The Alpinestars Tech Aero backpack was an expensive purchase (currency conversion to Australia at the time) but when I got it, I saw why!! Anything and everything you can think of has its own pocket and a little label to tell what the pockets are for. I use it everyday in all weather, on a wide and varied range of bikes and the rain cover works a treat (up to 220kmh). . The variable litre capacity is a great feature. The straps are adjustable and comfortable. A back protector can be placed inside the backpack, but the standard, stiff piece of board has been sufficent and very comfortable. . After two months of ownership (12/08) there are no signs of wear to any part of the backpack, which should continue making it a long term purchase. . If you are after a backpack with more features than any other backpack I have seen for motorcyclists, not to mention with cool looks, the Tech Aero is the one.

I received my Tech Aero a few days ago but I can already tell you that this product is fantastic. I put it on for the first time (after working out where all the straps attach) and it immediately felt comfortable, unlike a lot of other backpacks I have tried in the past. The reinforcing in the pack is stiff and I believe it is helping my posture on the bike as well which is another plus. The chest pack which fixes between the two straps provides me with an easily accessable spot for my car park pass as well - no more digging around in my pockets to find the thing!. As Stuart said above, there is a myriad of pockets and they are all labelled, which helps when you first get it. I rode for the first time in light rain this morning and not only did it keep my gear/laptop dry, but because of it's length, it also kept my back dry and this had been a problem in the past for me. If you are a bit hesitant because of the price and are wondering if it is worth it, just remember that with this pack you do get what you pay for - and that is a lot.

A great backpack, no doubt about that. I bought this because I wanted a backpack that was firstly designed for bikers and secondly designed to take laptops, and associated cables and power adapters etc. As well as accommodating my wet gear (Alpinestars very own water-proof pull on pants and jacket and a pair of 365 gore-tex gloves). All of this fits into this backpack along with sundry pens, glasses case etc. But if I'm honest not a great deal more then this. Which is good because it means I can't over fill it, but also means I don't have room in there for anything else if I need to carry something unexpected to or from the office. Build quality is superb, ergonomics are excellent, the internal pockets are very good, being varied in size and design so that you'll find a place for those little pesky things you have to keep without losing them down the bottom of the bag all the time. The built in rain cover is excellent, although all the zips are weather proofed so it's only needed in the heaviest of wet weather. The laptop carrier is pretty good, I've used backpack that have better laptop compartments, but this one is pretty good, especially if you use a laptop sleeve as well. The main thing is that it is kept secure at all times and doesn't shift about while your on the bike. The helmet carrier, is either something you'll use every day or never at all, I'd have preferred the bag to come without it as this would have served as another external storage area, I may "modify" mine one day to this use. So if you want a backpack that will carry you essentials around, is sleek and light, incredibly well built and water proof then look no further. If you want something that will hold your dinner as well on the way back from the store, then look else where.