PACWIT Motorcycle Gear Reviews, Motorcycle Ride Reports

Written by Joe Lloyd

Thursday, 04 December 2008 19:51

Kriega R35 Rucksack

July 2000, RIDE magazine said "Verdict so far: The first proper rucksack for motorcyclists." Jan 2004, BIKE said " The best of everything... ..R35 was the one that moved bike sacks into a different class." Last year in May, MCN said "..possible the best bag in the world."

Kriega gear is known world wide for quality, we are taking the time to do our own review and see what we think of this king of the motorcycle rucksacks. If I was only allowed one word to describe it, I would go with "perfection"

Initial impressions of this bag, and you know it's more money than the standard North face of Jansport your have laying around in the closet. Obviously its sale price reflects this as well, but as the saying goes "you get what you pay for". Kriega also seems to know its a masterpiece of rucksack perfection as they offer a 10 year guarantee with it.

The dimensions according to Kriega are 570mm x 300mm x 200mm, so this isn't the smallest rucksack available. Don't worry though, if this seems rather large for your purposes they have others in varying sizes. We are sure to review them as well!

The rucksack also looks very complete, there are no areas when exploring it, that leave you thinking "Why didn't they do this..."

Visual inspection of the outside of the R35, shows it has three main reflective areas, two waterproof storage options not including the main storage compartment, and on top there is a mesh pocket. The back also has a net with four "quick clips". This can turn your stunning top of the line backpack into a decent tail bag if you feel the need. This is an incredible idea, if you have the room why not throw it on the back of the bike and just wear it on your back when you get off? Props to Kriega for coming up with that idea.

Moving to the other side, the side that comes in contact with your back that is. The entire area is padded, and on a whole more comfortable than a standard backpack you would use for hiking. The fastening system Kriega uses on this rucksack is different, but works well. The two shoulder straps come into a zip in bridge across your chest. This area also has two pockets in it, perfect for wallets and phones. I found the fastening system to help spread the load a bit better. Believe me, with a bag this big you want the load spread if you're filling it up!

Opening the main zipper, shows a cavernous storage compartment. There is a divider for documents, or laptop and that is it. The rest of the bag is dedicated to fitting everything and the kitchen sink into it. This is a nice change, I've tried too many backpacks riddled with small compartments inside the main one, which only serves to lessen the amount you can carry.

All in all, this is one nice pack. Not only is it well thought out, but there is no question its built to last. Instead of buying three bags in five years, why not get one for the long haul? If you are in the need, there is absolutely nothing bad I can say about the R35. If it's a little large, take a look at the smaller offerings Kriega produce as well.