Product test: backpacks for motorcyclists

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Product test: backpacks for motorcyclists
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Product test: backpacks for motorcyclists

Product test: backpacks
A comparison of 12 backpacks for motorcyclists

Macropodidae, the kangaroos among the marsupial, have it on board as standard. The biker vulgaris has to buy it: the bag for every day. Daypack test in the 30 to 60 euro class.

Klaus Herder

04/14/2011

Those who prefer marketing Denglish call this thing a daypack, occasionally also a daybag. What is meant is the same: a reasonably handy backpack that holds all the odds and ends that you carry with you to school, university or work every day. A day bag that offers enough space for spontaneous purchases, but which explicitly does not have to offer any storage space for a sleeping bag, sleeping mat or welding device. The everyday all-rounders usually hold 20 to 40 liters – everything below prevents the transport of files and / or laptops. Larger bags are too bulky, unwieldy and annoying with the aerodynamic quality of a wall unit. What is quite expensive for hikers and cyclists – there is hardly anything to be had in this scene for less than 80 euros – is extremely cheap for motorcyclists who are basically stingy when it comes to accessories.

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In figures: The main daypack business is played out at least among the leading accessory discounters in the league up to 20 euros. MOTORRAD tested the absolutely cheap bags in issue 15/2005, which is not that long ago in terms of world and backpack history, because at least the well-rated models are usually still in the range. The test results were better than feared at the time – huge numbers of items and the use as a door opener, which allows a tight calculation, allow competitive prices – but the U20 area is understandably not very receptive to particularly tasty details. For example, when it comes to the padding of shoulder straps and back parts, the quality of the upper material or the design of the hip belts that are indispensable for speedy motorcycling in the 20 euro class, you shouldn’t expect any miracles.

Anyone who actually travels with the trunk on their back every day should buy one class higher, i.e. spend 30 to 60 euros. In this price range, only about half of the U20 units are sold, but still noticeably. Motorcyclists rarely spend more than 60 euros on backpacks. They don’t have to, because among the twelve candidates gathered here, virtually every type of motorcyclist will find a partner for every day. There was no verdict for any test candidate “very good”, because there is still room for improvement with every model. But even a total failure was not to be complained about.

Before buying, every potential bag carrier should think carefully about what they actually want to drag around the area every day. The office worker, for example, will have a certain interest in ensuring that his papers, files or mobile computers arrive at their destination relatively undamaged.

Backpacks with clear compartments and a minimum of inherent stability are then the first choice. For example the test winner Speedmaster from Bags Connection. If you as a craftsman only want to transport your overalls and work shoes or as an after-work athlete a towel and jersey, you should take a closer look at the packsacks from Drive, Kappa or Ortlieb, which have been upgraded to rucksacks – soft tissues cannot be transported more safely and, above all, more waterproof.

Keyword waterproofness: MOTORRAD went under a lively bubbly shower for two minutes with each rucksack, halfway through the interim results. Apart from the pack sacks, no bag was 100% waterproof, but this only had a negative impact on the judgment if no (of course waterproof) rain cover was included. After many hours in the shower, on the motorcycle and in the not negligible pedestrian traffic, the three MOTORRAD testers had found their own personal favorites. In addition to the test winner and the purchase tip, it was, of all things, the least equipped and the worst rated. Just a sack of hearts.

Bags Connection Speedmaster – MOTORCYCLE test winner


Product test: backpacks for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

Bags Connection Speedmaster

providers: SW-Motech, Tel. 06425/816800, www.sw-motech.de
price: 59.95 euros
colour: Black
material: 1200D nylon
Weight: 1328 grams
volume*: 25 liters
Country of Manufacture: Vietnam

Furnishing:
Two main compartments with double zippers; one outside pocket with zipper; one closed and one open inner pocket (laptop compartment) secured with Velcro and pen compartments; an outside mesh pocket; a compression strap, two compression straps, hip belt; Handle; Rain cover; Cell phone pocket on shoulder strap; Pack sack; Helmet net; Reflex trim

Watertightness:
After one minute more moisture on the zipper of the outer main compartment; After two minutes, the outer pocket and the central main compartment on the zipper are slightly damp

plus:
Good access to storage compartments; large, easy-grip zipper; wide, well-padded shoulder straps; good back padding that allows air circulation; Shoulder and hip belt ends secured against flapping; right shoulder strap can be separated with quick release (makes putting on and taking off); very good workmanship; extensive equipment

minus:
Zippers cannot be secured; Chest strap not removable; Shoulder and hip belt not optimally articulated, handle a little too thin, rain cover only with elastic

Conclusion:
Practical structure, lavish, but without unnecessary bells and whistles, very high-quality design – the Speedmaster has only minor weaknesses and wins the test.

