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  -

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  -
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 

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.

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.

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. 

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