One of the most essential pieces of equipment in your dirt bike riding arsenal is your gear bag. Here’s a look at 8 of the Best Gear Bags for Dirt Bikes, compiled from my experience of over 30 years of racing and riding dirt bikes of all types.
Whether you are riding motocross, Dual Sport, or Adventure riding, having your gear stored together when traveling is a must.
Whether your gear bag just goes from the garage to the truck to the track, or you need to travel for several days with it, maybe even air travel, it is important to pick the right one for you.
Some of the gear bags in this review are suitable not only as dirt bike gear bags but can also double as travel bags, and are built to withstand the treatment they receive at airports.
Quick Summary
I’ve spent many hours researching and comparing all the gear bags on the market before selecting 10 of the best gear bags, covering varying price ranges, styles, and sizes.
This review will save you a lot of time searching because the groundwork has been done for you.
Here’s a quick look at 10 of the best gear bags for dirt bikes reviewed here :
- Factory FMX Motocross Gear Bag
- Ogio Rig 9800 Wheeled Gear Bag
- Alpinestars Komodo Gear Bag
- O’Neal TX8000 Gear Bag – Best Under $100
- Shift Duffle MX Gear Bag
- Fly Racing Roller Grande Gear Bag – Best Wheeled Bag Under US$200
- Fox Racing Podium Gear Bag
- Klim Kodiak Gear Bag (wheeled) – Best Of The Best
How To Choose A Dirt Bike Gear Bag:
For a Dirt Bike gear bag to meet the requirements it’s designed for, there are two main criteria:
- It’s got to have good sturdy construction, you want it to last.
- You have to be able to comfortably fit all your gear into it without the bag bursting at the seams.
This means having ample room for your helmet, boots, chest protector or body armor, knee protector/brace, neck brace, and all your riding gear – pants, jerseys, goggles, and gloves.
There are also a few features to look for when choosing a good gear bag that are highly desirable:
- Separate compartments for the main items like boots, helmet, and smaller items like goggles and gloves.
- Ventilation to the compartments. This is a bonus when putting muddy or damp gear back in after you’ve finished riding.
- A pull-out changing mat is a nice feature for getting changed without standing in the mud or dirt.
- Wheeled or not wheeled? If you want the option of using the bag for air travel, wheels, and a retractable pull handle are a must.
There are heaps of reviews on Amazon about these products and almost all are overwhelmingly positive. If you want to see what users are saying about them, click the links below each item.
1. Factory FMX Motocross Gear Bag
The Factory FMX Motocross Gear Bag has got 2 things going for it: It’s a bargain in the under US$100 price range, and the quality is there, with rugged durable construction, and high-quality zippers that will stand up over time.
It’s not the biggest bag available, but it’s not the smallest either. With a length of 29″ it’s adequate, but the larger bags with a length of 35″ are also usually priced over $200.
The main compartment will fit your helmet, body armor, pants, jersey, knee protectors, and a change of clothes. If you’re a rider who likes to carry your helmet in a separate bag, then you’ll have heaps of room for a few extras, like spare jerseys or goggles, etc.
The boots fit one in each end in separate pockets. If your boots are size 13 or bigger it may put a bit of pressure on the zippers, there are mixed reviews on that. One thing to note is that you will have to put your boots in first, then fill the main compartment.
The 2 large side pockets are handy for things like goggles, gloves, socks, etc. while the third smaller sealed side pocket is ideal for cell phone, wallet, keys, etc
All compartments except the smallest sealed one are ventilated for breathability which is great for when all your gear is damp or sweaty.
If you’re looking for a durable bag that will hold everything and not blow the budget, this one is at the top of the list.
Features
- Gear bag measurements: 29″(73cm) Long x 17.5″(44cm) Wide x 16″(40cm) High
- 2 internal separate boot pockets
- 3 external pockets which are for goggles, gloves, etc
- A sealed pocket for personal items like your cell phones & wallet
- Mesh Venting on all other compartments, for breathability when you have damp gear in your bag
- 1200 Denier rip-stop nylon for the durability of your bag
- Multiple grab handles and a detachable shoulder strap
- Double-stitched seams so that your bag can handle the tough conditions
- Vinyl lined compartments
- Colors available: Blue/Black, Grey/Black, Red/Black, Green/Black
Pros
- Good quality construction for a budget price
- Separate boot compartments
- Plenty of ventilation
Cons
- May not fit the largest boots in end pockets
If you’re looking for a durable bag that will hold everything, has plenty of features, and won’t blow the budget, this one is at the top of the list.
