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Skip Navigation LinksHome  > Adventures  > Gear Reviews  > Trip to China merits praise for Red Oxx Gear  > Roadster Mini Ruck Rucksack

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“I come with everything except a ripcord.”
Red Oxx Roadster Mini Paratrooper Rucksack in Safari 2-tone. Choose from 12 colors.

Roadster Mini Ruck Rucksack $225.00


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In stock orders ship same day if received by 4:00 PM Mountain Standard Time!


Small is Big! Small is beautiful.

Mini on the outside, wide open on the inside.

The Roadster Mini Rucksack is the scaled-down version of the classic Airborne Military Style Rucksack (like our C-Ruck). All the same great features, only smaller. Load up the Mini Ruck Rucksack for a day of shopping in Europe or hiking on the trail in Oregon.

PLACES FOR YOUR BELONGINGS
You want pockets? The Roadster has handy exterior zippered raised pockets (6"W x 7"H x 2"D on the front and 12"H x 6"W x 2"D on each side) to give you plenty of room and keep your belongings organized.

In the spacious main compartment you could pack your plentiful picnic, the raised side pockets holding your wine or spirits and glasses and the front pocket your cheese, appetizers or dessert and the top flap pocket your silverware. Attach your blanket with the buckled loop compression straps on the bottom.

WHAT ABOUT MY COMPUTER?
This durable Cordura Nylon Rucksack has an interior slip pocket that holds your Notebook laptop safe against the thick interior Volara back padding. After a great day at the market, tighten down the second drawstring at the top of the rucksack (10" x 6" x 4") and safely tote all your goodies home.

WHY THE BIG STRAP O-RINGS
The Mini features upgraded durable Synergy Performer Suede padded articulating shoulder straps for carrying comfort. Using articulating straps makes it easier to put on, and take off, the Mini Rucksack. Then you can easily cinch down the straps using the tough Mil-Spec A.L.I.C.E. hardware.

As with every bag we make, every stress point is double box stitched for peace of mind. Heavy-duty compression straps on bottom of the Mini Rucksack store your jacket, blanket or bedroll out of the way. When a full-sized Military style Rucksack is too big, try the Red Oxx Roadster Mini Rucksack.

Exterior dimensions: 17"L x 10"W x 6"H.
Capacity: 1,020 cu. inches (1,896 cu. Inches with exterior pockets).

Pocket measurements:

  • Dual exterior zippered side pockets: 12"H x 6"W x 2"D
  • Twin exterior zippered side flat pockets: 6"W x 7"T
  • Front exterior zippered pocket: 7"T x 6"W x 2"D
  • Top zippered flap pocket: 9"W x 9"H
  • Interior laptop slip pocket: 9.5"W x 13"D

"No Bull" Lifetime Warranty.
Designed AND made in Billings, Montana USA.
UPS Shipping Time.
Online orders will receive an order confirmation email, a UPS tracking information email and a review request followup email three weeks after delivery. Your email address is secure.

Every great bag needs cool accessories.

Mini Rucksack Trivia:
Rucksack is German for Backpack. Der Rücken refers to the back part of the body and translates as "to move". Sack means "pack". To move a pack. Surprising similarities exist in other European languages such as Rucksack is Rygsæk in Danish, Rugzak in Dutch, Ryggsäck in Swedish, Ryggsekk in Norwegian, and Rugsak in South Afrikaans. A Ruck Sack is also commonly called a Haversack, Knapsack or Packsack.

Write a Review

4.54 Average Rating
 (39 Reviews)

 
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 Great Piece of Kit
By Christian, Shanghai, China, February 28, 2013

Very good quality, after 2 beano bags, flat dog, my next piece of kit. Fully satisfied, thanks guys.
 
