Crankbrothers Gutter backpack

The Crankbrothers Gutter urban backpack is sturdy, waterproof and big enough for all your round-town needs, but its beefy construction makes it a bit awkward to carry on a bike.

Finding the ideal bag or pack for commuting is no easy feat. Too small and you run into obvious difficulties, too big and the temptation to pack more than you need or feel like you're wearing a sail is difficult to resist.

Crankbrothers are better known for their funky, well made parts. Latterly they have expanded their luggage range to cover saddle, messenger, duffel and hydration packs. This version of a back pack, the Gutter, is pretty much a one pack does it all offering.

It has a capacity of 31 litres, enough for most commuting requirements. If you need to carry a laptop it has space for that too. There is a 17in side pocket which will engulf most of today's portable computers. You have an external pocket for your bottle, a ventilated back and topped off with a roll top closure.

If that wasn't enough, once you've closed the roll top with its velcro flap there is another flap that covers the bag and can be secured with two clasps. On the outside of this you get another zipped pocket. That covers off everything you possibly need to carry on any journey, bar the kitchen sink.

The gutter is made from TPU coated nylon and polyester. It has a bonus in the shape of a five-year warranty. Not bad.

The downside is the material used and the solid construction make for a heavy finish. There's no doubting the quality of the bag and it keeps the rain out, vital if you're carrying electricals. With a laptop safely stashed there is still plenty of room for everyday essentials, whether that's clothes, lunch or both.

Despite a full load the harness does a good job of distributing the weight so when you have the gutter in situ you don't feel like a turtle struggling to right yourself. You have two clasps to secure the pack in place which are easy to adjust.

The only let down is that the pocket for the laptop has a thick padded section to protect both your back and cargo but this makes for a very stiff fit. Noticeably so when you move around with the pack on your back and leaves you feeling uncomfortable. It makes the Gutter pack very bulky and rigid which isn't the best feeling if you have a sizeable commute/journey to make.

Verdict

The Crankbrothers Gutter pack is a sizeable transporter, equipped to carry all your working essentials and keep them safe and dry. The downside to all this portability is to carry your goods without risk, the pack is rigid and feels less than comfy.