Kriega has a reputation for making some of the toughest, best-thought-out motorcycle luggage around, and the Trail 18 is its compact adventure backpack. It’s built for riders who want water, a few essentials and a laptop on their back without the bag flapping about at speed or wearing out their shoulders. It does that very well. It’s also small for an 18-litre bag and expensive for its size. Here’s the honest picture.
What is it?
The Trail 18 is an 18-litre riding backpack made from 420D Cordura Lite Plus and Hypalon, with YKK zips. The capacity is split into:
- an 11-litre waterproof roll-top main compartment that takes a 13-inch laptop
- a 7-litre zipped rear compartment that also houses a hydration reservoir
- a small (about 1-litre) internal waterproof pocket plus a zipped section for keys and cards
- an external Hypalon stretch net for gloves, a drink bottle or a wet rain jacket
It uses Kriega’s Quadloc-Lite harness with an air-mesh back panel, a removable waist strap and reflective panels. It’s built to take Kriega’s 2-litre or 3.75-litre hydration bladders, but no bladder is included. It’s covered by Kriega’s 10-year guarantee.
Comfort: the main reason to buy one
The Quadloc-Lite harness is the standout. Instead of two shoulder straps, it clips together across your chest so the load is spread over your shoulders and upper back. Once it’s adjusted properly, reviewers and owners consistently say it stays put at speed, doesn’t drag on your shoulders and stays comfortable over a full day in the saddle. The waist strap takes even more weight off when the bag is fully loaded.
One caveat: set-up matters. At least one owner found the top of the bag touched the back of their helmet until they adjusted the straps. Spend ten minutes getting the fit right, ideally while sitting on your bike in your riding gear.
Waterproofing: good, but know which parts are waterproof
The 11-litre main roll-top section and the small internal pocket are fully waterproof. Owners report dry contents after long, heavy-rain rides. The 7-litre zipped rear compartment and the external net are not fully waterproof, so don’t put anything there that can’t get damp. Some reviews describe the waterproofing loosely, so it’s worth being clear: you get about 12 litres of properly waterproof storage, not 18.
Capacity: it’s smaller than it sounds
This is the most common complaint. Between the hydration sleeve, the internal pockets and the roll-top closure, the usable space feels smaller than the 18-litre label suggests. It’s ideal for:
- a laptop and charger for the commute
- water, snacks, a puncture kit and a spare layer for a day ride
- essentials on an adventure trip, with the bulk of your gear on the bike
If you want to carry a change of clothes, a lunch box and a laptop, it’ll be tight. Look at the larger Kriega packs instead. Some owners also find the internal pocket too small for a large phone.
Build quality and durability
Build quality is excellent. The Cordura and Hypalon construction, heavy-duty zips and solid buckles are the reason reviewers rate it highly for durability, and plenty of riders report older Kriega gear still going strong after a decade. The 10-year guarantee backs that up. We haven’t tested this bag long-term ourselves, but Kriega’s track record is strong.
Hydration
The hydration set-up is well designed, with a dedicated sleeve, hose ports and clips to route the tube over your shoulder. That’s great for off-road and hot summer rides. It’s annoying, though, that a bag at this price doesn’t come with a bladder. Budget extra for one.
Price and value
The Trail 18 sells for around £199 in the UK and about US$260 in the US. We couldn’t confirm a current New Zealand price, so check with your local Kriega stockist. Either way, that’s a lot for an 18-litre bag, and even positive reviewers rate its value lower than its quality. You’re paying for the harness, the materials and the warranty. If you ride a lot, that makes sense over a decade of use. If you ride occasionally, a cheaper pack may do.
The verdict
What’s good:
- excellent, stable Quadloc-Lite harness that stays comfortable all day
- about 12 litres of truly waterproof storage
- tough Cordura and Hypalon construction
- well-designed hydration routing
- handy external net for wet gear
- 10-year guarantee
What’s not:
- expensive for its size
- usable space feels smaller than 18 litres
- only part of the bag is fully waterproof
- no hydration bladder included
- harness needs careful set-up to avoid helmet contact
Bottom line: The Kriega Trail 18 is one of the most comfortable and best-built small riding backpacks you can buy. It suits commuters, day riders and adventure riders who carry essentials, water and a laptop. Don’t buy it expecting a big-capacity pack, and be ready to pay a premium. If comfort and durability matter more to you than litres per dollar, it’s easy to recommend.
This review is based on manufacturer specifications, published reviews and owner feedback. We have not tested this bag ourselves. Prices are approximate at the time of writing and may change.