Review - Overboard Bags Velodry 20 Hi-Vis Waterproof Cycling Backpack
Commuting by bike shouldn't be stressful, but an easy way to make it so, is getting your valuables soaked whilst riding. A fully waterproof cycling backpack is the simple solution — the Overboard Bags Velodry 20 is an innovative and well made example.
I have tested a number of products from Overboard over the last year; including their superb 60L Pro-Sports Waterproof Duffel Bag and their very useful Waterproof Accessory Bags. The quality has always been high, and with the Pro-Sports Duffel bag in particular I was very impressed by the attention to detail in areas such as pocketing and reflective elements.
The new Velodry 20 Waterproof Backpack is part of the brand's new 'Technical' line-up; it is an advanced product, showcasing a lot of R&D into the features demanded by an all-weather commuting cyclist.
This is not just a water-resistant backpack, or a backpack with a waterproof cover; it is a fully submersible capsule bag, which is completely watertight when closed. It offers complete peace of mind that its contents will be safe and dry, even if you are bombarding the bag with rain and rear wheel spray.
In order to achieve the fully waterproof classification, the closure system on the bag has to be fairly extravagant — comprising of a four fold roll-top closure, which is then secured on both sides and with a clip over strap. I admit that the clips are quite tight and can be a little difficult, however this may be because the PVC fabric is predictably quite stiff to fold after just a few weeks of testing; of course, the side-benefit is that when it is closed, it is firmly closed.
Inside the bag there is relatively minimal pocketing, with just one small zippered valuables pocket in the main compartment. On the outside of the bag though, you get a second waterproof pocket with a neat key-tie; as well as two side mesh pockets that are easily large enough to hold a one litre water bottle.
The harness of the backpack comprises a very comfortable foam back panel, with two articulated shoulder straps, a sternum strap (with an integrated safety whistle), and a removable hip belt. This complete and adaptable harness design means that even when the backpack is fully loaded it remains secure and stable. The removable waist belt is a great idea — because it isn't always comfortable to wear when in the bent-over cycling stance.
The final feature that is a real unique selling point on the Velodry 20 Backpack is the reflective and high-visibility elements. On the front facing side of the bag, the shoulder straps have reflective material to increase your visibility at night. On the rear of the backpack, you get two reflective strips, and then an innovative reversible panel that is high-visibility yellow on one side and reflective silver on the reverse. This panel is a great idea and is a significant aid to improve your visibility.
Taken as a complete package, the Overboard Bags Velodry 20 Waterproof Backpack is a really impressive offering: comfortable, faultlessly made, and a reliable companion for everyday cycle commuting.
>> View the Waterproof Backpack Range at over-board.co.uk <<
I have tested a number of products from Overboard over the last year; including their superb 60L Pro-Sports Waterproof Duffel Bag and their very useful Waterproof Accessory Bags. The quality has always been high, and with the Pro-Sports Duffel bag in particular I was very impressed by the attention to detail in areas such as pocketing and reflective elements.
The new Velodry 20 Waterproof Backpack is part of the brand's new 'Technical' line-up; it is an advanced product, showcasing a lot of R&D into the features demanded by an all-weather commuting cyclist.
This is not just a water-resistant backpack, or a backpack with a waterproof cover; it is a fully submersible capsule bag, which is completely watertight when closed. It offers complete peace of mind that its contents will be safe and dry, even if you are bombarding the bag with rain and rear wheel spray.
In order to achieve the fully waterproof classification, the closure system on the bag has to be fairly extravagant — comprising of a four fold roll-top closure, which is then secured on both sides and with a clip over strap. I admit that the clips are quite tight and can be a little difficult, however this may be because the PVC fabric is predictably quite stiff to fold after just a few weeks of testing; of course, the side-benefit is that when it is closed, it is firmly closed.
Inside the bag there is relatively minimal pocketing, with just one small zippered valuables pocket in the main compartment. On the outside of the bag though, you get a second waterproof pocket with a neat key-tie; as well as two side mesh pockets that are easily large enough to hold a one litre water bottle.
The harness of the backpack comprises a very comfortable foam back panel, with two articulated shoulder straps, a sternum strap (with an integrated safety whistle), and a removable hip belt. This complete and adaptable harness design means that even when the backpack is fully loaded it remains secure and stable. The removable waist belt is a great idea — because it isn't always comfortable to wear when in the bent-over cycling stance.
The final feature that is a real unique selling point on the Velodry 20 Backpack is the reflective and high-visibility elements. On the front facing side of the bag, the shoulder straps have reflective material to increase your visibility at night. On the rear of the backpack, you get two reflective strips, and then an innovative reversible panel that is high-visibility yellow on one side and reflective silver on the reverse. This panel is a great idea and is a significant aid to improve your visibility.
Taken as a complete package, the Overboard Bags Velodry 20 Waterproof Backpack is a really impressive offering: comfortable, faultlessly made, and a reliable companion for everyday cycle commuting.
>> View the Waterproof Backpack Range at over-board.co.uk <<
Had a pair of the "waterproof" panniers. They delaminated at the point where they roll down to seal after less than 2 years. Overboard refused to honour the 5 year warranty on the grounds that this was accidental damage and not a manufacturing defect. I am not impressed and will be buying replacement bags from another company.
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