(19
Reviews)
Think outside the "Oxx"
By
Brix
-
Nomadic
March 1, 2010
Well thought out, The only change I would make ia a little loop of fabric Identical to the ones at the zipper track ends so I can loop my Red Oxx dog tag through it to hold keys on the inside of one of the pockets.
The scree collar is not truly dust proof, but for me, OK.I just put a bandanna overit and tighten the duffle over it. a previous commenter noted the flap might make the bag look bigger than it is, but to get around that, so it fits under the seat, is to take whatever out of the front pocket, put it inside the main bag, and strap the flap to the buckle underneath the bag. it wraps it tight. Then you have a package that looks and is, neat. Tuck excess straps, and/or cut them to the length you prefer. Heat seal the ends. Just be careful, you cannot add length easily! THANK YOU Red Oxx for not putting sternum straps or a waist belt on your rucks or other products, they can be bought after market, and are really not necessary for primary baggage.
My Nomad Shave kit holds a safety/first aid/ survival/ toiletry kit, and slides well into the bottom of the Mini Ruck, which gives it a good frame that will sit the bag upright. I could go on and on about this bag.
Needs work
By
Gary
-
Northern NJ
February 22, 2010
I just got finished putting the Mini-ruck through its paces on a two week jaunt through Costa Rica. It was used in every type of situation I am ever likely to encounter:
- Airline carry-on
- Day pack for the beach
- Hiking through jungle and rainforest
- Bouncing around dusty trails on an ATV
- Out on a boat with less-than-hospitable beach landings
First, the good:
The size and shape are perfect. Not too big. Not too small. The exterior compartments are ideal - any more would make it difficult to remember where my stuff is. Compartment sizes were perfect and addressed every situation I encountered. The long side pockets were great when I zipped off my pant legs and stuffed 'em in there. The bottom straps were perfect for carrying rolled up wet towels after a day at the beach without getting the inside compartment wet. Balance was good and comfortable. I also like the way the main compartment expands - perfect for carrying an extra rain jacket. The laptop pocket easily handled my netbook.
Now the shortcomings:
1) The drawstring and flap on the main compartment is not sufficient. It does not close the main compartment, making it easily susceptible to dust and small critters. It also isn't as secure as a zipper. The main compartment needs a zipper.
2) The flap over the main compartment is a nuisance. Its too long to close tightly unless the pack is overstuffed. So it always sort of flops around. It also gives the *appearance* of being larger than it really is. Normally, this wouldn't be an issue. But it raised the concern of the pilot on the small plane, and I had to convince him that the pack was really smaller than it looked so he would allow me to carry it on board without having to check it as an oversized piece.
3) It needs an internal loop inside one of the exterior pockets to clip keys.
4) The laptop flap needs a snap in the middle to hold it against the side and keep it from puffing out into the main compartment.
5) A useful addition would be a strap similar to the one on the tri-fold shave kit allowing it to be strapped to a tree limb to keep it out of the sand (which easily enters the bag because the main compartment doesn't secure well at all.)
Overall, its not a bad pack, but the inability to really close the main compartment is a major flaw.
Great pack! Just a couple shortfalls...
By
Jay Baker
-
Rochester, NY
February 4, 2010
After looking for a great bag that's made in the USA, I think I found it in the Roadster. While I haven't owned it for long, here are my impressions of the product so far. If I have more, I'll be sure to update.
First, this is a seriously solid bag, made from heavy material and serious hardware. I doubt that longevity will be an issue. If it is - LIFETIME WARRANTY! I LOVE that the inside is bright red so that you can easily see everything in the bag. I had my doubts about the shoulder straps when I first got it, but now I think they're just right and help center the weight of the pack on your back. I have really gotten used to having a chest strap as well, though, and I think that would be a worthwhile addition to this pack. The main compartment is cavernous and fits a dopp kit and a few days worth of clothes quite easily. I haven't tried it with a laptop yet. The side pockets are equally as cavernous, with lots of space for things to which you want easy access. The bag also sits upright on its own much more naturally than other packs I have, even when loaded down; it's very well balanced. While I bought this bag with full disclosure that it did not have this, I find myself now really wishing it had a key hook in one of the side or front pockets so that I don't have to hunt to the bottom of them for my keys.
