Comments on: Back to Back – How the New Fixed Backpack Measures Up

By: Dave Wyman

Dave Wyman — Tue, 19 May 2009 18:47:07 +0000

What a terrific review of the pack. As always, great photographs (and you’ve given me some ideas on improving my own photography). I’ve enjoyed your various posts about Rapha, as well as your blog in general.

Although I’ve been aware of Rapha for a year or so, I’ve only recently received my first couple of Rapha items – the Country Jersey and cap – and have just ordered a Club Jersey. I look forward to continued reviews of Rapha gear from you.

By: Greg

Greg — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 05:18:31 +0000

Great review, love the use of the Stowaways to differentiate the two packs. Thanks for all the additional pictures, a nice supplement to those on the Rapha site.

By: Josh

Josh — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 22:02:25 +0000

Thanks for the review

Now I just need to come up with some money…

By: Velodramatic

Velodramatic — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:42:44 +0000

I’m on it lad. I’m laid up at home just now with a terrible cold, and keeping tabs on the office. Promise it will be up by tonight, so you can take a break from refreshing for a few hours. I’ll email you when it drops.

By: willy in pacifica

willy in pacifica — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:24:14 +0000

Hey, where are the pictures?

I have been refreshing every 5 minutes. You’re killing me : )

willy in pacifica

By: Velodramatic

Velodramatic — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 04:43:58 +0000

Synergy,

I checked the shades pouch and it does seem a bit bigger. I can fit my Oakley Radars (pitch model) inside the pouch of either backpack. The new pouch definitely zips more easily.
The two repositioned exterior pockets are still useful, it’s just they can’t be accessed with the one-shoulder pivot move of the original. I think the rationale for moving them is probably to make the bottom of inside main compartment completely usable, which it now is.

By: Synergy

Synergy — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 22:31:07 +0000

Hmm…the omission of the very useful side pockets could be a deal- breaker for moi.
Does the Large have the internal shades pouch ala original? If so, I hope they made it a tad bigger as it was only really suitable for a spare lens,rather than a pair of curvy M Frames complete..Almost as if someone designed it in the office but didn’t get round to testing the prototypes…I did mention this whilst picking up some goodies at Perren St ,hope someone listened.

Like yourself, I am a big fan of the original [notwithstanding a subtle tweak or two for a future variant, perhaps] The personal luggage of choice when stocking up on a couple of bottles of red when nearing home at the end of a Sunday afternoon tempo ride.Both sandwiched between the Stowaway,of course.

By: Velodramatic

Velodramatic — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:11:19 +0000

Haven’t come across them in person, though I think I’ve seen them online. The ones I ride with just happened to be kicking around the house. Thanks for the tip.

By: MikeonHisBike

MikeonHisBike — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:09:07 +0000

Have you thought of trying action wipes instead of baby wipes. They smell and work a lot better for bike commuting. Just a thought. I really like them.

By: Velodramatic

Velodramatic — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:02:34 +0000

Go get it!