Kriega T18 vs R20 - Filling up for a commute and weekend away

[@Joooooooseph]

I’ve watched so many videos on the R20 but this is the first I’ve seen where someone actually packs them. Thank you! Hard to make a choice when idk how the pack

[@yodomcat]

Glad it helped! 👍🏻

[@thecoolerspringtrap40]

As a college student who’s new to the motorcycle scene, I have a 14” laptop, notebook, and iPad to carry to class. I’ve researched backpack-after-backpack, which were too pricey, had a lackluster style, or were too bulky for my smaller frame. And FINALLY, I find a video with all the info and clarity I need, thanks to you! So I’ll definitely be going with the R20. Thanks a bunch 💖💖

[@Angelosts]

It's like comparing an adventure bike to a scooter for commuting. You don't want too much stuff anyway on your backpack when riding off-road. You just need some water, some snacks a waterproof jacket and a waterproof compartment to store the important things you don't want them to get wet.

[@RandomGRK]

For commuting I love my Kriega R30. The two massive front pockets fit a lot and the waterproof part is big. For trail riding I have the T9.

[@patrickalbani4056]

Great video, I would never think someone would actually do this comparison

[@marcusrichardson3472]

I bought my R20 in 2009 and it’s still going strong, doesn’t look new but certainly not manky and v comfortable on the bike. I’ve now been using my Max28 for commuting and it’s a game changer. Waterproof compartment at back for laptop against your back, is in the right place. The front pocket holds all work gubbins, and middle expandable pocket is where I put clothing or for emergency shopping on way home from work. The middle two pockets are not officially waterproof but the cover is and when strapped shut it has never let water in, despite some torrential downpours. For commuting it’s the best backpack I’ve ever used and so convenient. I also find it more comfortable to carry when off the bike for some reason. Lastly, it feels quite heavy before you load it up, but once on your back the weight just disappears. Great review!!

[@ryanboucher13]

Awesome video. Definitely helped me decide on a new pack. I have a 17L. Bag now and in the mountains where I am it’s a pain to have to pack for a 40 degree morning and a 65 degree afternoon, the rain that comes with no warning and have room for anything else. Huge thanks again!

[@NewsMoto]

I own a Kriega R20, five years now! And it still looks new. I owe my life to it!. It held so well against water. i rode in the deep jungle, heavy deluge, airline, and long rides. Only times water got it is i left a wet water bottle inside, and another time i put the bag on the floor, (the bottom has 2 big holes for drain). either way, i never had a wet camera or laptop in any occasion! it can fit everything too.

[@mpimpaophoto2075]

Thank you! You've just saved me from disappointment as I was planning on buying either f those two and now I know both fail to meet my needs. Excellent job!

[@jonwilliams263]

Consider…. Placing clothes into ziploc bags. Fold clothes to fit bags, place on kitchen top, place breadboard on top, press down to expel air and seal. You can double if not treble the amount of items taken. i use this method for cabin bags on aircraft.

[@yodomcat]

Great idea! Deffo useful for a weekend away, thanks 👍🏻

[@Assassin333]

Great comparison review Bro. I see by a mile you are not an ADV Rider but sincerely great comparison review and it helped me .

[@davew8841]

Thanks! That was a well done review, I thought. I've been using an R25 for 9 years now. It's been everywhere with me....on long bike trips and on foot in other countries( I always shorten the strap adjustment on foot. It only takes a second...but, they're clearly designed for wearing over a heavy jacket )...and it's as good as you'd expect. Not a stitch has come apart yet....so, I don't really need to replace it...but, I've been considering an R20. As a non car owner....my Kreiga backpack has been this quiet, essential part of everyday life for nearly a decade( you can just see it in my profile pic, actually....sitting on that scooter I hired in Luang Prabang, Laos, in 2015 ).

[@yodomcat]

There is R22 which has the waterproof seal of approval if your covering that many miles with it 👍🏻

[@nulla9601]

Wow, thank you! I'm looking for a backpack for my commutes to school but similar like you in the video, I need a laptop (14"), IPad (12.9") and a charger. So the T18 will become a problem when I need to add stuff like lunch, a water bottle, etc. I want a Kriega for the quadlock strap so I think I'll go for the R20 then instead of the T18 (which will save me some money as well. €150 vs €210).