When I first bought this pack, I intended for it to replace my daily carry backpack which I use to bring paperwork, sometimes a laptop, a daily organizer, my lunch, my iPod, as well as lots of small accessories back and forth to work. I'm reconsidering that at the moment because of two things this bag lacks: the chest strap and a hook inside one of the pockets for keys. When the weather's cooperating, I walk 2.5 miles each way to work, and my current bag has both of these things which I think are essential to me for this kind of daily packing.
Overall this is a great bag. I can see myself traveling with it, taking it on camping trips, holidays, etc. I'll also be recommending it to anyone who wants something similar, and argue that you most definitely get what you pay for, and support products made in the USA. I've also got my sights set on an Air Boss or Sky Train when my current piece of luggage wears out. Keep up the great work guys!
Excellent Product, Bigger than Expected
By
Anonymous
-
California
December 10, 2009
I used this bag when I went to London for a few days in October. It was small and compact, yet it held a lot more than I thought it would. I did need an extra bag to carry home the goodies I got. I had to carry it most of the last day in London and I liked the size because I didn't look like someone traveling just someone with backpack. The only problem is the straps. I'm pretty short so I had to adjust the straps and had a lot of the strap leftover. It snagged onto the screening machine in Heathrow and was tangled. Luckily the nice security screener was able to untangle it. I was prepared to cut it if they couldn't get it off.
My other problem was the price. It was so expensive, but I'm sure it will last forever, so it just might be worth it.
Ruck Survives the Desert
By
Anonymous
-
Bozeman, Montana
October 29, 2009
Now that I've had my Mini Ruck for a couple years now I figured it was time for an update. See my first review dated 8-8-07. First of all this pack has been to the desert twice now when I went to the Burning Man Festival outside Reno. In 08 it was more sheltered from the toxic playa dust but this year it took a beating. I'd like to make note that if there's anything playa dust will destroy faster than yourself, it's zippers. My tent zipper went kaput in 1 day, my shorts zippers frigged out in 3 days. The zippers on my mini rucksack worked all week, despite a daily dusting since I couldn't close up my tent. I love I can store a variety of things in the outer pockets and access them so quickly. So they got used quite a bit. When your hands start to shred or are coated with dust, it's nice to be able to grab onto that monkey fist and yank open or close the zipper.
Anyway, I survived BM and though the ruck sack was dusted out, I blasted it with an air compressor inside and out and then dunked it in my tub, brushed off what I could get outta the corners, rinsed and hung it up to dry in the sun. You could say, the Rucksack handled the trying desert conditions better than I!
Here's another great feature about this backpack I like. It can: fit 2 growlers in the main compartment and 2 bottles of wine or spirits in the side pockets. A toast to Red Oxx!
sort of a letdown
By
Gabe
-
Rio de Janeiro
October 27, 2009
Let me start out by saying that I am a Red Oxx groupie. I started out with the Airboss and then moved to the Sky Train. The Sky Train is indispensable, and like many Red Oxx customers, I will be writing the Sky Train into my will if not taking it with me to the afterlife. I have a handfull of Red Oxx accessories as well.
I needed a smaller bag to go along with the Sky Train on flights and also for daily use. Something to carry my laptop in, maybe running shoes, passports, etc. I wanted a comfy backpack with the quality and looks that only Red Oxx can provide.
Well, the quality is definitely there. No question. The look is there, too. the Safari color scheme is awesome. But the comfort is not and the functionality doesn't work for me. The main compartment is a little narrow. Obviously from the reviews this is what people are looking for. I just feel that it could be slightly wider, maybe at the expense of the long side pockets. These pockets don't work for me anyways, they are too deep and small, so that when the main compartment is full you can't really get into them without a struggle.
Also the straps that connect the shoulder pads to the base of the pack are too close together so that they sort of rub into my kidneys when I wear the pack. I am not a big guy (6', 180lbs, 32 inch waist) so this is weird.
Shoulder straps were not all that comfortable when comparing them to a recent Patagonia backpack (sorry, don't know the model - they got it at an Apple store) that a family member purchased for his laptop and schoolbooks. The Patagonia was ergonomically better designed for comfort of the shoulders and back. That Patagonia was less than $100, so that is something to consider. (Of course I would bet my life that the construction quality of the Red Oxx is twice as good. And those big zippers are so amazing). If you are looking for a laptop backpack, you might consider the Patagonia lines for comfort, room, and price.