 Suits my needs perfectly
By Darin, Pennsylvania, December 27, 2012

I needed a smaller rucksack-some time back I purchased the larger C-Ruck and travel with it all the time-for shorter trips, day hikes, and generally schlepping about. The Mini Ruck is perfect for my individual outings and when I go with either my son or daughter or both on a day hike. Cameras, light jackets, extra clothing, lunches, water, maps, etc. all get stuffed into this pack. My 11-year-old son uses it when we travel (and tries to keep it when we return).

Great construction, durability, rugged style, space, usability. It's all here.

Not cheap but much more useful than that month's worth of half-caff-skinny-soy-upside-down caramel macchiatos from Starbucks you never hesitate to buy.
 
 Stop wasting your time...
By Matt Barlow, San Diego, November 29, 2012

...reading these reviews and just hit the "Buy Now" button.

This is an OUTSTANDING, well built, mid range pack. Yes, there are a number of valid, "how to make it a pinch better", comments below but most of them are focused on people trying to use this pack in lieu of a larger one.

As for customer service, I almost can't wait to buy something else from them. I ordered this item mid-afternoon requesting 2-day shipping assuming that since I was on the left coast the "clock" wouldn't start until the following day. Instead I received a phone message the next day from a cheerful young lady "apologizing" for not getting the order into the system until that day and letting me know that the shipping would upgraded to overnight with no additional cost.

 
 Love it!
By Laryssa, Philadelphia, October 4, 2012

This backpack is great. It's well made and comfortable and fits everything I need to throw in my bag. I use it on a regular basis when biking through the city but can also stuff so much stuff in there I use it for most of my traveling trips. The only drawback is it's weight and how bulky it is. With all the pockets and zippers and straps, even when there's very little in the bag, it can look like you're packing a lot.
 
 Mini rucksack
By Chans, Texas, September 27, 2012

I waited a long time to buy, I thought it was a little expensive. I was 100% wrong, best back pack I have ever bought. Thank you for making a awesome product.
 
 Mini RuckSack review
By Michael, Santa Cruz, CA, July 8, 2012

I have been searching for that perfect Man Bag that will hold all of my every day gear. This is coming pretty close. It is certainly heavy duty with its 1000 weight urethane coated Dupont Cordura nylon, heavy duty stitching, and brass grommets.

I like the Daisy chain loops where I can attach my carabiners.

The zippers are heavy duty and easy to pull.

I am an Assistant Scout Master with the Boy Scouts and carry with me a full first aid kit. I place this in the main pack area and is the heaviest thing in my pack. If my emergency kit was not so big, it would probably fit in the front pouch.

Some things that would definitely enhance the product:

1. chest strap to take some of the load off the shoulders. With a pack that holds this much volume, it can get heavy with gear.

2. heavy duty rubber carry strap instead of the nylon one. This would give better grip.

3. there is a place for a laptop but no place for pens to be secured. I have a pad of paper and pen always with me to write notes and ended up buying a pen-pocket-protector for the side pouch. By the very name Ruck Sack, one envisions a writer on the road with a journal noting events along the way.

4. a place where I can attach my keys to so that they don't fall to the bottom of the pocket would be nice. Because it does not exist, I use the fold over pouch on top for quick access.

All in all, a well built bag that looks great, has plenty of room and plenty of pockets that can carry my camera, first aid kit, an extra layer of warm clothing, protein bars, and anything else that I will need when I am traveling around.

In addition to this, I like that it is Made in the USA. Keep up the great work and keep us informed of your progress as you further enhance some of the existing products.
 
 Good, but no that good
By Ian Stobirski, England, January 19, 2012

This bag is built using excellent material. It is based on a second world war design. The down side of this is that it does not adopt new technologies like a vented padding on your back. It also uses plastic buckles which are not as strong as metal buckles. It is still a good bag, but not a patch on your other Redoxx bags.
 
 Good looking but painful
By Haakan Stenberg, Lerhamn, Sweden, January 17, 2012

I bought the Mini Ruck because I love my Sky Train, Gator and orther gear from RedOxx. The Mini Ruck has the same top quality, amazing zippers and authentic style that is exactly what I was looking for.

