Altura Heritage 12L Backpack

Good looking and durable, the Altura Heritage 12L Backpack is a decent size for commuter basics and offers good protection to its contents. The fastenings on the front and chest strap might be a bit fiddly, but beyond that there's little to dislike – this is an effective and attractive pack.

Part of Altura's traditionally styled Heritage range, this canvas bag certainly looks the part, and offers a nice alternative to the endless man-made fabrics elsewhere. It's actually a 97% cotton, 3% polyester 12oz canvas, with a water-repellent wax finish that can (mostly) handle pretty heavy rain. The odd bits that do soak up water take a fair bit of drying out afterwards, though.

On the upside, it's easy to boost or refresh its water-repellency with an aftermarket reproofer. That should keep it going for years.

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The 12 litre main body closes with a zip and then rolls up for protection from rain.

Inside is a padded sleeve designed for up to 15in laptops, plus a couple of mesh pockets, a zipped organiser pocket, and a keyring. The padded straps are adjustable, and the chest strap is removable too.

I found this size spot on for a day's commute – it takes a compact change of clothes, shoes, a laptop and the inevitable bits and bobs, though doesn't leave much space for shopping on the way home. The quite narrow shaping and thick fabric keep the contents all safe and secure, too.

On the bike the fit is comfortable and stable, with no tendency to bounce around or clash with helmets, and the lack of a waist strap didn't cause any problems either.

Not so fast

I found the fastenings a bit fiddly and complicated, though. The roll-top zips up and then secures to the daisy chain that runs down the front with a hook, which gives plenty of flexibility for securing various loads, but it's vexing when wearing gloves.

Also, the lower you fold it, the more the back of the bag deforms.

I found folding slightly better than rolling, because it creates less bulk at the top, and that can interfere slightly with over-shoulder visibility – though to be fair, not too badly.

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The chest strap is also unusual. Instead of the usual central buckle, this has a series of webbing loops that the ends secure to via (please stop me if I get too technical) a plastic slidey hook thingy. It does mean it's completely removable, plus there's less chance of pinching your clothing than with a buckle, but it is a bit fiddly, particularly in long-fingered gloves.

However, the bag works just as well without the chest strap, so removal is always an option. Particularly busty female riders might find the strap to be intrusive anyway.

Value

At £50, this is very good value for money. The Merida Fifteen II Backpack is £49.99 and a bit bigger (15L) and lighter, but it is significantly less rugged and protective. The 100% Transit Backpack is a good bit more expensive at £69.99 and, again, less protective to whatever fits in (the makers don't say anything about the capacity) plus it's 200g heavier.

The Evoc Street Backpack holds more than twice as much at 25L yet is 140g lighter than the Altura, but then it's not waxed cotton – and is also £69.99.

The Vaude Isny II and the Apidura City Backpack 17L are both significantly more expensive, at £85 and £159 respectively, and although both are much larger, they otherwise don't offer very much the Altura does not.

Overall

It's hard to argue with a nice-looking, incredibly rugged and protective pack at this price. It has to be said, I'm happy to put up with the odd fastenings for the long-lasting value and style delivered here.

Verdict

Well made, rugged, protective and versatile