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FORCLAZ Foldable Backpack 10L Review

The packable FORCLAZ Foldable Backpack 10L lacks bells and whistles, though durability, water resistance and low price make it great for travel.

Our Verdict

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  • Fits in your palm when packed in the included pouch
  • Water-resistant exterior
  • Extraordinarily budget friendly
  • No harness system padding or aeration
  • Main compartment lacks organization
  • No keepers to secure extra strap length

Technical Details

Carry-on compliance.

View 145/145 Airlines

Disclaimer: We take the measurements of the bag provided by the manufacturer and compare them to the allowance listed on airline websites. This should be used as a guideline rather than a rule. Bags can change size as you pack them out, and every airline's interpretation of compliance is different. Just because a bag is listed as carry-on compliant here doesn't mean that the airline will interpret it that way.

Like the Look

Polled on Instagram

Weight (oz)

1.6 oz (45.4 g)

6 in x 3.5 in x 1.75 in (15.2 x 8.9 x 4.4 cm)

When compressed

Notable Materials

Polyester, KCC Zippers

Manufacturing Country

Warranty Information

FORCLAZ Repair & Recycling

Buying Options

Decathlon Logo

Full Review

The FORCLAZ Foldable Backpack 10L is one of the lightest, most budget-friendly packable backpacks on the market. FORCLAZ made lots of sacrifices to reduce the weight and costs of making this pack. We’re curious whether the price and weight make it worth it or whether we’ll miss the luxuries of offerings from brands like Matador. Let’s dive in!

External Components

The primary pack material is 100% polyester. It’s extraordinarily lightweight and has the feel of ‘90s wind pants. Ask an older family member if you weren’t alive to remember those. They probably still have theirs!

Forclaz 100 Compact 10L Travel Backpack Side 2 Outdoor

The material has a polyurethane coating on it, although it’s hard to notice that it’s there. The exterior feels like polyester, not much more. With that said, this fabric does an excellent job of keeping your gear dry. It will get wet if you get dumped on, yet it will weather the storm in most conditions.

Since it’s a packable bag, it stays wrinkled for a while, creating pools for water to hang out if you get caught in the rain. Once you’re out of it, give the pack a shake to eliminate any water pooled in nooks and crannies created by wrinkles.

There are only two zippers on this pack—both from KCC. We don’t have much experience with KCC zippers, though they feel adequate. As we continue to test this pack, we’ll update the Usage Timeline below if we have any issues.

Forclaz 100 Compact 10L Travel Backpack Full

The pull on the main compartment zipper is a paracord-like material knotted at the end. It’s easy to grab onto in all weather conditions and doesn’t add much weight to the pack.

We’ve got the Black colorway on hand, and at the time of writing, there’s a Purple colorway available too. FORCLAZ is a Decathalon product, and we’ve noticed that their options and colorways change frequently, so it’s worth checking back to see what’s available.

There’s a black FORCLAZ logo on the front of the pack. It’s secured with a few thread stitches and looks a little DIY. We dig the look, though it might not be for everyone.

Forclaz 100 Compact 10L Travel Backpack Detail

Apart from that, there isn’t much happening on the exterior of this backpack. There are no water bottle pockets, external compartments, or loops to attach gear. It’s as simple as it gets and comes in at just 1.6 ounces to make up for it. This thing is wicked light, and we’ll get into how packable it is in a moment.

Forclaz 100 Compact 10L Travel Backpack Side By Side

The shoulder straps on this pack are basic. There’s no padding, aeration, sternum strap, or attachment loops—it’s just a double layer of the thin exterior pack material.

When you cinch the pack tight, there’s a fair amount of leftover strap material. There aren’t any strap keepers, so it just blows in the wind.

The adjuster stays put reasonably well while you’re wearing the pack, although we’ve noticed it moving around a bit when you put on or take off the bag, especially when carrying heavier gear.

Forclaz 100 Compact 10L Travel Backpack Side Outdoor

The back panel is just as simple as the shoulder straps. There’s no padding, no aeration, and no channels for airflow. Whatever you put inside the back becomes the back panel, so we recommend putting flat, soft items on the back side to ensure your carry is comfortable.

The pack is comfortable, like feathers, when empty or filled with lightweight gear. Once you get into medium weight, the shoulder straps start to dig in slightly. For most uses, it is a comfortable-enough carry. We’ll get into that shortly, though.

Inside The Pack

We’ve got just one secondary compartment to work with, and it’s the stuff sack, too. This minipocket is on the back panel when the pack is in use. It’s pretty small—not even large enough for a modern smartphone. You could slide a wallet or set of keys here, though you’ll feel whatever you slot here on your back since there’s no back panel padding.

Forclaz 100 Compact 10L Travel Backpack Packed

To stow the pack in the stuff sack, force all the materials inside. We recommend loading the shoulder straps first because if you leave them until last, the straps like to poke out and get in the way of the zipper track.

The stuff sack has a small logo, a picture of a backpack, so you know what’s inside, and “10L” printed on it. Decathalon and FORCLAZ make a few packable pieces of gear, so the information ensures you know what you’ve got in your hand. There’s a small attachment loop, so you can hook a carabiner or strap through it and clip it onto your pack or sling .

When stowed away, the pack fits into the palm of your hand. You can compress it even more by applying pressure. It will fit in your pocket, sling, or between items in your daypack without much fuss.

Forclaz 100 Compact 10L Travel Backpack Stuffed 2

Transitioning back into daypack mode, all 10 liters of storage come into play with the main compartment. It’s an ample open space with no organization inside.

It does better with lightweight items because the exterior materials don’t offer much structure. If you were to throw a couple of potatoes inside the pack, the entire thing would look stretched and awkward. The odds are that you won’t do that, though any small and heavy item will have the same effect.

You can fit a good amount of gear inside. However, there isn’t any way to organize the bag once it’s there without using external help from packing cubes, and we feel that defeats the pack’s purpose. It’s a packable daypack to save space; if you need to add packing cubes, you should go with a more heavy-duty packable backpack.

You’re best off using this as a just-in-case daypack for trips where you’re trying to save weight. At 1.6 ounces, you won’t even notice this is in your pack. We wouldn’t recommend using it on a few-mile hike.

Forclaz 100 Compact 10L Travel Backpack Back

Still, for an adventure around a new place, it’s a versatile piece of gear to throw in your pocket or sling just in case you buy something, you want to take off your travel jacket because the weather warms up, or you want to stop at the local market on the way back to the hotel or Airbnb. Plus, at the time of writing, the pack comes in at under $10. If you lose it or it rips, you won’t be out of a ton of cash!

Usage Timeline

Condition: Excellent

  • Extraordinarily light materials are excellent for packability but give us durability concerns
  • No padding or aeration to speak of
  • At under $10 USD, you’ll be pressed to find a cheaper option
  • Materials have held their own—no issues with tears, rips, or abrasions
  • Not the most comfortable pack, but it works well for lightweight items
  • We worry about the longevity of the hanging loop—but no issues so far

mm

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FORCLAZ 100 Compact 10L Travel Backpack

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Thule Chasm Laptop Backpack 26L

The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our simulations reveal which bags you can count on

forclaz backpack travel 100 40l review

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong

A solid backpack is key to a successful trip. Think about it: You can use it as a carry-on, and if you pack light, it'll be the only piece of luggage you bring on a trip. It won't weigh you down as you rush to catch the inter-terminal train at the airport, and it'll look good on you as you stroll the streets of your destination. Find a good travel backpack, and it will serve you for years to come.

There’s a lot to consider when looking for a backpack to take you through all kinds of situations and environments. Waterproof, anti-theft, stylish, lightweight, wheels or no wheels—all things to keep in mind as you shop. To help you make the right choice, we tested 32 carry-on backpacks in our New York testing lab and in the real world. We tested for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value.

Final Verdict

Product selection, how we tested, other carry-on backpacks we tested.

  • What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

  • Capacity 5 /5
  • Design 5 /5
  • Durability 5 /5
  • Comfort 5 /5

Super durable material

Very comfortable with multiple carry methods

Lighter and more rugged than previous models

Nothing yet

Does the perfect travel backpack exist? We’re not sure, but we can’t think of one that comes closer than the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. This second version of Cotopaxi’s best-selling backpack is rugged and comfy, has excellent organization capabilities, and is the perfect size to throw in an overhead bin, toss in a vehicle, and huff around from train to hostel.

The pack uses burly TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and lightweight 840-denier ballistic nylon paneling. It has excellent weight distribution with comfy shoulder and sternum straps and hip belts, or stow the straps and carry the pack with side handles. The inside features multiple pockets of different sizes that we found perfect for separating clean and dirty clothes, electronics, and shoes. Bonus: It comes with a rainfly to protect it from the weather.

Capacity: 35 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 8 ounces | Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 8 inches | Materials: TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and 840-denier ballistic nylon

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Osprey fairview 40.

Quite spacious while remaining carry-on sized

Keeps belongings secure

Good padding and weight distribution

Osprey’s women-specific Fairview 40 pack impressed our tester with its size, space, and compartments. “This bag has a lot of compartments and a lot of straps to hold everything in place,” our tester reported. Despite the bag fitting a bit large, our tester said it was still very comfortable to wear. Osprey employs its proprietary Lightwire Frame Suspension, which helps spread the weight across the back panel and from the harness to the hip belt.

