Why Choose Kriega Motorcycle Luggage?
By the Motogear Team
Are you adventure riding every spare moment? Commuting across town on weekdays? Or planning a 2-wheeled holiday for the long weekend? However you ride, at some point you will most likely need to carry extra items on your bike or person.
With many luggage systems available in the motorcycle market, it can become a task to choose which you want to buy. Quite often the choice boils down to whether you want a hard luggage or soft luggage system, with pros and cons for each.
Kriega decided to rewrite the rules when it came to motorcycle soft luggage. Their goal from day one was to emphasise premium design, motorcycle-specific functionality, and unrivalled quality. Because of this, Kriega quickly rose to the top of the market in brand perception and user satisfaction. Let's take a look at why.
The story behind Kriega
Two product designer and motorcycle enthusiasts, living and riding in the motorcycling mecca of Wales, became frustrated by the under-performing luggage options at the time. They decided to combine their expertise and create the products they wanted, and in 2000, Kriega entered the market.
As a start-up, Kriega poured everything into design, development, and manufacture. Marketing, in those pre-digital days, meant getting their one model of backpack – the R35 - onto the backs of motorcycle journalists, road testers and editors. As expected, their reports and reviews helped Kriega to quickly gain status in the motorcycle luggage market.
Still operating in Wales, and with the founders Mike and Dom involved daily, Kriega continues to set the industry benchmark. 24 years later, they have a much expanded product line and now reach into more than 25 global markets.
Image credit: Kriega
What sets Kriega apart?
1. Design philosophy:
It is Kriega’s conscious decision to be a non-fashion brand. By focusing on function-driven design for their core customers, they are unconstrained by pre-determined price points and passing fashions.
2. Materials and craftsmanship:
Kriega's ground-breaking, and much-copied, Quadloc™ harness, and their aircraft-spec aluminium adjusters, raised the bar from the beginning. They also utilise high-spec Cordura®, Hypalon and Nylon ripstop fabrics, and Drypack roll-top technologies for 100% waterproofing.
Image credits: Kriega
3. Modularity:
Kriega’s highly configurable soft luggage systems allow riders to easily add packs together, to suit their individual needs.
4. Comfort:
Kriega is specifically created for motorcyclists. Their backpacks and rider bags are ergonomically designed to reduce strain on the rider’s body.
5. Longevity:
All Kriega products carry a 10-year warranty on materials and manufacture. Literally designed to last a decade of hard riding, first production Kriega backpacks are still in regular use nearly 25 years later.
“As we’re all bikers, we have a good understanding of what the needs and problems are. Most of the requirements are pretty common-sense stuff like stability, straps that don’t slap you in the face at speed, components that are easy to use with thick gloves... We do a lot of product testing, so that means a lot of riding”. (Interview with Kriega, by Michael Knispel)
Kriega founders on a product testing trip, Romania 2012. Image credit: Carryology
Why we think Kriega is best
When you need to carry something bigger than your wallet and phone, deciding how to carry extra cargo can be perplexing. Options range from basic motorcycle luggage straps to the extensive bike-specific hard luggage systems, and everything in between.
To cut through the overwhelm, Kriega, with its expansive motorcycle-specific product line, allows you to focus on two main questions: What are you wanting to carry? And do you want to carry it on your bike or on your body?
Once you know these answers, you can be rest assured you will find the luggage option you need within the Kriega range. Why?
1. Lightweight:
Kriega soft luggage options are significantly lighter than hard cases and metal panniers. This lower weight helps to preserve your bike’s handling.
2. Flexibility:
Kriega bags can sit low and conform to the shape of your bike, with little disruption to your bike’s center of gravity and efficiency.
Image credit: @birchynz
3. Waterproof:
A high number of Kriega products are 100% waterproof. Drypack and roll-top technologies combine to keep your precious cargo dry.
4. Off-Road Compatible:
Kriega’s soft luggage can withstand the off-road vibrations, knocks and drops better than rigid cases. And soft luggage doesn't hold the same potential for structural bike damage in a crash.
Image credit: Kriega
5. Less Bulky:
When not in use, Kriega bags collapse down and occupy less storage room than hard luggage options.
Kriega Bike Packs
So you've decided you want your bike to carry the load? Now is the time to take a look at Kriega's waterproof motorcycle luggage options: the Universal System of US-DRYPACKS, and the Overlander System of OS-ADVENTURE PACKS and OS-SOFT PANNIERS.
US-DRYPACKS:
US-DRYPACK bags come in 5L, 10L, 20L, 30L and 40L capacity. Featuring 100% waterproof roll-top main compartments and abrasion-resistant CORDURA® construction, they can be mounted inline or across the pillion seat. High configurability means the range of US-DRYPACK sizes can be hooked to each other to expand your total luggage capacity.
US-40 RACKPACK. Image credit: Kriega
With a universal fit for most types of motorbikes, no pack frames or pannier frames are required. The Kriega name means quality rackless motorcycle luggage is an option.
