Hydaway Collapsible Rucksack Review

The Hydaway Collapsible Rucksack folds down to pocket size yet expands into a 15‑litre pack that’s ideal for motorcycle travellers when they’re off the bike. Lightweight and quick to stash in panniers or a tank bag, it’s a smart backup for riders who want portable storage without adding bulk to their setup.

By Alissa Potter

Mad or Nomad - RTW motorcycle travellers

Snapshot

Price: £22 / 30USD
Time tested: 6 months
Miles tested: 10,000
Testing conditions: Africa
Functionality: 5/5
Durability: 5/5
Value for money: 5/5
Ease of use: 5/5
Overall score: 5/5
Where to buy: amazon.com / hydaway.com

Hydaway Collapsible Rucksack

This review is based on our own personal experiences using the Hydaway collapsible rucksack on our round the world motorcycle trip.

We have been using the Hydaway backpack for over six months as we ride through Africa on our round the world trip. Since leaving the UK eight years ago, we have always had a collapsible backpack in our panniers as they’re invaluable bits of kit for us. When our last one broke, we decided to spend a little more and try out the Hydaway because it’s more of a premium backpack and better made, so we put it to the test.

Features

The Hydaway Collapsible Backpack is designed as a 15L daypack that folds into its own pocket when not in use. For riders, that means it can be tucked into panniers or even a jacket pocket until needed.

Capacity: 15L – enough for shopping, hiking gear, daily essentials, our camera and day pack
Weight: 7.2 oz (200g) – ultralight, barely noticeable in your kit
Collapsed size: 8 x 5 x 2.5″ (20cm x 13cm x 6cm) – smaller than most tool rolls
Expanded size: 17 x 10 x 1″ (43cm x 25cm x 2.5cm) – a practical daypack
Materials: Weather-resistant and abrasion-resistant fabric, suitable for light rain and trail use
Design: Zippered top, front stash pocket, and dual side bottle holders
Comfort: Adjustable straps and breathable back panel for all-day wear

What we like

The Hydaway Collapsible Backpack is a space-saving genius—every cubic inch matters on the road, and this pack compresses down so small it can be tucked into our panniers without fuss.

We use the bag when we’re off the bike. We often go for walks around town, go on hikes and day trips etc. And we also use it when popping to the shops. It’s big enough to hold two bottles of water in either side pouch, our DSLR camera, jumpers and snacks. We can then put important kit in the zipped pouch pocket up top.

It’s super light at only 200g, has a breathable back panel, adjustable straps and a soft material so it’s comfortable to wear on long days too.

The beauty though, is that it collapses and folds away into its own front pocket easily. It packs away tight and small and we just put it in our front pannier for easy access when we need it.

We’re also impressed with the build quality. Our bag has had some serious usage in only a short period of time and has handled everything we’ve put it through brilliantly. We’ll keep this review updated and report back after a year’s usage.

Verdict

For motorcycle travellers, the Hydaway Collapsible Backpack is an essential piece of kit. It solves the classic problem of needing a rucksack off the bike without sacrificing precious packing space. While it’s not built for heavy loads or extreme weather, its lightweight, collapsible design and practical 15L capacity make it a go-to daypack for errands, hikes, and exploring towns, which is why we love it.

Bottom line: If you ride and travel light, this backpack earns its place in your panniers. It’s one of those small investments that pays off every time you step off the bike.

Where to buy the Hydaway Collapsible Rucksack

Hydaway have reached out to kindly offer our readers a 10% discount if you purchase through the link below to their official store. Enter code MADORNOMAD

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