PRODUCT REVIEW | OXFORD HERITAGE ROLL-TOP BACKPACK 30L

Don’t substitute style over substance, this bag is gorgeous on and off your bike.

The Heritage Backpack is Oxford’s foray into modern-retro styling. Made of waxed cotton, this roll-top bag is made using traditional materials and manufacturing techniques. Comfortable and stylish enough to wear on and off the bike, it has a 30-litre capacity, which makes it large enough to carry everything you need. If it doesn’t fit, you don’t need it.

It has been dropped, overfilled, dragged against a wall, trapped in a car door and hurled across the room. Lesser bags have fallen apart during this time.

The side compression straps and padded straps meant it didn’t cause pain when wearing from hours at a time. There is an easy grab handle, but at 5ft 5.5” I found it was just about dragging on the floor.

Plus, with the roll-top, clips and straps mean I felt I had protection from pickpocketers on the tube. For the occasions I work from the office.

Although it is secure, it wasn’t an ordeal to get it on and off my back. It’s not obviously a motorcycle bag either, if you don’t want to wear your passion on your sleeves.

It has a wipe-clean, water-repellent, waxed-cotton canvas construction, with a water-resistant roll-top closure and removable polyester waterproof liner. I felt comfortable using this during rainfall. You would probably need a cover, or a warm radiator, after an intense downpour. But if you’re using this bag, you’re probably not dressed head to toe in waterproofs and you will need to dry off.

I would say the only downside is no internal pockets, but it’s unlikely you will find you miss them. The front external pocket with zip and press stud closure is large enough for the little things that roll around your bag (earplugs, wallet, phone, etc.) the main pocket is perfect for clothes and even holds a laptop case with cables.

This is the only bag I have used for weeks, and I will use this until it literally falls apart. Then I will stitch it back together and continue to use it.

Product tested: Oxford Heritage Backpack Khaki 30L

Colour: Black. Also available in Khaki

Additional: Matching roll bag and panniers are also available

Size: 55cm (H) x 30cm (W) x 17cm (D)