Publication Reviews
Two Wheel Freaks – July 2010
When Kriega contacted us about doing a review of their new R30 pack I only had one question; will my 15” laptop fit inside?
Turns out that not only will my 15” laptop fit inside but a 17” laptop will also fit inside. And by”also” I mean “at the same time” (this was tested and proven by yours truly). Or you could do what I do and put my camera backpack in there along with my 15” laptop and still fit a substantial amount of additional “stuff” into the outer two pockets. And this isn’t even their largest pack!
The Kriega R30’s main compartment is closed by rolling down the top and snapping a buckle together on each side. This not only allows a small amount of adjustment for taller items but also endows the main compartment with its best feature: a 100% waterproof main body. Yep, waterproof. This offers peace of mind to those who, like me, carry their laptop or other electronic gear with them.
On the outside of the R30 there are two additional pockets that, if the main storage area isn’t crammed full, will easily swallow a 50-count CD container each. Not that you’d ever do this but it does illustrate the sheer volume of “stuff” that one can stick in this pack. Unlike the main compartment, the outside pockets are only water resistant as they zip shut using YKK zippers with sealed zipper seams. Oh darn.
Since the idea is that you’ll actually wear a backpack against your back, Kriega has equipped the R30 with some of the thickest back-padding I’ve ever seen on a backpack. Not only is the padding thick, it is also built in three sections with channels between them to allow air to flow between your back and the pack. In addition to the channels, Kriega also covered the padding with a breathable, mesh fabric.
After using the Kriega R30 pack as both a backpack and a carry-all pack that gets thrown in the trunk, I found the R30 to be pretty easy to live with and, so far, very durable.
If you are the type of person that believes that everything has to be separated and organized then this pack, with its one main pocket and 2 outside pockets, may leave you feeling disorganized. But if your main goal is to carry a ton of “stuff”, keep most of it dry, be comfortable and look good doing it, then the Kriega R30 might be your next pack.
Review is found at http://www1.2wf.com/content/view/3711/45/
Examiner.com, Phoenix – May 2010
For years, my hydration pack had sufficed. Not for any particular reason outside of the fact that it faithfully carried up to two liters of water. I thought it was fine. Until...
Well, until I picked up the Hydro-3 from Kriega one day. Have you ever admired something that seemed a bit over-engineered for its intended purpose? Some people might say “over-kill”. Nonsense. In fact, the Eagle Scout in me screams “be prepared”! Well, that's the Hydro-3. A quick inspection proved that this was no ordinary hydration pack. Indeed, it was heads and tails beyond what I had been using.
The first feature that jumped out at me was the harness system. Notice, I didn't say “shoulder straps”? That would be an understatement. The Kriega's system is called Quadloc. It allows for custom adjustment, and provides a fit that is unheard of for a hydration system. In fact, it was the Hydro-3's fit that made me begin to realize that my old hydration system was deficient. I didn't run with the old water bladder because with every step, it would bounce all around.
As soon as I tried on the Kriega, I couldn't wait to try a run with it. In fact, after filling it with three liters, and some ice, I took off on a six mile cross country run. The fit was spot on. Between the harness system and the hip belt, the pack didn't move about, and it didn't cut off any circulation in my shoulders or arms. Previously, I would not have even attempted six miles in temperatures approaching 100 degrees.
The harness system adjusts perfectly for use with bulky motorcycle wear too. The pack was so comfortable on the motorcycle that I would forget it was there until I got thirsty. Even with a full face helmet, it was easy to take a drink. The bite valve is secured to the harness strap with Velcro, so it;s simple to find, detach and replace even with gloves on.
The quality, versatility and purpose built design philosophy carries through the Kriega line of backpacks and motorcycle bags.
Review is found at http://www.examiner.com/x-25726-Phoenix-Wheels-Examiner~y2010m5d9-Kriega-Hydro3-hydration-system
Kriega Hydro-3 – Jerrod Kelley, ATV Sport
As I’ve climbed closer to the “middle age” mark, I’ve come to realize I like to wear a backpack while I’m riding. Not only can I stuff a water bottle or two inside it, but a pack is good for carrying an extra set of goggles and gloves and snacks. However, some packs I’ve worn are uncomfortable and dig in to my armpits, making me wonder why I even wore the darn thing.