2. Ogio Rig 9800 Wheeled Gear Bag
This bag was originally designed as a travel bag and later adapted by OGIO to function as a riding gear bag. It is this merging of the two functionalities that has made the Ogio 9800 one of the most popular bags on the market today.
As a Gear Bag: The main compartment will easily fit your boots, body armor, knee protectors, neck brace, pants, and the padded helmet pocket keeps your helmet from getting damaged.
There are 2 pockets on the underside of the lid which are ideal for things like goggle lenses/tear-offs and a small hydration pack in one pocket. The other pocket is handy for a few small tools or some personal items.
There is also a large zippered main pocket under the entire lid which is ideal for separating your riding gear like jerseys, and pants, etc. This gives it its clamshell design.
The main top pocket on the exterior has enough room for 4 sets of goggles.
There are 2 large compression straps over the bag and 3 heavy-duty lifting handles. Two handles over the compression straps, and one near the retractable pull handle.
As a Travel Bag: The helmet compartment is ideal for shoe storage. The goggle pocket at the top is perfect for your passport and other important travel documents that you need quick access to.
The extra pockets on the underside of the lid are perfect for toiletries bag, phone charger, and other miscellaneous items.
The huge main compartment will hold all your clothes needed for traveling, and the clamshell design is ideal for separating clean and dirty clothes.
The heavy-duty zippers have provision for a padlock to keep things secure when traveling.
The solid molded plastic sled on the bottom makes it easier for the bag to stand up on its end, even when it’s fully loaded. This will save your back when you’re shuffling through airports and you don’t have to keep bending down to pick up your bag.
Features
- Gear bag measurements: 15.25″(39cm) Deep x 16.5″(42cm) Wide x 34″(86cm) High, Volume 9,792 cu.in.
- Weight 14 pounds (6.4 kg)
- Heavy-duty construction uses 420D dobby poly PVC & 600D poly PVC
- Large main compartment with adjustable dividers and a padded helmet chamber
- Several multi-use lid compartments for apparel and smaller gear
- iFOM (integrated foam) construction throughout for extra gear protection
- Telescopic pull handle which locks in place and makes transporting it easy
- Heavy-duty oversized wheels combined with the pull handle make maneuvering easy, especially over rough terrain at the MX track
- SLED (structural load equalizing deck) is a fancy term for the molded hard plastic bottom which gives the bag rigidity when laid flat
- Dual compression straps over the whole bag secure your load when not completely full.
- 3 heavy-duty reinforced lifting handles on the top
- Wide mouth opening lid for easy access to all compartments
- Ogio lifetime warranty
Pros
- Wheels and handle make it ideal for airport travel
- Big enough for all your riding gear, and then some
Cons
- Price is getting up there, but with a gear bag, you get what you pay for, and the Ogio 9800 is top of the line.
Whether you’re using the Ogio 9800 as a gear bag to put in the back of the van to take the MX track, you’re flying to the track with your gear, or you just want to use it as a travel bag, this bag does it all.
3. Alpinestars Komodo Gear Bag
The Komodo Gear Bag is perfect for any sport that requires you to carry loads of gear, whether it’s MX, Road Racing, Snowboarding, or any other activity.
The durable ballistic nylon and polyester construction means it will give you years of use. The telescopic handle and roller wheels make it suitable for airport travel, and the flat top pocket makes it easy to access your documents while in transit. The lockable zippers make sure your gear is safe.
The hard internal base with external slide rails and durable bumpers at the base corners provide rigidity to protect your gear.
A great feature unique to the Komodo is the removable waterproof compartment for boots and any other wet items you may put in there. Being able to remove it for cleaning after you’ve had your muddy boots in there makes cleaning so much easier.
There is also a removable change mat which gives you somewhere clean and dry to stand when changing.
The compartment walls are also removable which allows you to create on large compartment if that suits better for the gear you are carrying at the time.
Multiple heavy-duty carry handles at the ends and top make handling the bag easy, and there’s also a shoulder strap.
Classic Alpinestars styling and big screenprint reflective details make this bag not only functional but extremely stylish, as with all Alpinestars products.
Features
CONSTRUCTION
- Gear bag measurements: 37″(94cm) Long x 15.7″(40cm) Wide x 17.7″(45cm) High
- Capacity: 150 Liters
- Constructed from durable tarpaulin and tough polyester reinforcement panels
- Lid opening to access the main compartment
- Flat top pocket to access documents while traveling
- Removable change mat made from waterproof tarpaulin
- Strong plastic YKK zipper chain size 10 mm
- Lockable zippers – accepts TSA-approved locks
- Big screen print with Alpinestars logo
- Two ventilation panels on the sides
- Two mesh pockets on the internal sides of the bag
- Two big webbing handles on the top and ends of the bag make moving and carrying the bag easier.
