Backpack Reccommendations?

Alkers

My trusty backpack (designed for cycling) burst it's zip yesterday after about 8 years of daily use so I'm looking for a replacement. Any reccommendations out there? Looking at the Kno bag and it's hard to justify the £120ish they're asking for the Alpinestars bag.
Thanks

DaveD

Kriega R25

Got one a while ago in Megabikes and is the most comfortable bag i've used. Pricey around €125 but it comes with a 10 year warranty.

daenerysstormborn3

I bought a backpack in Shaws for €30 last year. Fully waterproof (I drive in all weather so it was put to the test) and big enough for a change of clothes for work, my lunch and a few essentials. Sat comfortably on my back but I know some people prefer a bit more support on the bike. I personally wouldn't bother with an expensive backpack unless I was always going to be carrying around a laptop or something like that.

Wonda-Boy

If its just a run around backpack then I suggest you look in argos. I got a 45ltr exspandable backpack with a neon orange waterproof cover that tucks into the base. Its an absolute gem of a backpack, it also has a steel inner bar (which is removable) running down the spine to give it support. I use it to carry my Canon 7D camera to the road races and my grub....never let me down. It also has the shoulder and hip straps to take the strain off the back.

It cost me €35.99

Kreiga are the business all the same if you have the money.

Wossack

ive got a deuter 20l bag from one of the outdoors shops - great yokes, and would recommend. Pricey though iirc

CJhaughey

I don't know if you mind ordering online but Louis have a good few backpacks on sale now.
The prices are pretty good for the brands that are on sale.
Linky

Wonda-Boy

This is a great buy....

http://www.louis.de/_3078dd38f06cc7b91148aaeff1d4176a59/index.php?topic=artnr_gr&article_context=detail&grwgr=530&wgr=210&list_total=23&anzeige=0&artnr_gr=10025137

My Fav....

http://www.louis.de/_20a80eb095c8cb3171abc7ed29ec78b20c/index.php?topic=artnr_gr&article_context=detail&grwgr=530&wgr=210&list_total=23&anzeige=0&page=0&artnr_gr=10026247

KamiKazi

Knox all the way, and then some!

nerrad1983

I picked up one of these a few weeks ago

http://www.tesco.com/direct/wenger-backpack-black/506-6072.prd

Tesco are doing a deal if you have 10 tokens the bag costs €15 they are usually close to €60

Good bag for the money, i went up to cavan a few weeks ago and had plenty of room for a change of clothes etc

Del2005

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

If its just a run around backpack then I suggest you look in argos. I got a 45ltr exspandable backpack with a neon orange waterproof cover that tucks into the base. Its an absolute gem of a backpack, it also has a steel inner bar (which is removable) running down the spine to give it support. I use it to carry my Canon 7D camera to the road races and my grub....never let me down. It also has the shoulder and hip straps to take the strain off the back.

It cost me €35.99

Kreiga are the business all the same if you have the money.

I hope you removed it when on the bike.

Wonda-Boy

Del2005 wrote: »

I hope you removed it when on the bike.

No mate...why would I?

Its just a steel flat bar about 1" wide that give the bag a nice stiffness. I wear an Knox Ageia 9 plate back protector and chest block anyway. But even if I did not I still would keep it in the there.

Please Kill Me

Kriega R25 or Knox 6-pack. Both great bags, with the Kriega maybe slightly better for waterproofing and comfort.

Del2005

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

No mate...why would I?

Its just a steel flat bar about 1" wide that give the bag a nice stiffness. I wear an Knox Ageia 9 plate back protector and chest block anyway. But even if I did not I still would keep it in the there.

Metal and bones don't go together. You're reducing the effectiveness of the back protector by having a metal bar behind and since the bag hasn't been designed for motorbike use, if you fall off who knows where it could break out of the bag and what it could hit.

Wonda-Boy

Yeah I get what your saying Del, but the bar is slight so not much of a risk.

rat_race

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=8506

This used to be £11.99, it's gone up a bit but you'll find cheaper elsewhere..

I bought this years ago and have used it so much...has a place for your helmet that folds out of front pocket. The main compartment can hold a LOT. It's massive. And it folds up so small that you can leave under your bike seat. It's not padded or waterproof (resistant) though...but it's so cheap, it's great to have and you don't really care about throwing it around.

