Im in need of a new pack and did some snooping here on the DMF and found Chrome Messenger bags. My biggest critera for a good pack, is
1. It must be waterproof. This is top priority.
2. It must be comfortable and secure ( it will be more than just my moto bag)
3. It must not be too large and cumbersome, as most of my items being carried will be textbook sized.
How do the chrome messenger bags stand up to abuse and rain? The one im looking at is here http://www.chromebags.com/products/bags/show/1/
It seems pretty large though and im not sure if it would stand up to 90mph highway speeds without spewing all my stuff. it also doenst seem like it would place weight comfortably on my back.
Next up would be a simple backpack from tourmaster.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/67/3744/ITEM/Tour-Master-Cortech-Backpack.aspx
The first guys review makes this a bit of a iffy buy. I tend to abuse myself so nothing ever lasts. And shotty quality is hte lsat thing i want to worry about.
I really like the Kreiga 15liter pack, but its not 100% waterproof.
Any other suggestions?
Check with Cycle Gear, they have a bunch. I am using one by Fox. It has a strap and snap-buckle in front so it stays put and keeps the weight from pulling on your shoulders. It is a canvas type fabric so I'm not sure about the waterproof part but I bet you could Scotchguard it and make it so...
Whatever you choose the chest strap is a must! it helps relieve the pressure of the shoulder straps on your shoulders without it you will find your shoulders get fatigued pretty quick. Makes a BIG difference.
cyclegear has some okay stuff. i did some more reading on the kreiga. i really like, its water proof but not 100% only due to the seams.
Has anyone ever used the Kreiga packs?
I have been pondering buying one of Kriega's waterproof tail packs to avoid having to carry a backpack. They list them as "waterproof" with no disclaimers. Price is reasonable, considering.
Thing is, I don't know that I'd have enough space for my street clothes along with my lunch. I use the bike for a daily work commuter.
I can't help but thing it would be more comfortable to hang off a little on my favorite highway cloverleaf without a big backpack strapped to me.
Bob
Quote from: He Man on July 30, 2008, 10:07:07 AM
cyclegear has some okay stuff. i did some more reading on the kreiga. i really like, its water proof but not 100% only due to the seams.
Has anyone ever used the Kreiga packs?
You might also look at outdoor/climbing packs. I have an Arc Teryx climbing pack I use -- has a roll top flap and is completely waterproof. Since its designed for climbing it is very snug to the back and very low profile. It is also designed not to move around much, even with a full load. Holds enough for me to make runs to the grocery store, take a change of clothes and some books/documents from work and back, etc. Similar to this one: http://www.trailspace.com/gear/arcteryx/rt-25/
Quote from: He Man on July 30, 2008, 10:07:07 AM
cyclegear has some okay stuff. i did some more reading on the kreiga. i really like, its water proof but not 100% only due to the seams.
Has anyone ever used the Kriega packs?
I have the Kriega 25 and love it. (Do a search as there is a thread on DMF rgarding said pack...) Thing is so well fitting you don't even know you are wearing it.
I also have the Kriega US10 tail pack; it is fully waterproof like a dry bag and holds just enough to be practical. Both are highly recommended...
Ortlieb. Doesn't get more waterproof, except maybe if you strap a Pelican case to your back.
I've been using a Timbuk2 bag for the past couple years. They had a Pro-series one that I got that's all black and the center section orange and reflects when lights hit it, (like construction zone signs). They have a newer version out now called the "Covert Messenger Bag" : http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/special-collection/reflective/covert-messenger (http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/special-collection/reflective/covert-messenger)
I've been caught in more than a few heavy downpours and everything in my bag stays dry [thumbsup]
I have used the Ogio backpacks for years. Not sure if mine is waterproof, but through several wet commutes, I have yet to open my bag with anything wet. I have the "Mastermind" pack and it has tons of room, is very functional, has the chest strap, and was very affordable. Ogio has numerous styles and sizes to accomodate anything. My last pack lasted for 8 yrs of everyday abuse...The bag itself was still good, just the zippers gave out.
How big is 15 liters anyway? im trying to picture it, but i cant get an image in my head since i dont have much to compare to. I found the link to the Kriega vs no drag, i think im going to go with the kriega, but shoudl i go 15 or 25liters? Im going to be carrying (at max) laptop, a notebook, boxing gloves, and a change of clothes. I'm a crammer when it comes to packing and could probably squeeze 2 weeks of clothes into a jansport.
I use a jansport bag I got at walmart it works great.
Its not a moto bag, but I have a North Face Recon back pack. Its nice and I hardly know its there. Has a chest strap and lots of cool pockets. It even has a slot that fits my laptop computer perfectly. It looks big in this picture but it really isnt all that bulky.
http://www.altrec.com/the-north-face/recon-backpack
Quote from: russelson on July 30, 2008, 10:28:19 AM
You might also look at outdoor/climbing packs. I have an Arc Teryx climbing pack I use -- has a roll top flap and is completely waterproof. Since its designed for climbing it is very snug to the back and very low profile. It is also designed not to move around much, even with a full load. Holds enough for me to make runs to the grocery store, take a change of clothes and some books/documents from work and back, etc. Similar to this one: http://www.trailspace.com/gear/arcteryx/rt-25/
I agree with using an outdoor pack. I purchased a higher-end jansport on sale from a REI outdoors store that has chest/waist straps and is waterproof. The only down side to a hiking pack is they can be a little pricey with a larger size and with more features.
get the chrome rolltop backpack, they are completely waterproof when closed up and has a waist belt and also chest strap on them, look like good quality too.
after looking at all the bags, i decided to go with the Kriega R25. My brother has a North Face Big Shot, which is 35L. Little too big for everyday use for me. The R25 is a 25 Liter with accesory straps that can pack a 5 10 or 20liter pack ontop.