I recently tested the Kriega Hydro-3 pack and was pleasantly surprised. The unique Quadloc LITE Harness System is amazing. Unlike normal packs and other hydration bags, this harness offers unmatched comfort. The adjustable back and strap holders offer both an ideal fit and eliminate loose straps (which can act like mini whips when speeds exceed 50 mph — crack!). Kriega says the pack offers “total arm freedom.”
You have to wear it to believe it, but it’s true. It saves your pits from being rubbed raw and prevents the pack from dancing around on your back when riding hard. This “race-spec” pack offers a perfect design for a woods or desert racer.
To secure the harness, adjust the straps to fit you and then insert one push-button buckle and that’s it. A removable waist strap offers an even better fit and impressive stability. I had trouble with the circular buckle in the Glamis dunes as the sand made it difficult to open and close, but that’s about all I can find wrong with the Kriega.
Inside the Hydro-3 is a 3-liter Hydrapak reservoir and one liter of storage. I love the Hydrapak design and ease of cleaning.
The black outer shell has a high-visibility front and back and the pack comes with a 10-year guarantee. One pack for the next decade of riding sounds like a great purchase to me. For those who need more storage, Kriega has optional strap-on 5- and 10-liter dry packs.
Review is found at http://www.atvsport.com/output.cfm?id=2156725
BMW ON (Owners News) Magazine – June 2009
Kriega Has Got Your Back
It doesn’t even really seem fair to call it a backpack; instead it should be a technically advanced “stuff” transport system designed just for motorcyclist…....... They have figured out how to take the pressure off your poor shoulders and back, and put the weight across your chest and stomach. The four point harness holds the load tight to your body, so you won’t experience shifting during travel
R25 Rucksack
MPN – Motorcycle Product News – Luggage Guide – April 2009
The R25 motorcycle and extreme sport rucksack provides riders with exceptional comfort through the innovative Quadloc harness system. The design relieves the rider shoulder strain by evenly dispersing the load of the rucksack and contents over the rider’s chest and waist area.
Neale Bayly, Moto Journalist – SPEED Channel – April 2009
Neale Bayly is a SPEED Channel motorcycle photojournalist who travels the world extensively for his job. During an adventure motorcycle ride to Peru he met Father Gio, and learned about his work with the poor and needy in some of the more remote parts of the country. With Gio’s death in 2001, Neale was connected with Father Gio’s sister, Maria Fitzgerald, who has been fundraising for the abandoned children of Moquegua since the early 1990s. This resulted in the forming of Wellspring International Outreach with Dr. Matt Mahar. Matrix Motosports, llc and Kriega donated motorcycle riding luggage to assist Neale and his crew with his April 2009 return to Peru, Sister Maria Fitzgerald and the children. We look forward to detailed accounts of hsi trip and what his organization has been able to do.
You can check out more about Wellspring International Outreach at www.wellspring-outreach.org
RiDE – Spring 2009
How to Choose a Rucksack
A lot goes into choosing the right rucksack (backpack) for your needs. RiDE Magazine printed an article in the Spring 2009 edition that outlines many of those evaluation points. The Kriega R25 was again rated as RiDe Magazine’s BEST BUY. You can see the complete article if you click this link
GO AZ Motorcycles – Ducati of Scottsdale – November 2008
Kriega R25
My latest find that I wanted to share with everyone is the Kriega R25 rucksack. I bought the backpack last week to replace the messenger bag that I have been using. I commute about 110 miles a day for work and I carry a lot with me, so my messenger bag had become inadequate for my needs. The Kriega R25 is awesome it is designed to fit over your riding jacket and once it is adjusted it doesn’t move. This bag is made for riding and it shows. With the way it is set up the weight is low and it has nice padding on the straps and backing of the bag, making it very comfortable. On my hour ride each way it has not been uncomfortable, as a matter of fact most of the time I can’t tell it is even there!