Despite being a 40-liter pack, it weighs just about 3 pounds, thanks to the lightweight nylon ripstop material and frame. “It did not hurt my back, and I like how most of the weight was shifted to my lower back,” our tester mentioned. Besides the fit, we also appreciated that all straps are stowable, making it easy in case you need to check the bag on a plane (which is possible on smaller planes with this larger-capacity pack). For the men’s version of the same pack, check out the Farpoint 40 .

Capacity: 38 liters (extra-small/small size) | Weight: 3 pounds, 1 ounce | Dimensions: 19.3 x 13.8 x 8 inches | Materials: 210-denier nylon mini hex diamond ripstop and 600-denier packcloth

Best Budget

Vancropak 40l travel backpack.

  • Capacity 4 /5
  • Design 3 /5
  • Comfort 4 /5

Great for a short-to-medium-length trip

Could double as a business travel pack

Feature packed and user friendly

Lacks tech compartment

Cloth material could get dirty easily

This 40-liter pack checks all the boxes, including excellent value. Vancropak says it fits enough for trips between three and seven days, and we’d have to agree. “It fit everything even though I packed quickly and not thoughtfully or strategically,” our tester said. “It’s perfect for a weekend trip when you want to pack extra ‘just in case’ outfits or items. It even expands to provide more room. It has extra pockets, opens like a suitcase, has many different handles, and backpack straps that can be tucked and zipped away.” Compression straps also help shrink the bag back down after being packed.

And if you weren’t convinced yet of its value, it also includes packing cubes. “Its business-casual aesthetic makes it ideal for short business trips, too,” a tester added. One nitpick? There’s no laptop sleeve. But our testers thought the other features—and comfort—more than made up for that slight issue.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.98 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 13.7 x 6.2 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester

Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack

Functional straps

Multiple ways to carry

Not too weighty

Our tester didn’t love the style

If you didn’t dig the budget pack above, behold another excellent value travel pack. Like the Vancropak, the Asenlin Travel Backpack also includes three packing cubes. Our testers found they could easily fit everything needed for a weekend trip. They also liked the internal straps for organization and the external straps for compression. “It offers three different carrying methods, which is nice,” the testers reported. “It has a lot of different pockets and storage areas. The bottle holder on the side also unzips to expand, which is a thoughtful addition.”

Our testers liked how comfortable the bag was to wear and that it wasn’t overly heavy (the brand claims it weighs less than 3 pounds). We also believe this could double as a business travel bag.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 2.7 pounds | Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester Oxford cloth

Best for Business Travel

Nomatic travel bag.

  • Comfort 3 /5

Fits about a week’s worth of items

Loads of internal organization

Comes with an additional laundry bag

Uncomfortable to carry at times

Some scuff marks after tossing around

While we certainly love this bag's sleek and simplistic aesthetic, there’s a lot more to it than just looks. It’s durable and water-resistant and has multiple carry options (e.g., duffel and over the shoulders), a separate shoe compartment, lots of tech organization, and a TSA-ready laptop sleeve.

Our testers loved the capacity of this pack. “It easily fit everything on the list with plenty of room to spare,” one tester said. “I think everything you would need for up to a week away would fit easily.” The pronounced rectangular shape of the bag made it extra easy to pack and helped organize folded clothes. “The bag had two different shoe pockets, a laptop sleeve, and many other compartments for both smaller clothing items and even some work supplies,” a tester reported.

The one drawback of this pack was our testers didn’t find it the most comfortable. Specifically, the straps were stiff and dug into one tester’s neck. Overall, though, our testers were very pleased with the pack and thought it was worth the fit, especially for the design and ease of packing.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Dimensions: 19 x 21 x 14 inches | Materials: Not listed

Best Multi-use

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

  • Value 4.5 /5

Excellent capacity

Easy to handle

Thoughtful storage solutions

This 45-liter travel pack from Peak Design debuted at the Outdoor Retailer Expo in 2018 and promptly won many awards. A few years later, it still holds up. Peak Design basically thought of everything when designing this pack. The outside features weatherproof recycled 400-denier nylon canvas and ultralight padded foam. It includes grab handles on each side, stowable hip belts, and a sternum strap. The inside has multiple pockets for organization and loads of room for trips of four days or longer.

Our testers loved the size and the zippers allowing access from four different sides of the bag. “It was super easy to pack, and there were just enough organization solutions to provide options for different packing strategies,” a tester said. “I also loved how many handles there were. A grab handle on all four main sides of the bag makes it super easy to maneuver, especially when putting it in the overhead compartment.”

Testers also liked the sheath built into the pack to stow the hip belt and the small pocket on the belt for stashing quick-grab items like lip balm, keys, or cards. They also enjoyed the water bottle pockets on both sides and the pack's comfort. Oh, and this pack is 100 percent carbon neutral. The only issue they saw was the price—it’s one of the most expensive on this list. But if you can look at this as an investment, the durability suggests it should last for many years. It's certainly carry-on luggage that any travel-savvy guy can appreciate.

Capacity: 45 liters | Weight: 4.5 pounds | Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Weatherproof 100 percent recycled 400-denier nylon canvas external shell and 900-denier waterproof bottom liner

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Most Comfortable

Topo designs global travel bag 40l.

Topo Designs

Excellent internal organization

Many different carrying options

Great for long travel days

Could be roomier

If your travel involves carrying your backpack for long periods, we recommend Topo Designs' Global Travel Bag. This super durable pack is also super comfortable with plush and padded shoulder straps and a hip belt. We also love that there are multiple ways to carry this pack with a comfy and padded sling. Its construction includes durable and recycled nylons with a canvas feel. And it meets Fair Wear certification standards, ensuring fair labor practices.

“There are a ton of compartments and pockets, so a lot of options for staying organized with small or loose items in the absence of packing cubes,” one tester said. “I could easily see places to stash cords, travel docs, electronics, water bottles, and more.”

While our testers liked a lot about this bag—including its durability—the comfort won them over. “All the features built into the bag suggest it's intended to create maximum comfort for someone who anticipates carrying the bag for a more extended period of time,” our tester concluded.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 10.4 ounces | Dimensions: 22.5 x 14 x 7.5 inches | Materials: 1000-denier recycled nylon, 400-denier recycled nylon, 210-denier recycled nylon, 1680-denier recycled ballistic nylon

Best Splurge

Bellroy transit backpack plus.

Flat opening made for easy packing

Comfortable to carry

Long lasting

Minimal internal organization

If you weren't convinced by our business travel pick above, consider this your alternative. This pack's sleek, durable, and comfortable design makes it ideal for business and formal travel. Our testers found it easy to fit enough items for up to three or four days away. Lighter packers could stretch this to five days. The inside is designed more like a typical carry-on pack with one large compartment.

“This bag felt super light on my back and was padded in all the right places,” a tester reported. “It has adjustable sternum and waist straps that you can tuck into the back of the pack when you don't want to use them, which is a genius feature.” Our testers were also impressed with the bag's durability, as it survived being tossed around our lab with zero marks or scuffs.

Capacity: 38 liters | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21.7 x 15 x 9.4 inches | Materials: Recycled Dura nylon

Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack

  • Design 4 /5
  • Durability 4 /5

Suitcase-like opening allows easy access

Eco-friendly materials

Suitable for long travel days

Internal organization may be overcomplicated for some

Launched in 1958, Samsonite’s Silhouette collection is likely the oldest on our list. But those six decades of innovation have helped make this one of the best and most versatile bags out there—not to mention one with excellent style. You can also feel good about your purchase knowing that it features 100 percent post-consumer recycled PET bottles.

Our testers liked the size of the bag and the opening, similar to a suitcase, which made it easy to pack and access items. There were many—almost too many—pockets and compartments. And our testers loved how comfortable and supportive this bag was to carry, noting its excellent weight distribution. “I would recommend this bag to someone looking for a backpack they can use as a primary form of luggage,” a tester concluded. “It has enough room and compartments to fit all of the essentials and keep them organized. It's also comfortable, supportive, and easy to carry.”

Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 3.31 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 12.5 x 7 inches | Materials: Polyester and Recyclex

Best for Techies

Thule subterra backpack 34l.

Functional and looks good

Bag included for dirty laundry

Portable charger

Not the most comfortable

We’ve been pleasantly surprised with Thule’s line of luggage. And that certainly includes the Subterra backpack. This rugged pack could also be a good commuter option as it has a magnetic rolling top closure, a padded laptop sleeve, and a PowerPocket for charging items on the go. We love that it has many access points and comes with a packing cube and garment bag for dirty clothes.

"I loved being able to put my normal packing cubes inside the big cube that comes with the bag, and I was able to use the bag as a day bag anytime I needed to carry extra, and it never felt super bulky,” a tester reported—however, they noted that the bag didn’t particularly help their already-sore back. Not surprisingly, considering its construction, the pack aced our durability tests.

Capacity: 34 liters | Weight: 2.75 pounds | Dimensions: 20.5 x 12.2 x 9.1 inches | Materials: 800-denier nylon

Best for Storage

Mystery ranch mission rover.

Mystery Ranch

Sturdy with grab handles around the pack

Well-designed internal storage

Different ways to carry

A bit heavy

If you’ve never heard of Mystery Ranch, let us introduce you to the Bozeman, Montana-based brand, which makes super rugged packs for backpacking, hunting, the military, and firefighters. This travel-focused pack is incredibly solid on the outside and has many excellent organization and design features inside.

