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review

dhb Slice 30L Rucksack

7
£54.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Really well conceived rucksack for carry-all commuters and weekend warriors
Weight: 
870g
Contact: 
www.wiggle.co.uk

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Big brother to the 25 we reviewed some time ago, the dhb Slice 30-litre rucksack is for those who need a bit more space without compromising comfort or a bike's responsiveness. Kitchen sink commuters will be delighted to know it takes a 15inch laptop, change of clothes, shoes, stout lock(s), A4 folder and pretty much any bike/rider essentials you'd need for the concrete jungle or a weekend's trail blazing.

In common with its smaller siblings, construction is to a high standard from a hardy 600denier nylon/polyester mix. The sturdy LED tab is handy. The sprinkling of Scotchlite is bolstered by a neon yellow storm cover-perfect for murky mornings, adding a bit of extra weather protection into the bargain.

There's beefy elastic trellis for stowing lids, gloves, buff, footwear and similar bits you'd want segregated. Elsewhere it mirrors the 25, but on steroids - the outer tool holder manages the usual suspects plus spare folding tyre and long-handled tools. The main holds a full change of clothes plus office essentials. Incorporating zippered pockets within the waist straps keeps keys, cards, mobile phones and similar valuables to hand.

Even brimming with kit ours hasn't proved a handful under spirited acceleration, weaving around ruts, holes, stray dogs and opening car doors thanks to those intelligently padded shoulder straps. The Slice family's lower centre of gravity makes looking over the shoulder easier. But the greater bulk of the 30 litre model induces a sweaty back faster - unwelcome on longer office bound commutes.

Verdict

Really well conceived rucksack for carry-all commuters and weekend warriors.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: dhb Slice 30L Rucksack

Size tested: Black/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?

"The big brother of the dhb SLICE pack family. This fully featured 30L pack suits the rider who carries everything, everywhere!". No argument here.

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

Padded air mesh channel back system

Dual density foam harness with anatomical shape

Main Zip entry compartment

Internal sleeve for 2-Litre hydration bladder

Secondary zip compartment, with elastic straps for organization

Large centre front Velcro drop pocket

Fleece lined top zip pocket for valuables

Front elasticated storage system

Stretch mesh side pockets - with elastic loop retainers

Reflective web light loop

Reflective print details

Elasticated, adjustable chest strap

Side compression webs top and bottom

Removable mesh hip belt with pockets

YKK external zippers

600D + Nylon Ripstop fabric

Lime green rain cover

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

1370g by my scales.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

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

The Slice 30L is every bit as charming as its smaller siblings and behaves impeccably whether thundering along the trail or negotiating the concrete jungle. That said and in common with most rucksacks,things get a little sweaty after fifteen miles or so.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Quality of construction, layout and relative comfort.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

I got a sweaty back quicker than with its smaller siblings.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Possibly.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, if they regularly needed to haul large quantities of kit and disliked panniers.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 38  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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