One thing that I really like is that Kriega makes all kinds of add-on pieces for the bags so you can pick and choose accessories that you would like to have with you depending on what you are doing. If you ride with a backpack, Kriega is the way to go. There are no loose straps to flap around against your paint and if you don’t have much to take with you one day you can cinch up the bag making it smaller or vice versa. The R25 has a laptop pocket and plenty of pockets for small things. The very front pocket doubles as a place to hang a drink system, (optional) it really shows that they put a lot of thought into these bags. The price on the Kriega bags is reasonable and they come with a ten year warranty.
So if you are like me do your back a favor, check out the Kriega Rucksacks.
Ride Safe,
Thomas
MotoX March 2007
Kriega Hydro-3 Hydration Backpack
…Not having worn a camelback before there were some initial concerns about comfort or manoeuvrability being compromised due to the harness, but once it’s slung onto your back you hardly notice it’s there. It’s lightweight obviously helps: even when completely full the Hydro-3 weighs a fraction under 4 kilos and the compact and functional design resembles something that the SAS might use on operations; it’s clearly very well made and has no superfluous dangly bits that might add weight or get caught in the trees while you’re hacking around the trails.
The tough, waterproof nylon outer-bag features a single side access pocket, very handy for stashing things like a mobile phone, car keys or cash cards, to avoid them getting lost or stolen while you’re out on the circuit; an elasticated bungee-type strap can secure a few extra emergency bits too, just in case . . .
. . . The bottom line is that you’d be crazy to ignore a camelback if you intend to do any extended off-road riding. And, if you’re into serious riding where you rely on good quality kit, then the Hydro-3 is very highly recommended. It is one serious piece of well designed equipment that oozes quality(not leaked fluid!) from every pore.
RiDE March 2007
Kriega R25 rucksack:
”Looks like a parachute and this one doesn’t quite have enough capacity for a weekend away (you can buy bigger ones). But I’m willing to compromise because it’s so comfy to wear, well built enough to survive 18 months of daily and weekend (ab)use and so far it’s been waterproof. But the best thing by far about this rucksack is the way it fastens across your chest and distributes the weight evenly, which makes it easy to fasten, easy to wear on a sportsbike without scratching your tank and less tiring on a long journey.”
- Steve Rose
TBM (Trailbike Magazine) Issue 130 June 2006
Kriega R8 waistpack:
The R8 is the latest waistpack from British ‘bike-bag’ company Kriega, and unlike the R3 and R11 before it, this one’s been designed with a definite off-road bias. Total capacity is eight litre (two litres in the removable, waterproof ‘side-pod’ and six in the main pack), with a handy removable tool roll.
Like all Kriega products the standard of build has to be seen to be believed. We like the sealed zips, main compartment with top and side access, multi pockets, comfy fit with plenty of padding, and quick adjusters. But most of all we like the design and the fact that it’s been built to last using seriously tough materials
Recommended
TBM APRIL 2006
FLUID MOVEMENT
There’s hydro packs… and then there’s the Hydro 3 pack from Kriega. Put simply, this is the undisputed Daddy of hydration. The high quality workmanship and attention to detail are second to none. With a fully adjustable harness system using 5mm thick air-flow fabric straps (including an upper chest strap that pivots to allow for movement), water resistant zips, carry handle, 3L capacity SOURCE bladder (with insulated hose) and generous 1L main storage pocket, it’s ideal for both trail and enduro use. And with its subtle styling and relatively light (809g) we reckon it’s the best hydration pack we’ve seen in ages.
And if you need storage – easily attachable to the Hydro-3’s front (or available as a stand-alone strap-on rear fender pack) is the US-5 bag. Made from a hardwearing mix of Rhinotek cordura and nylon ripstock, both products come with a ten-year material guarantee.
RiDE Oct 2006
Kriega US-10:
This is perfect for those looking for a smaller tailpack. The US-10 takes top marks in every area apart from capacity. Despite its relatively small volume it can still swallow a change of clothes, washbag and small map. When attached to our bikes it was barely noticeable and at £30 the price is impressive. It collects a recommended triangle for those who value stability over capacity.