Highlights include a stowable hip belt and shoulder straps, multiple carrying options, a dirty clothes compartment, three inner divided pockets, and lockable zippers.

Capacity: 30, 45, and 60 liters | Weight: 4.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21 x 13 x 12 inches | Materials: Plain spun nylon, 210-denier nylon

We recommend the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack thanks to its incredibly durable polyester and nylon materials, well-designed internal storage, and included rainfly. Another great pick is the Vancropak Travel Backpack , which rings up at a fraction of the cost of some other options on the market.

We selected products to test based on the expertise of TripSavvy editors and writers and on internet research. Not surprisingly, TripSavvy editors and writers travel a lot. And they have many carry-on backpacks they like and don’t like.

To ensure we weren’t missing anything, we also researched what other prominent sites have featured and looked at top-rated and reviewed backpacks on sites like Amazon and REI. Once an initial list of products was selected, we narrowed it down to the final 28 for testing based on style, function, and price.

We tested the backpacks for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value. In our New York City-based testing lab, we asked testers to pack each backpack with three shirts, two pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag to test for capacity. We asked the testers to consider all aspects of the backpack’s construction, organizational capabilities, and any design innovations.

Testers then carried each backpack around using the different carrying styles. We asked the testers to rate how comfortable the bag felt fully packed. After the comfort test, we asked testers to toss and throw the bag several feet multiple times. We looked for damage on the outside of the bag and any damage to products inside the bag. Lastly, we asked testers to rate the bag for overall value after a price reveal.

We have since sent the backpacks to testers to continue testing as they travel. We will update this document accordingly as their insights are submitted.

Aer Travel Pack 3 : This pack was comfortable to wear thanks to its supportively firm and cushioned back, while its rugged fabric stood up well to rough handling. Our tester subtracted some points for capacity, as it was a squeeze to get everything on the list to fit, and for the more function-forward style.

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack : This bag is very nice to look at and proved quite durable. However, it's on the small side and the features aren't particularly travel-oriented—namely, the inflexible bottle holder and the magnetic flip top that is easily displaced when the pack is full.

Minaal Carry-on 3.0 Bag : Our tester appreciated the comfort of the straps and the practical capacity of this bag, though the price was on the higher end and the packing experience was a bit of a learning curve.

Monos Metro Backpack : Another looker, the design of this bag got high praise. We liked the 270-degree opening, the easy-release front pouch, and the comfortable straps. At 18 liters, this back is more of a complement piece to other luggage and could use a better weight distribution system.

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable : The expansion feature was a hit once we figured out how to use it and the durability of this pack was undeniable. It was difficult to look past a faulty zipper design that got caught frequently when trying to close.

What to Look For in a Carry-on Backpack

Prices for carry-on backpacks vary widely, so consider what your greatest needs are. You can find a spacious travel backpack for under $100—often under $50—but if you plan on facing harsh outdoor environments , consider investing a bit more money for something waterproof. Leather backpacks can cost hundreds of dollars; keep this in mind if that material is important to you. Anti-theft travel backpacks can be a bit more expensive but are often essential in highly trafficked destinations.

There are so many styles out there you could spend days filtering through the different backpacks on the market. Keep it simple: How will you be using this backpack? If you’re interfacing with clients or business partners, look for something minimal and sleek that doesn’t showcase a million pockets. If you plan on living out of your backpack for most of your trip, pockets are more of a priority. You'll want a bag that zips open flat like a suitcase for easy packing and unloading (this also makes going through security easier).

If you are using your travel backpack for hiking, find something with a removable hip harness to distribute the weight of your pack better when you’re on the move. If you plan on wearing your travel backpack casually—only in the airport or to work—seek out a style with adjustable straps and a padded back. This will help ward off any back pain, especially if you carry a lot of weight. When you’re trying on backpacks, test out the shoulder straps and imagine how they would feel if the pack was filled to capacity. Is there ample padding? Will the material cut into your shoulders? Does the back of the backpack feel like it would be breathable?

The size of backpacks is generally measured in volume (liters) or dimensions (inches or centimeters). While it is essential to refer to the specific requirements of the airline you'll be flying, a good starting point for a carry-on when flying domestically is 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 total linear inches (115 centimeters) including all handles and wheels. This size comes out to a 43-liter pack, so anything smaller should easily meet any U.S. airline size restrictions. However, this is only the beginning, and several factors may increase or decrease your allowance, such as the size of the plane and flight class you book.

This will vary based on your backpack's materials. For nylon and other water-resistant fabrics, get a damp cloth and spot-clean your pack. A damp cloth will also do the trick if your bag has plastic or metal elements. For leather backpacks, you’ll want to purchase a special leather conditioner and cleaner to maintain the integrity of your backpack.

This is an excellent feature if you plan on hiking or spending long periods carrying your backpack. It will help distribute the weight of your pack better across your body, ultimately providing more comfort. Most backpacks that are focused on outdoor adventures will have this feature.

Many backpacks are marketed as anti-theft, meaning it’s tougher for someone else to get inside your pack. Some backpacks have zippers that allow you to open the main interior compartment while wearing it—so you don’t have to take it off and risk having someone else pick it up. Others are designed with webbing over the zipper openings, making it very hard for someone to locate and unzip the bag while you have it on.

No, this is not the norm when it comes to backpacks. Compression cords make packing easier and function the same way a compression strap or cord would work in a regular suitcase. Some travel-focused carry-on backpacks do have this built-in. But if you want to squeeze in more items, consider investing in some packing cubes . These will help organize your backpack, too.

Nathan Allen is TripSavvy’s Outdoor Gear Editor. He has traveled to five continents, including plane, train, and bus travel. For most travel scenarios, he prefers backpacks over spinners or roller suitcases because of their ruggedness and different carrying methods. He currently uses Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L, Thule’s Subterra, and Topo Design’s Global Travel Pack the most. Each product recommended in this review was thoroughly researched and tested.

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Travel gear review: quechua forclaz 40 air backpack 7.

The Quechua Forclaz 40 Air backpack in 3 different modes: compressed to cabin-size luggage, with the included rain cover, and expanded to full hiking size.

A few months ago I replaced my Cabin Max Metz cabin-sized backpack . The Cabin Max was spacious and ideally suited to carry the maximum amount of hand luggage on a low-cost flight , but it wasn’t very comfortable to wear. I wanted a backpack that was useful for transporting my stuff by plane without checking it, but that I could also carry for hours when hiking. After some research I bought the Quechua Forclaz 40 Air hiking backpack. I’ve taken my new backpack on four trips now, each of between five days and three weeks in length, and that has given me enough experience with it to write a review.

Carrying comfort

The Forclaz Air 40 is made for comfort . The back panel is spaced about 3cm from your back by a polyester mesh with 6 foam spacing blocks. This allows air to circulate and keeps your back from getting all sweaty. I found that the spacing blocks would at times exert slightly more pressure than normal on points of my back, but this is more made up for by the improved air flow.

Load it from the top…

There is a padded hip belt which comfortably puts most of the weight on your hips rather than on your shoulders, which is important when you’re carrying a heavily loaded pack for more than an hour. The shoulder straps are also well padded and don’t chafe against your skin. I did find that the backpack seems aimed at people who are shorter than me. I’m 1.86m tall (6’2″), and unless I adjust the shoulder straps to maximum length it feels like the weight is transferred from my hips to my shoulders. It’s still confortable enough to carry the pack adjusted this way, but I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone taller.

Organization

The backpack is very easy to access. Technically it’s a top loader, but because there’s a two-way zipper running all the way down along the front of the pack, you can access any part of the main compartment without taking out all of your stuff . One might argue that it’s a little too easy to access the backpack, especially when walking around in crowded urban spaces. Avoid putting any valuables in the front part of the main compartment.

… or from the side.

The main compartment is one big space with just one internal pocket directly against the back panel. This pocket was designed to hold a camelback water sack (like the Platypus ), but I use it to store my laptop. Since my laptop is usually the heaviest item I’m carrying, it’s ideal to have it as close to my back as possible. Also, it makes it impossible to take out the laptop without me noticing it.

On either side of the pack you’ll find a long zippered compartment . These are ideal for items that you need readily accessible. I tend to use one for computer gear (cables, chargers, removable media, etc.) and the other for outdoor gear (my Swiss army knife, rope, headlamp, etc.). On each side you’ll also find a stretchable mesh pocket that easily fits a small water bottle. Finally there’s a handy small pocket on the hip belt , which can just hold a smartphone, a set of keys, and a folded map.

This backpack clearly wasn’t designed for the urban traveller. There is no organization for things like passports, pens, paper, and other small office items. You’ll either have to bunch them together in one of the smaller pockets, or provide your own organization sleeve to put inside the pack. Still, unless you’re packing for a day full of business meetings, the pack is sufficient to secure some office supplies.

Packing space

Because of the 3 cm airspace between the back panel and the mesh, the Quechua takes up relatively much room for the amount of space inside the main compartment. Compared to a pack like the Cabin Max Metz , you’re sacrificing some packing space for greater wearing comfort.

The secure top compartment. (And am I crazy or does anyone else see a frog eating my passport in this picture?)