But I should have read all the reviews before ordering. Especially Gabe in Rio de Janeiro (October 27, 2009), who wrote:

"The straps that connect the shoulder straps 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 so this is weird."

I fully agree! I am 6' 4", in good shape, and I also have this problem. The connecting points at the bottom are rather hard and much too close together. Which causes real pain in my back. If they wefe spread apart 3 - 4 inches, it would be more comfortabel (or, to be frank, possible) to carry the rucksack the way it is supposed to. I have tried it walking, jogging and biking and it alwas ends with carrying it on one shoulder.

The straps at the bottom, intended for a jacket, are long enough for holding a tent. Which they will never be used for (not that kind of rucksack). The positive side of this is that you can use loose part of the straps as a waistband - just put a pencil through the loops at the ends to connect them - which will stabilize the backpack. But I would prefer a proper, adjustable waistband and perhaps a strap across the chest. After all, it is meant for a moving body.

The shoulder straps are too wide, too straight and perhaps with too much padding on the front - they rub my arms when I walk with natural movements (unlike any other rucksack I have tried). I had planned to use the Mini Ruck for a week of walking in the Palestine, but that would be a real Via Dolorosa.

Haakan Stenberg

Lerhamn Sweden
 
 Promising, but needs work
By Mike, NJ, January 5, 2012

I bought this pack as a gift for my significant other, who's had a slew of annoying (and poorly built) bags, sacks, purses, etc.

When it came, she took to it immediately, as did I - it's roomy, tough-as-nails and sharp to look at, with a more-or-less thoughtful and useful layout. So much so, that I've been seriously considering replacing my own bag with either one of these, or its larger brother.

However, in the month it's been kicking around our household, a few shortcomings have come to our attention that have made me reconsider.

1) The pack itself is substantial enough that for someone as small as my girlfriend, its weight is noticeable. With its carrying capacity, it can get pretty heavy fairly quickly. Now, this is a good thing - but the pack would really benefit from having a proper hip belt (not one of the cruddy wanna-be belts on lesser brands), sternum strap, and the proper adjustment points to redistribute weight off the shoulders and to the hips. Likewise with the airborne. Both of these packs can stow a heck of a lot of gear, and beg to be used roughly - they really need to also provide proper load distribution. This is the single largest reason I'm holding off on snapping one of these up for myself.

2) As others have noted - a loop for keys inside one of the exterior pockets. Please.

3) The computer sleeve: A little more bottom padding, please, and a way to cinch down the contents of the sleeve.

4) A redesign of the main compartment's closure to increase dust/critter/water resistance. I don't claim to know if a zipper or a flap would be the way to go, or something else entirely.

5) The top flap's size is great, but could benefit from the ability to be cinched down more tightly when the pack is not filled to the brim.

It's frustrating, honestly, because this is very, very well built pack - but the aforementioned concerns - especially regarding load distribution - really undercut its usefulness. Assuming that the Airborne shares the same design points, I'd urge you folks to alter both packs.

Please consider this constructive criticism - and I have to say, I do hope to see a refresh of these bags. Thanks!
 
 Favorite Red Oxx Bag
By dave, Minnesota, September 15, 2011

I now own both this and the larger rucksack as I couldn't decide which to get and ultimately decided between my wife and I we could find a place for both. These are such versatile bags with a huge middle compartment and huge side and back pockets. Just like all the other Red Oxx bags, you will find a way to fit more stuff that you could possibly imagine both because the compartments are spacious and because they are so well built you almost dare your stuff try to break the zippers. This bag is just cool- nice size, great space and great looking. I have a Red Oxx bag from almost every line except the briefcases and the sherpa's, and this is the most useful of them all. The regular ruck is nice too- just a little bigger all around, but this is a better balance for most of my uses. Great stuff no matter what bag you choose.
 
