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Best backpack in heavy rain?

Just go with the Kriega tailbags since they're absolutely waterproof and you can always add bags as needed for more storage space. US-20 and larger can attach a shoulder strap so it's relatively easy to carry with you. Does wearing them messenger bag style count for hipster points?
 
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Ive been using an R-35 for (8/9?) years and it's beaten to hell from daily abuse. Any water resistance it once had is gone so with the rain I have been using the US-20 tail pack and just slinging it over my shoulder but I also have the straps on the tail too. I am a solid believer in Kreiga products.
 
cg_ops said:
You can get away with water-resistant in 99% of situations. Water proof is basically for keeping heavy, sustained rain out for long periods of time. Water resistant will keep your stuff drive for a typical Bay Area commute.
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I feel you but on the other hand it can be nice to have one thing that works all the time instead of ending up having to buy two things to cover all situations.
 
Kriga R30 here as well. It's kept the main compartment completely dry for the many years I've been riding with it. The outer pockets can get slightly damp after extended riding in heavy downpours, no water, just a little damp.

And the strap system is the best I've ever used; keeps the weight across your chest and off your collarbones, which is great if you've ever separate a collarbone and have any residual effect from that.
 
hophead said:
Kriega for sure, I have the R30, spend the bucks once and then forge about it, whatever is in your pack on the back will stay dry, it's a non issue.:thumbup
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I forgot to mention I use mine in all situations, and I work in commercial construction so Kriega are built with quality to consistently function and perform in the more harsh, dirty and rough environments, no issues.

seralat said:
Kriga R30 here as well. It's kept the main compartment completely dry for the many years I've been riding with it. The outer pockets can get slightly damp after extended riding in heavy downpours, no water, just a little damp.

And the strap system is the best I've ever used; keeps the weight across your chest and off your collarbones, which is great if you've ever separate a collarbone and have any residual effect from that.
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Yeah the unique strap system distributes the weight so that not only is it secure but you almost forget that you are wearing it.
 
I was never comfortable with ballast up high.

Electronic doo-dads, camera equipment, odds and ends were carried in an Eclipse tank bag, with waterproof cover. $70 +- comes with carry strap and quick release buckles.

A solution that is too simple, I know.
 
No need to get a motorcycle-specific brand. I use Ortlieb roll-top bags and they are air-tight. You can also use pretty much any dry bag from REI or wherever, they are cheap. I use a small kayaking dry bag (brand Sea Line I think) on my tail with a cargo net for smaller loads.
 
Love all the people here suggesting top boxes for the person asking for a backpack.

I haven't used the Kriega backpack but I have a tank-mounted bag that is pretty good. That R25 sounds great.

Avoid Mission Workshop for true waterproofness... my Rambler, a great bag in most weather, has left me with a few ruined books and other items susceptible to moisture.
 
ThisGuy said:
Thanks for the suggestions everyone! Might give that Kriega gear a look. Is the 25 or 30 roomy enough to accommodate a laptop, charger, couple notebooks, and a rather large DSLR and lenses?
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The R30 is a 30l bag, so it will hold quite a bit. I've used it for multi-day road trips. For commuting, I often carry a laptop, my work pants, plus an aikido gi and hakama.

It's not set up like some bags, however, with laptop sleeves and the like. I just put the laptop next to my back and a small towel between that and my camera gear or whatever other stuff I might be carrying.
 
seralat said:
The R30 is a 30l bag, so it will hold quite a bit. I've used it for multi-day road trips. For commuting, I often carry a laptop, my work pants, plus an aikido gi and hakama.

It's not set up like some bags, however, with laptop sleeves and the like. I just put the laptop next to my back and a small towel between that and my camera gear or whatever other stuff I might be carrying.
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I have the 25, wish I had the 30 ;)
 
ThisGuy said:
Thanks for the suggestions everyone! Might give that Kriega gear a look. Is the 25 or 30 roomy enough to accommodate a laptop, charger, couple notebooks, and a rather large DSLR and lenses?
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My vote is also for the Kriega. I use the Kreiga 20 daily and it is the most comfortable backpack I have worn period, especially when there is a heavy load in it.

I am able to fit a 15" Dell Latitude E6520 (+5lbs dinosaur monster laptop) plus the charger in the big pouch.

I also took this backpack to Europe and I was able to fit a 13" laptop, two 1.5 liters water bottles, medium size camera, gopro, Olight 5.5" LED flashlight and European power adapter.

Yes, it is a little spendy but if you consider that it is not that much more than a North Face backpack and that it will be way more comfortable to wear on a daily basis.
 
OP, I THINK I have a "tags still on" Kriega 20 I'd be willing to part with. East Bay/ Walnut Creek area
 
Not sure which Chrome pack you're running, This_Guy, but my first stop would be into their shop on 4th Street in SoMa. Chrome Industries has a pretty solid warranty and those dudes at 4th Street are good to work with. If they claimed it was waterproof and it ain't any longer, it doesn't hurt to ask them to replace it and save yourself some $$$.
http://www.chromeindustries.com/warranty/

Also, note that Chrome has different "levels" of waterproofing in its bags. Basically, they all use the same heavy-duty tarpaulin, but the lower-end bags have stitched seams. The higher-end stuff is actually welded. I just picked up the Motor Barrage Pocket (http://www.chromeindustries.com/pro...4.html?dwvar_BG-164_color=MOTO&cgid=backpacks). I can't speak to its longterm durability, but I've ridden with it most days over the last couple weeks--which I feel like was a decent test environment. So far, so dry. It's pricey, but a 15% coupon is easily had by signing up for Chrome's email newsletter.
 
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