Kriega R30 and R25 Backpacks for Long-distance Riding

It’s windy, rainy, and generally miserable. But with the Kriega R30 backpack on my back, I can at least be confident my belongings won’t get soaked.

The R30 and R25 are Kriega’s award-winning backpacks designed for long-distance motorcycle touring. As you can deduce from the names, the former offers 30 liters of storage across the main compartment and two outer pockets, while the latter features 25 liters with a main compartment and one outer pocket.

On the product tags, the backpacks promise to be waterproof, comfortable, and durable. Let’s unpack them and see how they did in a real-world test.

Waterproofing

First, the waterproofing. It’s excellent. 

After four hours in light to medium rain, I didn’t have a single drop make its way inside the R30. Considering the R25 is built the same, I’m certain its performance is comparable.

Inside the main compartment is a removable white inner liner, which makes rummaging through its contents easier and adds to the waterproofing. The roll-top opening is easy to close, and with three buckles, it won’t open during the ride.

Even the front pockets stayed dry during my test, so the zippers are watertight as well. The pockets’ surface felt perhaps a bit damper than the rest of the bag, so they might get somewhat wet in an hours-long heavy deluge. Just don’t put anything too vital in there, and you’re good.

Comfort

In terms of comfort, the R30 and R25 deliver as well. Kriega’s padded Quadloc harness system allows for plenty of adjustability. I got it tightened on my admittedly not very broad frame with a lot of slack left, so burlier riders should have no issue with the fit.

The harness effectively moves the bag’s fairly hefty weight from your shoulders to your torso, making them comfortable for long rides. I didn’t experience any significant strain over my test. That said, the back pad (although nicely breathable) is very stiff, which makes the bag not ideal off the saddle.

To keep your belongings firmly in place, you get three cross-straps on the R30 and two on the R25. You can certainly get them tight, and the thoughtful removable hooks on the straps keep the slack from flapping around and getting snagged on things.

In my books, however, the R25 is better in this regard, as both of its cross-straps have quick-release buckles. In a design decision I can’t comprehend, only the bottom strap of the R30 has a buckle. If you’ve pulled the top straps tight, getting into the contents of the main compartment and top pocket is a hassle.

Durability

Finally, let’s address durability. The R25 and R30 alike will keep you good company for the foreseeable future.

I fortunately didn’t have to test how well the bags resist sliding across asphalt, but the materials and construction certainly feel like they can take a punch. The seams are strong, and the 420/1000D Cordura surface really shouldn’t rip. While I haven’t had the Kriega backpack for long, I don’t expect it to fall apart anytime soon.

My only caution would be not to put anything with sharp edges in the main compartment, as I could see them puncturing the inner liner. As I said, though, it’s removable and replaceable, but be careful of what you store and you won’t have to spend your pennies.

After all, you’ll be spending those pennies and more on the bag itself. If I have anything to complain about with the Kriega R30 and R25, it’s the price. These are very expensive bags.

The quality construction and waterproof design are absolutely worth the cost. But I’m an incorrigible tightwad, so I will still grumble even as I pull my bone-dry stuff out of the Kriega.

Kriega R30 Backpack
$299.99
Volume: 30L
Color: Black

Kriega R25 Backpack
$289.99
Volume: 25L
Color: Black