Capacity 2/5, Showerproof 5/5, stability 5/5, fitting 5/5
Verdict . . . it’s perfect for those riders who are looking for a smaller tailpack
PERFORMANCE BIKES March 2006
IN THIS WE TRUST: Kriega R25
Brit-based Kriega make the best rucksacks in the world without question. Pricey but indestructable.
MOTORCYCLE VOYAGER Issue 12, 2004
Kriega R3 Wasitpack
Oh yes, we love this Sir. It’s essentially a high-spec bum bag designed specifically for bikers and is packed full of useful detailing. For example, the Rhinotek material used on the cover flap not only looks good but is highly abrasion resistant. The R3 also has an impressive three-litre capacity, with a main compartment that’s totally waterproof thanks to a tape-seamed liner and roll-over closure. It even comes with its own tool wallet (though no tools) and a SIGG water bottle attachment ring. Importantly, once fitted there are no loose straps. Also the waist belt is well padded and covered in non-slip material, so the pack won’t move about even in the wet. This is a stylish bit of kit that oozes quality and well worth the money.
RiDE February 2004
R25 RUCKSACK:
”In a job where I ride tens of thousands of miles every year, this rucksack has endured where others have failed or been consigned to the back of the closet. Despite 30,000+ miles in all weathers and several on and off-road crashes, it’s still pulling its weight almost daily. It’s stitched together from rip-stop nylon and Cordura and, thanks to its unique harness system and some clever anti-slip material, holds in place with all-day comfort. You can stuff its 25-litre capacity absolutely jam-full of stuff and it still feels right, with well-padded, easy-to-adjust straps. Extra straps stop excess material flapping around and there are neat touches including an outer zipped pocket, a high-viz reflective patch, good water resistance and a document pouch. It’s all backed by a 10-year guarantee.”
Dave Batchelor Verdict: Brilliant
CANADIAN MOTORCYCLE GUIDE
comparative review Kriega R25 & Bloblbee
The best feature of the pack is the clever harness system. Instead of the standard shoulder strap arrangement the Kriega utilizes a parachute style harness. The ‘Quadloc system’ design has well padded shoulder straps and reflective panels fastened in the centre of the wearer’s chest, via two robust buckles. This technique effectively distributes the pack’s weight over the riders chest and waist, relieving the downward pull effect that most backpacks cause.
August 2003
Words – Ronn Moffatt
Photos- Richard Seck
KRIEGA ‘THE PARACHUTE’
I feel like a special agent every time I use the Kriega backpack, I’m prepared to retrieve the computer files and make a quick and daring escape by jumping off the roof of the office tower only to pop the ‘chute seconds before coming a street pizza.
The Kriega (previously known as Krug) is a backpack specifically designed for motorcycling. It might look like a super-tough parachute pack but it’s actually an extremely useful bit of luggage for bikers.
The best feature of the pack is the clever harness system. Instead of the standard shoulder strap arrangement the Kriega utilizes a parachute style harness. The ‘Quadloc system’ design has well padded shoulder straps and reflective panels fastened in the centre of the wearer’s chest, via two robust buckles. This technique effectively distributes the pack’s weight over the riders chest and waist, relieving the downward pull effect that most backpacks cause.
Conclusions:
I thought that my Bloblbee would hold first place in the comfort category, but the stealthy Kriega bumped it into second….When at speed on a bike, I realised the Kriega was the best backpack I’ve ever used while riding. The sloped roof of the bag slips through the air as if it were a speed hump on racing leathers and the bag’s harness system and grippy (Toughtek) texture, keeps the bag from shifting about. A 700 km ride on an R6 at a spirited pace did not leave me with the shoulder ache that I’ve been accustomed to with lesser backpacks either.
The Kriega has proven to be an essential part of my kit, especially while testing aggressive sports bikes like the R6. The protective plastic plate built into the inner panel gives me a certain peace of mind and once again, it’s the most comfy backpack I’ve worn while riding.
