Kriega.....Growing a collection

[Slide Panda]

Ok, yes I shamelessly stole the topic name

I started out my Kriega collection with their R-25 pack sevral years ago. Back then they basically only had the R-25 and R-35 packs and a couple other small add-ons. Since then, they have added more than a dozen items. A couple more size of back packs, waist packs, tail/tank bags an other goodies. They seem to have something for pretty much any application. Also a lot of them are modular, so you can build all sorts of custom configurations.

After the holidays I've added a couple more Kriega items to my collection, and traded one out. Since the topic of back packs and/or messenger bags comes up with some regularity - I figured I'd share my experiences with Kriega bags.

The short general look at Kriega - they are top notch. They are designed with riding in mind. As such, they have features that your standard run of the mill bags don't. The design takes into account riding postures, armored jackets, use with gloves and a number of other utility features. Also, the materials are tip top. Though they say many their bags are not water proof, they have gone to lengths to make them as close to it as possible. There are a number of items them do offer, which are listed as water proof.  

None of the materials/parts are skipped on. Heavy weight water resistant rip-stop nylon, schoeller-reflex panels, rubberized zippers, aluminum cinching mechanisms etc

*Edit - since it came up in the thread I should note that Kriega offers a 10 (ten) year warrenty on their stuff. Not much in this world with a warrenty like that any more

R-25 Back pack
He Mans  detailed review. He man pretty much sums up on this pack, and I agree with him. It's a great pack. Prior to getting this pack, I was using a normal back pack that I found impossible to get on with my jacket on. I'd end up taking off the jacket, putting the pack on the jacket and then wresting the whole ensemble into place. Far from ideal as you can imagine.

The fit of the Quadloc strap system that He man notes is a bit win. It might look a little odd and parachute like, but the weight distribution system and ease of adjustment far outweigh any look based issues, for me.

The R-25 is a pretty simple pack layout when you break it down. There's two zippered compartments, one large that accounts for most of the packs volume, and a smaller outer stash pocket. The main pocket has a smaller mesh, organizer, pocket in it at the top. There's also a slim pocket built in against the wall closest to your back. It's handy for maps, papers - stuff like that. Rounding out the organization features is a hook for your keys, or the like. So there's not a ton of sub pockets and compartments, which some might see as a detriment. But extra zippers, dividers etc add weight and bulk to a pack. The lean design of the R-25 minimizes the weight and bulk of the pack.

Topping things off, there's 4 compression cinch straps that can - well compress and stabilize your load. They also can be used to add one of their US-5 or US-10 packs to the R-25.

The R-25 can carry a lot. I know for a fact that it can fit a 17" MacBook, a bunch of CDs and dinner for two. It carried 4 days worth of clothes for a run to deals gap, that included jeans, street shoes, socks, shirts and underoos, some additional tools, a SLR camera, an extra hemlet visor, water bottle and munchies. On that trip I did use stuff sacks and it was pretty full - but I still could have worked some more stuff in

R11 Waist pack
This is the item I traded back in.  It's basically one pouch without the organization features seen in the smaller R3 waist pack.

It's intended for use with their 1.5 hydrapack water bladder - but doesn't come with it. To add the water bladder, it's additional $25 item. As a result, the R11 with hydra pack costs more than the Hydro 3, which comes with a water bladder from the outset. If you are looking for a larger, water proof waist pack you might look at this one. But I think there's better offerings from Kreiga that could fill a similar role. Which brings me to

Hydro 3 back pack
This is a small back pack featuring a 3 liter water bladder. If you're looking for a small day pack and/or a back pack type water system this is a great choice. I haven't ridden with it yet (since it's still very winter) But I have filled it with water and put it on with a jacket.

With just a little adjustment it fits perfectly over the jacket, even with it's got small spoiler hump (Dianese Santa Monica for reference). It sits low enough to clear that hump and also not interfere with the helmet when you're leaned forward.

As with the r25 the adjustments are pretty slick. The shoulder strap length is set with some guide straps that also feature marks to help you adjust them evenly. The wider section that rests on you shoulders actually isn't fixed where you'd typically see, at the body of the pack. In fact they aren't fixed at all, but slide in or out of the pack body depending on the length you set with the guide straps. It's quite a good solution.  Unlike the R25, it's not designed to adjust the shoulders with the pack on.