US-DRYPACK bags are easy to fit with quick-release hooks secured to the bikes subframe. And for the small number of bikes with no visible subframe, there are special US-Fitting Kits available. Mount a Kriega US-DRYPACK bag as a single tail pack or hook two or three US-DRYPACKS together for multi-day motorcycle tours. There is even a Tank Bag Converter for those who prefer tank bags to tail bags.
And the best news? Because the US-DRYPACKS are a universal fit, if you change your bike, you don’t have to buy new luggage!
Ideal for: Commuters, day-trippers, and anyone who wants reliable waterproof motorcycle luggage.
Image credit: Kriega
OS-ADVENTURE PACKS:
The Kriega OS-ADVENTURE PACKS are specifically designed for riding in the most demanding of environments. Available in 6L, 12L and 18L capacity, they can be used as stand-alone packs, or as part of a Kriega multi-pack arrangement. They feature 100% waterproof roll-top closures, and ultra-abrasion resistant HYPALON and 1000D CORDURA® construction.
OS-18 ADVENTURE PACK. Image credit: Kriega
The OS-ADVENTURE PACKS integrate multiple hook loops and straps to enable them to be directly mounted to most popular racks and pannier frames. For rackless mounting, the OS-BASE option provides a lighter and more compact fitment system. As an ‘over-the-seat harness,’ the OS-BASE allows the OS-ADVENTURE PACK range to be mounted as soft panniers and tail packs. Universal fit, dirt-bike fit, and a range of model-specific fitments are available.
Ideal for: Off-road adventure riders who need versatile and durable adventure motorcycle luggage.
Image credit: @birchynz for Kriega
OS-SOFT PANNIERS:
The core of the OS Range, the OS-SOFT PANNIERS are available in 22L, 32L and 38L capacity. They feature 100% waterproof roll-top closures and ultra-abrasion resistant HYPALON and 1000D CORDURA® construction. Their structured box shape allows for effortless packing and load control, and they take less than a minute to mount/dismount with two quick release straps and a buckle.
OS-32 SOFT PANNIER. Image credit: Kriega
OS-SOFT PANNIERS hook on to an OS-PLATFORM (sold separately), which mounts to your bike’s existing pannier frames. OS-PLATFORMS have a universal fit to mount to most OEM pannier frames, as well as Touratech, Givi, SW-Motech, Hepco & Becker, KTM, Shift Manufacturing and Metal Mule.
Ideal for: Touring adventure riders who want functional motorcycle touring luggage that is also easy to use.
Image credit: Kriega
Kriega Rider Packs
Although vast in range, every Kriega bag boasts innovative design and robust construction. Just like their bike packs, Kriega's rider packs are also tailored specifically for motorcycle riders.
Featuring ergonomic fit and adjustability, versatile storage options, and quality materials for long-term performance, the perfect Kriega pack is just one decision away. Some options to consider include:
R15 Backpack:
A 15L motorcycle backpack that’s versatile for both motorcycling and everyday use. Two compartments for storage help pack organisation, and the Quadloc-Lite™ system is perfect for weight distribution.
Ideal for: Active riding, off-road and on.
R15 BACKPACK. Image credit: Kriega
R30 Backpack:
With a 30L capacity, this award-winning backpack features the quick release Quadloc™ harness for all-day riding comfort. This 100% waterproof bag gives confidence in even the most torrential weather conditions.
Ideal for: Road adventures or commuting with kit that must stay dry.
R30 BACKPACK. Image credit: Kriega
Urban Messenger Bag:
100% waterproof cross-body messenger bag. A 16L capacity allows you to carry a 17” laptop plus extra ‘keep dry’ essentials. The reversible shoulder strap can be used for left or right shoulder carry, and the innovative alloy strap adjuster enables for easy on/off over a helmet.
Ideal for: The ‘all weather’ commuter.
Urban Messenger Bag. Image credit: Kriega
Trail9 Adventure Backpack:
A Chris Birch approved, dual-sport trail bag. Hydration-pack capable (sold separately), it has multiple compartment options, and 9L total capacity. The Quadloc-Lite™ harness system and air-mesh back panel allow for all-day riding comfort.
Ideal for: Any adventure activities, and for those who want to emulate Birchy.
Trail9 Adventure Backpack. Image credit: @birchynz
“Kriega bags are the toughest out there. Chris uses the OS Adventure packs on his KTM790 and is a big fan of their rider packs. The new Trail 9 Adventure pack is a favourite. With a ten year warranty on all products they can stand up to the abuse.” (Chris Birch website, Say No To Slow)
In Summary:
Kriega is the brand for motorcyclists everywhere. They consider our needs and desires, the bikes we ride, and the environments we ride in, throughout their full manufacturing process. If you’re in the market for new or upgraded motorcycle luggage options, you need look no further than Kriega.