MOTORRAD verdict: good

Difi tourist


Product test: backpacks for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

Difi tourist

providers: Motoport, Tel. 04451/915200, www.motoport.de
price: 59.95 euros
colour: Black
material: Oxford nylon
Weight: 934 grams
volume*: approx. 24 liters
Country of Manufacture: China

Furnishing:
One main compartment with double zip; two outside pockets with zippers; a closed inside pocket; Cable bushing (for MP3 player or similar); Waist belt; Handle; Rain cover; Reflex trim

Watertightness:
After one minute, the zips of all pockets became more damp; completely soaked after two minutes

plus:
Very good access to the storage compartment; wide, practical articulated shoulder straps; relatively easy; fits well, shoulder and hip belt ends secured against flapping; well padded handle that disappears in a bag when not in use; Rain hood additionally secured with straps with quick-release fasteners

minus:
Zippers cannot be secured and are not covered; Chest strap not removable; Shoulder straps can loosen relatively easily; Padding of shoulder straps and back part a little thin; no extra inner compartment behind the cable duct; Outside pockets are long, but only very narrow

Conclusion:
Rather puristic and without exaggerated equipment gimmicks. The fit is convincing, but not fully developed details (outside pockets, shoulder straps) prevent an even better rating.

MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory

Drive Yellow Line – MOTORCYCLE buyer’s tip


Product test: backpacks for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

Drive Yellow Line

providers: Polo, Tel. 0180/5225785, www.polo-motorrad.de
price: 49.95 euros
colour: Yellow black
material: PVC / Mesh
Weight: 1328 grams
volume*: approx. 40 liters
Country of Manufacture: China

Furnishing:
One main compartment with roll closure and Velcro fastener; two outer mesh pockets; a compression strap; two safety belts; Waist belt; Handle

Watertightness:
Absolutely waterproof

plus:
Lots of usable storage space; ingeniously simple, top secured closure; Additional belts as an alternative to securing the roll top (see photo); wide, well-padded shoulder straps; sufficiently padded back part; very long hip belt (important for XXL bikers); very robust and well made

minus:
Shoulder and hip belt ends not secured against flapping; Hip belt not padded on the side; Chest strap not removable; no inner compartments; no closed and waterproof outer pocket

Conclusion:
What is not there cannot be broken. Completely waterproof, even without a rain cover. Equipped with a carrying system that makes the difference to the “Packsack with straps” makes – all round good.

MOTORRAD verdict: good

Hero Adventure


Product test: backpacks for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

Hero Adventure

providers: Held, Tel. 08321/66460, www.held.de
price: 59.95 euros
To dye: Black, Black / Red, Black / Blue
material: Ripstop nylon
Weight: 1194 grams
volume*: 22 liters
Country of Manufacture: Vietnam

Furnishing:
A main compartment with two openings and double zippers, which can be divided by an intermediate floor; two closed and two open inside pockets; two outside mesh pockets; a compression strap, four compression straps; Waist belt; Handle; Rain cover; Reflex trim

Watertightness:
After one and two minutes, the zipper was slightly damp

plus:
Good access to the storage compartment with a second loading alternative; wide, well-padded shoulder straps, optimally articulated together with well-padded hip belt; very good fit; is pleasantly light to wear; Hip belt ends secured against flapping; Zips well covered; very good handle; Rain cover additionally secured with hooks

minus:
Zippers cannot be secured, zippers are a bit small; Chest strap not removable; Insertion of the intermediate floor a bit fiddly, processing at this point quite mixed (but otherwise okay); no separate outside pocket; Shoulder strap ends not secured against flapping

Conclusion:
The intermediate floor principle is rarely used in practice; a second main compartment and especially an outside pocket would be more useful. The double access is convincing, however, and the fit is great.

