This semi-rigid backpack from Alpinestars inspires confidence, that's for sure. The contoured outer shell, the sturdy material and especially the impressive harness that carries it all, are the first things to notice, although you may well find a few fun surprises after that.
The Charger Pro is a technical backpack, with a small penchant for good internal organization.
From the outside to the inside, the first eye-catching element is the preformed outer shell. It is there to provide aerodynamic structure and strength. The wind just flows over it, as if you're riding with a big hump. The smooth outer surface with a little relief forms a nice contrast with the other textures.
You can barely feel the Charger Pro on your back because - and now we're on the inside - the adjustable shoulder straps, chest strap with magnetic closure and hip strap with additional storage pockets all combine to form an impressive harness. In fact, you adjust it in just about every direction. With just one hand. The clever use of quick-release fasteners, magnets, the removable waist belt and easy-to-use buckles allows you to achieve almost perfect customization. Either for more stability or just more freedom of movement. The end result is: you hardly feel that you are carrying something. Or at least you have all the possibilities to create that feeling.
However, the Charger Pro motorcycle backpack can hold quite a bit. Not the kitchen sink, the preformed outside and the internal organisation are just a bit too tight for that. Besides a 15" laptop compartment and a few (mesh) storage compartments, you have a central storage compartment that can be expanded thanks to the extra zipper. The large storage compartment and padded laptop compartment can be reached with a single - long - zipper and hold about 20 litres. So with 4.5 extra litres. The zipper has two pulls and although you can certainly secure it with a small padlock, we wouldn't immediately compare the Charger Pro to a safe.
You just keep the Charger Pro with you, that's the safest. Then it doesn't need to be locked. At the bottom you can attach a helmet carrier and at the top you will find an extra storage compartment. The traditional smaller side pockets of many motorcycle rucksacks have been moved to the hip belt here. Also interesting is the extra space on the back, specifically designed to hold an Alpinestars Nucleon KR-Celli back protector in size medium.
The included rain cover is yellow, standing out when needed, something the Charger Pro's reflective piping does anyway.
The Charger Pro will be frequently used, by anyone who loves smooth customization. Not for when you're moving house, but for a practical minded commuter or the sporty biker who needs to bring a little stuff along.