Overall, if I were asking for the perfect pack, I would want the same overall size as the Mini-ruck (C-Ruck seems too big to accompany Sky Train on to a plane), except removing the side pockets and widening the main compartment. Also, the shoulder straps need a closer look. Adding one of those European handles like the Sky Train has would be awesome.
I wouldn't have been so critical of this, but I really like Red Oxx, and I want them to be aware of dissenting opinions so that if they find the opinions of merit, they can make their products better and better.
~ Gabe - Thanks for the feedback. We appreciate your honesty and will make note of your observations during our product development meetings. - Howard, Minister of Information
Mini Ruck to Africa and Back...
By
M. Cromwell
-
New Hampshire
May 29, 2009
I ordered a Mini-Ruck before my trip to Africa. It worked great. I loaded it with all of my valuable gear for the trip over and back and everyday while I was there. It carried everything needed for a day in the thorn laced countryside of central Namibia. I also trusted the PR6 Beano for my checked bag to carry all my other gear for the hunt. Thanks for the great products and services.Sincerely,Mark CromwellNECG LtdSchmidt & Bender, Inc. USA
Simply Perfect
By
Brian
-
Michgian
March 2, 2009
I ordered this bag to be used as my "personal item" on a recent family trip. I loaded it with a MacBook (in a neoprene sleeve), jacket, change of clothes, electronics, two books, and other stuff. It holds an amazing amount and still fits under the airplane seat. I love the pockets and straps, which make getting to stuff super easy.Once at the destination, I used it as a daypack for excursions. This bag looks great and is incredibly durable.I've read a couple of reviews where users noted that the bottom straps (for attaching an item to the bottom of the bag) could get in the way on air planes, etc. After receiving the bag, I just attached a couple of "Web Dominators" from ITW to neatly and cleanly secure the excess strap to the bag. I highly recommend this solution.Thanks for a great looking, perfectly functional, indestructible rucksack. I'll be putting this bag in my will; it will certainly outlast me! (All of my other day packs -- some of which were quite pricey -- are going to new homes.) Regards,Brian
Almost perfect
By
Katherine
-
Maryland
February 27, 2009
I finally got a chance to use my mini-ruck on a trip from DC to LA. I had hoped to pair it with the Sky Train, but I have a bad back, and although I love my Sky Train it was too heavy for me once packed with all my gear. I also had to take my computer on this trip, and the mini-ruck sleeve is too small for my 15" MacBook Pro. It is, however, perfect for magazines and files and other paperwork. So I had to compromise and use a small roller bag for most of my clothes and computer gear, packed the mini-ruck with more clothes and lots of other gear and girly "products," dropped my purse into it, and carried both onto the plane. The mini-ruck is really a beautifully thought out pack and one that will go with me now on every trip.
Detailed Review
By
David A.
-
Ann Arbor, MI
January 17, 2009
This bag is another home run for Red Oxx. A few months ago, I started using the Mini Ruck along with the Air Boss as the standard carry on + personal item airline formula. I travel a lot, and I love that there are so many outer compartments in which to put things like sunglasses, umbrella, reading material, and all those other things you just really like easily accessible when you travel. On a recent trip to San Francisco, I had my umbrella (I recommend the Tumi Mini Autoclose) out of the side pocket and open in seconds, while my friends got soaked digging around in their bags. The bag is of course tremendously indestructible feeling, in typical Oxx Fashion. The only weakness for me personally is the laptop compartment. Whether I use this as a day pack or a carry-on, my laptop comes with me. The sleeve is kind of small, barely stretching to provide a tight fit for a 15" computer. It's also only a thin piece of cordura- there is no padding in the actual sleeve to protect your computer from all the other stuff in your bag. So there are two simple fixes- put a tiny bit of padding in the actual sleeve part, or just make the sleeve larger so as to fit a computer with a neoprene padded cover. Also, the straps are padded with a velour-type material that is EXTREMELY comfortable; however, it doesn't provide the slip-resistance of The Claw if you choose to wear the Mini Ruck only on one shoulder. Like some others have said, this will be the last backpack I ever buy- quality you can feel and that others just can't help from noticing and commenting on.