Kriega R25 Backpack – Pack up and go!
Just once in a while a product comes along that defines its class – and for backpacks this has to be the R25 from British firm Kriega. You can sling a gaffer-taped bin liner over your shoulder and call it a biker backpack if you like, and (and we think some other manufacturers have done something similar with their offerings) but the Kriega is in a different league. Specifically and meticulously designed for the task in hand; transporting your everyday essentials on and off a motorcycle. It does this safely, comfortably and with perfect dryness in anything other than a tropical hurricane.
Image: Kriega
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As the name suggests, the R25 has a capacity of 25 litres, which is plenty for most daily commutes, but a bit pokey for touring; then you might want to go for the R30 or R35. There’s room enough for the lap-top, a couple of files, your work shoes and clothes. Access is easy via a large top zip.
The main body can be expanded by a system of optional add on parts (including 5 and 10 litre compartments) and there’s a hydration kit and back protector available as accessories too. But the key selling point (other than that it looks like a parachute pack from an elite special forces unit, ahem) is its sheer comfort, something that comes from a unique harness system known as the Quadlock. It’s quite simply superb. This is the kind of kit that you end up keeping for years – it’s so darned good. A ten year guarantee makes long term ownership a realistic and, over time, low cost possibility too. |
What’s it all about?
The R25 measures 520 mil. by 300 by 160, giving it an easy 25-litre capacity. Most of the body’s made from Schoeller DYNATECH with integrated 3M Scotchlite panels, except the base and harness which are 1000D Cordura. Zips are chunky oversize YKK’s, and buckles are tough, corrosion-resistant CNC alloy. If this sounds like a recipe for quality – it is, which is presumably why the company feels it can afford to offer a 10 year guarantee.
Image: Kriega
Design
The run-away success of the R25 however is about more than just good materials. The real key component is the Quadlock fitting system. Resembling a parachute harness, the system uses 4 well-padded connecting straps to share the weight of your load between shoulders (where most backpacks leave it to your long term discomfort) and also your chest and stomach. This makes it extremely comfortable even when fully loaded. Moveability of the riders arms is unimpaired thanks to the cunningly angled strap fixings that keep the straps away from your armpits.
The quadlock system, plus use of grippy airspace material where it contacts the rider’s back, keeps the load firmly yet comfily in place, while the sloping shape of the pack itself, resembling to some extent a speed hump on a set of leathers, means that there’s no problem with turbulence. On-off useability is great too – once set up for the rider’s size, the straps just clip together or apart for rapid getaway. Ideal for commuters or indeed, bank robbers. (We didn’t say that. Ed.). 
Image: Kriega
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Text: Copyright Bigbikemad.com 2014. Images Bigbikemad.com except where shown.