Rotsoord 25+5

I've used this backpack for roughly a year now for commuting in Ireland (Yes its very rain resostant) My commute is small 8km with a decent climb but sometimes extend it to 20km particularly on my way home. I pack it with my laptop change of close a pump and deodorant. 2x mobile phones keys badges. I can hang my helmet and glasses on ot. I've even put my size 10 (44 eu size) safety boots in it) It's terrific at keeping my back dry even when I push on the bike and ive used it on longer rides a couple of times 70-100km including 2000m of climbs where its remained comfortable. It is more comute orientated though and if I needed a bag for touring Id probobly get another Deuter bag designed for that purpose. As a comuter backpack when you need to bring a laptop and change of clothes it'd terrific. There's a place for everything and it's very well laid out. It it was stolen in the morning I'd replace it with the same.

This is a good pack for general use and short commutes however, there are a few flaws that don't give the bag a full 5-star rating. Starting with the good, it is nice and spacious with a nice bucket-style opening. there are some nice dividers inside to help organise your items. an odd feature is the front zip which allows you to expand the bag a little and has a separated/isolated storage compartment (ideally to store a pair of shoes). there is also a stretch mesh pouch at the front that I normally throw my sweaty gym clothes into (it is not inside the bag and therefore, exposed to the open air). the bag is comfortable to carry and has a nice secure fit when cycling or on general day-to-day excursions. It also has a nice feature to tuck away the waist straps if you don't want to use them or make the bag look tidier. the build and feel of the bag feel sturdy and the material reminds me of a tough denim-like texture which gives me confidence in the longevity. the bag has a flat frame on the back which keeps the bag upright shape even when emptied. as stated, there are some flaws which hold it back from being a great backpack and I think they are fairly easy fixes for the next iteration/have a separate internal side pocket which would be nice). the top pouch is unnecessarily small which I think could have been closer to the full size of the lid. the side pocket pouch which is designed to fit a phone is too small to fit large phones and would be better suited for keys (it's also a tight fit, and needs to be a bit larger again)! Smaller flaws in my opinion are the size of the bag handle by the lid of the bag is extremely tight and practically impossible to use unless your fingers are smaller than paper. I hope Deuter takes this opinion into account for the next version as it's overall a great pack that I would recommend.