BIKES: Kreiga R15 Tested on Adventure Ride in Peru

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BIKES: Kreiga R15 Tested on Adventure Ride in Peru

Although I was traveling with other riders and a support vehicle, it was important to be self-sufficient each day in the event that we were separated. Enter the Kriega R15, with it's 3-liter hydration pack able to carry plenty of fluids for the day, and the largest pocket able to carry protein bars, bags of trail mix, and other various sundries, it was perfect for the job.

Christie Frick | Posted July 17, 2009 Charlotte, North Carolina

The new Kriega R15 makes hydration a snap. (Photo: Neale Bayly)

I recently returned from a 3000 km, ten day adventure ride around Peru on a Honda XL600R, which gave me a fantastic opportunity to try out my brand new Kriega R15 hydration backpack. Although I was traveling with other riders and a support vehicle, it was important to be self-sufficient each day in the event that we were separated. Enter the Kriega R15, with it's 3-liter hydration pack able to carry plenty of fluids for the day, and the largest pocket able to carry protein bars, bags of trail mix, and other various sundries, it was perfect for the job. I also routinely carried an extra set of gloves and had plenty of room for a fleece as well. Inside the main compartment is an inner reservoir to hold the hydration bladder upright. Additionally, there is a small zippered mesh area large enough to hold a passport and wallet on the inside wall of the larger compartment.

The smaller zippered outside pocket is very convenient also. It is the perfect size for several pill bottles, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and a map. If the two zippered compartments are not enough, there is also a detachable "bag" on the shoulder strap that is perfect for a cell phone or hand held GPS. The harness on the Kriega is what makes it stand out and makes is so easy and comfortable to wear. After adjusting the straps initially for a personalized fit, you simply snap into and out of the harness. The system is extremely convenient when you are dressed in riding clothes that can make wrestling with straps a real hassle. The fit of the pack allows for all day riding without excessive fatigue, and I wore it daily, even when we deserted the bikes for some hiking and sightseeing.

Christie Frick tests the new Kriega R15 hydration backpack on the side of a road in Peru. (Photo: Neale Bayly)

Although we were fortunate to not test the pack's waterproofing in Peru, I did get caught in a storm the following week on a day ride. Nothing inside the pack was wet after an hour of moderate to heavy rain, so it passed this test with flying colors. Returning from the trip provided an opportunity to thoroughly clean the hydration reservoir, tubing and mouthpiece. The tubing quickly disconnects from the bladder with the push of a button to allow for easier cleaning. I had used flavor packs in my water, so the set up required good, soapy cleaning, which was completed without a problem. I didn't disconnect the mouthpiece for cleaning, as it really didn't seem necessary. The bladder is made to be completely turned inside out to ensure all corners are cleaned and dried. Once dry, it is very simple to revert the bladder to its original state and reassemble the tubing. Despite having only a Velcro closure at the top, it never popped open or leaked on the trip. The 10-year warranty is reassuring, but the top quality construction leads me to doubt it will be needed.

Although I am very pleased with my Kriega, one improvement would be for the main compartment to have a double zipper to meet in the middle, allowing for slightly easier packing and unpacking, instead of one zipper that must go from one side to the other. Despite this one suggestion, I wouldn't change a thing. The Kriega R15 is an excellent example of the benefits to using top quality motorcycle specific gear for serious motorcycling adventures.