WHICH RIDER PACK?

Kriega has been number one for motorcycle rider packs for 25 years.

We started out with the original R35, but now make 19 very different rider packs from 2 to 34-litre capacity – plus a whole load more bike luggage and accessories. We thought it might be helpful to give a buyer’s guide to some of our rider packs. The first thing to say is they’re not all backpacks, we make messenger bags and waist packs too.

There are a few similarities though. All the packs use materials we’ve trusted since day one. Ripstop, Hypalon and genuine Cordura, in different densities depending on the wear area. We use the industry’s best fasteners across the range, and CNC machine our own alloy adjusters.

All our backpacks have Kriega’s QUADLOC or QUADLOC-Lite harness, both these redistribute the weight of the pack from shoulders to the rider’s torso, allowing all-day comfort. This isn’t just the clip system, it’s a whole harness design. The packs are all specifically designed for motorcycle use, meaning they’re easy to take on and off even over layers of bulky clothing, and unclip while wearing gloves.

And yes, we have had a preferred colour palette for much of our 25 years, but have more options now. Outside that, the packs all offer something different. Read on to find out which suits you and your riding.

BEST FOR THE INDECISIVE: ROAM 34

For those in the market for a mid-size pack but also want the option of carrying a big load, the ROAM 34 is ideal. It has a main compartment that expands from 22 to 30 litres, that’s big enough to swallow the majority of full-face helmets, or a decent amount of shopping on your way home. There is a further 4L of storage in the front pocket, that has organiser compartments, so your stuff stays where you put it. Additionally, there is a fleece-lined eyewear pocket.

The ROAM 34 was made in collaboration with Roland Sands Designs, and is a mixture of their choice of heavyweight wax cotton and Kriega’s tried and trusted 1000D Cordura and guaranteed construction techniques. It comes in two colour choices: black and brown that we call Ranger.

ALTERNATIVE The MAX28 is our other expandable backpack. It converts from 22 to 28L, again, enough for a full-face helmet.

BEST FOR ADVENTURE RIDERS: TRAIL18

Arguably the most easily recognisable motorcycle backpack ever made, the TRAIL18 has been a huge hit from day one. The hexagonal pattern cut into the rugged Hypalon net allows the colour of the panel beneath to show through. Choose highly-visible orange or lime, or more restrained black, Coyote or the recently added MultiCam Black (pictured). The Hypalon net is not just there for looks, it is elasticated to stretch and be able carry all sorts of strangely-shaped or bulky items.

The T18 has two compartments, the largest of them offering waterproof storage, wide enough for a 17in laptop, secured with a roll-top compartment.

ALTERNATIVE The TRAIL9 has all the stylish design of its big brother, but in a more compact package.

BEST FOR MINIMALISTS R3 WAIST PACK

The smallest of our dedicated rider packs, the R3 is popular with both sportsbike and off-road riders. It is not unusual to see whole clubs of sportsbike riders splitting city traffic all wearing their own R3, almost like an unofficial uniform.

It’s great for off-road essentials too. Kriega ambassador, Chris Birch, wears his with a T9 Adventure pack. It’s ideal for carrying belongings that need to be kept waterproof, and easily accessible. The R3 is also popular in the hottest countries, as it allows air to circulate around the rider’s back.

ALTERNATIVE The R8 Waist Pack. Same idea, but with two compartments offering a total of 8L of capacity including a tool rool.

BEST FOR STYLISTS R22

The R22 is a huge favourite with our customers around the world. Its sleek, understated styling disguises the thoughtful design and huge feature list. 22L of capacity, split between an 18L waterproof compartment, with a taped seam, removable/replaceable liner, and a 4L weatherproof pocket. Minimal branding, all-black everything colourway, it’s the choice of riders who demand dependability, quality, and simplicity. It is both hydration pack, back protector and US-Drypack compatible.

ALTERNATIVE The R16 is slightly smaller, with an even more pared-back style. It has a single compartment that is 100% waterproof with a roll-top enclosure.  

BEST FOR HYDRATION HYDRO-3

Even though all of our backpacks are designed to be able to take an optional hydration reservoir (sold separately), we also make the toughest hydration packs on the market. The HYDRO-3 initially feels over-engineered to riders used to some of the ultra-lightweight hydration packs out there, but it is made to the same standards as every Kriega piece of luggage. That means the straps are never going to snap, no matter how many times you pull it over armour or bulky clothing, and the zips won’t fail. The HYDRO-3 also has our QUADLOC-Lite harness to spread the weight of a full 3-litre reservoir and all the snacks and multitools you can jam into the handy side pocket. The HYDRO-3 is US-Drypack compatible, so you can add 5 or 10L of extra storage. Like all our rider packs, there are also options for Harness Pockets and Trail Pockets, too. And now it’s available in MultiCam Black (pictured).

ALTERNATIVE The slightly smaller HYDRO-2 is designed to carry a 2L reservoir for stripped-down race days.

BEST FOR HIGH-MILEAGE HAULING R25

The original R25 was the second piece of luggage Kriega ever released, and it’s been a staple of the range ever since. Recently redesigned to have two compartments, the biggest one is waterproof, with a roll-top closure. Like its predecessor, the new R25 has Kriega’s QUADLOC harness, recognisable due to it double buckle and CNC-machined alloy adjusters.

The R25 is aimed squarely at high-mileage riders who demand a ‘do everything’ backpack that will perform without fault for years and years.

ALTERNATIVE Need to carry even more? The R30, with its distinctive pair of external zip pockets, is for you.

BEST FOR URBAN SLING PRO MESSENGER BAG

Inspired by the kind of luggage used by the motorcycle couriers who used to rule London’s streets, Kriega’s range of messenger bags offer an alternative to backpacks. The over-the-shoulder strap is popular with bikers even on days they’re not riding. The messenger bag range also crosses over to bicycle use.

The SLING PRO offers 14L of capacity, enough for a 14in laptop or tablet, and camera equipment, plus pockets and compartments for your essentials. This is no flimsy ‘man bag’. It’s constructed using the heavy-duty materials Kriega built its reputation with, and, like all Kriega luggage, it’s designed to survive years of use in all weathers, and tens of thousands of miles.

ALTERNATIVE The SLING EDC has five pockets ready to be filled with your every day carries, but doesn’t have the same roll-top compartment as the SLING PRO.

And that’s not the full rider pack range. To see them all, click Rider Packs in the top bar of our website.

Order directly from Kriega.com or head to your local dealer for a closer look.
Kriega UK dealer network
Kriega Worldwide importers