I think it's time for me to get a backpack for use on the Monster. I've narrowed my selection down to either the Kriega R25 http://www.kriega.com/pages_uk/r25/R25-topframeset.html (http://www.kriega.com/pages_uk/r25/R25-topframeset.html) or the OGIO No Drag http://www.ogio.com/product.php?product=164 (http://www.ogio.com/product.php?product=164). I do realize the OGIO is 34 liters and the Kriega is only 25 while their R35 is similar in capacity to the other pack, but I doubt capacity is the determining factor and I prefer the appearance of the R25, especially its larger reflective surface than the R35. I'm not going to be touring with this, just carrying lunch, shoes, etc. to work. A saddle-box seat http://saddle-box.net/ (http://saddle-box.net/) (better pictures at http://www.moto-station.com/article2886-news-2007-s-box-coffre-malin-pour-ducati-monster.html (http://www.moto-station.com/article2886-news-2007-s-box-coffre-malin-pour-ducati-monster.html)) would probably fit my needs perfectly, but I'm just too cheap to pay what they cost. I've got the Mandarina Duck sidebags but they're overkill for my needs and I prefer to leave my seat cowl on. Tank or seat bags have never appealed to me.
I see each as having advantages and disadvantages vs. the other.
The OGIO is currently on sale at kneedraggers.com, which makes it 1/3 cheaper at the moment. It has more compartments and organizy stuff, and is more aerodynamic. It has a higher capacity but is bulkier, and the shape might make some of the capacity less useful. It's a recent design, so incorporates features such as cord ports (that I'm unlikely to use while riding).
The Kriega has a cool fastening system http://www.kriega.com/pages_uk/r25/R25-icon8page.html (http://www.kriega.com/pages_uk/r25/R25-icon8page.html) that appeals to me. Some have complained that the harness is too big, but that's not going to be an issue for me. It has expansion potential with add-ons, and has lots more reflective surface. It seems to have only one internal pocket but the shape could mean that its smaller capacity is more usable. It's a tried-and-true design.
Does anyone out there have personal experience with either, or more unlikely but better yet, both of these packs?
Kriega FTW...
I've held both and the kriega looks like it would withstand a direct bomb hit, the Ogio, not so much..
Also I've read that the Ogio "feels" much heavier because the weight distribution system isn't as good as the Kriega...
This recent thread may have some info for you:
http://ducatimonsterworldwide.org/index.php?topic=2032.0
I love my Kriega R25. The thing is the perfect size and when you wear, you really can't tell you're wearing it... Super stable. No experience with the Ogio...
I agree on the Kriega - though I'e never touched the other... But the Kriegas harness is great. Easy to get on even with amrored jackets and you'd hardly know it was on you. There's no sense of strain on your shoulder like with most back packs.
Sounds like a Kriega for me. I've been thinking and looking for a year, but have had trouble justifying the price. I think it was mostly the OGIO's price that appealed to me.
One more vote for the Kriega. I think it is my favorite piece of gear.
I just ordered the Kriega.
Leave it to my wife to point out that I'd "been talking about getting one of the damn things for over year" and wishing I'd get on with it so she could hear me obsess about some new treasure I need.
Argh! My vote goes to the NoDrag. I LOVE this thing, and it's WAAY bigger than it looks online. It's HUGE.
I'm going to be doing a full review soon for the forums. I could EASILY fit 3 days worth of clothing, plus a pair of shoes in this thing.
I've been using the Kriega R25 for a few days now. It's really quite nice. There's absolutely NO binding on my arms or shoulders, a frequent problem with other backpacks. It has a little more interior organization than I expected, but still not much. The size is perfect for my needs, which is primarily toting small amounts of stuff (shoes, lunch, lightweight raingear, packtowel for the seat, occasional paperwork) to and from work. There's nothing flapping around on my back, either, which is nice.
Now I just need to figure out what brand and size of hydration bladder best fits in the back pocket!
Plus, I got the overpriced $12 titanium kickstand plate. Woo-hoo! Titanium!
What website did you get the bag from?
Did you get the Kube bag to go on the straps?
(http://www.kriega.com/images/product/r25_pics/R25KP.jpg)
www.aerostich.com is the US importer and only place in the US (if that's where you are) to order Kreiga from... That's where I got mine and my Kriega US-10 tail bag that also clips onto the R-25... Awesome stuff as I stated before... [thumbsup]
Quote from: Vindingo on June 17, 2008, 11:39:47 PMWhat website did you get the bag from?
Aerostich/RiderWearHouse. The only other reasonable option is to order directly from the manufacturer.
QuoteDid you get the Kube bag to go on the straps?
No. I'm going to sleek and unencumbered, and that seems neither to me. If I were doing significant travel I'd probably get some of the add-ons, but this is primarily for hauling small items to and from work 6 miles from home.
OGIO No Drag is great. I also use the Tumi Ducati Backpack:
http://www.tumi.com/backpacks_messengers/backpacks/category_search/tour_backpack/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=97827
The Tumi is extremely comfortable.
Just my 2 cents.
this is a niffty feature on that tumi bag
(http://a1472.g.akamaitech.net/f/1472/124/36h/img.ebags.com/is/image/im7/97827_1_6?&op_usm=1,1,1&hei=460&wid=460)
I love Tumi gear - all my suitcases and travel bags are from them - and like the appearance of that Tumi backpack. There's even a Tumi outlet store not far from here, and they had one to try on. I even took in my helmet to confirm it fit in the helmet pouch, which it did.
Unfortunately, it just doesn't fit me. The chest strap, in particular, is way too wrong for me and is not adjustable. It looks really nice, though.