MOTORRAD verdict: good

IXS Malix


Product test: backpacks for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

IXS Malix

providers: Hostettler; Tel. 07631/18040, www.ixs.com
price: 59.95 euros
colour: Black
material: 600D polyester with PVC
Weight: 1306 grams
volume*: approx. 20 liters
Country of Manufacture: Taiwan

Furnishing:
One large and one small main compartment with double zippers; four outside pockets with zippers; three open inside pockets, one of which is a laptop compartment secured with Velcro; twelve pen compartments; Cable entry; two compression straps; Waist belt; two handles; Reflex trim

Watertightness:
After one minute very strong moisture penetration on all outer pockets, medium moisture penetration on the main compartment; after two minutes everything was soaked

plus:
Very good access to the storage compartment; large, easy-grip zipper; good interior compartment division; wide, well-padded shoulder straps; good back padding that allows air circulation; Chest strap with a very wide adjustment range; good wearing comfort, good fit; Hip belt ends secured against flapping; good workmanship; extra stable bottom part

minus:
Zippers cannot be secured; Chest strap not removable; Hip belt not padded on the side and possibly a bit too short; Shoulder strap ends not secured against flapping; no rain cover as standard, but major weaknesses in terms of water resistance

Conclusion:
Practical storage compartments, very solid design, good wearing comfort – the Malix really has everything for a judgment “Good”. If it weren’t for the thing with waterproofness and the missing rain cover.

MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory

Kappa TKW 745


Product test: backpacks for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

Kappa TKW 745

providers: JF Motorsport; Tel. 06002/91030, www.jfmotorsport.de
price: 59.90 euros
colour: White black
material: Polyester
Weight: 1338 grams
volume*: 30 liters
Country of Manufacture: China

Furnishing:
One main compartment with roll closure; one outer compartment with zipper; two compression straps; Waist belt; Handle

Watertightness:
Absolutely tight

plus:
Very well secured closure; wide, well-padded shoulder straps; detachable hip belt very well padded on the sides, with a wide adjustment range and ends secured against flapping; well padded and removable (Velcro) back part; robust and well made; extra outside pocket with waterproof zipper (rather unusual with strap-on pack sacks)

minus:
Locking system not quite as practical as with Drive and Ortlieb (bag ends cannot be connected to one another, only braced at the sides); Chest strap not removable; Shoulder strap ends not secured against flapping; no inner compartments

Conclusion:
A pack sack with an excellent carrying system – this combination is ingenious. One small detail can be annoying in practice: the somewhat cumbersome closure. A case for the mini facelift.

MOTORRAD verdict: good

Detlev Louis Neon


Product test: backpacks for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

Detlev Louis Neon

providers: Louis, Tel. 040/73419360; www.louis.de
price: 29.95 euros
colour: Neon yellow
material: 95% polyamide
Weight: 806 grams
volume*: approx. 20 liters
Country of Manufacture: Taiwan

Furnishing:
One main compartment with double zip; eight outside pockets with zippers; two open and one closed inner pockets, two pen compartments and a key carabiner; two compression straps; Waist belt; Handle; Rain cover; Reflex trim

Watertightness:
After a minute of strong moisture penetration on all outer pockets, main compartment only slightly ingress of water; after two minutes the main compartment was moderately moist

plus:
Wide opening main compartment; Double zip well covered, zip-puller easy to grasp; well padded handle; Rain cover starts at the top and can be secured with a drawstring

minus:
Zippers cannot be secured; Chest strap not removable; Shoulder straps can loosen relatively easily; Padding of shoulder straps and back section too thin; Shoulder and hip belt ends not secured against flapping; Hip belt not padded on the side; moderate wearing comfort; little inherent stability, a basic shape is missing; Equipment (number of outside pockets) too playful; Processing somewhat mixed

Conclusion:
Not a really bad backpack, absolutely okay for short urban trips with little load. The only thing you can tell about the eye-catcher is that it is at the lower end of the price range.

