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review

Lomo 30L High Visibility Backpack Dry Bag

7
£29.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Effective, inexpensive waterproof rucksack for shorter distance commuting and general outdoor use
Weight: 
870g

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The Lomo 30 litre waterproof rucksack hails from Scotland, a nation renowned for its hospitality and decidedly wild weather. Aimed at motor/cycling audiences, there's a lot on offer here for outdoorsy folks generally.

It's made from old boots' tough UPVC, which is easy to clean and extremely weather resistant so should look good for many years with periodic wipe-overs; although twelve years spent riding in London etched permanent, grimy souvenirs into my waterproof panniers and messenger bag.

RF welded seams continue the impervious theme and haven't shown any signs of weakness, though habit predisposes me to pack camera equipment and other valuables in dedicated waterproof sacks.

Lomo boast that it will even float, so long as you've remembered to roll the top three times over, a claim I can vouch for having attached a spare dog-lead to the webbed strapping and taken ours for a twenty minute swim at high tide.

No surprise then that the contents have remained bone dry whether it's literally been raining dogs or blasted with a high pressure hose at point blank range for several minutes.

Bold, retro-reflective chevrons and stripes are not only prominent but proliferate both straps and base, so there's less chance of dropping under driver radar when bombing along on the drops. Blinkies will also latch securely aboard webbed sections for additional security, which might reassure those who prefer its less extrovert black version.

Thirty litres translates as a serious amount of kit; more than I'd be happy to haul further than ten miles. While this size of rider mounted luggage requires more definite over-the-shoulder checks when entering the flow of or overtaking traffic, there's been no issues with helmets catching the top when checking over one's shoulder.

Sensibly padded sections offer decent support, and reasonable airflow while the straps keep sway firmly in check, though bulkier loads will still result in some obvious sweatiness beyond five miles or so. While the cavernous compartment tempts lazy packing, resist the urge to bung everything in, and tailor the straps accordingly to avoid uncomfortable bunching.

Verdict

Effective, inexpensive waterproof rucksack for shorter distance commuting and general outdoor use

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Lomo 30L High Visibility Backpack Dry Bag

Size tested: 30L Fluo Green

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

"Our high visibility rucksack dry bags are great for keeping your gear dry and getting yourself seen at the same time. These backpacks are aimed at cyclists and motorcyclists that wish to be more easily seen by other road users"

Does exactly what it says in the blurb.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

100% roll top UPVC with welded seams and roll top closure.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
6/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Overall, I've been very impressed by its rugged, waterproof construction. Generous straps spread the loads pretty well too, although I wouldn't want to commute further than ten miles carrying a rucksack, especially one this big. However, it's great for walking and other outdoor pursuits too.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Rugged weatherproof construction and oodles of carrying capacity.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing, though while it keeps the bike's handling razor sharp in congested traffic, journeys longer than twenty minutes or so can leave one feeling uncomfortably sweaty-especially with heavier loads.

Did you enjoy using the product? For the most part.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes but as a general outdoor bag first, cycling tote second.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? In the above context, yes.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 40  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

 

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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7 comments

Avatar
gingerjulie | 9 years ago
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looks good  41

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Urban_Manc | 9 years ago
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You can of course buy waterproof hi-viz rucksack covers for under £10 that'll fit any rucksack you own  103

Avatar
matheson replied to Urban_Manc | 9 years ago
0 likes
Urban_Manc wrote:

You can of course buy waterproof hi-viz rucksack covers for under £10 that'll fit any rucksack you own  103

You can, but if you want your kit to stay dry then a dry-bag is the only choice.

Avatar
liquigaz | 9 years ago
0 likes

I used to have a Proviz for my daily commute, but the zip broke and the inner lining wore away after less than a year, so it ceased to be waterproof. After shopping around, the Lomo looked like a cheap but effective option, and ... It's exactly that! No frills, no compartments, no zips, no lights; but if you want a guaranteed waterproof backpack, look no further. I've been absolutely delighted with it.
Rugged (no marks after a spill on ice), comfortable (straps keep everything in place), bright (with great reflectives) and of course, totally waterproof. It takes my laptop, change of clothes and lunchbox with ease - and peace of mind that it'll be dry at the other end, come what may.
The very friendly people at ewetsuits.com even sent me a free tube of waterproof glue, to fix one of the chevrons, which had peeled away slightly at one corner. It was barely noticeable, and I'd only 'phoned them for advice, in case the superglue I was going to use might react with the material and ruin it!
Superb product, superb customer service, unbeatable value for your money. Did I mention that it's totally waterproof?

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gthornton101 | 9 years ago
0 likes

does it come in other sizes? 30L is a bit large for my commute.

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Choco | 9 years ago
0 likes

This looks quality, a potential nice upgrade from my Alpkit Gourdon.

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matheson | 9 years ago
0 likes

These are brilliant, been singing their praises for a while now. For VFM I would say impossible to beat. There is also a white version with a zip pouch.

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