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

I've been caught in more than a few heavy downpours and everything in my bag stays dry

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.