What I absolutely love about the Forclaz is the top compartment . When empty, it rests nearly flat against the backpack, allowing it to fit within airline maximum carry-on dimensions. But when full, it gives the pack another 8 litres or so of packing space . Because of the adjustable closing strap on the front, the top compartment fits snugly in any configuration. You can also easily stow a jacket or sweater under the top compartment for easy access.

On the under-side of the top compartment you’ll find a thin zipped mesh compartment for papers. A back-facing zipper with an extra velcro-closing inner pocket creates a safe space for your valuables . Altogether you get 40 litres of packing space when the bag is fully expanded. On top of that the pack features some elastic straps that allow you to attach a sleeping mat or tent. This should be enough for a catered hiking trip or extended urban travel.

The Forclaz Air 40 comes with a rain cover to help you keep your stuff dry when walking in the rain. It’s also useful to protect your pack when checking it into the hold of a plane or bus. The rain cover is separate rather than integrated, so you can choose to leave it at home when travelling to the desert. You could easily buy a separate rain cover for any backpack, but the advantage of the one that comes with the Quechua is that it fits snugly. Also it saves you $20 or so.

This backpack is available in two colors: mint-and grey or black-and-red. I like neither. The black/red one is too conspicuous, while the mint/grey one looks a tad girly. I bought the girly one, choosing functionality over looks, but Quechua could have done a better job on this.

In Europe the Quechua is sold by Decathlon for 50-57 euros, depending on your country (about $63-70). Unfortunately they don’t ship to the US, so you’ll either have to pick it up on a trip to Europe, or buy it on Amazon at the local price of $110.

The Quechua Forclaz 40 Air is an excellent hiking backpack for shorter trips that don’t require cooking, camping, or heavy outdoor gear. It’s size is just about perfect. When compressed it’s small enough to be taken as hand luggage on board an airplane, while when fully expanded it offers plenty of space for all your packing needs. The bag could have featured some more internal organization, but even without that it’s a fine choice for the light traveller. At $110 it’s worth the price difference with cheaper backpacks like the Cabin Max Metz for the added comfort.

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7 thoughts on “ Travel gear review: Quechua Forclaz 40 Air backpack ”

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Don’t you experience the extra zippers as a weak point as well?

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@Mo: The zippers on the top, hip, and side compartments never get any real tension, so they are ok. The only potential weakness is the zipper all the way along the front. If the backpack is loaded too heavily, this zipper is put under some stress. It’s fine as long as the zipper remains closed. but if you try to open or close the zipper while under tension, it may be possible to damage it. This hasn’t happened to me though.

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How lowest high of this gear? I wanted the carry-on backpack and the airline carry-on luggage dimensions is less than 54cmx38cmx23cm. Can I get this gear?

@Mullika: The minimum height of the pack is 54cm. That is if you leave the top compartment empty and folded flat against the main compartment. The width is about 33cm, so on that end you’re fine. The depth can be compressed down to 23cm, but it requires a bit of creative folding and not packing it to the rim.

I’ve used the backpack as carry-on luggage on European low-cost airline (Ryanair and Wizz Air) flights, and it was fine.

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Thank you for making this post! My friend is lending me this bag for my upcoming trip and this review is a great way for me to get the info I needed

Decathlon Forclaz Women’s Travel 900 60+6L Backpack | Tested and reviewed

We test the female-specific 60+6l easyfit from decathlon, a large capacity backpacking pack designed for long journeys and backpacking trips..

Rear view of Decathlon Forclaz Women's Travel 900 Backpack being worn

Ahead of my year of travelling around the world, I had a long and hard think about which backpack would be the best choice to take with me. Above all, I needed a pack I could rely on to last the trip, be comfortable, and make my life easier. Here’s the pack I found to fit the bill and why - enter the Decathlon Women's Travel 900 Backpack.

When I was researching for the best backpacks for long trips and treks, I had several criteria to meet. First off, as a female traveller and hiker, I wanted a pack that’d be comfortable to carry on my back for long stretches of time. Women’s backpacks typically have a shorter body, so the back support is a more optimised size for the female frame, and the supporting straps hit the right spots across the torso, which is key.

Our tester Kate wearing Forclaz Women's Travel 900 Backpack

As I’d be travelling to multiple destinations, I wanted a rucksack that had zipped front access to the main compartment like a suitcase, rather than being a top loader. This makes all my gear easier to organise and get to. A wide access point was a top priority for me and would make life much easier on the road.

Thirdly, I wanted a pack that came with a rain cover for extra protection, but also a cover to keep it safe when taking the plane or long modes of transport. Other than these top features, I was after a pack that was above all practical, and didn’t break the bank either. It might sound like a tall order, but I found all I wanted and more in the largest capacity pack of Decathlon’s affordable Forclaz range, the 60+6L Women's Travel 900 proved the perfect capacity, with great features and construction designed to be practical and comfortable.

1. Decathlon Forclaz Women's Travel 900 60+6L Backpack

Decathlon Forclaz Women's Travel 900 60+6L Backpack with daypack detached

www.decathlon.co.uk

  • True women's fit
  • Impressive comfort
  • Loads of storage features
  • Front suitcase-style opening
  • Raincover included
  • Great value
  • Tad heavier than some rivals
  • No colour options

Decathlon Forclaz Women's Travel 900 60+6L Backpack open with gear inside

The Women's Travel 900 provides a total capacity of 66L and is so crammed with pockets that it took me several trips to discover and use them all. That’s not to say it’s faffy though, there’s a purpose for everything with this pack and that’s why I like it so much.

I’ve already mentioned the main internal chamber; it’s large enough to stash the bulk of my gear, which I put in a few packing cubes that fit perfectly with inner straps to secure. The many additional pockets help to further organise belongings and keep everything in order.

There are also side zip pockets, stretchy bottle pockets, front pouches, two waist belt pockets (large enough to fit a passport and smartphone), and within many of these there are subtle inner pockets and mesh pockets to tuck away valuables.

Alongside these is the six-litre detachable top compartment (hence the 60+6L), which also has an inner zip pocket along with two tucked straps that can be snapped into place to make a little daypack . It’s ideal for stashing valuables and taking on the plane or for outings when you don’t want to leave your important documents in your hotel or tent.

Decathlon Forclaz Women's Travel 900 60+6L Backpack hip belt and drink bottle pockets

The wealth of pockets is a winning feature on the Women's Travel 900, but it’s not the only appeal of the pack. It’s built to be versatile for different kinds of trips. For instance, it’s got a stowable roll top for securing a sleeping bag or tent for those trekking, and it’s also got an additional entry into the main section at the top of the pack for quick access to gear.

Easy-access is the name of the game with this pack, which is why another, stowable bottle cage is built into the right side for reachable access to water while hiking. Inside the main chamber, there’s a laptop sleeve that benefits from the structure of the metal frame for protection. Within the same chamber there is a boot bag to keep dirty shoes separate from the rest of your gear. I'm able to fit both a pair of trail running shoes and hiking sandals there.

Decathlon Forclaz Women's Travel 900 60+6L Backpack with raincover and travel cover

At the front, there’s a slim pocket for holding documents or a folder, behind which is a hidden pouch where the bag’s included raincover lives. This cover is a huge plus as it offers not only waterproofing, but also wraps and protects the pack for transport. The raincover snaps over the edges neatly and has additional material with a drawstring to completely envelop the bag, with duffel straps at the side.

Comfort and construction

Decathlon Forclaz Women's Travel 900 60+6L Backpack back system

When it comes to quality and construction, I found each compartment to be thoughtfully designed, and that’s most evident in the back system. The pack has a metal frame, and the back system holds the pack away from the back slightly to allow airflow – which is essential for use in hotter climes and extended treks. As mentioned before, this section is shorter in the women’s pack, with padding at the lower back and shoulder blades well placed to ease pressure points.

The padded hip belt is made to sit around the waist, just above the hips, while the chest strap is placed under the collar bone. It’s higher than that on a unisex pack, to avoid any discomfort over the chest. On the chest strap you’ll also find a surprisingly loud built-in whistle. The two shoulder straps are adjusted by pulling upwards, and the hip belt by pulling inwards; this construction makes it much easier to adjust quickly by yourself.

Our tester Kate Milsom walking with the Decathlon Forclaz Women's Travel 900 60+6L Backpack

The upshot is that I have never felt so comfortable with almost 70L and 13kg on my back. The weight distribution is so fine-tuned that I have no discomfort or pain walking for extended periods (I can even run and jump). It almost feels like I have nothing on my back. It sounds too good to be true. But after getting multiple family members and friends to don the Travel 900, they’ve all been forced to agree. A well-designed and top-performing backpack has completely revolutionised my travel experience.

Hiking a field track wearing Decathlon Forclaz Women's Travel 900 60+6L Backpack

Reading this review, you’d be forgiven for concluding that it's horribly biased and that the pack seemingly has no faults. Believe me, I tried to find some. But after a couple of months of testing, I’m forced to admit that the Women's Travel 900 is simply a backpack that performs excellently.

It’s got a great capacity and compartments, several handy features for travel, is logically designed with function in mind, and does not break the bank. I searched high and low for a pack that ticked as many boxes as this one, including those in much higher price brackets. But in the end nothing seemed to fit the bill as seamlessly as the Women's Travel 900. And all for £104.99 – the value for money is astounding.

