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One thing I really enjoy about testing equipment is when I can find a use for the product that the manufacturer hasn’t found, or at least doesn’t mention in their description. While I was trying out a jacket from Pando Moto, for instance, I complained to them that the chest pockets are open at the top, which allows rain to run into them.
“But the jacket isn’t meant to be rain resistant,” replied the very patient Pando Moto press contact. “Ah,” I was able to write back, “but it is! Except for those pockets.”
All clips are easy to use, even with gloves on. Photo: SW-Motech
The first time I wore the PRO Cosmo motorcycle backpack from SW-MOTECH (priced around $150 US), I discovered something interesting as well, and found that the manufacturer had apparently not even thought of it. The pack corrects my posture. That is of major interest to me, because I have trouble maintaining proper posture on bikes.
That is pretty much inevitable when you ride as many different bikes as I do. Even my own machines – a Triumph Street Twin, a BMW F 750 GS and a Kawasaki 750 Turbo – have such varying seating positions that I never seem to get into the healthy one for any length of time. This PRO Cosmo backpack pulls my shoulders back, and the cushion in the lower back straightens that part of my spine.
“We developed the ergonomically-shaped PRO Cosmo specially for motorcycling,” says SW-MOTECH. That may have something to do with its effect on me. “The curved back panel adapts to the rider,” but in my case it also adapts the rider to the backpack. “At the same time, the flexible belt system offers multiple adjustment options and the freedom of movement you need.” I couldn’t agree more.
I have not been a great fan of backpacks while riding, although I have probably tried out a dozen or more over the past couple of decades. The ones I still use are one from Flying Solo Gear, which is very stylish, one from Ducati, which I keep for its enormous volume, and one from Wunderlich which is small but has a hydration pack and just the right amount of room for wet weather gear. This one fits between the latter two in size at 16 liters, also allows for a hydration pack (but does not come with one) and offers a combination of features that I have not seen together on the one pack.
The backpack will accommodate a reasonable-size laptop. Photo: SW-Motech
“The 16 liters of storage across four compartments offers you enough space for all your belongings,” according to SW-MOTECH, “be it on the daily commute to work or on a tour through the countryside. The rear compartment can fit either a laptop up to 15 inches in size or a hydration pack. There’s an additional mesh compartment accessible from both the outside and inside by a zipper which is great for stowing smaller items.”
All true, but as they say in the steak knife advertisement, there’s more. “The compartment in the reinforced lid provides extra space. Four side straps compress the backpack depending on the load. You can roll up the straps and secure them with Velcro straps so nothing flaps when you’re [riding]. You can also secure the rain cover for rides in the rain via loops so that it sits securely on the backpack, even at high speeds.” There is even a MOLLE patch made of sturdy Hypalon material on the back for attaching accessories. And we all love MOLLE, don’t we?
Ah, yes, that integrated (well, clipped on) rain cover sits in its own compartment at the base of the pack. If you don’t want to take it, you can use the space for, say, a wet pack but it’s good as it is because it forms a cushion for the base of the pack. And the chest belt is closed with a button system which is easy to use even with the bulkiest gloves. The materials are 1680D ballistic nylon and 210D Polyester; size is 45 x 30 x 19cm (17.7 x 11.8 x 7.5in) and total weight is approximately 1.3 kg (2.9 lb). The PRO Cosmo comes in black, but it has reflective inserts.
You’ve got to love MOLLE webbing for its outstanding versatility. Photo: SW-Motech
The pack offers high-quality materials and workmanship, like all the products I’ve seen from the company. Having worn it for a while now, I can say that it is not only corrective but comfortable without being unduly obtrusive. Will it change my attitude towards backpacks? We’ll see after I’ve had it for a few more months, but it will if anything ever does.
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