I'd like to get a bike-specific rucksack - I currently have a 25 litre North Face one which has been extremely durable and even pretty waterproof, but it's a pain to get on and off over the cuffs of bike jackets. In order to stop the straps flapping about I've tied the back, so I can't easily open up the straps to make it easier to get on and off. I'm wondering if something like a Kriega might be better, as I see some of them have a chest fastening. Can anyone give any feedback or offer suggestions for other alternatives to look at? Thanks in advance!
I use a Kriega. Best backpack I've had tbh. It's used when on the bike and as an everyday bag for work. Well constructed, fully adjustable and super comfortable.
Thanks Andy. Which one do you have? How do you find it to take on and off when you're wearing a bulky bike jacket?
I use the R20. Never had a problem putting on or taking off. The Kriega's are adjustable in several places and the chest buckle is well designed Looks like something a base jumper would wear but very much designed for bikers
Thanks Andy. Is it just a single internal compartment, or does it have pockets too? That's the only criticism I have of the US-20 tailpack I have - would be handy if it had divided up internal compartments.
I've a Kriega R15. Anything up to R25 are decent everyday sized Above an R25 they're behemoth sized. R15 is very comfortable and also has the camel pack option to it
+1 for the Kriega.. i use the 25 for commuting and even overnight trackdays when I have to ride to them... great rucksack, hides its weight well due to the straps clicking together.. had mine for a few years and it's grubby but intact unlike my older ones which fell apart...
Had an R35, couldn’t get on with it for everyday use and sold it on here. Sat in a weird position when fastened and was either too low, or the chest strap felt like it was too high, I could be a weird shape human tho. Also one cavernous main compartment wasn’t that practical. Would try a smaller one in a heartbeat, as they are incredibly well made, unless you’re carrying loads everyday.
Kriega, everything everyone else said was correct. Not waterproof but go to Alpkit and order a billion various dry bags and then you don't need to care. Other than that, a 90's / 00's Oakley Icon backpack is pretty indestructible too, similarly porous but similarly robust. Kriega just carries the weight better.
Kriega here too .. R15 and R25 . Both great but neither fully waterproof but v resistant , I use the Kriega drybags
I use Kriega, had it 6-7 years now and it's a stunning piece of kit, absolutely no problems what so ever. Mine is a R25. Worth noting the only one that's guaranteed waterproof (or was when I bought it) is the R30, which has the rolled top, mine isn't. But I've ridden in terrible weather and the stuff in side has never actually got wet! so I would say that's pretty pleasing. I've got other friends who use these also, they really are one of the best bits of biking kit I've ever bought.
My last one was a standard north face rucksack with a back up plastic bag inside. The straps too tight issue, I simply cut the two main straps on the front, then used velcro on both parts so I could release the straps from the front by pulling the straps velcro rather than do the dance of houdini trying to get the straight jacket off
