Kriega - Great British Biker Luggage
This week we’re talking luggage, not the sexiest of subjects, but for the biker it’s a big deal! Kriega has made a great name for itself making quality motorcycle-focussed luggage; let’s check out some of their latest and greatest kit.
Kriega Tail Bags
Kriega arguably first made its name with its collection of 100% waterproof tailpack drybags. These used a strap system to anchor itself to your rear seat, but unlike all others its straps allowed you to attach more Kriega drybags. Nowadays that same system is still being used with usability improvements, but the core concept remaining the same. Available in 5, 10, 20 and 30 litre variants (the US-5, US-10, US-20 and US-30) that can all attach to one another, allowing for extremely flexible storage. Mounts for your fuel tank are available, and adventure bikes can even strap them to the sides of fairings to keep weight forward. Bike-specific fitment kits are now also available, allowing for even easier attachment to your pillion seat.
Kriega Backpacks
Kriega have also branched out into backpacks, with various sizes and uses available. A good backpack for a biker needs to be comfortable, secure and preferably waterproof. Kriega’s backpacks tick all these boxes. Their standard, multi-use backpacks come in a range of sizes from 15 to 35 litres (the R15, R20, R25, R30 and R35) so there’s a size for anyone. All include secure, wide shoulder straps with a chest closure and separate waist strap to spread the weight more evenly. While they might not be 100% waterproof they pack water resistance that’ll survive drizzle or brief downpours – part of the reason for this is increased convenience by using zips for easy access, over more involved roll-tops.
Kriega have also recently introduced some more backpacks to their range, the Trail and Max ranges. The Trail aims itself at adventure riders, and even comes in colours other that black which is a big departure for the brand. The Trail 18, for example, features full waterproofing, fitment for Kriega’s new ‘Shape-shift’ hydration reservoir, a natty external elastic netting and comes in lime, orange or black. Meanwhile there is the Max range, which includes expandability and is aimed at the commuter. While it lacks the 100% waterproofing of the Trail, it still includes an internal waterproof laptop bag and will still stand up to a shower. Organiser pockets and the ability to collapse down when not needed are handy features for the commuter.
Kriega Accessories
Another strength of the Kriega range is the availability of accessories to enhance the capabilities of their luggage. Things like the Harness Pocket XL can attach to rucksack shoulder straps so you can have a bit of storage that you can get to without taking your bag off – ideal for a phone, set of keys or wallet, especially if you’re wearing a sporty jacket that doesn’t have any decent pockets. The Kube Organiser XL is one of those things that is ideal for those compulsive organisers – it’s effectively a 2 litre Cordura zipped pocket that can be put anywhere, but is also very handy for keeping awkward or fragile items secure inside a Kriega drypack or rucksack. Both the Kube Organiser and Harness Pocket are also available in smaller versions, for extra flexibility.
If you’re a dedicated adventure rider, or love that type of gear for its hardiness and usability, you might have some chunky 30-40 litre-ish aluminium panniers – the quintessential adventure look. While they look great and they’re ideal for chucking things in, they’re often fastened very securely to the bike making them impractical for hauling things in and out of the house/hotel/tent. The solution? A liner, and Kriega makes a great one in the KS-40 bag. Adjustable from 30-40 litres they make a great case for themselves as carry-on luggage for air travel as well. Tough Cordura construction allows you to use and abuse them, compression straps allow you to fit more in your pannier and internal organising pockets help you travel more simply.
As you can see Kriega has great kit for many occasions and, backed up by 10 year warranty against material defect, it’s designed to survive whatever you throw at it.
If you need some expert advice, then you can have a chat online with us via web chat on our website. The Bike Stop shop in Stevenage is unfortunately closed once again in line with Government guidelines, however our online shop is alive and well, and taking orders for delivery. We will be of course reopening fully as soon as it is safe and permitted. You can also check out our full range on our website with free delivery for any order over £50 on the UK mainland, and delivery possible to almost anywhere else. Not only that but our ‘No Quibble’ returns policy allows for returns within a 365-day period – see our returns page for more details.
