Moto-Detail Waterproof Rucksack review | This rucksack hits almost all its marks

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Having been caught in a few rain showers on my way to the office with my old bag, I needed to get myself a waterproof motorcycle backpack to protect my laptop from the elements. The Moto-Detail rucksack looked like a good option with a 26-litre capacity and waterproof roll top design.

Is the Moto-Detail Backpack comfortable?

Thanks to the padded back and adjustable shoulder, waist and chest straps, the Moto-Detail rucksack is comfortable to carry on your back, even when it’s full. The shoulder straps could benefit from a little more padding for added comfort but they are adequate and wide enough to spread the load of the bag.

The mesh padding on the back allows for some air to flow through so you don’t get a hot back where it sits against you. This panel also helps to soften the weight that sits on your back. The chest straps can be adjusted up and down along a sort of runner system, which allowed me to get them to sit nicely across my chest, helping to take the weight through my torso, rather than it falling entirely on my shoulders. Initially the chest strap felt as though it was trying to choke me in the standard position, but after I realised this could be adjusted, it was much more comfortable.

Is the Moto-Detail Backpack practical?

The 26-litre capacity provides plenty of space for a day’s worth of stuff, I can easily carry my laptop with accessories, a change of clothes, shoes and a fairly large water bottle in the main compartment. The front zipped pocket is handy for carrying my disc lock in while I’m riding and the side net pockets allow space for a few other smaller items to be kept to hand. The only thing I think is missing from this bag is a pocket or compartment inside to separate my laptop from all of my other bits.

So far it has proven to be entirely waterproof, never once have I arrived to the office with a damp change of clothes and the roll top system is easy to open and close with the clips. Moto-Detail claim that it can be mounted to the bike like a tailpack, however I have not tried to fit it to my Suzuki SV650S yet.

Does the Moto-Detail Backpack look good?

Okay, so this bag is not going to be winning any beauty contests, it’s quite plain and blocky with a focus on purpose over appearance. Some sort of design across the front would have been nice but it does what it needs to.

What’s the quality like?

The material used feels robust and hardwearing and has shown no wear and tear so far, all stitching and seams remain strong and the zipper still works perfectly as do all the clips and adjusters.

How about value for money?

At less than £60 it’s definitely great value for your money, it’s well made and has plenty of space. Something like the Oxford Aqua V20 is similar in price and design to the Moto-Detail or the Shad SW45 rucksack has a 40L capacity but is almost £130. Right down at the cheapest end is the Qbag waterproof backpack is up to 30L capacity and a very reasonable £22 with a similar design.

So what’s the verdict?

From a practical point of view, this rucksack hits almost all marks: it’s well made, waterproof and can carry everything I need for a day in the office. An ideal commuter’s bag. Price wise, it’s very reasonable and it’s fairly comfortable to wear, even when fully laden. It’s perfect for what I need when used with a good laptop pouch. I will definitely continue to use this bag thanks to the peace of mind that the contents are safe from the weather.  

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