 Best Bag I ever owned
By Scott, Dallas, TX, July 14, 2011

I found out about Red Oxx by doing some research for a new bag to travel with on a trip to Scandinavia. My wife bought it for me as a birthday gift, and ever since then I use it for every trip I go on. I've enjoyed it so much that I "had" to buy one for my wife, and recommend it to anyone that I talk to about traveling. It did take at least one trip to get used to the differences between this bag and the usual backpack that we've all had since school, but it didn't take long to realize how much better it is in comparison. I now have my eye on the Air Boss to complete my carry on set.

The quality of Red Oxx is top notch, and I really appreciate that they continue to design and manufacture in the US so that we don't have to worry about quality issues. Thanks Red Oxx!
 
 Excellent but could use a few minor improvements
By BD, Illinois, May 4, 2011

I have used this on 4-5 trips now and overall this is excellent. It is also a larger pack than what you might think when you read 'mini'. This is as large or larger than most packs you would normally buy so if you are considering this pack vs the regular Rucksack look at sizes carefully. I agree with most of the positive comments in these other reviews so I won't repeat but to say this pack is very well built!

But there are a few improvements that could be made:

1. The top loop carrying handle could be thicker/more material and padded with rubber. I think it will hold buy when my pack is heavily loaded this seems a bit flimsy.

2. The computer sleeve should be padded on the bottom (or padded more).

3. Add a flap at the top of the internal main compartment so the internal area stays dust/critter free and water resistant. This seems like an easy fix.

4. Add a key holder somewhere.

5. The bottom straps should have a place to clip onto or something when not in use.

6. Just cosmetics but the brass gromlets in the main compartment should be nickel to match the hardware on the straps.
 
 great American Made Product
By M. E. Hawkins, Columbia City, IN, March 5, 2011

I found the product on a website promoting American made products. I am so pleased with the product. I have traveled 3 times in the last few weeks. The bag is great.
 
 Often my personal carry on item
By Garry HALL, Washington DC, February 26, 2011

Over the past 4 years I have purchased an Air Boss, Gator, Safari Beano PR5, Sun Chaser and the Mini Rucksack. During this time I was a senior active duty Naval Officer traveling the world on business. With these bags I could always find a combo that would allow carry on only. When traveling for two weeks with a business suit and full dress uniform the Air Boss and Mini Rucksack combo gave the greatest versatility.

I've never been questioned by airline personnel about the rucksack as my personal item. The Air Boss goes in the overhead and the Rucksack fits under the seat. I have circled the globe traveling with only Redoxx gear and my bags are worth every dollar I spent on them. (I bought the Sun Chaser only after my college son "borrowed" my PR5. This has become his only bag for travel.)
 
 Outstanding Mate for a SkyTrain or AirBoss
By Dave, Arlington VA, January 15, 2011

...or traditional wheeled luggage like Tumi.

I am a die-hard Tumi user, but the Mini has essentially replaced my SafeCase brief. I still use a 22" rollaboard on occasions, but the Mini Ruck is usually clipped to it rather than the SafeCase now known as the "Alpha" which goes for $350.

The Mini offers adequate laptop protection, but it really excels with the side pockets. I can add a Sigg bottle on one side, which I fill in airline clubs. The other holds electronics or a sandwich.

The design means it fits under all airline seats, and if expanded at the top with say, a pillow or fleece pullover...it still fits.

The main compartment has generous room for files if you need then for business.. The zippered flap pocket is perfect for travel documents.

A basic (non-padded) waistbelt might be a good addition for class 3/4 mountaineering although I already have a pack for that.

The Mini works well with my SkyTrain and if not loaded too heavily I carry one on each shoulder.

A good alternative to the Gator when I'm carrying a bit more than usual.
 
 Excellent
By Russ, San Francisco, CA, December 21, 2010

This bag is an excellent, high-quality version of an old time-tested design. Like all Red Oxx bags, it's sturdy & indestructible with a minimalist, very well thought-out design that shuns all but the most essential elements.

It's perfectly sized to be an airplane carry-on (stuff it full and they still won't make you put it in the sizer!), weekender, day-hiker, or workout bag.

