproof closure; learn how to close it properly.
• Sealed seams. Welded or taped seams don't have stitch holes for water to creep through.
• Attachment points. D-rings or webbing loops are what you'll route straps through. See how to secure a dry bag on a motorcycle.
• A reinforced base. It takes the abrasion where the bag touches a rack or seat.
• Sensible size. Bigger isn't better on a bike: a heavy, sprawling load affects handling.

Which size for riding?

What to pack — and what not to

• Pack: phone, power bank, wallet, bike documents, a rain layer, a spare pair of gloves, a small first-aid kit, a tyre-repair kit pouch.
• Don't pack: anything sharp or heavy loose against the walls, anything you need to reach while moving, or fuel.
• Keep your helmet and riding gear on you — a dry bag isn't a place to store them.

Where the Rihla bags fit

The Rihla 5L suits scooters, short rides and anyone who just needs the phone-wallet-documents kit to stay dry. The Rihla 15L has room for a rain layer and a change of clothes. Both have D-ring attachment points, a reinforced base, and a detachable shoulder sling so the bag becomes a waterproof shoulder bag the moment you park — see our shoulder bag guide.