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Bagaboo Ransel
March 9, 2010
The Ransel is the newest creation from Bagaboo, and with this one I put it through it's paces. Our usual 2-4 week review just doesn't cut it when we are talking about a bag made for the rigors of daily life on the bike, so we took this one through months of abuse. The Ransel is the first 2 shoulder bag that Bagaboo has produced and is a welcome addition to the line up.
To start off the fact that this is a 2 shoulder, regular back pack, is very refreshing. I have tried countless messenger bags over the years and few companies really know how to do it right. Bagaboo is one of the few who does it right, and probably the best on the market, but a 2 shoulder design just seems nicer sometimes. The weight of the bag just feels nicer with 2 straps especially when off the bike.
The Ransel has one huge main compartment as well as a smaller zipped compartment and 2 inner and 2 outer small pockets. It all adds up to a nice selection of storage for small and large gear. The inside is completely water proof and lined with heavy duty truck tarp. The outside is heavy duty cordura. After months of daily use both the truck tarp and cordura still look almost new, even in the cold -30 temperatures here the truck tarp has not cracked.
The outside of the bag features a nicely padded back, 1 cm of foam, and two padded shoulder straps, 1.5 cm of foam. Through months of use the inside of the shoulder straps has started to show some wear. There is a new material I have not seen used in bags before used on the shoulder strap. It slides on nice and easy, but is starting to fail, and will maybe last another year. I think a switch back to cordura could be in order.
Overall the bag fits and feels great. Size wise it checks in at 40/32/44/23cm, ca. 33 litres (width on top/width on bottom/height/depth). A size I would say is suited just perfect for daily use. If you were a messenger I think it may be a bit small, at least for my liking. The Ransel tops things off with a rear reflector and light holder and as always Bagaboo is into custom work, as can we seen with the great embroidery we had done. The Ransel is a good solid bag.
Price: 150 EUR
Details: A messenger backpack for everyday life
Pros: Comfortable, water proof, and durable cordura
Cons: Inner shoulder strap material is not bomb proof
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars
Bagaboo
Reviewed by: Ryan