MOTORRAD verdict: Sufficient

Moto detail casual


Product test: backpacks for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

Moto detail casual

providers: Louis, Tel. 040/73419360; www.louis.de
price: 39.95 euros
colour: Black
material: 90% polyamide
Weight: 826 grams
volume*: approx. 30 liters
Country of Manufacture: Taiwan

Furnishing:
One main compartment with double zip; three outside pockets with zippers; two open and three closed inside pockets, two pen compartments and a key carabiner; four compression straps; All-round zip for volume adjustment; Waist belt; Handle; Rain cover; Reflex trimmings; Transport bag

Watertightness:
After one minute, strong moisture penetration on all outer pockets, main compartment with medium ingress of water; flooded main compartment after two minutes

plus:
Very wide opening main compartment; Double zippers well covered and lockable; secure all zippers with easy-to-grip cords; Shoulder and hip belt ends secured against flapping; Volume adjustment very easy; Hip belt well padded on the sides; Rain cover with additional hook safety device;

minus:
Shoulder straps and back only moderately padded; can constrict slightly if the load is very heavy; Chest strap cannot be removed and is difficult to adjust; little dimensionally stable, somewhat lacking strength

Conclusion:
Costs only ten euros more than the neon sister model from the same company, but plays in a completely different, significantly higher league. With a little facelift (upholstery) it would be a good thing “Good” inside.

MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory

Ortlieb Explorer


Product test: backpacks for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

Ortlieb Explorer

providers: Ortlieb, Tel. 09872/8000; www.ortlieb.com
price: 49.95 euros
Colors: red, blue
material: Polyester fabric, PVC-coated
Weight: 628 grams
volume*: 35 liters
Country of Manufacture: Germany

Furnishing:
One main compartment with roll closure; Handle

Watertightness:
Absolutely tight

plus:
Lots of usable storage space; ingeniously simple, top secured closure; wide, well-padded shoulder straps; Chest strap with wide adjustment range and removable; very robust and superbly processed; five year guarantee

minus:
Hip belt missing; Back completely unpadded, angular load pushes through immediately; practically no equipment, no inside or outside pockets; rather wobbly seat at high speeds, not very comfortable in the long run

Conclusion:
A point system can be so unfair, because some purists are guaranteed to enter this part “very good”. The bottom line is that there is no equipment, no stable seat and no comfort. Sack of hearts!

MOTORRAD verdict: Sufficient

Oxford Aeropack Xpert


Product test: backpacks for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

Oxford Aeropack Xpert

providers: Hein Gericke, Tel. 0180/5229522, www.hein-gericke.de, www.oxprod.com
price: 49.99 euros
colour: Black
material: Nylon
Weight: 1108 grams
volume*: approx. 30 liters
Country of Manufacture: China

Furnishing:
One main compartment with double zippers; four outside pockets with zippers; an open inside pocket with cable duct; All-round zip for volume adjustment; Handle; Reflex trimmings; Helmet bag integrated in the base

Watertightness:
After a minute the main compartment and both side outer pockets are still dry, both middle outer pockets with slight water ingress; after two minutes the main compartment with minimal water ingress, both side outer pockets dry, middle outer pockets soaked

plus:
Wide opening main compartment; well thought-out room layout; Double zipper secured with Velcro straps; large, easy-to-grip zippers; good wearing comfort; side outer pockets absolutely waterproof; good workmanship

minus:
Shoulder straps slightly padded, shoulder strap system that takes getting used to, which can loosen when heavily loaded and at high speed; no hip belt; no standard rain cover

Conclusion:
You love or hate the carrying system; you shouldn’t buy it without a test drive. The well thought-out room layout and good workmanship are offset by the lack of a hip belt and rain hood.

MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory

Pharaoh canvas


Product test: backpacks for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

Pharaoh canvas

providers: Polo, Tel. 0180/5225785, www.polo-motorrad.de
price: 49.95 euros
colour: Olive / black
material: Cotton
Weight: 1718 grams
volume*: approx. 30 liters
Country of Manufacture: China

Furnishing:
One main compartment with double zip and carabiner; five outside pockets with zippers (2 x), click fasteners (2 x) and Velcro; three open inside pockets with Velcro straps or elastic band; four compression straps; Handle; Rain cover; Hydration bladder

Watertightness:
After a minute, outer pockets with medium moisture penetration, main compartment still dry; Outside pockets completely wet after two minutes, main compartment with medium ingress of water

plus:
Very wide opening main compartment; all zippers secured with press studs; large, easy-to-grip zippers; Shoulder straps wide and well padded; Back area well padded; Hip belt with a very wide adjustment range; comfortable grip of the upper material

minus:
Shoulder and hip belt ends not secured against flapping; Chest strap not removable; Click fasteners can only be opened with a little fiddly (especially with gloves); Back padding presses in the lower area (rain hood compartment); Snap hook not adjustable; Processing partly quite rustic; flutters and wriggles at high speed

Conclusion:
Rather rustic (and quite practical) designer piece for the boulevard as a real motorcycle backpack for every day. Over 60 km / h it gets restless, but suitable for the very cool appearance in town / school / university.

