Hydrapack reservoir £29.95 / 10-year warranty / R20: 20-litre version available / Adjustable harness
Contact: Upgrade www.upgradebikes.co.uk

One of the criticisms levelled at Kriega’s Hydro-3 product in our group test a year ago was that its adjustable straps impinged on the internal storage. Kriega has addressed this with two massively improved packs that are larger internally: the R15 and R20. As its name suggests the R15 has 15 litres of internal storage, which is slightly more than a Camelbak Hawg. It has a simple set-up, with a pocket for a reservoir and a zippered mesh pocket for tools. Ideally we’d like to see the front pocket peel open like on Dakine packs but compared to the previous Hydro-3 it’s much easier to get things in and out of.
By sliding two buckles on the Quadloc Lite harness the R15 is adjustable for different length torsos. Kriega opts for a large sternum strap and thinner
(removable) waist belt. We found that there’s a sweet spot where the wider shoulder straps feel the most comfortable. They do cause the pack to sit higher, which kind of negates the need for the waist belt — we’d only use it for heavy loads.
There’s no reservoir with this pack or hose clips, but Kriega sells Hydrapack bladders for £30, which would bring the R15 in line with the Hawg. The best thing about it is the 10-year warranty and the fact that it’s made by a UK manufacturer. One of the criticisms levelled at Kriega’s Hydro-3 product in our group test a year ago was that its adjustable straps impinged on the internal storage. Kriega has addressed this with two massively improved packs that are larger internally: the R15 and R20. As its name suggests the R15 has 15 litres of internal storage, which is slightly more than a Camelbak Hawg. It has a simple set-up, with a pocket for a reservoir and a zippered mesh pocket for tools. Ideally we’d like to see the front pocket peel open like on Dakine packs but compared to the previous Hydro-3 it’s much easier to get things in and out of.
By sliding two buckles on the Quadloc Lite harness the R15 is adjustable for different length torsos. Kriega opts for a large sternum strap and thinner (removable) waist belt. We found that there’s a sweet spot where the wider shoulder straps feel the most comfortable. They do cause the pack to sit higher, which kind of negates the need for the waist belt — we’d only use it for heavy loads.
There’s no reservoir with this pack or hose clips, but Kriega sells Hydrapack bladders for £30, which would bring the R15 in line with the Hawg. The best thing about it is the 10-year warranty and the fact that it’s made by a UK manufacturer.

MBR RATING: 9/10