If you ride, you know how crucial it is to have reliable gear that stands up to challenge. Be it weather, dirt/mud, physical damage, or UV damage. You ALSO know how crucial it is to bring the things you need, in a way that doesn’t interfere with your ride. Well, check out the Viking Explorer 12L Backpack, designed specifically for enduro riding and adventure touring. With its rugged construction, rider-focused features, thoughtful design, and reasonable price, this backpack is for those who seek durability, functionality, and affordability.
tough
The Viking Explorer 12L Backpack is constructed from ballistic nylon, a high-performance material engineered to be highly abrasion-resistant and puncture-resistant. The pack is also coated with a UV stabilizer to protect from sun damage. Whether you’re riding through muddy forest or arid desert, you can trust this backpack to keep your essentials safe and secure.
Comfortable
Long rides require gear that doesn’t weigh you down….especially when it comes to backpacks. With adjustable shoulder straps, a waist strap, and a chest strap, the Viking Explorer 12 ensures a customizable, ergonomic fit that evenly distributes weight across your body. This backpack is very easy to wear and allows you to ride for hours without feeling strained, on short commutes or extended adventures.
Organized
I cannot stand having my gear scattered all over the place in a bottomless pit of a pack so staying organized on the road or trail is very important. Everything has its place here, thanks to the multi-pocket design:
- A fleece-lined pocket protects delicate items like sunglasses or a phone.
- The satellite phone holder on the shoulder straps provides easy access to communication devices.
- A quick-access pocket with multiple organizer pockets lets you grab essentials like snacks or tools without digging through the main compartment.
- The expandable main compartment gives you the flexibility to carry more when needed, making it perfect for trips that require extra gear.
- The MOLLE attachment system allows you to add modular accessories such as first aid kits or just additional storage.
- The external storage flap allows for bulky items, such as rain gear, to be carried too. The external storage flap can also be removed if desired.
Why It’s Worth It
The Viking Explorer 12L Backpack strikes the perfect balance between durability, functionality, and affordability. Is it on par with the uber-expensive options from Klim or Mosko Moto? No…..but almost. It’s very very close. And yet it costs SO MUCH less. This backpack has the features to keep you comfortable while keeping your gear organized, accessible, and protected…..and it manages to do it at a fraction of the cost of bigger brand name backpacks.
Key Highlights:
- High-performance UV-stabilized Ballistic Nylon for rugged durability
- Highly adjustable straps for a custom, ergonomic fit
- Ample storage with 12 liters or 732.28 cubic inches of capacity
- 2.0 L hydration pack included
- Modular capability with the MOLLE system
- Rider-focused details like a satellite phone holder, fleece pocket, and external storage flap
- Ability to add the Viking Explorer chest harness for even more organized space
Final Thoughts
It WOULD be cool to get some flashy color options. It’s not a deal breaker, and likely to add cost, but it’d be cool to have some color options.
There is no mention of waterproof capabilities so I will assume that it is NOT waterproof. I will have to do some rainy weather testing to see for sure. I see no reason it couldn’t keep your tools and lunch safe in a normal rainstorm. That being said, I probably wouldn’t trust this to keep highly sensitive electronics safe in a monsoon. BUT, this can be addressed if desired…..NikWax waterproofing treatment and/or a waterproof pack cover would give this a very good chance of keeping your things dry in a heavy rainstorm. The main limiting factor would be the zippers…..they are definitely not water-resistant zippers.
Do I recommend this backpack? ABSOLUTELY. If you like to ride with a backpack, want one that won’t break the bank, AND will stand up to punishment….this is it.
Viking sells these for $149 but they have sales and coupons all the time so keep an eye out so you can save even more. Make sure to grab the chest harness while you’re at it to make the ultimate pack.
Viking Bags was kind enough to send this and the chest harness over to us as a prize for the raffle at 2 The Border 2025. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to make a video review on it while it was in my care. If you are in the northern Idaho area, you should definitely come check out the rally this summer….maybe you’ll get to take this awesome pack home with you!
It looks like exactly what you need when riding! I love the organization of the design!