The FIFTEEN II backpack is a large-capacity pack that’s built to carry everything you need for a full day’s riding. It’s big, simple and well thought-out, but there’s not much in the way of airflow to your back, and it doesn’t come with a bladder.

Made from 10% nylon and 90% polyester, the FIFTEEN II is capable of carrying 15 litres worth of kit. Pockets aren’t as plentiful as other bags out there but that’s part of the FIFTEEN II’s charm. What you do get though is a vast main pocket, then two outer pockets that are ideal for phones and smaller items.

Inside the main compartment, you get a few netted pockets that are perfect for tubes, tools, and pumps, and then a space designed for a hydration bladder that’s unfortunately not included. Given the size and price, however, it’s not a huge downside.

2020 Merida FIFTEEN II backpack open.jpg
2020 Merida FIFTEEN II backpack open (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

On the outside of the bag are a couple of helmet hooks, which work really well. They’re big and it’s easy to slip your helmet straps in. The hooks are removable too.

2020 Merida FIFTEEN II backpack interior.jpg
2020 Merida FIFTEEN II backpack interior (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

To keep the bag where it should be, it has buckles at the waist and chest. There are also buckles and straps that cinch the back down, so if you’re not filling it to the brim it can be compacted to something a little less flappy and rattling. Great if you only want one bag for all rides.

2020 Merida FIFTEEN II backpack  helmet hook.jpg
2020 Merida FIFTEEN II backpack helmet hook (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

While the FIFTEEN II is big and built reasonably well for the money, there’s not much going on to help you avoid nasty great sweat patches. It would be good to see perforations in the straps and a revised airflow system at the base of the pack, just to keep things a little bit comfier. It can get pretty hot.

2020 Merida FIFTEEN II backpack  bottom.jpg
2020 Merida FIFTEEN II backpack bottom (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

The main straps could do with a design tweak to stop the slightly annoying squeak you get if you do run a reservoir, too; the strap tends to rub on the drinks tube.

2020 Merida FIFTEEN II backpack base:back.jpg
2020 Merida FIFTEEN II backpack base:back (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Merida’s FIFTEEN II backpack makes a great second-choice bag for long days or even as a commuter bag, and the price is reasonable. If you’re planning serious rides with this as your only pack, however, the basic and rather hot rear panel could well be an issue.

You might also like:

Test report Merida FIFTEEN II backpack review £50.00

Bags

All the deals displayed on our review pages are pulled from a constantly updating database feed of the best affiliate deals available. The criteria for deciding on what are the best deals is who is offering the lowest, delivered price. In most cases we will be showing the very best deal available online, but sometimes you may be able to find an item cheaper. If you can please feel free to post a link in the comments box below. To find out more about affiliate links on road.cc click here.