[@x_DaPrequel]

Bro literally what i was looking for. When i ride, i will be thanking you

[@exoduslnx]

Excellent review man. I love all the real world examples. You really helped me out.

[@yodomcat]

Glad I could help! 👍🏻

[@guille_snapshooter]

for a week end, i guess the best option is a US-20, off the back and more usable space + WP. love my T18, awesome piece of kit

[@yodomcat]

Precisely, I love the T-18, looks so cool and loved the webbing at the front. But if you need more space the lack of width limits it.

[@7443jan]

I will always be too late at the office with these small backpacks. I use a Lowa 35 Airzone. Enough space also for my shoes and clothing and lunch. Much cheaper.

[@trsskater]

Great review. I guess that I'm lucky that my laptop isn't mine. So I won't ever put it in a sleeve. If it gets scratched up its whatever. But honestly it shouldn't get scratched in the padded laptop section of a bag or its not really for a laptop. And what is the point of having a laptop and a tablet? Don't they both do the same thing so you could use 1 or the other depending on if you need a more powerful system then you can go with the laptop instead. Or if all the programs you use works on the tablet the way you need it to then you can leave the laptop at home or work. I have both but I don't ever need them both at the same time. I carry the tablet to not have to carry the laptop when I can. Also can't you use the back area on the T18 to add the extra thick jacket that doesn't fit on the inside giving you an extra space for bulky items although not waterproof storage.

[@helmgimble1258]

Thanks for this. Exactly what I was looking for. Wondering if you reckon the 16 inch Macbook would fit in both without a case? That's really my only concern left.

[@yodomcat]

I would say it would as the velomacchi makes it more like a 17”

[@goodnighthok]

Great review comparison 👍

[@jameskevern8030]

Thanks mate good video!

[@benwood3803]

Thanks mate. Very helpful.

[@mart7404]

nice real world review. Only minor gripe would be a closer camera angle to see the packing. Most of the time the bag was below the shot.

[@SPENJERE]

Very useful, thank you.

[@roderickxuan4573]

Finally...A real world with real life stuff review. Have you used the R20 as a tail bag? I wonder if the Kriega straps kit can turn the R20 into a tail bag as well as being a backpack. Thanks for the vid.

[@yodomcat]

I have just recently! And it’s brilliant!! Best backpack (not backpack) ever! Cross the straps to get it tight and it’s solid, won’t budge.

[@Latitude3324]

Thanks. I wanted to check but now I don’t have to. Love the t18 but you showed it just doesn’t work

[@Crsf84]

In all fairness the t18 isn’t designed as a commuter bag, I’ve taken in on tours for a week to ten days and it’s more than sufficient with a small tail bag. The r20 is a better city bag tbh . Touring over the years I’ve carried less and as such still swear by my t18.

[@carcass09]

I've seen other owners say that after you put a laptop in the R20 it doesn't play well with the natural curve of the bag and feels too straight on your back. Is this something you've experienced? Great review btw, cheers

[@yodomcat]

I’ve had no issue with laptop in mine. The case I use is padded but don’t think that makes much difference. 👍🏻

[@vtwin77]

Why wouldn't you pack your waterproofs in the T18s mesh?

[@yodomcat]

Didn’t have the room with my laptop and other daily needs.

[@vtwin77]

@@yodomcat But the mesh isn't affected by the contents of the bag. It's on the outside and it's adjustable. With a bit of forethought you Could've saved yourself £130.

[@yodomcat]

@@vtwin77 i did try there but it was tight and felt very overloaded.

[@Compendium_of_tom]

So the takeaway from this is Kriega should do a T20 backpack, T18 design but upsized!

[@yodomcat]

Yeeeess!! But make it 22L

[@peterr9685]

What are the pouches you use for the cables and the one for the laptop. Does it prevent the laptop being squished and causing the buttons to rub on the screen?