How we tested

The bad news for us is that Kate Milsom recently abandoned the LFTO team and left the country to travel around the world for 12 months, but the good news is she took the Forclaz Women's Travel 900 with her to put it through its paces. So not only did Kate give it a good thrashing before she left to make sure it was fit for purpose, but we're also expecting regular dispatches from her trip to tell us how it's performing. So stay tuned!

Kate Milsom trail running

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Follow on facebook:, field tested: mosko moto reckless 40l v3.0 luggage system, adaptable and smartly-designed rackless luggage system for minimalist campers..

Mosko Moto Reckless 40 Review

Light is right, less is more… however you say it, it’s the mantra of many a minimalist-packing adventure rider. Even if you’re not a minimalist, at some point during your adventures you’ve probably looked over at a riding buddy’s lightly-packed machine while struggling through a challenging trail and wondered, “How did they get all their stuff in there?”. The idea behind Mosko Moto’s Reckless 40L, now in its third iteration, is to make minimalist packing a little easier. It’s the ‘Tiny Home’ of luggage where everything has a place and use of limited space is maximized.

Mosko Moto Reckless 40 Review

The Reckless 40L is a rugged, rackless, waterproof luggage system that fits a range of different motorcycles, designed for longer day rides and short-term trips. It starts with an adjustable base harness to accommodate either enduro or ADV seat widths. Two side pockets hold removable dry bags (14 liters each) that strap securely in place and feature a clear window panel so you can see what’s packed inside. While on top, beaver-tail flaps snuggly hold the included Stinger 8L dry bag along with any other items you can stuff in there (e.g. waterproof or base layers). The Stinger 8L is also a standalone tail bag, with its own straps, that can be mounted to a rear rack or it can double as a backpack for off-the-bike excursions.

forclaz backpack travel 100 40l review

Each side bag pocket on the harness also features a sewn-on back pocket (2 liters each) with a roll-top enclosure. These are designed for stuffing tools, tubes, fuel bottles, a first aid kit or other items you need quick access to that don’t need to be fully waterproof protected. The beaver-tail has a clear inner pocket as well, which is great for storing your travel documents or keeping a map handy on the trail.

Mosko Moto Reckless 40 Review

Need a little more capacity? The Reckless 40L offers Molle panels on the front of the harness legs that allow you to strap on various Molle accessories. Molle webbing has been added to the exterior of the Beaver-tail as well to further increase the range of expansion options. You can also replace the Stinger 8L with a Stinger 22L using the expansion panel on the beaver-tail to accommodate the extra girth. With this configuration, capacity is increased to a total of 54 liters. To further improve versatility, you can also change the orientation of the top bag to run either inline or perpendicular to the bike.

Mosko Moto Reckless 40 Review

The luggage system is built to withstand the range of abuse encountered during off-road riding as well, utilizing a 1600D Ballistic Nylon shell featuring Bomber Hypalon armor panels protecting the sides in a fall. Front and rear attachment straps, along with most of the major straps or buckles, can also be replaced in the event they are damaged in a fall. Plus, the bag comes with an exhaust heat shield to prevent the material from melting on a hot muffler.

Getting It Installed

Before you can mount the Reckless 40L, there is some assembly required and some decisions to be made. First you’ll want to select either the Narrow or Wide setting for the base mount. Narrow is for dirt bikes and enduros like a Suzuki DR-Z 400 or KTM 690 Enduro. Most adventure bikes, even smaller ones like the Royal Enfield Himalayan or KTM 390 Adventure, will use the Wide setting.

Reckless 40L Review

Once the width has been selected, you can mount the legs to the base using the provided hardware. Getting the allen key bolts to thread into the T-nut backing plates can be a little challenging at first. It takes some patience and strong fingers to press the backing plates into the material far enough to get the bolt to start threading. 

Mosko Reckless 40L motorcycle soft luggage Review

Next you can choose between either standard or transverse beaver-tail orientation depending on your personal preference. The standard orientation will allow you to access the top bag opening from the side, while the transverse mounting will give you access from the rear. Hooking the beaver-tail in place takes just seconds with the provided clips, so you can switch the orientation easily at any time.

Once the base harness has been configured, you drape it over the bike to get your desired positioning, then loosely strap it in place with the four cam buckle mounting straps. The leg straps attach to the frame or passenger peg mounts, while the rear straps can be secured to bodywork around the tail light or a top rack if you have one. Next, load your dry bags with all your gear and slip them into their respective pockets, strapping them in securely. Then add various items to the roll-top rear pockets, give the mounting straps a final tug, secure the extra lashing material with the included Velcro holders, and you’re done.

Mosko Reckless 40L motorcycle soft luggage Review

How It Performed

So how does the R40 work in the real world? Can we even get all our stuff in there? We’ve been testing the Reckless 40L for two seasons now on a wide range of different machines, covering thousands of miles and multiple trips, big, medium and small. Here’s what we’ve found…

Standard Configuration (with Stinger 8L):  

Mosko Reckless 40L motorcycle soft luggage Review

This is the kind of setup you’d use for primarily off-road ADV trips where you want to pack as light as possible so you can ride harder. Like any minimalist set up, you’ll need to make tough decisions about what you bring and don’t bring. If you are staying in hotels, you’ll have room to spare. Although, if you plan on camping, It takes time to pack strategically and some things you carry may need to be reconfigured when you are working with 40 liters. For instance, I had to break up my bulky tool bag into smaller packages to get everything to fit into the rear roll-top pockets.

Mosko Reckless 40L motorcycle soft luggage Review

Once you get this setup dialed in, it will pay dividends on the trail. As for performance, the R40 fits snug on a small enduro or adventure bike with very little wiggling around. The dry bags have compression straps along the sides, around the middle and over the top, so that nothing moves. They also stay tight against the bike and don’t flap around. There’s a good amount of extra room in the beaver-tail as well for storing a waterproof jacket or ad hoc items from the store if you need to.

As far as the size, the bag stays out of the way during typical adventure riding, especially on a larger machine. With the Stinger 8L on back, the height of the bag is fairly low so you can move your weight back over it when you need to. As for aggressive off-road riding, I noticed an occasional tap from the bag when hammering through whoops or jumps on a small bike but that is to be expected when carrying camping gear. I also noticed, the legs of the bags sometimes rub against my calves when getting back on the bike, although I didn’t mind it too much because I could actually use it to push off with my legs to get my weight back forward in some situations.

Mosko Reckless 40L motorcycle soft luggage Review

Packing light makes it all worth it when you squeeze through trees on technical single track and rip hill rocky climbs on your way to  some spectacular place to camp for the night. For an ADV Lite setup, 40 liters seems just about right.

Mosko Reckless 40L motorcycle soft luggage Review

Stripped Down: Sometimes you are just out for a day trip or you’ve dropped your gear at camp and just need the basics for your ride (tools, spare tube, snacks, extra layers, water, etc.). With the Reckless 40L, you can remove the beaver-tail assembly and ride with just the side bags. This gives you more mobility on the trail when hanging your weight off the back of the bike or going through big hits. It also keeps the weight you are carrying down lower on the bike for an improved CG. For a day ride, there is plenty of room to spare when running just the side bags.

Mosko Reckless 40L motorcycle soft luggage Review

Alternatively, you can take the harness off completely and just use the Stinger 8L as a tool bag mounted on a rear rack. The bag has its own compression straps that allow you to easily mount in a variety of locations. There’s plenty of room for tools, spare tube, extra layers, and more. You can use the compression straps and roll top enclosure to take up any extra room as well. It’s quite a versatile luggage piece that can be used as an auxiliary bag strapped to panniers or you can even convert it into a backpack.

Expedition Mode:  For longer camping trips riding to remote places, you are likely carrying a lot more items like extra water for the heat or thick layers for the cold. For these types of rides, Mosko Moto updated the R40 in 2021 to allow you to swap out the Stinger 8L top bag for the Stinger 22L. This expansion gets you 54 liters of total capacity, which is much more doable for bigger adventures.

Mosko Reckless 40L motorcycle soft luggage Review

A cold weather sleeping bag will fit in the Stinger 22, along with some additional clothing items. Once you start stuffing the side legs with all your gear, it definitely gets tight, especially if you need to bring extra water when rough camping in remote areas. Once you’ve got the larger top bag installed, you do notice it getting in the way more on a smaller machine. On a larger adventure bike, you are able to shift it back further beyond the passenger seat where it’s out of the way. It’s also a tight fit in the beaver-tail if you want to stuff additional layers in there like a chair or a tent pole bag. It’s doable, it just takes careful packing to ensure things don’t slip out.

Mosko Reckless 40L motorcycle soft luggage Review

Overall, if you do a lot of light ADV trips or short day trips, plus the occasional long-range trip, you could adapt this bag with various Molle expansion options to be your ‘only’ luggage option. For instance, add an auxiliary bag to store your goggles or first aid kit, giving you some additional room in the main compartments. If you need more capacity, Mosko offers an 80L Reckless system for longer expeditions. 

Quality/Durability: The overall quality of the product is very high. Everything from the heavy-duty compression straps that don’t slip to the thick foam padding of the base harness that helps protect plastics, are well thought out design elements and you can see the attention to every detail. The abrasion resistance from light falls has been excellent so far. The harness takes all the abuse so that dry bags continue to maintain their 100% waterproofing. No buckles have broken and no straps have frayed yet after thousands of miles of hard riding.