When you put the pack on, it's secured by a single chest clip - what they call Quadloc LITE 4 point harness. The shoulder straps count for 2 points, the other 2 points of the 4 point pass around your lower ribs and are set with a simple cinch strap adjustment. With the shoulder straps set correctly and the rib straps cinched it feels very solid. They do supply a waist strap, but I don't think I'll ever need to use it, and it's easily removed.

As mentioned, it has a 3 liter water bladder that is removable. The bladder and hose are connected via a quick disconnect system, making it petty easy to take out the bladder, without forcing you to remove the drinking tube from the pack. This feature, combined with the design of the bladder allows for easy filling and cleaning. The bladder is built so it can be turned inside out to let things dry - it even has instructions screened on to it on how to do so. As i said, attention to details is apparent through out.

The drinking tube is terminated with a bite style valve that can also be pushed in to seal it and prevent any accidental leaks.  

With the bladder in, the cargo capacity is pretty limited. There are two pockets in the pack, the main one is where the bladder lives. The other is a zippered pocket that runs the length and width of the pack. With the bladder full, you could fit a decent selection of small items - like snacks, a rag and maybe smoother little bits.  With the bladder empty, you could probably fit a couple t shirts and sundries. IF you removed the bladder, you could probably swing a shirt, shorts and flip flops.

Beyond the two pockets there is an external; shock cord web that can be used to compress/stabilize the load - that could be pressed into holding something like a jacket liner, shirt etc. The Hydro-3 does have the ability to mount one of the US-5 or US-10 add on packs if you need more room.

As I said, I haven't put the Hydro 3 to the test yet - but I think it'll be a very useful item.

The Kube
Kriega has all sorts of modular add-on packs, one line is the Kubes. The smallest is the Kube Pocket. It's a simple little (0.5 Liter) add on pocket that's designed to fit over a strap on a larger bag.

It's height and width are a bit larger than the dimensions of an iPod/Iphone in a case, and 2-3 times as deep. Obviously not a huge amount of space - but perfect for a phone an other small items you might want to keep ready at hand.

Like the other stuff, it's made of heavy gauge nylon canvas that has a big patch of the schoeller-reflex down the front, with a water resistant zipper to close it. Also, even though it's tiny, they build not a cinch strap to secure your load.

The R-15
Because I am a gear whore - I graced myself with an R-15.

Obviously the R-15 is smaller than my older war horse R-25, but not surprisingly shares a lot of the same features - so I'll hit the differences.

The R-15 uses the quadloc LITE 4 harness system, like the Hydro-3 above. The R-15 also has a waist strap, though I don't think mine will see much use since the torso harness does a good job at solidly holding the load.

Like the Hyrdo-3 the R-15 can carry a water bladder. It's not supplied with one. The pack has an internal pocket and retainer clip that allow for the use of the same 3 liter water bladder the Hyrdo-3 uses. Like that pack the water tube is routed out a passage for the shoulder strap as it shares the quadloc LITE system, when a water system is installed.

The general layout of the pack is about the same as the R-25. There's an external smaller zip pocket, and a larger main section that has a small mesh pouch, a clip for keys and a sub-divider pouch. One difference is that smaller sub divider pouch, which in the R-25 is only big enough for an atlas or similar book shape is much larger in the R-15. This is to accommodate the potential water bladder and that pocket features cinch straps. If you don't have a water bladder, it could easily be used to carry and secure... something or other.

The outside of the pack has the same rubberized zippers seen on the Hydro-3, and the main compartment's zipper runs about 2/3 the perimeter of that compartment. Such a large zipper should allow for easy loading of even rather bulky items into the pack. On the exterior of the pack there's also a couple strips of nylon web material running vertically down the pack. The strips are bar stitched in a couple places each, so they form two small loops per strip which could be handy for strapping something to the outside of the pack.

As with other packs, it has attachment points for the US series of add-on bags, and the 4 cinch straps.

One thing that I noticed on this pack, that's not on my R-25 is a small grommet in the bottom of the pack. It's not in a spot that one could attach anything, so I'm assuming it's a drain as it's as close to what would be the lowest point in the pack when worn loaded.

