Ducati Monster Forum

I'm in the market for a good, quality back pack.
- it needs to fit well
- 15/20lt size is OK
- either hard shell or fabric
- prefer it to be motorbike specific (but not necessary)
- not focused on colour or bling.

Let me know what you recommend. There's donuts in it for ya! -  Chris

I need to carry a large laptop, so I chose one specific for that (it is not motorbike specific), the Mobile Edge Premium Backpack (http://www.mobileedge.com/items.asp?cid=3&scid=3&pid=5).

(http://www.mobileedge.com/images/600/ppic_000005.jpg)

I'm happy with the number of compartments and the padding in it, it is very comfortable. (Even though it is bigger than me!)  It has a wide strap that fastens around the waist and padded shoulder straps.

I use it just about every day and carry about 15-20 lbs worth of stuff in it.  I even use it on my bicycle too.

Kriega R25 from Aerostich; amazing 25L pack- you don't even realize you are wearing it.... [moto]

(http://www.aerostich.com/files/images/detailed/9062_1a.jpg)

+1 on the Kriega!

Best backpack for motorcycling I have ever owned. period.

Interesting you mention bicycle, as I also cycle to work.... is the pack heavy on shoulder if your tucked on either bike?
I don't need to carry a lap-top, nor think I ever will. (wtf, computer ???... people that struggle with reading have dyslexia, i have bytelexia...  :P)
 Let me ask, if you had it more or less empty, could you fit your helmet inside? Cheers mate - Chris

I see...
That brand came up on a google search or two.
How much did it cost ($us price OK) and can you lads fit a helmet inside? (given that it would need to be near empty). - Chris


ps, as promised to all heres Donuts
(http://home.comcast.net/~osoono/ethnicdoughs/doughnut/donuts.jpg)

It was like $137.00 USD when I got it a few years ago... I know it went up since then to $147.00. I see you are down under; check out the euro sites - much more popular over there... Probably get a better deal...

I have a Chrome messenger bag.  I freaking love it.  I think I have the smallest, it's awesome and it doesn't move around like a normal messenger bag would cause it's got a strap that holds it and it doesn't cut into my shoulders like backpacks usually do either.

http://www.chromebags.com/products/bags/messenger/

I also have a regular walking backpack (Jansport), and this one is far more comfortable to carry on either bike with the same amount of weight.


Yes, it can fit a helmet, but if you are never going to carry a laptop, you might want to look at one of the other ones.  The layout for this one is really geared towards the laptop with extra padding around that compartment.

(http://i25.tinypic.com/j8z3gg.jpg)

chicks dig it.  well, 5 y.o. chicks anyway

I'm looking for a horizontally oriented laptop bag with either traditional backpack straps or a sling bag strap.  Anyone know of any such critter?

Have you checked out Chrome laptop bags?

http://www.chromebags.com/products/bags/computer/

I'm just a big Chrome fan.  :P

Chris,

I've been to the Kriega site - and the interesting thing is that Kriega has an Australian distributor. I've checked some numbers - and I think it works out that the Aussie

$195 aus for the R25, whilst the $147 would come with some shipping - so I reckon it's close to even!

http://www.kriega.com/pages_australia/home/topframeset.html

Here to help!

I have the Tumi/Ducati backpack.  It's designed to expand out to carry a helmet.  The shoulder straps are very well designed.  I have no problem getting my Vanson jackets thru them.  Con: too pricey

beautimus!  thx ToyDragon!

Just ordered the Ogio No Drag Backpack.  Reviews seem to be alright and it also has a helmet pouch.  Haven't gotten it yet, but I'll post a review when I do.  Prices I've found have been from $119 to $149, with Kneedragger's being the lowest at $99

http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/OGIO_No_Drag_Backpack--609537.html

I use a Boblebee Metro-Aero...it rocks!  Super comfortable, hardshell, German government approved back-protector/brace. 

Downsides, price and space-age looks.  Everytime I have it on with my leathers and helmet I feel like I should be saying something like...."Lord Vader, I have located the Rebel base on Tatuine" 8)

Really is a superior backpack though and worth the money if you have it.

Thanks gang.... i do like the look of the Kreiga's plus having an Auss distributor will help. Hmm time to do more research. - chris

You dont happen to have a link? google gogled and got me noweres!  ;D - Chris

Don't mind those Chrome bags either, but I preffer something with dual straps.