Mosko Reckless 40L motorcycle soft luggage Review

Convenience: The R40 comes with many convenience features that make living with the bag on a multi-day trip much easier. For one, you can easily un-snap the buckles on the compression straps holding the two side bags and top bag, then pull out all the dry bags in a matter of seconds and carry them into your tent or hotel with the roll-top closures doubling as handles. This allows you to keep the harness on the bike and avoid messing with the mounting straps. You can also get all your bags packed and fully compressed with more leverage off the bike, then just slide them into their slots and strap them into the harness.

forclaz backpack travel 100 40l review

That beaver-tail is mighty nice for strapping down extra cargo too when you are in a rush and don’t want to open up your bags. Plus that map pocket comes in handy for a quick look at a paper map or grabbing your documents. The sewn-on rear pockets are also ideal for storing a tool roll and spare tube. You always know where the tools are and you can get to them quickly for any trailside adjustments.

Mosko Reckless 40L motorcycle soft luggage Review

Who’s It for?

Whether you ride a big bike or small, Mosko Moto’s compact 40-liter luggage system is ideal for day rides and shorter trips, especially for riders who are staying in hotels. Minimalist packers with compact backpacking gear, who are willing to take just the basics, will find it useful for moto camping adventures in the standard configuration. If you need more space, the system has good expansion capabilities, although it’s still going to be a tight fit for longer motocamping journeys where day-to-day creature comforts become a bigger concern. 

Our Verdict

Mosko Reckless 40L motorcycle soft luggage Review

The R40 is a versatile, compact off-road luggage system for shorter rides or overnighters where you don’t need to carry a lot of gear, with the expansion capability to work for the occasional big ride as well. Smartly-designed features make packing efficient and staying organized convenient, while maintaining a streamlined profile for aggressive off-road rides. Plus, its premium and robust build with replaceable components ensures this luggage system will last a long time.

What We Liked

  • A well-thought-out soft bag that makes accessing items quick and convenient.
  • Stays strapped on tight and keeps a low profile during aggressive off-road riding.
  • Easily adaptable for a range of different storage capacities.
  • Efficient use of limited space.

What Could Be Improved

  • On the pricey side.

Mosko Reckless 40L motorcycle soft luggage Review

Mosko Moto Reckless 40L Specs

  • Total Capacity: 40 liters
  • Two 14L Drybags
  • Two 2L rear pockets
  • One 8L Stinger tailbag
  • Measured Weight: 10.5 pounds
  • Base Harness Materials: 1680D Ballistic Nylon with Hypalon armor
  • Dry Bags Material: 100% waterproof durable 800D polyurethane coated (PVC free) with welded-seams
  • Price: $520

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Photos Rob Dabney, Stephen Gregory, Spencer Hill

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Author: Rob Dabney

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I love the ruggedness and overall design, but 10.5 pounds is not light.

chris Hoerenz

I generally love mosko products and have the reckless 40 for my BMW G310 GS Rally Raid bike. 40 L fits the light is right (thank you Adventure Spec) philosophy. The setup seems perfect, doesn’t interfere with riding position, and looks amazing. Easy on and easy off. That said, the setup is just not that great. The side bags are stiff, and very narrow. They hold tools well, some smaller accessories, a spare tube and some water or fuel. But the bags are difficult to get into their sleeves. The stinger 8 is great for a short day ride, but if you want to fit a tent or any camping gear you can forget it. The stinger 22 might work, but I’ve run a Giant Loop 16L bag in its place and that still makes packing tight. I have a 35L bag which will fit tent, mat, sleeping bag and minimal cooking equipment and it just works with the beaver tail setup. I’d like to see a direct comparison between the reckless 40 and a similar capacity Kriega setup. I feel like the latter might just be easier to pack and get on the bike, and may be able to compensate slightly better for slightly wider items like a sleeping bag or tent.

Salmon

Overweight overpriced typical mosko

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forclaz backpack travel 100 40l review

The Ski Pack Your Backcountry Guide Wants: Raide Research LF 40L Review

There wasn’t a ton of snow in Colorado’s backcountry despite the fact that it was squarely mid-December. Many of my favorite backcountry spots weren’t very skiable yet, but a lack of deep snow wasn’t going to stop me. I was setting out on exploratory ski tours at every chance I got - from the Aspen Valley to the Vail Valley and over into Summit County.

My luck had been mixed. But I was psyched regardless because I was getting to know the new Raide Research LF 40L backcountry ski pack. And the more time I spent with it, the more attached I was becoming.

The pack is stuffed to its gills with functional features and practical designs. First, the roll top expands the volume from 40L to 50L and also rolls down and stows away. Inside, the foam back panel is removable for kneeling or sitting in snow or splinting broken limbs. Next, a unique feature, the shoulder strap has a glove stash. Finally, drain ports allow water to escape through the bag.

All that and more in a package that weighs just 1,090 g (or, stripped, just 900 g). That’s to say nothing of the high-end materials the Raide LF 40L backpack is made with - or how good it looks.

This is Raide Research’s first pack . The creator, Kyle Siegel, had never before designed a backpack. However, with engineering experience from Space X and product development experience from The North Face, he’s come out of the gate swinging with the Raide LF 40L. Backcountry ski guides and pro athletes are buzzing over it. Jim Ryan straight-up called it the best bag he’d ever used.

And after just a few weeks of using it in early-season backcountry conditions, I’m tempted to agree with Ryan.

In short: The Raide 40L backcountry ski pack is one of the most fully featured and carefully designed backpacks I’ve ever interacted with. The durability of the materials is unmatched. It looks cool. And it combines the best features from other ski packs into one - even adding a few I’ve never seen before. It was designed by a backcountry fanatic for backcountry fanatics. And while there is room to polish specific details of the pack’s design, there isn’t much to improve. There is good reason why this pack is making such big waves in the world of backcountry skiing.

Shopping for backcountry ski packs? Compare Raide’s to GearJunkie’s Best Ski Packs of 2023-2024 .

Raide LF 40L Backcountry Ski Pack

  • Capacity 40L, expandable to 50L
  • Weight 1,090g
  • Weight stripped 900g
  • Main fabric 100% recycled Challenge Ultra 400X, 400d UHMWPE (Dyneema) woven, backed by a waterproof film.
  • Cinch top 210d Nylon with UHMWPE ripstop. 100% recycled.
  • Rolltop 50d ripstop nylon with UHMWPE crossply
  • Helmet carry Lycra, nylon, UHMWPE woven.
  • Frame 7mm aluminum tubing
  • Extremely light with aluminum frame/back panel insert, even lighter without them
  • 10L of expandable volume
  • Made from highly durable, waterproof materials
  • Packed with useful features specific to backcountry skiing
  • Avi tools pocket is not clearly marked
  • Metal buckles not very glove-friendly

Raide Research LF 40L Backcountry Ski Pack Review

Raide is based out of Carbondale, Colo., where Siegel lives - and where he skis in the backcountry constantly. After a 2020 trip to summit Washington’s Mount Rainier, he returned home with a mission. Tired of being frustrated with ski packs that weren’t meeting his expectations, he had decided to make his own.

Three years, nine prototypes, one trip to Vietnam, and countless hours later, he had the pack of his dreams: the Raide LF 40L. He had agonized over every feature, every gram, and every material that went into the pack to balance its weight, comfort, durability, and aesthetics. The result is a pack finely tuned for a specific purpose. It’s a physical manifestation of Siegel’s backcountry skiing obsession.

Siegel did not skimp out on the materials he used to make the Raide LF 40L pack. The main material is ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) - the same stuff that Dyneema is made from.

However, Raide’s main fabric is not Dyneema. It’s called Challenge Ultra 400 X. It has a tarp-like feel, is 100% waterproof, 100% UV-resistant, and 100% recycled. The Raide Research website claims it is twice as tear-resistant and eight times as abrasion-resistant as “similar fabrics” (read: Dyneema). Whereas many standard UHMWPE fabrics are composite, Challenge Ultra 400 X is woven and feels notably tougher.

And, unlike most UHMWPE fabrics, the Challenge Ultra 400 X UHMWPE can be dyed. As such, the Raide LF 40L has two colors: white and black. Other packs made with Dyneema, like The North Face Phantom 38 or the Hyperlite Crux 40 , don’t come in any color but white.

The cinch top of the Raide LF 40L is made from 210D Nylon with UHMWPE ripstop. The stretchy helmet carry is a Lycra nylon blend interwoven with UHMWPE. Except for the metal buckle clasps, plastic buckles, and nylon straps, every aspect of this pack includes UHMWPE in some flavor. As such, it’s a bombproof piece of gear. You can feel that as soon as you get your hands on it.

The shoulder straps have 9 mm of foam that tapers toward the bottom of the strap. The hip pads cover just enough of the hip areas to be comfortable. Both shoulder straps and hip pads could use slightly more foam coverage for a more comfortable carry. But the design clearly aligns with the pack’s minimalist nature.

There are just three main compartments in the Raide LF 40L. The largest, where the bulk of the gear is meant to be stored, is accessible through the cinch top, or the back panel. The panel unzips easily with one zipper with a large pull tab. A pass-through hole at the top makes it compatible with hydration bladders or radio cables.

Avi Tools Compartment

The avalanche tools compartment is accessible through a waterproof zipper on the outside or via a pass-through feature from the main compartment. There are sleeves for a shovel handle and probe. The waterproof divider separating the avi tools from the main compartment has a hole in the middle for the shovel socket. That way, Siegel explained, the metal doesn’t rub on the fabric from the inside, wearing it out.

Stash Compartments and Pockets

Two stash compartments are on the outside of the pack. One is a simple zipperless sleeve just below the helmet carry feature. It’s perfect for skins, gloves, or a midlayer or shell. It clasps shut with the helmet carry’s clip at the top of the pack. There is also a waterproof zippered pocket on the outside of the pack for loose odds and ends you don’t want to get wet or fall out.

The only other pockets are a small mesh zippered pocket on the inside of the back panel and a small zippered stretch pocket on the right hip belt. There is no lid on the Raide LF 40L. There is, however, some extra storage afforded by the roll top feature when it’s fully extended into “hut mode” (more on that later).

The Raide LF 40L is designed so skiers and riders can transition without touching a zipper. Because, simply, zippers slow transitions down. And the way Siegel sees it, the faster you can transition, the more skiing you can pack into a day. He said that was a big focus of his as he dialed in the design of this pack.

Strippable to 900 g

The aluminum frame of the Raide is easily removable, as is the rigid foam back panel. Without that added weight, the bag drops from 1,090 g to a scant 900 g. For those ultralight skimo racers looking to shave ounces at every opportunity, this is an undoubtedly attractive feature. When stripped, this bag feels pretty much weightless.

However, getting the internal frame back into the pack after removing it is something of a challenge. Be sure to insert it facing the right way, and take care not to bend the aluminum as you do.

Removable Foam Back Panel

As mentioned, the foam back panel is removable with little to no effort and doubles as a multifunction tool. Most backcountry guides are required to carry something similar with them at all times. It can be used as a splint, as a knee pad or seat, or even as a small sled. This is a highly functional feature. It’s a tool unto itself built straight into the backpack.

Glove Stash

The Raide LF 40L’s left shoulder strap has a nylon loop sewn into it to stash your gloves quickly and within easy reach when you’re transitioning or skinning uphill. You wouldn’t want to ski with your gloves in there. But if you’re touring, or standing around, it’s an ideal little stash spot for them. I used it every single time I wore the pack.

Stretch Helmet Carry

I’ve already mentioned this feature, but it’s worth touching on again because this helmet carry system is not like other packs’. It is far more secure. Once it’s clipped and cinched over the top of a helmet, there is no wobbling or slipping out. I can store things like crampons, gloves, hats, goggles, or sunglasses inside the brain bucket without fear that they’ll fall out on the hike up.

Roll Top Expands to 50L

The roll top on the Raide LF 40L is one of the pack’s coolest features. It can be rolled down into the pack and secured with snap buttons, so it’s out of the way when you don’t need the extra space. When you do need it, simply unsnap the buttons, roll out the roll top, and voilà ! Your 40L is now a 50L.

That also creates an extra storage area on the outside of the pack. Because the roll top extends from within the main compartment’s cinch closure, it creates a sleeve with several extra inches to store more items. Pull the cinch cord and it secures your gear in place.

Ski and Snowboard Carry Options

Not only does this pack give users the option to carry skis diagonally or in an A-frame, but it also has a vertical carry option for snowboards and splitboards. So no matter what kind of plank(s) you’re hauling on the hike in, the Raide has a carry option for you.

No-Snag Ice Tool Carry

As all good backcountry ski packs should, the Raide LF 40L includes two ice tool carries - one on either side of the pack’s back. The blades of your tools stow nicely into a no-snag sleeve that protects both your blade and any gear it might otherwise get caught on.

Because the whole pack is made of waterproof materials, it could theoretically carry water like a zip-lock bag. But Siegel designed around that potential issue. Every compartment in the pack drains, so if you take a dunk on a pond skim, or get caught in a severely wet winter storm, you won’t start taking on water.

In the Field

As mentioned, the season was off to a slow start when I got my hands on the Raide LF 40L pack for testing. So I wasn’t able to get it up into the steep and deep backcountry terrain it was built to conquer. Most of my testing happened in mellower zones because the snow was simply too thin across much of Colorado’s backcountry at the time. I wasn’t able to use it on overnight camping or hut trips, either, for similar reasons.

Still, on the tours I brought the Raide on, it performed extremely well. I found a way to use every feature; I took it skiing with its internal frame and without it. I practiced pulling my avi gear out quickly and experimented with how much equipment I could pack into the Raide LF 40L. Despite the lack of big mountain terrain available, I still managed to put this pack through its testing paces.

Skiing With the Raide LF 40L

As far as weight goes, the Raide LF 40L pack is light at 1,090 g. But when you take the internal frame and back panel out, it becomes a featherweight piece of equipment. If staying light and moving fast are high priorities for you, this pack should be at the top of your wishlist. Its ratio of features to weight is out of control.

You can also stuff a lot into the Raide LF 40L. For most one- to two-night backcountry adventures, 40-50L of volume is ideal. You can easily fit all of your avi tools, sleep system, extra clothes/layers, food, toiletries, and most everything else you’ll need. Siegel points out that the extra external storage that unrolling the roll top creates is also a great place for a couple of beers.

For day trips and strike missions, when you don’t need so much space, the 40L volume is more than enough, but not too much. The pack compresses nicely, and because it’s so streamlined it doesn’t feel cumbersome - even if it is mostly empty.

The features listed above, all came in handy. The helmet carry was low-hassle and made it a no-brainer to bring mine on tours where I might have otherwise left it behind. I also used the glove holder on every tour. And, while I didn’t have to splint any broken bones, or drag a friend out of the backcountry on a makeshift sled (luckily), the removable foam back panel still came in handy when I wanted to sit or kneel in the snow.

The back panel access to the main compartment also made it fast and easy to access equipment stored within no matter how deep it was. Its single-zipper design was smooth, simple, and streamlined.

Room for Improvement

For its first product out of the gate, Raide Research has set a high bar for itself with the LF 40L backcountry ski pack. But, as a brand-new brand, there are also a few aspects of the design that could be refined.

Foremost among them is the avi tools pocket. Many brands choose to identify that pocket with a bright orange zipper pull tab, or some other fluorescent indicator. That makes it easy to know which zipper to grab in an emergency when panic might be clouding your judgment.

This pack doesn’t have anything like that. All of the zippers and clips look the same, making the avi tools pocket indistinguishable from the others. Adding a fluorescent zipper pull would come at no weight penalty and could help someone make a faster rescue in an emergency.

Second, the padding on the shoulder straps and hip pads could be expanded. If people are using this pack for multiday backcountry camping or hut trips, it’s safe to assume they’ll be using it to carry a decent amount of weight over longer distances. Slightly beefier and larger hip pads and shoulder straps could go a long way in improving carry comfort with heavy loads.

But it would add grams to the design - which is likely why Siegel kept the padding minimalist in the first place.

Finally, the metal clasp on the hip belt is a challenge to use with gloved fingers. It’s not a huge inconvenience, and some more practice would probably go a long way. But so would a bigger clasp. I’ve used metal clasps that were easier to manipulate with gloves on. Adding one of those would make this pack easier to use and could speed up transitions. But again, it would come with a small weight penalty.

Raide Research LF 40L Backcountry Ski Pack: The Final Word

Every year a lot of new backcountry ski backpacks hit the market - from big brands and new up-and-comers alike. Some, like Cody Townsend’s Hyperlite Crux 40L , are created with help from pro backcountry athletes. Many have great designs. But I feel confident calling the Raide Research LF 40L the most fully featured and studiously designed backcountry ski pack currently out there.

And it comes at a relatively affordable price point ($400) compared to many competing packs. That’s something that Siegel said he intends to continue, no matter how big his brand gets. He said he’d even drop the price point if Raide Research reached a large enough scale.

Once you get your hands on a Raide LF 40L ski pack, it’s easy to tell why pro athletes like Jim Ryan and professional IFMGA guides like Evan Stevens, Raide’s first ambassador, are so excited about the pack. It includes many of the best features from other ski packs and adds a few that I haven’t seen anywhere else.

I do my best to avoid certain overused, cliché words and phrases like “groundbreaking” when I’m writing reviews like this. But in the case of the Raide LF 40L, I think that term is justified. This pack sits on the bleeding edge of the future of backcountry ski gear. I cannot wait to see what else Raide Research comes out in the seasons to come.

Reckless 40L

We designed the Reckless 40L system for off-road riding, minimalist camping trips, Baja-style hotel-hopping, and loaded day rides.

Reckless 40L (V4.0)

Mosko Moto Rackless System Onyx/Orange - Preorder / TWO AUX POX (Standard) Reckless 40L (V4.0)

The Reckless 40L is a rackless luggage system that easily mounts on almost any motorcycle. We designed this bag for long day trips, motel-hopping, and minimalist camping off your bike. The Reckless 40L is 100% waterproof, with five separate removable welded-seam drybags that slide/strap into a protective outer harness.  (Onyx/Orange and Black are available for preorder with expected delivery in May 2024. If you’re ordering in-stock and preorder items and need your in-stock ones right away, please place two separate orders or all items will ship with the preorder.)

