Life In The Saddle

Chrome Industries are an icon in the world of bicycle courier luggage. More than twenty years ago, in the city of Boulder (Colorado) the brand created the sling messenger bag out of seatbelt buckles and straps, five bar webbing, and a double-lined waterproof truck tarpaulin interior. Their tag-line reads ' Building Indestructible Gear Since 1995 '—a claim they reliably hold true to. The Chrome Barrage Cargo Backpack is a new leading light in their indestructible messenger bag waterproof backpack line-up—created to be the ultimate roll-top bike messenger rucksack. Capable of carry your daily cycle commute load or your weekend adventure kit—this backpack is as versatile and hardcore as they come. The Barrage Cargo is made from abrasion resistant 1050D Nylon, with a welded waterproof truck tarpaulin liner, and a classic waterproof roll-top closure. The design makes it a watertight load carrier—with the cavernous main compartment safely accommodating 22 litres of gear, includi...

Thule produce some of the world's best travel bags and everyday backpacks (take a look a my past reviews of Thule products here ). This July, the Swedish brand launched their new on-the-bike hydration pack range, and that got me excited; because I know how clever, intuitive and long-lived Thule bags are. The new Thule Vital 8 Hydration Pack Backpack has not disappointed... I met the designer of the Thule bags range at Eurobike this summer, and he was just as I expected he would be — passionate, enthused, and with a real attention to detail. He explained how the design team enjoys "geeking out" on the Thule bags, and adding innovative and unique features, motivated by real world testing. Innovation and uniqueness is certainly something I have seen in abundance with my past Thule bag reviews, and the same attributes shine through with the new hydration pack range. The Thule Vital 8 is made to be an all-day mountain biking or bike-packing backpack. With 2.5 litres of...

Winter commuting in the UK poses the frequent threat of precipitation; and there aren't many things more disheartening than getting to work drenched, only to find that the clean change of clothes in your rucksack are equally waterlogged. Enter the roll-top waterproof rucksack, to provide the solution... There are multiple brands out there making roll-top dry bag style waterproof rucksacks, but this new release from Craft Cadence is one of the best designs that I have tried to date. Made from tough PVC coated nylon, the bag has a real quality feel to it, and will withstand a thorough soaking, as well as significant use and abuse. The design itself, like most roll-top bags, is simple but effective. The thing that separates the Craft Cadence model from others though, is the detail... First, there is the roll top closure system. Most of these systems roll down and then have a single strap to secure the water-tight roll. The Craft Cadence Rucksack has a double defence system; wh...

Made in Yorkshire, the Restrap bags collection has fast become a favourite of mine. The new Commute Rucksack is the latest addition to the range, and another superb piece of craftsmanship. The Restrap frame bag, handlebar bag and seat pack, have been my touring luggage of choice for long distance self-supported trips like the 'Coasts and Cols'  and the #7Countries7Passes . Their durable, robust and faultlessly engineered designs allow you to travel far, in confidence that your kit will go the distance. For daily use, when things are a little less 'epic', Restrap have released their new 'Utility' range; which includes this beautifully made roll-top waterproof rucksack. Built with purpose Roll-top rucksacks don't need to be extravagant, they need to work. They need to keep your kit dry on your daily commutes, and allow you to ride in comfort and safety. The Restrap Commute Rucksack focusses on the essentials, with the aim of delivering faultlessly...

Thule bags have become my go-to packs. The Thule Crossover Duffel  accompanies me on most foreign trips. The Thule Commuter Rucksack is my daily choice for the trip to the office. Then the Thule Legend GoPro Case keeps all my electronics safe. The new Thule Vea Rucksack-Duffel is one of the most recent innovative packs from the Swedish brand. Designed to work as an everyday rucksack, and as a travel duffel bag; it is two bags in one. The devil is in the detail As with all Thule products that I have tested, the quality shines through in the details. The brand is clearly a master of research and development, and you can tell that their bags have been tested in real life environments before they go into production. The Thule Vea has some great design details. For starters, there is the dual compartment concept: the main section of the bag can house a 15 inch laptop, tablet, files and valuables; all in specially designed and organised pockets. Meanwhile, a separate expan...

When it comes to quality kit, Thule seem to deliver every time. From bike carriers, like the Thule ProRide 598 ; to bags, like the Thule Paramount Rucksack . The Swedish brand consistently produces kit that is a pleasure to use, and also stands up to years of use and abuse. The Thule Stir 20 Rucksack is the smaller and lighter little brother of the Thule Stir 35 Rucksack , which I reviewed earlier this year. It holds many of the great attributes of the 35 litre pack, but also does away with a few features; the result, is a bag that is probably actually better for running and cycling shorter distances. Soft shoulder straps and a lightweight hip belt Unlike the Thule Stir 35, the Stir 20 Rucksack adopts a 'lean' approach to the back padding, shoulder straps and hip belt. The back padding is a single panel of lightweight foam; rather than a height adjustable system. The hip belt is a single layer mesh, with a webbing strap; rather than a pocketed padded belt strap...

The Thule Stir 35 Rucksack isn't specifically designed for 'Life In The Saddle'; unlike the other superb rucksacks in the Thule range, which I've reviewed here on the blog: including the Thule Pack 'n Pedal Commuter Rucksack  and the Thule Paramount Rucksack . Rather, the Thule Stir 35 is designed for day hiking - a pursuit which I also love, and have been doing a lot more of recently; with my time in the Dolomites, and as I prepare for this October's Original Mountain Marathon! I've been testing out the Thule Stir 35 Rucksack on a number of my trail runs, bike/run commutes, and on outdoor day trips. Much like the other bags in the Thule range that I have used, it has impressed me with its quality and well thought-out features… The perfect fit The most important thing with any rucksack, is how well it fits your torso. A poor fitting rucksack will not only be uncomfortable, but it could also be damaging to your posture and spine. The Thule Stir 35 is...