MOTORRAD verdict: Sufficient

Tuareg backpack


Product test: backpacks for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

Tuareg backpack

providers: Hein Gericke, Tel. 0180/5229522, www.hein-gericke.de
price: 34.99 euros
colour: Black
material: 1620D nylon
Weight: 1242 grams
volume*: 35 liters
Country of Manufacture: China

Furnishing:
One main compartment with drawstring and two click fasteners; five outside pockets with zippers; Handle; detachable cell phone pocket on the shoulder strap; Reflex trim

Watertightness:
After one minute the front outer pocket is soaked, the rest is dry; after two minutes, slight water ingress at the lower seam of the main compartment, outside pockets with medium moisture penetration

plus:
Very wide opening main compartment; very well secured with a drawstring and click fasteners; secure all zippers with snap fasteners; reinforced bottom part; Double zippers secured with press studs; Shoulder straps and back section still adequately padded; good workmanship

minus:
Chest strap not removable; Shoulder and hip belt ends not secured against flapping; Shoulder straps can loosen relatively easily; Hip belt padded on one side only (through small pocket); no inner compartments; the rain cover, which is standard according to the product description, is missing (according to Gericke a “Catalog error”)

Conclusion:
No frills and robust backpack with plenty of storage space. The slight weaknesses in the carrying system can be got over if very heavy things are not regularly on board.

MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory

Backpack and security


Product test: backpacks for motorcyclists


fact

Horst P. from S. always takes his golden hamster with him in his rucksack, which makes sense from a biomechanical and accident analysis point of view.

A motorcycle backpack does not necessarily have to increase the risk of injury if you take a few (loading) tips to heart: Edged and hard things have no place in the backpack. Cans or glass bottles, cameras and tools belong in the tank bag, not on your back. Rain suits, fleece pieces, food (possibly also drinks cartons) and (halfway loose) paperwork, on the other hand, are welcome. The laptop transport is borderline. Man and device is at least a little bit of help with a particularly soft additional cover just in case. You shouldn’t put more than a maximum of seven to ten kilograms on your back in the long run. Some providers (e.g. Louis) even give five kilos as a maximum. Heavy things always belong down in the sack. If you are lucky and have a stepped bench, you can leave the backpack on something, which relieves the back a lot. But with shoulder and hip belt (always close!) don’t put it on too loosely, because a backpack dancing in the wind can bring a lot of unrest to the whole load. The open (mesh) outer compartments are only intended for pedestrian use. Don’t forget: the correct position of the zippers. The zips of double zippers belong down and to the side when driving, not up in the middle, because turbulences there can cause unwanted opening. A backpack ALWAYS belongs on your back while driving. Not on the pillion seat, not on the luggage rack and not even on the tank, because belts that rotate in the bike are really stupid.

Expensive backpacks are better?


Product test: backpacks for motorcyclists


archive

Vaudee Freerider 25

The Vaudee Freerider 25:
25 liters, 1278 grams, PU-coated 600D polyester, 110 euros; three year guarantee; www.vaude.com

Hikers are much more likely than motorcyclists to pay a lot of money for equipment. At first glance, many hiking backpacks look similar to the tested daypacks for motorcyclists, but they often cost twice or three times as much. Are the additional prices justified? Yes and no. The use of materials and the country of manufacture (in the example also China) do not justify significantly higher prices, but the design makes the difference. The carrying system is refined down to the last detail and ensures a significantly better fit and noticeable lightness in pedestrian use. Disadvantage: it is a bit more complicated to put on. The zips and seams are also really waterproof. Part of the lavish extra price is still a clear one “Hiking hobby surcharge”. Tip for thrifty hikers: Buy a motorcycle backpack.

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