- Two strap handles to lift up the bag and put it on the shoulder.
- Webbing reinforcement to give a better structure to the bag.
FEATURES
- Boots compartment with a waterproof removable bag, making it easier to clean
- Reflective details for night visibility
- Smooth outdoor rolling wheels for easy maneuverability
- The bottom and side panels are made with waterproof tarpaulin to ensure the bag always stays dry when it stands on muddy terrain.
- Durable hard bumpers on base corners for protection
- Hard internal base with external slide rails
- Sized large enough to carry all of your protective gear
- Compartment walls can be removed with a zipper to allow the bag to be reconfigured with one extra-large internal compartment
- Inner flat zippered mesh pocket on a flap for smaller items
- Telescopic double post handle, multiple heavy-duty haul handles, and a top carry strap.
Pros
- Removable boot compartment liner
- The wheels and handle make it ideal for airport travel
- Comes with a change mat
Cons
- Venting to end compartments only
Founded in 1963, Alpinestars has built a reputation of innovation and prestige. Alpinestars is synonymous with quality, protection, technology, and style. Alpinestars develops world-class technical apparel and footwear for all forms of motorcycling, auto racing, and action sports as well as offering a large range of stylish casual clothing.
4. O’Neal TX8000 Gear Bag
O’Neal is a well-known and respected brand that has been producing motorcycle parts, apparel, and accessories for nearly 40 years.
The TX8000 gear bag is a bag that is in the below $100 range but still built to a high standard and big enough for all your gear.
The end pockets are big enough for your helmet in one end, and boots in the other end, or to put one boot in each end, and your helmet in the main compartment.
You can easily fit your body armor, neck brace, pants, jersey, knee protectors, and helmet in there, and have room for some extras.
There’s a small zippered pocket on the side which is ideal for things like socks, gloves, wallet & keys, etc.
You have multiple grab handles with two on each end, one at the bottom and one at the top, as well as the two main handles at the top and the removable shoulder strap.
Features
- Gear bag measurements: 34″(86cm) Long x 15″(38cm) Wide x 17″(43cm) High, Volume 8000 cu.in.
- One main compartment with two end boot compartments
- Durable 600D Polyester with PVC coating
- Removable padded shoulder strap so you can throw it over your shoulder
- Heavy-duty zippers with easy grab pull tabs which make it easier open and close
- 3 fabric handles and 2 plastic grip handles which make it easy to handle when fully loaded
- Plastic skid plates on the bottom for durability
Pros
- Good quality construction, for a budget price
- Separate boot compartment
- Big enough for all your gear
Cons
- Not Ventilated
This bag is ideal if you are looking for a reliable name-brand bag that won’t blow the budget, and is big enough for everything – and then some.
5. Shift Duffle MX Gear Bag
The Shift Duffle Gear Bag is designed to hold it all – and then some, and also within the $100 price range.
The main compartment is big enough to store your boots standing up to maximize the space. If you pack the bag right, you can get two sets of gear in there.
There are 2 zippered pockets on the top which are ideal for your smaller items like jerseys, socks, gloves, wallet, and phone, etc.
The bag is constructed from a rugged canvas that will withstand the toughest environments you can find.
There is a web attachment system on the top of the bag that allows you to customize the storage options.
Features
- Gear bag measurements: 32″(81cm) Long x 14.5″(37cm) Wide x 13″(33cm) High
- Constructed from heavy canvas material for long-term durability
- Polyester internal lining
- Heavy webbing attachment system for adding modular accessories to your bag
- Removable shoulder strap
- Large zippered main compartment with an external accessory compartment for phone, wallet, etc
- Reinforced heavy-duty carry handles
Pros
- Tough construction at a budget price
- Big enough for all your gear
Cons
- The main compartment has no segmenting to separate items like boots from the rest of your gear.
This bag is ideal if you want rugged construction in a huge bag for a budget price.
6. Fly Racing Roller Grande Gear Bag
The Roller Grande has a huge main center compartment that is big enough for your larger items like helmets, chest protector, neck brace, and knee braces.
The two large vented outer pockets on the ends are wide and deep enough for boots, helmet, or other riding gear, so you could store your helmet in one end and your boots in the other end and still have the whole interior compartment free for all your other gear.
There are several zippered storage pockets along the outside of the middle compartment which are ideal for smaller flatter items. Several accessory pockets within the main compartment of the bag can hold items like a wallet, cell phone, and keys.
