Back Pack recommendations

[raulduke]

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"

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

[sydmonster]

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...

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!

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

[sydmonster]

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

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

[sydmonster]

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

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

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... - Chris

[teddy037.2]

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

[corey]

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"

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

It's Tatooine. 

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

[kuhlka]

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

[phlipmode]

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/

+1 on that.  Love my chrome...

[dallas2r]

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

[hydra]

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.

[sydmonster]

Whoa!! Thanks again gang! This site rocks , 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.

[Krokodil]

The North Face makes some killer laptop backpacks!

[FLSTFI_E46]

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

+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)

[teddy037.2]

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.

[FLSTFI_E46]

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.