so, a very boring bike ride around Essex and a pair of new Supercorsas later...
Bought the T18 while still in full lockdown. Used it a bit since we've been able to get around again: a few rides through greenlanes and the longer trip to Wales (under torrential rain) this week.
As said, I come from a decade of use of an R25, that I'll keep using when on the road bike (HP) as the 18 would be a bit unpractical there (too bulky on a sportsbike).
Compared to the R25, the fabric is a bit sturdier everywhere. Also the backpack's actual back plastic plate is way sturdier than the one on the R25.
Zip for the back compartment is nice and large and you have loops to grab it easily.
This week I've had three days of pretty wet riding in Wales and can confirm: the two main pockets are waterproof
Keep in mind that the back compartment of the bag (the one with the zip) will get a bit humid under heavy rain.
Regarding the back compartment: I found that you can fit the Kriega back protector in it.
There is no pocket for it, but that back compartment is generally pretty snug and the back protector fits just perfect and stays in place. It occupies a bit of the space meant for the water bladder though.
When I go greenlaning I do have protections on myself, so I don't need it inside the Kriega. All good.
If I'm going around the city, short trips, I'll keep the back protector in the Kriega, but obviously no water bladder. All good here.
If I'm touring around I sometimes keep the back protector in the Kriega
and the bladder. You can make this work.
Before buying I asked Kriega and they confirmed my 3L hydrapack would fit in the T18 if not filled to the brim. Otherwise it would touch the pocket on the top.
It worked fine. Used it 3/4 times filled around the 2 liters mark. Not a problem at all without using the back protector.
I ended up buying the 3.75L hydrapack as it sits lower in the backpack (it is larger and shorter) and it lets me keep the back protector in as well. It was a bit of a struggle with the narrower (bulgier) older bladder.
In the rear compartment there is a smaller waterproof pocket (wallet, phone and other small things) and there is a non waterproof pocket that fits perfectly a 5.5 or 6" device: like the Zumo XT or any other (waterproof) satnav.
It is a bit quicker to reach since it has a zip and you don't have to roll it on itself like the waterproof ones, so kinda of useful to chuck the satnav in there when walking away from the bike.
There are a couple of elastic pockets at the bottom of the compartment, but those are generally hard to reach, never used them.
I've used quite extensively the external net. Mostly to keep there one pair of spare gloves or to dry said pair of spare gloves while riding. Works fine.
If you have smaller waterproofs you can consider sticking them there. My old BMW Pro Rain onesie doesn't fit.
The main waterproof pocket (the actual backpack) is ok for a day out size-wise.
I used to ride with a backpack since I was a kid. I feel a bit "naked" riding without one. Over the years (growing wiser) I started keeping less and less (and softer) stuff over my back. So, the T18 not having a massive capacity is good for me.
When traveling I generally keep some water (now the bladder) money, phone and packed lunch in my backpack. Sometimes I keep my GoPro pouch in it + an external battery to charge phone and/or GoPro while moving.
This can change into some small tools + extra pair of gloves and other small things when greenlaning.
It really depends on how you pack, but I've read some reviews of the T18 that said it would be good "for a 2 day or weekend ride". If you only usually bring a change of one (1) underwear and a t-shirt, and spare shoes size 16: yes, it could work.
If you need to pack a bit more, I don't think the T18 would work very well.
R20 or 25 will be more suited for that.
But I don't see this as a problem at all.
And now a couple of small things I noticed:
There is a waist strap. You can remove it.
I removed it.
It does leave a couple of flappy short belts around your waist area.
Same, the shoulder straps adjusters tend to flap about when riding. This wasn't an issue on the R25.
I think this is easily fixable with a couple of velcro straps.
Admittedly: the vortexes created by my GSA at speed don't help much
On a fast bike, this would be a bit of an issue.
Since it uses the smaller lock system, you feel the weight of the backpack a bit more than with the R25, but again no biggie.
On the other hand, the shoulder straps on the R18 are more similar to those of a traditional backpack, and you don't have those big straps around your waist (see photo). This makes carrying the T18 when off the bike way more convenient/comfortable, especially if keeping it on one single shoulder. As it will sit better on you, and also you will not have those two "wings" hitting everything around you.
Long story short: already said this: I'm a bit of a sucker for Kriega stuff. But this is another one of their quality items. Worth it, especially considering these will easily last 10+ years withouth any issues.