Alkers

Thanks for all the input, went for this in the end:
http://www.louis.de/_20c8943198584914dc8b1850c008186f46/index.php?topic=artnr&artnr=10026241
I'll post up my thoughts once it arrives.

Please Kill Me

Simona1986 wrote: »

Thanks for all the input, went for this in the end:
http://www.louis.de/_20c8943198584914dc8b1850c008186f46/index.php?topic=artnr&artnr=10026241
I'll post up my thoughts once it arrives.

That looks pretty decent in fairness. Let us know how you go.

Alkers

Yeah, I needed one of the larger bags, (a lot of them are only around 20L, that one is 30L) as I will be using it for my weekly shopping!

Please Kill Me

Simona1986 wrote: »

Yeah, I needed one of the larger bags, (a lot of them are only around 20L, that one is 30L) as I will be using it for my weekly shopping!

Nice one. A tank bag/tail pack would be useful too for heavier items so it's not pulling on your back, although you probably do that already.

Wonda-Boy

Good stuff.....dont forget the cans of MONSTER!!!!

Please Kill Me

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Good stuff.....dont forget the cans of MONSTER!!!!

Can NEVER forget them!! :cool: Tesco's doing them 2 for €2.50!

KingIsabella

I've a k pack and hasn't done me wrong! Cheap too. Only thing is that sometimes i wish the straps would go tighter when its empty but not a problem when theres anything in it.

pjackson

I got the Kriega R 25 for 110 euro from these guys. Good service too.
http://www.motorcycleshop.ie/kriega-r25-rucksack-1300-p.asp

Wonda-Boy

pjackson wrote: »

I got the Kriega R 25 for 110 euro from these guys. Good service too.
http://www.motorcycleshop.ie/kriega-r25-rucksack-1300-p.asp

I think that is pricey for the size of it 25ltr....they are a great solid bag all the same.

Green_Martian

Ended up getting myself a Kriega R30 back pack in Mega bikes today, well chuffed with it tbh

Wonda-Boy

Sweet....how much Greenie?....them not cheap them MEGABIKES crowd. But its an absolute SAVAGE piece of kit.

http://www.kriega.com/r30/

Green_Martian

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Sweet....how much Greenie?....them not cheap them MEGABIKES crowd. But its an absolute SAVAGE piece of kit.

http://www.kriega.com/r30/ [/QUOTE]

It was 170 got it for 160, its the newer bag they have brought out, well chuffed with it

Wonda-Boy

Might try to get one aswell.....talk about versatile man.

Green_Martian

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Might try to get one aswell.....talk about versatile man.

Im like a child a christmas, im thinking of when i can wear it even with nothing in it , can't stop looking at it haha

Wonda-Boy

PMSL...what ever turns you on!!! Start making excuses for bike trips now just to fill it.

Wonda-Boy

Meet Green Martian at the recent bike spin (sound lad, great craic) and seen the Kriega in the flesh. It really is a superb piece of kit, the build design and workmanship is 2nd to none. Deffo gonna try get one of the "R" series over the next few weeks.

Highly recommend the R30.

Green_Martian

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Meet Green Martian at the recent bike spin (sound lad, great craic) and seen the Kriega in the flesh. It really is a superb piece of kit, the build design and workmanship is 2nd to none. Deffo gonna try get one of the "R" series over the next few weeks.

Highly recommend the R30.

Will give ya that 20 nxt time i see ya for saying im sound

I think you now understand why i was like a child at christmas lol

Wonda-Boy

They have a few of them on fleabay and a different looking R35....but you need the R30. I wonder if the R35 has the same design but just slighty larger.

Please Kill Me

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

They have a few of them on fleabay and a different looking R35....but you need the R30. I wonder if the R35 has the same design but just slighty larger.

That's all it is man. One is 35 litre, the other is 30. I think they're pretty much the same bag.

Green_Martian

Please Kill Me wrote: »

That's all it is man. One is 35 litre, the other is 30. I think they're pretty much the same bag.

I don't think the 35 is fully waterproof from looking at the specs http://www.kriega.com/categories/Rucksacks/

R30
R35

Wonda-Boy

AFAIK Graham its not the same, you have to buy the optional US-05 or US-10 dry liner bag and insert it for 100% Water proofing and that is my main reason for buying the R30 sticking my camera in it when I am using it. It has to be 100% waterproof, I love the way you can take out the liner also for a cleaning if needs be and add the hydration pack if you want also. I was gonna get the R35 today but I will hold off its a tad big for every day riding, more of a weekend bag or longer TBH. That R30 is ideal and the roll down tarp closure is just brilliant....the R25 is sweet aswell but again not 100% WP.

