Stash your expedition kit into the Escapist for your next multi-day epic into the back of beyond. The go-to-pack for riding tracks like the Heaphy, Paparoa or Old Ghost Road.
I generally use bikepacking bags/panniers when I carry more on the bike. But for times when I just want to ride and didn't plan ahead this bag is great. The harness works well and the back is well vented. Strongly made. Not fully tested yet, will be travelling with it for 6 weeks overseas, so will see how it goes!
To date am very pleased with comfort and capacity with well-appointed volumes.
This bag has honestly changed my life. I mostly use it to bike commute, and it's made my commute 10x more comfortable and easy without needing to buy expensive panniers. Built in rain cover, separate compartments for wet/dry gear, mesh zipped pockets in the hip belt big enough for a chonky phone, great weight distrubution making it comfy to carry heavy loads, big enough capacity for everything I might need, ingeiiuous helmet clip, and easily fits a laptop (no laptop sleeve, but I've found that doesn't matter. Also use it for day trips with my toddler - all the different compartments are perfect for separating his spare clothes, nappies, wipes etc, and I can clip his helmet to the bag when he inevitably gets sick of biking and wants me to carry his bike back to the car... A+++ five stars
The rucksack has finally been used enough to write a review - and for each use it has proved to be practical and comfortable. While carrying my photography gear (in the car and while on my mtb) the various pockets ensured then various bits and pieces were readily accessible. The size (32L) ensured that the weight didn't create balance issues while cycling (That size also ensures you don't pack too much.). During several multi-day, road bike 'credit card touring' rides, there was enough space for clothes for cycling and 'going out' for evening meals (including shoes), provided one packed judiciously. Tightening the side straps takes stress of the zip on the main compartment. The included rain cover admirably survived a sudden windy squall with a dump of rain (and a later hail storm). Again, the various pockets provided easy access for various items, and the inside pockets provided safe storsge for valuable items (and the compact size of the rucksack made it easy to keep it with you at all times, ensuring the safety of the valuable items). The 'stretchy' outside pocket is handy for items that need to be readily accessible (eg suntan creme, rain jacket...) So - a well made, practical and comfortable rucksack, well-suited for cycling.
Comfortable, amazingly well thought through with all its compartments, and suddenly I am much more efficient and organised because I can FIND things in my bag. Add to that the built-in weather proof cover that cannot be lost, and also acts as hi-viz, and the only drawback is my other half's suffering when he has to listen to me gloating and counting all my compartments...again. Very happy.