GIVI Waterproof Backpack: The ideal travel rucksack?
GIVI Waterproof Backpack: The ideal travel rucksack?
- Julian
- April 22, 2019
- 9:30 am
- No Comments
SENSIBLE DESIGN
So what’s the squawk on the GIVI Waterproof backpack? Well the bag is part of GIVI’s Gravel T range of super-tough luggage to take any terrain you can throw at it. The GRT 701 is a 25 litre capacity bag manufactured from a tough, flexible and waterproof synthetic fabric, with all seams welded rather than sewn.
The top closes with a velco strip and then a roll-top with a clip fastener, and then another securing velcro strap that goes over the top. The shoulder straps are fully padded with EVA and ventilated, with adjusters for size and a chest strap to keep them in place when riding.
The same padding extends into a large ventilated back pad. There is an adjustable waist strap with the same clip fastener, which like the chest strap is easy to operate even with thick winter gloves on.
To finish the outside, there’s a reflective strip and a mesh pocket on the side which will easily take a 500ml drinks bottle and a Pepperami!
TOTALLY WATERPROOF
With the simple design, tough material and one aperture, the GIVI Waterproof backpack does a great job of keeping all your kit completely dry in the worst of conditions. In fact when you roll the top down, you have to let the air out before rolling otherwise it stays inflated like a pillow. We rode on the road in appalling weather conditions and not a drop of water made it’s way into the bag. That’s pretty much all you need from a waterproof bag!
ON THE TRAILS
But to fully test the GIVI Waterproof backpack, we used it on our a recent trip across the north of England, riding the Trans Euro Trail. With the tools and bulky stuff secured in a tailpack on the back of the trusty KTM EXC250 to avoid weight on the rider, the backpack was loaded up with spare gloves and goggles, clothes, underwear and overnight kit – all the stuff you want to keep dry.
Over 560 miles later, the bag had done everything we wanted, keeping out some truly foul weather, mud, dust and road grime for the entire trip. The capacity of the bag was ideal, as it’s not too big to risk overloading, but big enough to allow a good amount of kit and adventure essentials.
As it was particularly cold, we were wearing multiple layers and a thick adventure jacket with secondary jacket over the top on occasions, so the waist strap was not used as it proved too tight. In summer this would not prove an issue but the wide shoulder straps and chest strap kept the GIVI Waterproof backpack in place for the whole journey.
APPEARANCE
DURABILITY
The GIVI Waterproof backpack is well designed and plain – it’s a no-frill bag that does what it’s made for. But is it beautiful – no because it’s not meant to be!
The GIVI is nicely constructed with welded seams and tough buckles. The shoulder are well attached, but don’t put too much strain on the bottom strap points!
COMFORT
VALUE
Having worn the GIVI Waterproof backpack for three days solid, we can confirm that it’s very comfortable to wear and almost unnoticeable if you don’t overload it.
At £65 the GIVI is not cheap, but for the quality you get, then we reckon it’s great value for a bag that will keep your kit completely dry for an entire trip.
RIDE EXPEDITIONS RATING - GIVI WATERPROOF BACKPACK
With motorcycle luggage, you don’t always get what you pay for. But in the case of the GIVI Waterproof backpack, you certainly do – it’s well designed, durable and is as waterproof as the makers claim – we reckon you could probably fully immerse it if you fell on a river crossing, and your clothing and kit would still be dryer than a Pharoh’s flip flop. If you are traveling big distance or just commuting then that’s got to be a good thing.
And if you need more waterproof luggage, there’s a whole range of similar kit from GIVI, from roll bags to tailpacks – check it out here.
LOOKING FOR A BIG ADVENTURE?
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