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Osprey Transporter Roll bag review

Comfort and plenty of features in a smart-looking package

Our rating

4.5

125.00
95.00
170.00

Russell Burton / Immediate Media

Published: April 1, 2021 at 5:00 am

Our review
Winning combination of commuting comfort and practical features

Pros:

Comfort and practical layout

Cons:

Not waterproof

Osprey's Transporter Roll is an urban-style pack (there’s a camo colour option), but its rugged details make it very bike-friendly.

Made from a tough, water-resistant 400 denier fabric with a double-TPU (a rubber-like material) finish, it has a large main compartment with an organiser section, plus a padded laptop sleeve, tablet/documents holder and drop-in mesh pockets for small items.

Two exterior side pockets are big enough for bottles. The back has a V-shaped wide padded section, the padded shoulder straps are mesh-lined and it has a chest strap and removable waist belt.

This pack hits the sweet spot between having enough organised space for efficiency but sufficient remaining free capacity for the chuckers-in among us. At 25 litres, it met my everyday needs with space to spare, and the contents don’t shift around. It also free-stands upright – a bonus when packing.

I like the roll-top design because it allowed me to modulate capacity, and the wide webbing strap and metal slide buckle close it securely.

The features offer everything you need and nothing you don’t – except perhaps full waterproof capability. But what makes this stand out is its riding comfort – Osprey’s technical pack heritage is evident.

The back panel is secure but flexes with you, and there’s enough plush comfort without making you too hot. The shoulder straps, which felt wide in terms of position when I first tried it on, are incredibly comfortable on the move, whatever the load.

That material may be rugged in construction, but looks more town than trail and wipes clean. The usability of this pack alone would score it highly, as would the comfort. Together they make it a winner. Plus it’s backed by Osprey’s excellent guarantee. Fox Transition Duffle Bag

How we tested

Commuting on your bike can be more pleasant with the right backpack, but the wrong one could be an expensive mistake.

We've reviewed a wide range of commuter bags, from bike-specific packs to more versatile luggage hybrids, to help you decide which is best for your needs.

Regardless of bike size, we packed exactly the same kit for testing: a laptop, a packing cube with a change of work clothes, a shoe bag and a tool roll.

Also on test

  • Altura Grid Backpack
  • Brooks Dalston Tex Nylon
  • Chrome Barrage Cargo 22X
  • dhb Waterproof Rucksack
  • Fox Transition Duffle Bag
  • Ortlieb Atrack CR Urban
  • Oxford Aqua V20 Backpack
  • Rapha Roll Top Backpack
  • Vaude ExCycling Pack

Product

Brandosprey
Price170.00 AUD,95.00 GBP,125.00 USD
Weight938.0000, GRAM () -

Features

br_capacity25.0000
br_capacityLITER
FeaturesLaptop sleeve: Yes
Fully waterproof: No
Light Clip: Yes