If you want something with an airtight seal, this is not your bag. Following the traditional rucksack design, the main compartment closes with a drawstring and flap. A scree collar gives either more capacity or a tighter seal, but not both -- but your stuff inside _will_ stay clean and dry. A zipper is not necessary, and this wouldn't be a true rucksack if it had one. In fact, one big reason this bag is so good is precisely that it doesn't have a zipper. A zipper would constrain the design and reduce capacity. In practice, the rucksack design is perfect for the vast majority of situations you will encounter.
 
 Amazing Quality
By David Pitts, Bossier City, LA, November 29, 2010

If this bag was sold at your local store, it would put Jansport out of business. This backpack will definitely be the last one I will ever buy. You will not find a better bag than this, I guarantee it! Forget the imported stuff, this is quality you will only find in America. Parents buying kids new packpacks every year just became an option instead of a requirement. Not even a kid could wear this bag out. Buy one, you wont regret it.
 
 Superb Backpack
By Kenneth Lee, Singapore, October 29, 2010

I have recently ordered a black roadster mini rucksack and simply love this product. The size, quality and functionality of it are found superb. It is definitely value for money. Thanks Red oxx.
 
 Almost just right...
By TL, PA, August 11, 2010

I bought this pack without a specific purpose in mind, other than carting stuff around on day trips to various places, but I found I have used this much more than I expected. I have taken it on several weekend getaways (with my Beanos bag) and even a business trip to the UK (with my Air Boss) where I was in a different location every night for five nights. I agree to an extent with other reviewers that it could use a key loop and that the top not zippering could pose a problem for some, but I still give this a 5-star rating simply because it is based on an old design that they stayed true to, and it's built incredibly well. One thing I can say is that I'm 6'3" and I like my pack tight to my back, so this bag sits a little high. When I have my 15.4" laptop (that weighs a lot) it actually fits in the computer pocket, which surprised me. I like how the top of the bag expands, and the double drawstring and flap work well for me since I'm not out in the sand with it. The size is nice, I struggled over which bag to order. There have been a few times I wished I got the C-Ruck, but I will probably end up getting that too some day and use whichever one fits my stuff for that trip. I can see overloading the C-Ruck, because this bag holds a lot and can get heavy, but if I didn't have a 9-lb. computer this wouldn't be nearly as much of an issue. The padded straps make the load easy to carry though. Overall I'm very happy with this bag, as I am with all my Red Oxx products.
 
 Another excellent bag
By David, Massachusetts, August 8, 2010

I just returned from a two week sojourn in France and Germany, a combination of work and vacation. That combination required that I carry both work and leisure clothes, as well as a laptop and various files. Inspired by onebag.com and my commitment to ultralight backpacking, I took along only two bags: the Mini Rucksack and the Gator Carry On bag. Amazingly, everything fit, and I sauntered from airport to train station to Paris Metro to hotel, and never once felt burdened. These bags are designed and built exquisitely, they are comfortable to carry, and they expand to accomodate items of all shape and size. With a little discipline and a willingness to wash a few garments every few days, the Mini Ruck can carry your gear for almost any trip.
 
