Bonus points if you can spot the differences. ![]() If the price is too much then Ortlieb do make a cheaper but extremely similar 'City' version the one here is the 'Urban'. For safety fans too there is a lack of any real reflectivity beyond a reflective logo, so to be seen you've got to take advantage of the aforementioned lighting loops. The straps essentially lack any padding, so as to not absorb water, so they're not the most comfy but they are wide enough to distribute the load. Like all drybag style bags it's a little formless, essentially a flexible waterproof bucket with some straps, but unlike many you do get a laptop sleeve and some organisational pockets that come on a removable insert, so if you do need to use it to chuck wet gear in on the regular you can take it out. The roll top closes with a hook and loop system, which will last longer than Velcro or plastic buckles, the size is ample for daily use and beyond, there are three external loops for mounting a whole lighting array so you can be seen, and the base is reinforced in its entirety. If you're after a drybag style cycling backpack then this is your best bet. Reflective jackets exist from the same brand, and you can use them with any bag of course, but slapping a non-reflective bag on your back over a reflective jacket does slightly reduce its effectiveness. It feels the most like a normal, non cycling backpack of any on the list, but despite it's drawbacks in terms of construction it'd be the one I'd be taking if I had to undertake a commute somewhere with heavy traffic. The straps are comfy, and while the zip isn't waterproof it is at least long, meaning you can open the bag almost like a clam to fish out whatever may be lurking inside. It doesn't have the build quality of a lot of the bags on this list, and nor is it waterproof, but supplement it with a reflective waterproof cover from the same brand and you'll be sorted for all weathers. The Provis Reflect360 is absolutely the bag to go for if you want to be seen at night. The best bike lights help, but reflective gear uses the often bedazzling power of car headlights to make sure you're seen. If you cycle in low light, or at night, you've probably been concerned with how visible you are. It's cheaper than the Barrage too, but still not what you'd call a budget option. All told though it's a great backpack, stylish too, and with a very reflective strip for fans of being seen. That, and the fact the very well organised external pockets aren't waterproof is a bit of an omission to, as it means the pocket most ideal for storing things like a phone shouldn't be used to store a phone in the wet. If you're opting for a drybag style cycling backpack then you don't expect easy access side pockets, but to not have one on a standard style bag is a bit of a let down. The rolltop is excellent, and the bright pink interior of the main compartment makes finding things a lot easier than in a black bag. A similar capacity to the Chrome Barrage, and a little more comfy to use as well, unless you've got anything hard in the bag the softer back padding isn't so resistant against pointy things. The Rapha Backpack is a genuine contender for best overall. Despite these minor drawbacks, it's still the one I'd choose if I had to pick a single bag from this list.įor a deeper dive into why this bag is such a winner we've got a full review after using it for a year. the back can be a little sweaty if you're riding hard, and the side pockets, though they can hold a bottle of a D-lock, are very tight and hard to use if the bag is stuffed absolutely full. ![]() It's not perfect though (nothing ever is). The real star of the show is the outer cargo net though, within which you can stow all manner off items, from shoes and helmets through to massive bulk bags of pasta and 9-packs of loo roll. ![]() It's also just within the size limits for every airline I've ever flown with, and so is my go to option for every press trip. The main compartment is just the right size for everyday uses, and it's lined with thick tarpaulin, so in conjunction with the rolltop closure it's absolutely impervious to rain. If you need a cycling backpack for general use this is my pick of the bunch.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |