Road Runner Roll Top Backpack, $150 (Small)

When we write about products that we use and like, I hasten to call them “reviews”. We obviously like these item and our brand partners, so to call these a subjective review is misleading. Its more of a description, how we use the bag, and what we like about it.

I think there’s alot of blurry bull$hit in the cycling industry when magazines and websites do “reviews”. When is the last time you saw a critical review of a bike or bike gear?. The editorial departments and the advertising departments of these media entities work hand in hand, and they certainly aren’t going to review an item poorly if that brand advertises with them. One hand washes the other.

OK, back to this great series of bags from Road Runner.

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The Bag

“Don't let its name fool you, the Small Roll Top expands to 23L in volume but can easily pack down to a 12L bag. Use as a daily commuter, grocery-getter or as a full day-pack”, www.roadrunnerbags.us

I was lucky enough to take the Small Roll-Top Backpack on a 4 day trip to Florida. The Small is a 23 Liter bag (Maximum unrolled while water resistant size: 18L. Fully unrolled liter size: 21.5L. Maximum rolled size: 18L (height: 17") . Its nice that Road Runner makes these clear delineations between the different volumes of their bags in different configurations.

I travel light, and the Small Roll Top was a perfect companion. Laptop and chargers, swimsuit, some shirts, socks, shorts, toiletry bag and I’m good to go.

Because when you pack a bag, you have to take this picture

The Pockets

The best part about any backpack…the pockets! This bag has 2 front pockets that are thin in depth, and I found them perfect to hold my travel documents and personal travel items (keys/wallet). The main pocket is lined with orange 18 oz vinyl. Super heavy duty and fully water resistant .

The Straps

The 2 shoulder straps are sturdy, adjustable, and attached solidly to the bag. For a “husky” guy like me, I had the straps extended to their limit. For most folks, this wont be an issue. The top Roll Top clasp is very beefy and satisfying to snap shut

Little Touches and Extras

This bag is obviously well made with care. On such a small bag, there are some nice quality touches

Listed Features

•Tapered Padded Shoulder Straps for maximum comfort.
•Adjustable Chest Strap to aid in on-the-fly adjustments.
•YKK Zip Front Pocket System for key necessities.
•YKK Zip Document Pocket located directly above the front pocket.
•Fully Water Resistant Roll Top Closure to keep gear safe and dry.
•Light Loop for attaching an extra light.
•2" Closure Strap for holding items on top of a full load.
•Padded Back for maximum comfort.
•Reflective Tongue made of Silver 3M, to stay seen and safe on the road.
•Vented Mesh Back for comfort and to reduce sweating.
•Padded Laptop Sleeve divider inside of the vinyl liner.
•Carrying Handle to aid in its off the back transport

This product, like all of our products, is 100% vegan and crafted with the finest USA made materials and hardware. No animals were harmed during the making of this bag.

Materials

Made from a 1000D Cordura Shell with Nylon webbing. The shoulder straps are made from Cordura/Mesh and closed cell foam.
The liner is a “floating liner” and is made from orange 18 oz vinyl. Super heavy duty and fully water resistant.

Additional Info

Rolled down height: 14", max unrolled height: 25"
Width: 10.5", Depth 5"
Liters: Maximum unrolled while water resistant size: 18L (height: 21")
Fully unrolled liter size: 21.5L (height: 25")
Maximum rolled size: 18L (height: 17")

Other Sizes and Pricing

The small retails for $150, the medium for $195 and the large for $230. See all of Road Runner’s backpacks here. As always, available to purchase at the Bike Bag Market.

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