STUBBLE & CO ROLL TOP

£105 Lightweight waterproof backpack

UK-based bag designer Stubble & Co has a new take on the classic roll-top backpack. The handmade Stubble & Co Roll Top is made differently to most. Rather than using heavyweight canvas like many of its rivals, Stubble & Co has opted for a lightweight material derived from recycled plastic.

This makes for a waterproof 20-litre pack with all the features you’ll need that weighs in at just 980g. In contrast, Chrome’s highly regarded classic roll-top, the Barrage, tips the scales not far shy of half a kilo more at 1410g. The Stubble features two large pockets on the flanks with enough stretch to fit a large water bottle (and elasticated straps for retention). Twin compression straps enable you to stabilise the bag’s load, while inside there’s a padded sleeve (with an exterior waterproof storm zip) big enough to take a 16-inch laptop. An interior zipped pocket is lined with bold orange nylon so it’s easy to find what you’re looking for in the depths of your bag. The black exterior is complemented with reflective piping (on the straps), inserts and print graphics.

The straps are ergonomically shaped for a great fit. Meshed padding on the straps and a vented padded section that sits against your back make for a comfortable feel, even when loaded up to the 20-litre capacity.

At 44cm high by 30cm wide and 15cm deep, the Stubble Roll Top is a good midsize bag that boasts enough capacity for an overnight stay, gym kit or to carry a change of clothes for your daily commute to the office.