Review - Restrap Seat Pack and Frame Bag

restrap-bikepacking-luggage
My 'Coasts and Cols Tour' is approaching fast, and with that comes the need to finalise my luggage and kit choices for the trip. The Restrap Seat Pack and Frame Bag fast ascended to the top of my bikepacking luggage wish-list; the bespoke design of the handmade holster and frame bag is stunning, and promises to be the ultimate bikepacking luggage.



About Restrap

Restrap is a small Yorkshire based brand, who started life producing high quality camera straps. Since those early days, they've expanded their product range dramatically; and because the staff were keen bike riders, a range of bikepacking kit was a logical diversification.

Quality and superb function remain the two principle virtues of Restrap's bags, holsters and straps. All of the products are extensively prototyped, tested, and then produced by hand in the Yorkshire based warehouse. It is kit made to be so reliable, and so durable, that you really can #carryeverything with confidence.
restrap-bikepacking-luggage




The Restrap Seat Pack

restrap-bikepacking-luggage
The Restrap Seat Pack was the first piece of luggage that I eyed up when I was planning the 'Coasts and Cols Tour'. It is about as close to a piece of art as you can get, with a bag holster; and is renowned for its durable and quality build.

The holster mounts to the seatpost and saddle rails using tough Nylon webbing straps, and it feels ultra-secure and stable, even off-road. The housing unit is made from 1000D military-grade Cordura; which will withstand any abrasion and knocks you can possibly throw at it. In terms of capacity, the unit will hold between an 8 and 23 litre dry bag - I've opted for the larger of these two, to carry my tent and sleeping kit on the tour.

Perhaps the highlight of this hand-crafted seat-pack, is the closure system. The dry bag is captured within the holster using a patented magnetic buckle; it makes it super quick to remove the bag, and easy to adjust the closure, depending on how large the bag is.

Other nice little features include the reflective military para-cord on the lacing, and reinforced eyelets to further add to durability. This is a seat pack built to last, and built to ride anywhere.


restrap-bikepacking-luggage
The Restrap holster mounts to the seatpost and saddle rails, with tough Nylon straps

restrap-bikepacking-luggage
A double strapping system on the seatpost avoids any loose ends that might catch on shorts

restrap bikepacking holster
Smart and secure buckles

restrap bikepacking holster
Nice touches, like strap clips, on the Restrap holster, keeps everything tidy and safe

restrap bikepacking holster
The Restrap holster will accomodate a dry bag between 8 and 13 litres - I'm using the supplied Ortlieb one

restrap bikepacking holster
Possibly the highlight of the Restrap Seat Pack is the magnetic adjustable buckle

restrap bikepacking holster
The reflective paracord is one of the many nice touches on the Restrap luggage

restrap bikepacking holster
Quality kit, with attention to detail. As far as bags go, the Restrap kit is a work of art

restrap bikepacking holster
There is no doubt that this kit from Restrap will be the perfect partner for my bikepacking adventures




The Restrap Small Frame Bag

restrap bikepacking framebag
The second piece of luggage I'll be using from the Yorkshire brand, is the Restrap Small Frame Bag. This is a neat little pouch, which hangs in the front-triangle of the frame; I plan to use it for easy-to-grab food, tools and accessories. It should do the job superbly.

The bag attaches to the frame using rubberised strapping; to protect the frame, and provide a secure rattle-free hold. The zippers are 100% waterproof - so you be sure the contents will be kept dry; whilst inner mesh pockets mean you can organise small items safely and securely.

Again, this is a beautifully made bag, with a real attention to detail. From the leather tag, to the para-cord zip pulls; everything about it suggests durable, reliable and touring-proof character. I can't wait to get on the road and trails and really take this kit places!


restrap bikepacking framebag
A waterproof zipper, with a paracord pull tab, on the Restrap Small Framebag

restrap bikepacking framebag
The Restrap Framebag uses simple, but secure strapping

restrap bikepacking framebag
Another stellar piece of kit from the Yorkshire brand - I'm looking forward to using the Restrap kit in some real touring duties

View the Restrap range at restrap.co.uk (Link)


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