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Specifications

Mini Ruck Specs Chart

  • "No Bull" Lifetime Warranty
  • Designed AND made in the USA
  • Fabric: 1000 weight urethane coated, Dupont certified Cordura nylon
  • Weather resistant (NOT waterproof)
  • 400 weight denier soft red nylon lining
  • All zippers #10 YKK self-locking
  • Thread: #92 bonded SolarMax Nylon
  • All seams double stitched and bound
  • Double box stitching on stress points such as carry handles
  • Monkey Fist Zip knots on all zippers
  • Daisy chain loops on ruck body and both straps
  • Embroidered Logo Patches
  • Fastex side release buckles
  • A.L.I.C.E. pack strap adjusters
  • Nickel plated 1/4" O-rings allow articulating shoulder straps
  • Grab loop handle
  • Mil-Spec parachute cord with adjustable Fastex tension locks
  • Spurred stainless steel grommets
  • 4 lb. closed cell Volara foam padding in back
  • Synergy Performer Suede padded articulating backpack straps
  • Capacity up to 1,896 cu. inches
  • Choose from 12 vibrant colors
  • Free heavy-duty vinyl luggage tag
  • Includes Cable Lock
  • US Dimensions: 17"L x 10"W x 6"H
    Side Pockets: 12"L x 6"W x 2"H
    Front Pocket: 7"L x 6"W x 2"H
  • Metric Dimensions Main Compartment only: 43.2cm L x 25.4cm W x 15.2cm H
  • US Capacity: 1,896 cubic inches
  • Metric Capacity (total): 16,678.7 cubic centimeters

Roadster Mini Ruck Sack Color Translator

  • Amethyst = Purple
  • Bordeaux = Dark Red
  • Black
  • Coal = Gray
  • Forest = Green
  • Khaki = Tan
  • Mariner = Blue
  • Midnight = Dark Blue
  • Olive = Military Green
  • Red
  • Saffron = Yellow
  • Safari = 1940s Olive Drab and Desert Tan


Keep in Mind: Colors on your monitor will vary from the actual color of the fabric. The only way to accurately gauge a color is to request a swatch.

In production: Orders are filled within 21 business days. Call 1-888-733-6999 for details.

Related Articles
Red Oxx No Bull Warranty

As time rolls a ceaseless course, only the genuine guarantee remains. The mountains will persist, the oceans are bound to endure and Red Oxx will continue to be rugged, reliable, and tough.

To the depths of the Amazon basin to the peaks of the Himilayas, Red Oxx Manufacturing is infallible.

This product is guaranteed forever, be sure to include it in your will.

Red Oxx Lifetime No Bull Warranty - Ironclad. Guaranteed. Forever. Period.
Made in U.S.A.

Red Oxx Bags are handcrafted in Billings, Montana. U.S.A.

Made in Montana
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Roadster Mini Rucksack, K-12 Kat Pack, and the Airborne C Ruck?
The Roadster Mini Rucksack is the little brother to the Airborne C Ruck. It's two inches narrower and one inch shorter. These smaller dimensions are also reflected in the side pockets, front raised pocket and cover flat pocket. See the Specifications Tab for further dimension details. The K-12 is a rectangular style school backpack prototype that is now available for purchase.
 
Will the Roadster meet personal item carry-on standards?
Certainly, the Mini Ruck will easily fit into any overhead bin and even under a few airline seats.
 
What's the best way to pack the Roadster?
Since Rucksacks are top loaders, the most efficient way to pack one is to pack items you may need easy access to in the raised exterior pockets and rolling each piece of clothing. Another option we recommend is to use the Nomad Shave Kits and Lil Roy Gadget Bags as packing cubes. This way you can compartmentalize everything by color coding. Bundle wrapping would require pulling the entire bundle out to access anything.
 
How many days worth of supplies will fit in the Roadster Rucksack?
Depends on how good a packer you are. Most people can get a weekends worth of clothes in the Roadster. We'd estimate two to three days.
 
Will a laptop fit in the Roadster? What size laptop?
Virtually any laptop or tablet with up to a 15" diagonal screen and two inches thick will slide into the padded sleeve inside the rucksack.
 
What's the red fabric on the inside of the bag for?
Having a bright color on the inside of the bag helps to see what's inside the bag. It also adds an extra layer of weather resistant protection.
 
Does the Mini Rucksack have a belly strap?
Because the Roadster does not have a built-in frame, a belt strap would not help to balance the load.
 
Are there any interior pockets?
There is a notebook / laptop stitched-in sleeve located in the back of the rucksack.
 
Can you ship USPS?
Yes, Red Oxx will ship USPS upon request. Simply state, "Please ship USPS" in the cart comments during checkout and we will adjust your billing accordingly.