What Is a Tail Bag? | Two Very Different Products

A tail bag refers to two completely different items: a fabric sleeve that protects a horse’s tail hair, and a waterproof motorcycle luggage bag mounted to the rear seat.

If you searched for “what is a tail bag,” you likely landed here because the term covers two distinct products with nothing in common but their name. One keeps a show horse’s tail clean and healthy. The other keeps your gear dry on a long ride. Here’s what each one is, how it works, and which one you actually need — plus our curated picks for riders ready to buy.

Horse Tail Bags: Protection and Growth for Equine Coats

A horse tail bag is a fabric sleeve designed to cover and protect the tail hair from dirt, debris, weather damage, and breakage. Riders and trainers use them most often before shows, competitions, or for everyday maintenance to keep the tail growing long and healthy while preventing the horse from stepping on its own hair.

Materials and features: Most are made from Lycra/Spandex, fleece, or nylon. Lycra versions are soft and stretchy with no Velcro to avoid pulling hair. Nylon versions offer more durability. Closures include Velcro straps or adjustable ties, and some bags have fringed ends to deter flies. Sizing is typically one-size-fits-all, though you’ll want the bag long enough to fully cover the tail without dragging on the ground.

How to Apply a Horse Tail Bag

1. Wash and dry — Clean the tail thoroughly with shampoo and conditioner, then let it dry completely to prevent irritation.
2. Detangle gently — Use fingers or a soft brush to remove knots. Avoid pulling or excessive brushing.
3. Braid loosely — Divide the tail into three sections and braid from just below the tailbone to about an inch from the bottom. Keep the braid loose to prevent pressure breakage, and secure it with a soft hair tie.
4. Insert and secure — Slip the braid into the bag. Fasten Velcro around the tailbone, or feed ties through slits in the braid near the top and tie through the braid itself — never directly onto the tailbone, which can cause tissue damage.
5. Maintain — Remove the bag every few days to once a week. Inspect for matting, rebraid, and clean the bag as needed.

Common mistakes include wrapping too tightly (cuts circulation), applying the bag over a dirty tail (traps debris and causes irritation), and leaving it on indefinitely without inspection.

Motorcycle Tail Bags: Waterproof Luggage for Riders

A motorcycle tail bag is a universal-fit luggage bag that mounts to the rear seat or rack of a bike. These bags are designed for touring, commuting, and adventure riding — offering expandable, waterproof storage that doesn’t require permanent saddlebags or a top case. Our tested lineup of the best tail bags covers the top models for every riding style.

Materials and capacity: Most are built from heavy-duty materials like 1680 Trimax Ballistic nylon or Cordura. Capacities range from small (5.5 liters for a day trip) to large (30 liters for multi-day tours). The Nelson-Rigg Trails End series offers three sizes — the Dual Sport/Enduro model expands from 6.5L to 11L, while the Venture carries 17.6L. Viking’s Voyage model hits 30L and includes a padded laptop sleeve. Prices span from roughly $60 to $240 depending on brand and features.

Mounting and fit: Tail bags attach with a multi-point strap system (typically 5-point) that secures to the seat or rack. They’re universal — fitting most motorcycles — but you should verify the bag doesn’t obstruct your movement or the bike’s taillight. While marketed as waterproof, check seal integrity before trusting it in heavy rain. High-speed stability depends on properly tightening all strapping points per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Which tail bag do you need? If you’re protecting a horse’s tail for a show ring or stable life, you want a horse tail bag — typically Lycra or fleece, braided in, checked weekly. If you’re carrying gear on a motorcycle, you want a motorcycle tail bag — ballistic nylon, waterproof, strapped to the rear seat. The two share a name and little else, but both solve their specific problem well.