A nice feature is the mud mat, which is 15″ wide by 29″ long and is stored in a zippered pocket along the bottom of the bag. It is always good to have somewhere clean to stand on when getting changed.
The interior goggle pocket is fleece-lined and large enough for extra google accessories like extra lenses etc.
The adjustable shoulder strap and telescopic handle make it easy to handle, and the roller wheels make it a good bag for airport travel. There’s even a business card sleeve to make identification easier.
This bag has heaps of storage, and loads of features, and is lightweight and easy to move around. It even folds up when not in use for easy storage.
Features
- Gear bag measurements: 33″(83cm) Long x 16″(40cm) Wide x 17″(43cm) High
- Constructed from 1680D Ultra-durable nylon
- Durable smooth-rolling rollerblade-style wheels for easy maneuverability
- Large mesh panels and vent grommets allow your dirty gear to breathe and dry
- Large center main compartment to store your larger items
- Two large separate pockets on each end of the bag allow for easy storage of boots and dirty gear
- Accessory pockets inside the main compartment allow for neat and organized storage of all your goods, such as cell phone, keys, and small tools
- Fleece-lined goggle pocket which is large enough to store extra lenses and goggle accessories
- YKK zippers – industry-standard, abrasion-resistant zippers
- Telescoping handle which stows neatly when not in use
- An integrated mud mat is accessible from the side of the bag to help you keep clean while changing
- Tool storage pocket
- Clear exterior business card sleeve for easy identification – great for airport travel
- Adjustable shoulder strap included
- Printed and embroidered logos and graphics
Pros
- Good quality construction for a budget price
- Comes with a mud mat
- Well-ventilated end compartments
Cons
- Would be good if the mud mat was detachable for cleaning
- The main compartment is not vented
This bag is at the entry-level of wheeled bags and will also double as a travel bag that is tough enough to handle air travel.
7. Fox Racing Podium Gear Bag
This is a full-size gear bag for those who don’t want the wheels.
If your bag only goes from your garage to the truck to the track, then you can just throw the Podium Sports gear bag over your shoulder and you’re good to go.
This bag is the same size as the Shuttle gear bag below, just without the rollers, and about $80 cheaper
The top flap pocket is ideal for smaller items like googles that you don’t want to be crushed, or for gloves and jersey.
Directly under the top flap is the access to the main compartment which is easily big enough for all your body armor, neck brace, knee protectors, pants, etc.
The two ventilated end pockets are big enough to put both boots in one end, and your helmet in the other. It’s great to be able to get your helmet in a separate compartment protected from the boots and body armor.
The change mat is in a zippered pocket at the bottom of the bag and is great for getting your gear on in muddy or wet conditions. There is also a small zippered side pocket above it.
The ventilation is also a great feature, especially in the helmet and boot compartments.
Features
- Gear bag measurements: 35″ (89cm)Long x 15″(38cm) Wide x 16″(40.5cm) High
- Large main compartment for gear storage
- Large vented boot compartments on each end of the bag
- Top pocket for your goggle storage
- Large internal pull-out changing mat at the bottom of the bag
- Padded shoulder strap so that you can easily handle it, plus some heavy-duty handles on the ends and top
- Durable 600D Polyester fabric construction
Pros
- Top-quality from a name-brand manufacturer
- Ventilated end compartments
- Comes with a change mat
Cons
- Would be great if the main compartment was vented also
8. Klim Kodiak Gear Bag
The Klim Kodiak has recently been redesigned from the wheels up. It now gives you maximum storage capacity and intelligent compartmentalizing inside the bag.
As with all Klim products, whether it’s adventure gloves, jackets, pants, or gear bags, you’re buying the absolute best in quality without compromises.
The Klim Kodiak gear bag is also suitable for carrying snowmobile and ski gear. There’s plenty of room for all the bulky ski gear and ski boots.
There are so many features that it is hard to list them all, so I’ve included this video to give you a better look.
You will also love the folding baseboard which can be used to separate your helmet from the rest of the gear.
The bag is stable when standing up, even when full, so this makes it great at airports when shuffling along in a queue.
There are heaps of grab handles that make it easy for loading and unloading into the car, and the rigid plastic handle on the bottom helps the stability when standing the bag on end.
The whole underside of the lid has a multitude of pockets. The top pocket is even big enough for a helmet or it can be rolled open to allow you to stand your boots up below it if you prefer.