[@yodomcat]

I use the Velomacci pouches but there are cheaper alternatives. They are meant to protect in the case of an impact. To protect your buttons you need a cloth.

[@s.t.s.8894]

I own both models - and love them both! :-)

[@yodomcat]

Best choice!

[@DEA-vy4bh]

Hi there. Thanks for sharing this information. My question. I have a 2017 S1000R and a Kriega US30. How does it combine together with one of these backpacks,have you tried that as well?

[@yodomcat]

I ran a US30 with a US10 to Germany on my gen3. I found with that there’s no need for more storage, you could swap out the 10 for 20 if you did need a little more, but if you get everything in the 30. If I was to run the backpack with the US bags there wouldn’t be much room behind and it would have been empty. Hope that helps 👍🏻

[@DEA-vy4bh]

@@yodomcat thank you. I’ll test it by packing the US30 with everything I need and see how far it gets me. I also have a US10 but don’t have the additional straps. I’ll improvise

[@yodomcat]

@@DEA-vy4bh straps are only £30 from sportsbikeshop 👍🏻

[@DEA-vy4bh]

@@yodomcat thank you 👍🏾

[@ZakKypto]

Cant find the t18 for sale anywhere :(

[@yodomcat]

Sportsbikeshop has stock. Link in the video description 👍🏻

[@holden3083]

👍. Y didn’t u go for a larger bag? But big question are they fully rain / waterproof?

[@yodomcat]

R25 would probably suit me better in hindsight. Which is fully water proof (and the T18. The R20 however is not waterproof; but I’ve been through serious rain with no issues.

[@holden3083]

@@yodomcat. Lol if we all had hindsight… I wasn’t implying u made a bad choice/ mistake. By they way. I had a look on their website after I watched your review. Holley snapping duck 💩 Batman. They are expensive and if I read it correctly they aren’t fully waterproof. There seems to what they call the main compartment is waterproof but that’s it. & for $409 or £228 For the r30. The whole thing better be waterproof & can be left in water for 5 mins. For that price. That r20 bag is $260 £144 the r25 is $315. £175. Here in oz. Not sure what the price is over there. But I would bet we pay more. Your in British pound or euros? Would u be able to do more reviews on the Knox gear please?

[@yodomcat]

​@@holden3083 The R20 is waterproof but because its not in a roll top Kriega won't say it's waterproof, but if you can spring for the R25 my friend has one and it's a better bag. Sure it's bigger, but you can strap it down so you won't notice. If you only need a little storage then it could be overkill. If I had my time again I would get the R22 Rev'it/Kriega colab. Price... well I see commuters with Kriega bags that are over ten years old and they crashed in them! To say these are well built is a massive understatement! The extra price is well worth it because you will never out live this bag. Would love to do more Knox reviews! Just need the bank balance! lol

[@vishallad3909]

Try the r22

[@yodomcat]

It does seem the perfect balance!

[@alrightdave6135]

I guess the new r22 is the answer

[@yodomcat]

I’d say so, not got my hands on one yet.

[@Bryan-tm6kd]

Trail*

[@markholmes5695]

Can’t fathom why anyone would buy this brand. Can buy a berghaus or Columbia or other big brand name for half the price and fit double the amount into it. Same quality. 🤷‍♂️ I have a karimore bag that’s lasted 6 years and was €35.

[@yodomcat]

Same as you can have rhinowalk for half money to the us system.. but time after time Kriega pips ahead because it just works and can be relied upon. That’s not to say the other brands which are cheaper are not good; but there is a reason fruit of the look don’t command as much as Boss.

[@markholmes5695]

@@yodomcat fair enough. Walks away in full FOTL gear 😂 In reality though you’re correct, generally speaking , you get what you pay for. However a double or triple price difference between ‘motorbike’ bags and established brands like Columbia and other outdoor/hiking brands (made for extreme weather etc) is just crazy. That’s my opinion.

[@Sean-ss7rz]

You could of fit loads more in the T18 you need to learn how to pack things properly. And that bag you had for charges and cables is ridiculous. You need a charger for youre laptop which will fit in the front stash section along with a phone charger. Also put clothes at the bottom and everything else at the top