About a month ago, I bought a new backpack that was primarily intended for cycling. Those who know me know that I love gear that can be used for multiple purposes. In this case, it is indeed a cycling backpack, but it is absolutely no problem to use it for one or two-day hiking trips. Now I'm probably all over it, but I managed to buy this backpack for CZK 960, even though its standard price is around CZK 1500. . However, I would pay even the 1500 for it, because it is definitely worth it. I'll tell you why right now.
Basic description of the R2 Trail Star 12L backpack
R2 is my favorite company and they make a lot of stuff that I use for both cycling and hiking. After the helmet, it was time for the backpack. I was a little worried size 12 liters, but upon delivery from the online store, I couldn't believe my eyes, because the R2 Backpack 12l seemed as big and roomy as my original one from the "No name" sports house with a volume of 20 liters. The definition on the internet was that it is spacious and has a ventilation system for venting, with a helmet mount and such. Everyone knows it, full of commercial bullshit, but only when I saw a lot of side pockets, a nice compartment for tools, mobile phone and other small things, I grunted with happiness.
Practical use of the R2 backpack
As I mentioned above, I like multipurpose things. I'm a backpacker used on the bike and in rather unfavorable conditions. It was still raining or I went out and caught a few showers. However, the backpack also includes a raincoat, which I used later. Unfortunately later, in the meantime, I got the backpack covered in mud and mud, and hand washing is not my hobby . I cycled around 200 km with a backpack and climbed over 2500 meters. In the meantime, I also completed two one-day courses walking tours - a total of 30 km. I think that was enough as a test.
The main characteristics of the backpack
- volume 12 l
- part of the backpack is also a raincoat
- contains reflective elements
- lumbar and chest belt of course
- compartment for a water bag
- a water bag must be purchased
- helmet mount
- sufficient number of side pockets (2x on the waist belt, 2x side with a fastener, and one smaller front
The backpack stays on the back in every position..
Final evaluation of the backpack
I think this information is more than enough, so I will move on to the general evaluation of the backpack. Of course, you can't ask such a backpack to fulfill all the functions for a universal tourist or a lover of outdoor activities in general . But for comparison, we bought my wife a "more branded backpack" from Osprey for less than 3.000.-, which is 2x more than my R2 and a comparable volume, but without a raincoat, which really pissed me off.
The benefits of a backpack
- lots of compartments (including pockets for tools + carabiner for keys)
- practical use both for cycling and hiking
- water repellency (drizzle resistant)
- raincoat as basic equipment
- very good price-performance ratio
- compartment for a water bag (I use it for a thinner jacket )
- reflective elements, which are also suitable for hiking
Disadvantages of a backpack
- hand wash only
- the waist belt loosens slightly and sometimes I have to tighten it
As I wrote at the beginning. I managed to buy it for less than CZK 1000, but even for the average price of CZK 1500, it is definitely worth it. Here I am attaching a link for comparison and other specifications that I didn't have time to talk about...
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