Updates to Version 4.0

  • CURV® composite harness
  • Gnoblin compatible
  • Stinger 22L compatible 
  • 4L Aux Pox compatible
  • Two-directional Molle panels on beavertail & leg holsters
  • Two settings for leg strap location
  • Low-profile cam buckles

The Reckless 40 V4.0 offers a stiffer, more durable, and lighter-weight design featuring CURV® composite harness material. The stiffness of the CURV® material significantly reduces movement of the bag, adding more stability for technical off-road riding. CURV® has a unique high-impact strength that will not fatigue or crack, even when riding on very hot days or in freezing temperatures. The new design of the harness is 0.5lb / 0.25kg lighter than our previous V3.0 harness.

Additional updates include multi-directional Molle on the beavertail and leg holsters, two settings for leg strap mounting, low-profile non-slip cam buckles, and optimized integration for the optional  Gnoblin  rear mounting accessory. The R40 is also now built with 100% recycled 1680D Ballistic nylon, eco-friendly PVC backing, and UV treatment.

The Reckless 40 includes three 100% waterproof roll-top dry bags that can be easily accessed throughout the day. The side dry bags have clear panels on the front, so you can tell which bag has what you need. They also have webbing handles at the bottom so that they can be pulled into the holster from the bottom.

The Stinger 8L tail bag includes stashable backpack straps in case you want to go for a day hike or run into town for errands. It also has four sewn-on connection straps, making it easily rigged as a standalone tail bag. To increase the capacity of your Reckless 40, you can replace the Stinger 8L Tail Bag with a Stinger 22L Tail Bag .

The Reckless 40's removable beavertail is a great spot to tuck a motorcycle jacket when it’s not in use or to store wet or dirty things - like a tent fly, towel, or campsite garbage. The beavertail is removable and can be rotated to run either parallel or perpendicular to the bike. On the top of the beavertail and front of the leg holsters, there is two-directional MOLLE panels so you can customize the harness with various MOLLE accessories.

The Reckless 40 includes one  Cleat Kit , which can be bolted to the bike's rear fender, providing a convenient lash point for the rear connection straps. We recommend adding the optional Gnoblin rear mounting accessory for rock-solid attachment and easy on-off functionality.

  • Two-directional Molle on beavertail & leg holsters
  • Aux Pox 4L compatible
  • Low-profile cam buckles on leg straps
  • Stinger 8 works great as a standalone tail bag – built-in connection straps!
  • Bomber hypalon armor panels – protection where you need it most
  • Three-piece design with adjustable width settings
  • Removable & rotatable beavertail
  • Two optional Aux Pox rear pockets – perfect for fuel or water storage
  • Removable connection straps for field repair after a crash
  • Two side compression straps
  • Reckless 40L harness
  • Two 14L dry bags
  • Stinger 8L tail bag
  • Heat Shield with hose clamp
  • Hardware pack (6 t-nuts, screws, washers + Loctite + Allen key)
  • Cleat kit for mounting
  • Exhaust heat damage is not covered under warranty. Please use the included heat shield and follow the installation instructions carefully.
  • On dual-exhaust bikes or bikes with especially high/exposed pipes, you will need a second heat shield, available for purchase in our website's Hardware & Parts section.
  • Contact between soft luggage (no matter how soft) and your bike's plastics or painted surfaces will cause cosmetic wear to the bike over time because accumulated dirt is abrasive. If that is important, try applying a clear protective film (like  Allstar Performance Tape or  3M Polymask Protective Tape ) to your bike.
  • Different bikes and installation approaches present different wear points to the Reckless 40 harness. After installation, go for a short test ride, then check for wear points. Adjust the harness position, file down sharp rack edges, or apply a sacrificial wear patch as needed. Continue to check for high-wear points over time, but remember that the harness is made to take a lot of abuse. Some visible wear is normal, and in no way does it affect the strength or waterproofness of the luggage.

The Reckless 40L is designed to fit a wide variety of motorcycles – from small enduro-style bikes up to larger adventure bikes. 

  • View Assembly Instructions PDF
  • View Harness Dimensions PDF
  • We recommend adding the optional Gnoblin  rear mounting accessory for rock-solid attachment & easy on-off functionality.

forclaz backpack travel 100 40l review

PRODUCT VIDEOS

forclaz backpack travel 100 40l review

Product Overview

forclaz backpack travel 100 40l review

Quick CLIPS

Key features, the 2 bag system.

Tough bag on the outside, dry bag on the inside. The outer bag is engineered to resist punctures, abrasion, and tears. The 100% waterproof inner drybag is constructed of 22oz 840D TPU with welded seams, keeping water out and your stuff bone dry.

forclaz backpack travel 100 40l review

Infinite Expandability

Hypalon MOLLE panels allow you to customize and configure your Reckless system exactly the way you want it. MOLLE accessory pouches enable you to expand the capacity of your panniers for things like fuel bottles or a hydration reservoir. The expandable rear Beavertail creates a convenient spot to tuck a motorcycle jacket or store wet things you don't want inside your dry bag.

forclaz backpack travel 100 40l review

Compatible With Most Bikes

The R40 doesn't require pannier racks and offers two-width settings – narrow and wide – allowing it to fit small enduros up to larger ADV bikes. Making it an excellent choice for fly-to-ride trips or riders who own multiple bikes.

forclaz backpack travel 100 40l review

DRY BAG CAPACITIES

  • One 8L Stinger Tail Bag
  • Two 14L Leg Bags (28L Total)
  • Two 4L Aux Pox Auxiliary Pocket (8L Total)

POSSIBLE CONFIGURATIONS  

Ultralight:  28L - 6.85lbs / 3.1kg

  • No Stinger 8L Tail Bag
  • Two 14L Leg Bags
  • Beavertail Removed

Minimalist:  36L - 9.15lbs / 4.1kg

  • One Stinger 8L Tail Bag

  • Two 14L Leg Bags


Standard:  44L - 11.65lbs / 5.2kg

  • Two 4L Aux Pox

Extra:  58L - 12.3lbs / 5.5kg

  • One Stinger 22L Tail Bag


Harness Materials

  • CURV® Composite harness
  • 100% recycled 1680D Ballistic Nylon with eco-friendly PVC backing and UV treatment
  • Hypalon armor panels - protection where you need it most
  • Leg holsters wrapped behind harness and riveted, to eliminate seam failures
  • Harness constructed with internal PE stiffener to prevent flopping
  • Aluminum stiffener supports built into each leg of harness adding lateral rigidity
  • EVA foam pad on underside of harness reduces chafe to the luggage and the bike
  • Reflective logos and material on each leg

Dry Bag Materials

  • 100% waterproof durable 840D TPU with welded seams

Exhaust Heat Shield Materials

  • Laser-cut anodized aluminum

Visit our Help Center for Product Care info.

We never cut corners during development or manufacturing, so we stand behind our products. If one fails due to a problem with materials or workmanship, we’ll make it right. All Mosko Moto products include:

Limited Lifetime Warranty

'Limited' means it does not cover:

  • wear & tear
  • neglect/misuse/abuse
  • sun degradation
  • modification and/or use for a purpose other than what the item was designed for

Crash Care Program

  • 2 Year One-Time Repair or Discounted-Replacement Guarantee
  • 5 Year Accident Repair or Discounted-Replacement Guarantee

Replacement Subcomponents

  • Stinger 8L Tailbag
  • Dry  Bags
  • Heat Shield
  • Hardware Pack

Highly Recommended Accessory Products

  • The Gnoblin
  • Stinger 22L
  • First Aid Kit
  • Pinner Tool Roll

Customer Reviews

Quality that you pay for

After using and abusing the Reckless 10 for years off roaring I am looking forward to explore carrying my stuff in the 40! Top products, design by bikers for bikers, quality and durability at its best. Customer support (Paolo) going the extra mile to help and fulfil orders all over the Globe. Thank you chaps, will tag you on social media!

The very best in off road luggage.

Let me start by saying that I really like my R40. The quality of the product is great. It is easy to mount and durable. I use the R40 on both my bikes (see pictures). In looking through these reviews I felt bad giving the R40 only 4 stars but its not perfect. There are really only two issues. First, the general size of the bags is great for short trips. But for camping gear (or even my MAC laptop) the stinger 8 is not large enough. I supplement the setup with either a 16 L Giant Loop dry bag, or more recently the Stinger 22. This combination is excellent and both bags fit well under the beaver tail. The second issue is the side bags - they are a big difficult to get into the holsters. Not a deal breaker but I find the fit too snug most times. Takes a bit of work to get them in. Overall, I highly recommend this product and I'm very happy with it.

Pros: durable - great quality Beaver tail is great for adding bigger tail bags, or just stashing a jacket Looks amazing

Cons: Setup is heavier than it looks. So a few extra pounds than I'd like Tight side bags Stinger 8 is a bit small but nice to have as a solo bag for short rides (fits tools, water etc.)

User picture

Warranty and Crash Replacement

We never cut corners during development or manufacturing, so we stand behind our products. If one fails due to a problem with materials or workmanship, we’ll make it right.

We offer an industry-leading limited lifetime warranty on all our sewn seam bags, and a two year warranty on welded seam bags. Contact us for discounted crash replacement pricing.

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  16. The Ski Pack Your Backcountry Guide Wants: Raide Research LF 40L Review

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