GIVI X-Stream XS317 rucksack | £108.25 | www.givi.co.uk / 01327 706220 | Tested by Carli Ann Smith
With a 30-litre capacity, there’s plenty of room in the X-Stream – I often carry 10kg in it and haven’t suffered, thanks to the padded shoulder straps and two compression straps which spread the weight no matter how tightly it’s packed.
Zips are good quality and secure, featuring ‘safety locks’ to enable you to put a slim carabiner or even padlock through.
Inside the main compartment are three handy inner net pockets – one long rectangular one at the front, which is useful for storing your phone, and two on either side for bottles of water or extra base layers.
It’s worn well, and when it gets grubby simply wipe it with a damp cloth and it looks brand new. The material has been treated to prevent fading from the sun and there are two reflective stripes on the bag and shoulder straps.
There’s an integrated helmet holder that comes out from the bottom of the backpack to carry your lid when you’re off the bike, and a padded 15” laptop pocket.
A fluoro yellow rain cover zips out of the top of this bag too – if you’re anything like me, you’ll be happy it’s integrated as separate rain covers always seem to get lost…
At just over £100, the X-Stream isn’t the cheapest option out there, however with its large carrying capacity, ergonomic straps and good attention to detail, I feel it’s a price worth paying for a versatile, comfortable and stylish looking rucksack that’ll last.
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