Triumphrat

rustbucket

I'm looking for a good backpack for commuting and all-day rides. I have a TimBuk2 bag that works really well, but it lacks pockets and the single strap gets uncomfortable over time.

The perfect backpack would be:
- Fully waterproof. I want to ride without worrying about all my stuff getting wet if I get caught in the rain.
- Easy on/off with gear on. Quick release straps so i don't have to do a dance in the parking lot to get the **** thing on and off.
- Organization pockets (Pens, pencils, tool kit, etc
- Not too many straps to whip around in the wind.
- Not tiny, not huge. Room for a laptop, noteboks, extra layer or two, a pair of shoes, but not a week's worth of clothes.
- Not goofy looking. I have no desire to be seen with a hard-shell bag, or one of the newly popular 'messenger backpacks'. Both are just stupid looking, IMHO.

I'm willing to sacrifice some organization pockets and some goofyness for something that's waterproof with quick-release straps. I'm considering messenger bags, as they seem perfect in so many ways, but having 2 straps is a big plus for me.

I don't have any desire at all to use the features most moto specific backpacks tout, such as a hydration pack pocket or the ability to carry a full-face helmet. I wouldn't rule out a bag that had those, but I'm not looking for them.

Does this backpack exist?

__________________
Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. -Benjamin Franklin

blacktiger

Maybe.
You could look here http://www.customlids.co.uk/bags/kriega/kriega.htm these things are made for motorcyclists and have gained a 1st class reputation. You'll have to search yourself for the US.

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H
'02 Tiger955i in black.

rustbucket

That's a really interesting option. I'm not convinced that setup would work off the bike, is the only problem. I'll bear it in mind though...

Any other options?

__________________
Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. -Benjamin Franklin

JACKAL

motorcyclist magazine did a decent article on backpacks last month ( July issue ). Here it is...






I know that it's small, and hard to read, but I'm not overly computer savvy and I don't know how to get them full size on imageshack, sorry.

cafecruzin

+1 for Kriega.these packs are with out doubt the absolute best on or off a motorcycle A++(IMO)

__________________
ROD
Illegitimis nil carborundum
Quot culi, tot sententiae

rustbucket

I have a copy of that review around somewhere - I'll have to dig it up. It seems like the big feature for cycle specific bags is a helmet storage solution of one kind or another... It's a shame b/c I really don't care about that.

I read some reviews of the Kriega on www.aerostitch.com (only US distributor I could find) and a lot of people commented that they weren't good off the bike. Also, Aerostitch carries the backpacks, but not the strap on expansion packs, which I would definitely want. I'm keeping an eye on the Kreiga, but definitely interested in other options...

__________________
Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. -Benjamin Franklin

superduty

No complaints about the R25 Kreiga off the bike from me. Despite that some claim you can't carry the pack over one shoulder very comfortably, I don't find that so true. That said, it does work best over both shoulders and latched across the chest. On the bike it works great. It's very easy to get in and out of (once the strap adjustments are made). And it's not waterproof but that doesn't matter here in the desert.

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From the top of my desk to the bottom of your trashcan

97sprint

I was at Kittery Trading Post in Kittery Maine
a few years ago.
Found just what you described for a m/c.
This one has a hydration system built into it.
The mouth is large enough to allow ice cubes to be put in.

I'm sure any REI or outfitter will have a packback that will
suit your needs.

__________________
Keith

When in doubt,accelerate

polyclef

I have this one I got at Tilly's:

Fox Back Pack

If you look at the additional images you can see that it has nice back padding and lots of useful pockets. It fits well and is very comfortable. I am very pleased.

Catenaccio

I had a Triumph backpack until my youngest son liberated it when he went off to school. I bought him a wonderful (or so I thought) Icon backpack hoping the Triumph would come home. Nope. It's been two years and I still haven't seen it. My suggestion? A Triumph backpack.