As far as cargo capacity - I've yet to do any real world tests. It looks like it could easily handle a change of gear for going to the gym, or changing out of moto wear at a destination - including a set of shoes of low boots. But it's not up to the 17" macBook challenge like the R-25 is

[He Man]

Kube- gets in the way when your in full tuck. eats rain since its on your chest. But otherwise hella convenient. I love it. Fast access to camera, cell, without digging through your pockets. long zipper attatchment so you dont need to fuss with finding the zipper. Great for mp3, cellphone, camera, sun glasses, candy bars and redbull.

As for my R-25, ive had it for about 2 years now, and had the pleasure to crash in it. i fell on my shoulder/face and rolled ontop of it then tumbled to a stop. theres some scratches on the CNC aluminum ring adjuster, but other then that, it held up great and im still using it. The tough condura or whaever it is they use as the canvas is perfect for abusive motorcycle use. ill post some pics of it tomorrow.

but there is no way i cannot recommend the kriega line. nothing beats it. hands down.


heres some pics of how much i abuse my gear.




Ill try to snap pics of post crash bag also half that stuff is held on via duct tape. to keep it from hitting my wheel.

[matrixmoto]

yuu...... We appreciate all the kudos on the Kriega line.     This was unsolicited and really great insight into the product features.   Came up on my Google Alerts for Kriega. 

Any questions on Kriega products you can check out the site at www.kriega.us

Here is a shot from this week of the new waterproof R30 on Neale Bayly as he rides the new Ducati Hypermotards in Arizona, at a Ducati launch.


Thanks again!
 

[He Man]

how waterproof is it?

Ive wanted to get a dry bag on my R-25. Whenever i ride in heavy rain, the rain collects on the bottom. Or i can get a new bag.  5 extra liters sounds like it could come in handy when i go grocery shopping.

[matrixmoto]

The R30 main body is 100% waterproof.    Kriega took the best of the backpacks, R25 and used its harness on a drybag that is the main compartment.    The outer pockets are water resistant.   

Here is a link    http://www.kriega.us/products/kriega-r30-rucksack

Not that I don't want to sell a new R30 but have you looked at a rucksack liner?  check this.....
http://www.kriega.us/products/kriega-us-liner

[He Man]

ive been wanting a liner for a long time because I often get caught in rainstorms without warning in the spring, and i am just too lazy to have to put in a dry bag and take it out if not in use. Thats why a pack thats 100% waterproof to begin with intrigues me.

But...is it REALLY 100% waterproof, or water resistant?

Main difference to me being is, a waterproof item is waterproof even if i shoot a garden hose at it or tie it to a rock and leave inside a tank of water.

Water resistant will stop rain simply because the water beads up on the surface of it, and the holes aren't big enough to allow water through, but after time or with immediately with a garden hose, the contents inside end up getting wet.

[Slide Panda]

Hey Scott - if you've got a line to kreiga development folks - what about a water proof Kube?

Kube- gets in the way when your in full tuck. eats rain since its on your chest.

Might get in your way during a tuck, there stretch. Might not be so much for a *ahem* taller rider.  

[matrixmoto]

clipped your suggestion and just sent off to UK.   I see your point.  Let's see what they say.....

[matrixmoto]

He Man...... yep, the main body is WATERPROOF.  Break out the garden hose.....

The other compartments have the sealed zippers.

[He Man]

clipped your suggestion and just sent off to UK.   I see your point.  Let's see what they say.....

it would be cool if you can make the wasit straps smaller. at 5'6 fit frame. its too loose when i dont use the jacket.

[matrixmoto]

waist strap on............? waistpacks or R15 and R20?   R25, R30, R35 do not have waist straps.
OR....... are you referring to should straps in general?

[Slide Panda]

Probably the main chassis straps on the bigger packs. I'm a good bit bigger than He Man, but I can cinch the straps on my R-25 pretty far down.

[scooby]

Yeah I love my Kriega packs too. I have the R25 and in this pic the US10 used as a waterproof tail bag; works great and the R25 IS amazing!

[He Man]

waist strap on............? waistpacks or R15 and R20?   R25, R30, R35 do not have waist straps.
OR....... are you referring to should straps in general?

i meant the straps for the lower abdominal area...or the bottom 2 straips for the gut on the R25.

i had to overlap sew a section of it almost 1 whole inch. But im also a short and skinny guy. 28-30" waist depending on how i eat. lol

yuu, i think you got atleast 100lbs on me. thats a mini me right there. lol

[golgofett]

Any pics of the interiors/pockets on the r25 and r30.  The pics seem to be missing on He Man's review.