Fwoah!! These look good, are they ridgid or they just look like that in the pic? Looks awesome, got any more info by any chance. Google doing alot of gogling today... ;D [thumbsup] - Chris

http://www.tumi.com/backpacks_messengers/backpacks/category_search/tour_backpack/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=97827

graphics are different from the original one, which I also have. straps are relatively easy to get the pack on over an armored jacket, has the helmet sack thingy on the rear, earphone hole in the top, two front pockets that are handy for cell phones or the like. one rear main pocket, which doesn't have a staggering amount of capacity, but damn does it look good.

the stitching in my left strap broke, so that was a bit disappointing. but I've been to lazy to go to the store to hassle them over warranty stuff.

:edit:
new pack seems to have a wider opening on the rear pocket. the old one is bothersome in that respect.

It's Tatooine.  [thumbsup]

Alpinestars has a pretty hot looking pack. I'm considering it:
http://www.alpinestars.com/Tech_Aero_Back_Pack/pd/c/180/np/180/p/610718.html

The Axio Forza is the best backpack I've ever owned and it even fits my Dell XPS M1710 laptop for school.  I used this in combination with the rain cover riding in the rain from Dallas, TX to Toledo, OH and the interior didn't get wet.

http://www.axio-usa.com/index.html

+1 on that.  Love my chrome... [thumbsup]

I don't have any experience with the Axio packs, but found this while browsing their sight.

http://www.axio-usa.com/ducati_pramac.html

+1 on the axio. i have the hardpack that fits my 17" powerbook. they have good quality stuff and looks good too.

Whoa!! Thanks again gang! This site rocks [evil], I like those hard shell Axio's. But the price seems a little on the steep side. You get what you pay for though... - Chris

ps,hmm the choice is getting tough.

The North Face makes some killer laptop backpacks!

+1 - I have the all black version T3 - #6582 and I'm quite comfortable with it and glad it can carry a helmet.  Prior to wearing one, I used to hand carry my helmet while walking around and it was pain.

Note: #6582 is the current model and has the front strap that connects across the lower chest area versus the old style #6482 which runs across the upper chest area close to the neck.  I find #6582 more comfortalbe than #6482.
btw, it's  a bit pricey at MSRP $250 but I got it new for $225 with no tax and free shipping. (still a bit pricey though)

and my singular issue is that for twofiddy, the stitching should outlast my 'cheap' jansport... which, happened to lug around alot more weight. :-\

Since I bought it only a couple of weeks ago, I'll know more if any stitching issue appears later this riding season. 

As for backpack load, I normally carry my helmet, a couple water bottles, gloves, small toolkit with tire plugs and other misc items during a typical days ride.

I've been using the Ogio No-Drag backpack for the last few weeks. It's semi-rigid, so it keeps it's shape well. It doesn't appear as high-end as the Kriega, Tumi or Axio packs but for half the cost, it's functional. All the zippers are on the inside surface of the pack, (the side closest to your back) so there's little chance that it will open up on it's own from high speed riding. The straps are comfortable and well padded and appears to be well constructed for the price.

How much can you fit in that sucker? It looks a little small. Think you can pack a weekends worth of  clothes in it?

So far I've managed to pack a complete set of spare clothes (jeans, shirt, socks, boxers), a laptop, camera, small water bottle, wallet, iPod and phone with charger. I also managed to stuff the liner from my jacket in there. It was pretty tight and I doubt I could put much else in there.

I'm pro Ogio too.  I have a 1950 that I ride with offroad and it's gone through a ton of at speed to ground/tree/brush contact and is still working great. it's good for weekend trips too

I have a no drag and it's a great day pack nto enough for a full weekend trip unless all you are doing is riding and taking underwear and socks.

I use a Metro if I need to carry my laptop.

Ogio is top notch in stitching as far as I have seen and had experience with, sternum straps on most of their moto/street packs keeps em from moving around.

Don't get a Tumi pack if you want to carry any amount of stuff.  I have one, yes it looks great and dissapears on your back when your on the bike but you can't fit more than a few book/papers in it.  Most of the time I use my old Marmot pack.  I'm thinking of going to a Kriega next as I need a lot of stuff for work. 

That said - the Tumi Ducait pack is great to travel with and you'd be surprized how many people come up to you in airports and ask "do you have a Ducati"....