KRIEGA R20 BACKPACK REVIEW

I didn’t choose the Krega R20 backpack, it chose me! I commute to work on my bike and bring a change of clothes with me so I always carry a backpack. I don’t love the idea of always carrying something on my back but I don’t hate it enough to add any sort of luggage to my bike because that’s just not “the cool thing to do”. I’ve been using the OGIO No Drag Mach 5 Backpack for over a year and never had any major complaints. The only thing I majorly disliked about it was the size – I’m of a pretty small frame and it always made me feel like a Ninja Turtle.

When the Kriega rep came by the store a few weeks back, I had no intention of spending over $100 on a new backpack. But as soon as I tried one on, I had to have it. I could not believe how comfortable all of the Kriega bags felt!

I chose to go with the 20-liter size. Even though I had reservations about being able to fit everything I need on a daily basis inside, I loved the idea of having a backpack that looks proportionate to my size. I’ve been using it for almost a month now and I could not be happier. The interior capacity is definitely not an issue and I can comfortably fit a pair of shoes, a pair of pants, a sweater, my make-up bag, my hair brush, and a hat inside with room to spare for some bike parts I want to bring home with me from the store. The exterior straps allow the backpack to be compressed down.

What I love about this bag most is that even when it’s filled up to capacity, I cannot feel the weight of it on my back! I literally forget I’m wearing it sometimes. I also love how easy it is to put it on and take it off while wearing full gear. No more jumping up and down trying to get my bag off, the R20 straps extend enough to easily get off your back. Last week I got to test the backpack in light rain and even though it’s not considered waterproof but rather just water resistant, all my stuff was kept dry after a 30 minute ride in light rain.

Aside from functionality, I love the look of the bag too. It makes me feel like I’m wearing a parachute and who wouldn’t want to look like a paratrooper? I didn’t get the Kube Pocket attachment but will probably get one soon as I can see the usefulness of being able to put your essentials, i.e. keys, cell phone or driver’s license, in such a conveniently located pack. And I'm looking forward to utilizing the US-5 or US-10 Drypack add-ons for my long-distance trips.

I absolutely love this product.

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