ALPINE STARS BACKPACK FULL

It’s also designed to easily pull apart, and that can be a pain if it pulls apart when you don’t want it to. The top cross-strap was the source of my only real peeve with the bag the cross-strap runs on a sort of fabric track, to allow adjustability. There are two cross-straps that span your chest while riding, which helps keep the load balanced. This was especially evident when I used it during the Fundy Adventure Rally. I think the key to the bag’s comfort is that it conforms well to your body, staying in place even if you’re moving around a bit on the bike. But the strap system does a good job of distributing that weight evenly, so you’re not stuck with severely strained shoulders at the end of the ride, which is the case with many backpacks. If you’ve got a few kilos of gear on your back, you’re going to feel it at the end of the day. I spent several days riding with a heavily-packed Force 25, including my November ride home from Toronto, and it carries weight well.

ALPINE STARS BACKPACK FULL

After a full season of regular usage, the Alpinestars Force 25 is in good shape, except for a coating of crud thanks to its usage during the Fundy Adventure Rally. A properly-designed motorcycle bag distinguishes itself by remaining relatively comfortable for longer time in the saddle. It’s no great achievement to make a backpack that works for around-town riding any old rucksack can do that job. While it lacks some features that made the R30 a favourite, it has some other functionality to make up for it, and comes in at a lower price.Īfter giving the zippers a suspicious examination, my next evaluation criteria for a motorcycle backpack is all-day comfort. However, I think the Force 25 comes the closest of all the rest we’ve tested. I have used a fair number of motorcycle backpacks, and I’ve only found one that’s “just right.” The Kriega R30 still stands out as the best bike bag we ever had at CMG. I’ve packed this bag with clothes, computers and tools, and I haven’t broken a zipper yet, or found any other major flaw. I’ve used it for around-town chore duty, runs to the grocery store, inter-provincial touring, during the Fundy Adventure Rally, and as carry-on luggage.

I’m happy to say the Force 25 has been very reliable. After a summer of regular usage, I’m a big fan of the Alpinestars Force 25 backpack.Īs I said in my initial look at the bag, we’ve had iffy experiences with Alpinestars gear over the years some of it has outperformed expectations, and some of it has underperformed, like the Alpinestars backpack that Editor ‘Arris previously used, which blew a zipper out on the highway, losing its payload.

Alpine stars backpack