Gonna have a search and see what is the best place and best price....might fly in megabikes during the week and see what he has.

Wonda-Boy

Well after having a good nose around Megabikes yesterday and the different options I ended up with the KRIEGA R30. Its 100% waterproof the others being water resistant and is expandable if the 30ltrs is not big enough. The other bags are good (knox etc) but not made to the same standard as the Kriega but then again you are paying more for the Kriega and the 10yr warranty is nice to have all the same.

Excellant piece of kit and I got it for €149.99 with a bit of haggling as opposed to €170

Please Kill Me

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

...and the 10yr warranty is nice to have all the same....

Seriously?? 10 years??? :eek: That's impressive!

Green_Martian

Please Kill Me wrote: »

Seriously?? 10 years??? :eek: That's impressive!

Yep, just don't lose the receipt

Wonda-Boy

Well even if Megabikes go bust it is honoured by Kriega so yeah keep the receipt....I scanned it aswell onto the 'puter to have a backup.

Faith+1

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Excellant piece of kit and I got it for €149.99 with a bit of haggling as opposed to €170

I'm thinking of getting one myself, you can't go wrong with Kriega especially with the 10 year warranty which breaks down at €14.99 a year!

Wonda-Boy

It is alot of money for a piece of kit especially when its not safety orientated, however I can justify it as I need a comfortable 100% waterproof backpack for my camera & food/water aswell as raingear and other items when I am out and about at the road races etc. If I did not need it specifically I would have got a lesser option that would do a good job for half the price. But a friend of mine has the R35 for 4 yrs now and he gives it dogs abuse and its still PERFECT!

Really cant fault them.

Killgore Trout

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Sweet....how much Greenie?....them not cheap them MEGABIKES crowd. But its an absolute SAVAGE piece of kit.

http://www.kriega.com/r30/

€160 (£125.23) is pretty competitive compared to the on-line price from Kriega's site of £135.

I've used Megabikes a few times and have found their prices comparable to buying online from the UK/Europe. The most recent example was Halvarssons jeans. I saw them online for £110 and in Megabikes for €130 (£101.78).

(Conversions from today's rates on xe.com)

Wonda-Boy

Well I would haggle in any shop regardless. I paid €149 and I did look online but it was much of a muchness....I would like to see how "FRIENDLY" they are when you are going back with something faulty. That is how I rate any shop or service.....example is scottoiler. Never seen customer service like them in my life, they are just brilliant.

I will be getting a little Kriega waist pack aswell they are brilliant too.

Killgore Trout

Pays to haggle, if you don't try you definitely don't get.

Tempted to get an R30 myself after reading this conversation

Wonda-Boy

Well you more then welcome to have a gander at mine before you buy....I will be out and about on sunday for a spin with a few lads off here. But you will not be dissapointed thats for sure.

Green_Martian

Killgore Trout wrote: »

Pays to haggle, if you don't try you definitely don't get.

Tempted to get an R30 myself after reading this conversation

Well Wonda listened to me and had a good butchers at mine when we met up a few weeks ago, best buy IMO for a backpack

Alkers

Well the backpack arrived last Friday but I only got a chance to collect it from the post office on Monday.
Initial impressions are good.
It's very comfortable to wear, feels like it is pretty waterproof and there's a waterproof cover should the going get extra tough.
Fits a lid in the main helmet no problems and has the added benefit of being able to strap something large or bulky through the back of it.
The second compartment at the bottom is handy but the liner is flexible so you can take up all the space in the main compartment instead.
One thing is the blurb which comes with it says not to exceed 100km/hr, I have however done this with no issues :P
Would recommend it at a third of the price of the Kriega.

Wonda-Boy

Does look like its comfy and well worth the €50 or so, only thing I would be weary off is even with a rain cover in heavy rain the bag can get wet. I learned this the hard way with my current bag that had a "waterproof" cover....

Glad you got sorted all the same...enjoy.

Please Kill Me

Simona1986 wrote: »

One thing is the blurb which comes with it says not to exceed 100km/hr, I have however done this with no issues :P

What?? What's the feckin' point so? Only for use on push-bikes?? LOL

Anyway, glad you got it and are happy with it.