Its also got a 4 point parachute style harness. I paid $160 shipped on Aerostitch.
Quote from: He Man on August 02, 2008, 04:32:05 PM
after looking at all the bags, i decided to go with the Kriega R25. My brother has a North Face Big Shot, which is 35L. The R25 is a 25 Liter with accesory straps that can pack a 5 10 or 20liter pack ontop.
Its also got a 4 point parachute style harness. I paid $160 shipped on Aerostitch.
You're gonna like it!
I know you already decided, but this is what I use -
http://www.underarmour.com/shop/mens/accessories/bags/backpacks/pid8000094-Varsity-Backpack/8000094-001
Seems to be very tough construction, especially around the zippers and it has the chest strap to keep the pack secure during riding
thats not water proof. looks cool though, i have one of their duffles. and its held up pretty good.
Go to Sierratradingpost.com Their prices can't be beat on top brand names.
Quote from: He Man on August 03, 2008, 07:35:18 PM
thats not water proof. looks cool though, i have one of their duffles. and its held up pretty good.
According to the aerostich site, the Kriega R25 isn't exactly either [cheeky] -
QuoteAlthough not waterproof, all fabrics and seams are highly water shedding.
Nice looking pack though :)
Quote from: WestonWith2 on August 04, 2008, 04:24:00 PM
According to the aerostich site, the Kriega R25 isn't exactly either [cheeky] -
Nice looking pack though :)
According to Kriega, no bag is, Kriega makes no claims to waterproofing due to the thousands of little holes poked by the sewing machine. but from reading actual reviews, the materials are all waterproof, the zippers are all waterproof, and the thread used is also waterproof. So unless you dunk it with a brick into the ocean and wait a few hours, no water is comming through. The UA bag gets soaked in rain. :(
I got an email from Aero and the R25 is back ordered until next week. :(
Quote from: He Man on August 04, 2008, 04:35:13 PM
According to Kriega, no bag is, Kriega makes no claims to waterproofing due to the thousands of little holes poked by the sewing machine. but from reading actual reviews, the materials are all waterproof, the zippers are all waterproof, and the thread used is also waterproof. So unless you dunk it with a brick into the ocean and wait a few hours, no water is comming through. The UA bag gets soaked in rain. :(
I got an email from Aero and the R25 is back ordered until next week. :(
Ok. Thanks for clearing that up for me. I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to different materials.
Hopefully you'll be able to make your purchase soon [thumbsup]
Check out Aerostich. They carry Kreiga, Ortleib, others.
Quote from: He Man on August 04, 2008, 04:35:13 PM
I got an email from Aero and the R25 is back ordered until next week. :(
[thumbsup]
Camera comes in on saturday. I got my R25 today. It is MUCH smaller than i thought, and is actually the perfect size. however, i am a skinny bastard according to the sweeds.
5'6 i measure a 28 inch waist (but i wear 30-32 because i have a big ass, yes ladies, and im single too. ;)) and i have less than 5% body fat in my abs. with my leather moto jacket on, theres still 1 inch of room to spare on each side. So it doesnt hug my body. If i throw on the jacket liner, and a t shirt, theres only 1/2 inch on each side, and if i jam my jacket pockets full of stuff, then i can get a good fit. >:(
time to go to the seamstress.
(http://www.cyclegear.com/images/StreetAcc/ogio-no-drag-backpack_310x310.jpg)
(http://www.iwishihadthis.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/no_drag_open_500x500.jpg)
I just picked this up from CycleGear. It's a kickasstic bag. Room for shoes, laptop, one large textbook, hydration system (with tunnelling to allow tubing to be hidden and easily accesible), a mp3 pocket, and a helmet hood. [thumbsup]
anybody know of a pack that can be used with a speedhump'd jacket? I dont want to have to buy another jacket, + pack.
http://www.chromebags.com/products/bags/show/14/
try one of these....
or a smaller one....
use this one every single day.....
If you're not stuck on a back-pack style bag, a real deal messenger bag could be the move. A bunch of professional messenger buddies of mine got me hooked on this company called Pac Designs. And when you call to order, you can completely customize the bag depending on your needs. The bags are somewhat expensive, but totally worth it. Four-ply construction to make sure that no water gets in and everything is double and sometimes triple stitched. You'll never see any straps busting off the bag. I also recommend adding the "x-strap" as it will balance heavy loads across both shoulders like a back pack. Last thing, they're all hand made, so that's why they are a bit pricey.
I have an "Ultimate" which is more then big enough for anyone not trying to deliver massive packages on your back. And if you have a small amount of gear in the bag, you can pull all the straps in and the bag forms to your back. Taking the bag off can be done with a slight pull on one strap. And tightening it down can also be done with one hand. The technology on the bags are really smart and these are considered one of the top messenger bags made. Chrome makes good bags for the masses. Pac Designs make bags for messengers. I have had mine for about 3 years now and it's still brand new. I use it just about everyday. I have a bit of obsession with shoulder bags and back packs. Hands down, this is the best bag I own, and I have a LOT of them.
Also, check out the bags made by Gravis Footwear. Their bags are FANTASTIC. http://www.gravisfootwear.com/Products/default.aspx#/bags/mens/90683
http://www.pacdesigns.com/index.htm
(http://www.pacdesigns.com/images/ultimate2.jpg)
(http://www.pacdesigns.com/images/grey.jpg)
(http://www.pacdesigns.com/images/back_two.jpg)