Features
- Gear bag measurements: 36″(91cm) Long x 18″(45.7cm) Wide x 18″(45.7cm) High
- Structural skeleton ensure that your bag stands up when loaded or unloaded
- The compartmentalized design separates your boots, helmet, goggles and other items in dedicated spaces
- Oversized 90mm wheels provide higher ground clearance and allow easier movement over uneven ground
- Internal semi-rigid boot liner bag which velcros into place and keeps boots separate from the rest of your gear
- YKK heavy duty zippers throughout
- Large internal lid zippered pockets, the top one rolls open to allow standing boot storage
- Zippered lid mesh pockets
- 2 interior mesh pockets on the sides for the smaller items like gloves or tear-offs
- Two exterior pockets (the top one is fleece-lined, ideal for goggles)
- Lightweight and sturdy extruded retractable handle to make maneuvering easy
- Four external grab handles (1 molded foot grab, and 3 heavy-duty webbing handles) for easy lifting of the bag
- High-impact plastic corner armor to exterior impact zones
- Comes with a large change mat for keeping your feet clean when getting your gear on
Pros
- More features than any other gear bag on the market
- One of the largest bags on the market
- Top-quality throughout from a well known and respected brand
Cons
- Some airlines may consider this bag oversize and charge extra, best to check with the airline if flying
Final Thoughts
All of these gear bags are well built, large enough for all your riding gear, and do the job they’re designed for.
The right one for you depends on your budget and your intended use.
Top Picks:
Best Under $100: O’Neal TX800
If you are looking for a durable MX-style bag for well under the $100 price, which is only fractionally smaller than the over $200 bags, from a name-brand manufacturer, it’s hard to go past the O’Neal TX8000.
It has separate compartments for boots and helmet, and is easily big enough for all your gear, plus a few extras.
Best Wheeled Bag Under US$200: Fly Racing Roller Grande Gear Bag:
If you are looking for a wheeled gear bag that does it all, including the option of being used as a travel bag, but you don’t want to spend over $200, the Fly Racing Roller Grande Gear Bag takes a lot of beating for value and quality.
Best Of The Best: Klim Kodiac Gear Bag:
Of course, if you simply want the best there is, with no compromise, it can only be the Klim Kodiak Gear bag
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Is there a gear bag that should be included in this list? If you have a bag that has served you well and you can highly recommend it, please feel free to share your thoughts.
I’m not into riding dirt bikes but my nephew is. I showed him this article and he gave me his opinions and they almost matched mine.
We both agreed that the bag should be durable, not too heavy, have enough room for storage of everything, and at a minimal price.
The Fox Racing 2019 Podium bag seems to be the choice because it has just about what we would be looking for. At least he is because he rides, for me I would choose it if I did ride.
But the bottom line is that you wrote a nice review for each one of the bags and it makes it tough to choose just one. I’m glad my nephew was interested as well!
Hi Rob. Yes the Fox Racing 2019 Podium is a good choice. It’s as big as the more expensive bags, has all the features and is only $100. It certainly is a tough choice, they are all good bags, but the main things are durability and room for everything as you say.
Thanks for your comments
Greg
I’m not a biker myself but the cousin of my wife is.
He is a lover of it, but we are angry at him since he doesn’t have the proper gear and it is very dangerous to drive like that.
So before accidents happen, I will show him this post and force him to buy gear so he is safe and we are relieved.
Great post and thanks for sharing it!
You maybe saved a life!
Hi Emmanuel. These gear bags won’t do much to protect him while he’s riding, but there are other posts on my site under Reviews that give info on helmets, boots, jackets, gloves etc. that may be of interest if he doesn’t have the right gear. There’s also a page on riding tips and techniques which he may find helpful.
Thanks for your comments.
Greg
My last bike gear bag didn’t even make it past the six month mark, and that was down to me choosing a rather cheap ‘copy’ of a more famous brand. I found myself regularly stuffing it with kit and then struggling to fasten it – this resulted in wear I could not stop.
Is there a regular weight or size I should be looking at when purchasing a bag? Also, what bag above would you recommend to someone who carries a lot of kit?
Hi Chris. I don’t think there is a ‘regular’ size because the size all depends on what you want to use it for, but if it’s for carrying gear for a dirt bike, you need a pretty large bag to get helmet, boots and riding gear in. Any of the Fox Racing bags in my review would be plenty big enough.
My pick would be either the O’Neal TX8000 or the Fox Racing 2019 Podium Cota because they’re as big as the more expensive bags, but reasonable priced at about $100, and good quality construction from a name brand company.
For someone who carries a lot of gear, these bags would be ample. If I can be of any more help, just let me know.
Thanks for your comments.
Greg