Are you in the market for a versatile and reliable bag that can keep up with your active lifestyle, whether that’s commuting to work, exploring the great outdoors, or traveling the world?
You’re not alone in your search for the perfect bag, and that’s why we’re excited to share our thoughts on the Restrap Travel Range. This British brand has been making waves in the technical bikepacking sphere, but their gear is versatile enough to be used in a wide range of environments and situations.
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Who It Suits
The Restrap Travel Range is perfect for anyone who needs a bag that can do double duty on and off the bike. Whether you’re a busy professional who needs a reliable commute bag or an outdoor enthusiast who wants a bag that can keep up with your adventures, these bags are designed to be multifunctional and versatile.
Each of the three bags in the range – the 6L Utility Hip Pack, the 22L Rolltop Backpack, and the 40L Rolltop Backpack – offers a flexible design that can be easily converted from a bike bag to a travel bag. The roll-top design also makes them perfect for users who want a flexible carry capacity, and the weatherproof construction means you can use them in wet conditions without worrying about your gear getting damaged.
Who It Doesn’t
While the Restrap Travel Range is incredibly versatile, there are some users who may not find them suitable for their needs. For example, photographers who need quick access to their gear may find the lack of internal padding and quick-access pockets to be a drawback. Similarly, travelers who prefer a more organized bag with plenty of pockets and compartments may find the minimalist design of these bags to be limiting.
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Design
The Restrap Travel Range has a sleek and practical design that’s perfect for everyday use. The bags are made from durable TPU fabric that’s both waterproof and weatherproof, and the high-vis orange lining makes it easy to find what you need in low-light conditions.
Looks
The bags have a relatively pared-back design language, with clean exteriors that are stripped of unnecessary elements. This gives them a sleek and modern look that’s perfect for urban environments, but also durable enough to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Each bag comes in a choice of classic black or white, contrasted with a high-vis orange lining that adds a pop of color to the design.
Construction, Materials & Hardware
The Restrap bags are handmade in-house in the UK, and each one comes with a lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship. The attention to detail is impressive, with durable plastic hardware and weatherproof zippers that can withstand the elements.
Features
Each bag in the Restrap Travel Range has a unique set of features that make it perfect for different types of users. Here are some of the key features of each bag:
22L Rolltop Backpack
- 14-inch laptop compartment that can be accessed both internally and externally
- Smaller externally accessible zippered mesh pocket that can also be accessed internally
- Key clip and Hypalon tab for securing the zipper pull
- Padded airmesh back panel and shoulder straps
- Removable waist strap and sternum strap
40L Rolltop Backpack
- 15-inch laptop compartment that can be accessed both internally and externally
- Smaller externally accessible zippered mesh pocket that can also be accessed internally
- Key clip and Hypalon tab for securing the zipper pull
- Padded airmesh back panel and shoulder straps
- Removable waist strap and sternum strap
- External side slip pocket and internal slip pocket
6L Utility Hip Pack
- Dual functionality as both a hip bag and a bike bar bag
- Waist belt that can be partially detached to fold away the straps
- Elastic cord and removable retention straps for securing the bag to a bike or other items
- Stretch mesh pockets on either side for storing quick-access items
Performance
The Restrap Travel Range is designed to perform in a wide range of environments and situations. Here are some of the key performance features of each bag:
Space & Access
Each bag has a roll-top main compartment that’s secured with a Fidlock magnetic buckle. This makes it easy to access your gear, but it can also be a bit time-consuming to dig out what you need from the bottom of the bag. The smaller pack has a 22L volume, while the larger pack has a 40L volume.
Comfort
Both backpacks feature padded airmesh back panels and shoulder straps, along with removable waist straps and sternum straps. The waist straps are simple webbing straps without any padding, but they do a sufficient job of stabilizing the load. The shoulder strap webbing has Velcro to keep excess webbing neat on the go.
Weatherability
All of the bags feature waterproof TPU exteriors, weatherproof zippers, and roll-top closures, making them perfect for use in wet conditions. While we wouldn’t recommend submerging the bags, they hold up very well in the rain and will shield the contents during wet commutes or outdoor exploring.
The Good
Here are some of the things we love about the Restrap Travel Range:
- Durable and weatherproof handmade construction
- Flexible volumes accommodate diverse loads
- Versatile, multifunctional designs for urban and outdoor use on and off the bike
The Not So Good
Here are some of the things we don’t love about the Restrap Travel Range:
- May lack sufficient pocket organization for some users
- 40L pack could benefit from load-lifters for heavy loads
- Structured roll-top material can partially unroll if not securely cinched
Verdict
The Restrap Travel Range is a versatile and reliable collection of bags that’s perfect for anyone who needs a bag that can keep up with their active lifestyle. While they may not be the cheapest option on the market, the handmade construction and lifetime warranty make them a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants a bag that will last.
| Bag | Price |
|---|---|
| 6L Utility Hip Pack | $142.99 |
| 22L Rolltop Backpack | $277.99 |
| 40L Rolltop Backpack | $314.99 |
Overall, we’re impressed with the Restrap Travel Range and think they offer great value for money. Whether you’re a busy professional or an outdoor enthusiast, these bags are sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
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