14 February 2016

Fresh Goods Sunday - Alpkit (Part 2) Kowari saddle bag

To free up some space in my Alpkit possum frame bag I decided to go for a larger saddle bag. This is a new smaller model down from the Koalas which is a 13 litre beast. The Kowari is 3 litre which has plenty of storage capacity for me. Again the bag comes is five colours and rrp's at £40 inc the p&p. Now this time I got the bag in the sale and paid £32 which is more realistic price.
Again the construction is of good quality.
Fitting is simple, one strap around the seat post and one strap through and over the saddle rails. The plastic lever buckles doesn't feel the best quality and time will tell if it lasts. Once you have filled the bag this is when I was not sure on how to roll / twist the open end up and close the buckle. There is a further adjustment strap buckle to do which is a little tricky as its under the saddle. As you can see in the photos below mine dosent look like the Alpkit ones, better have a few more goes to get it right. Same they don't have some fitting/closing instructions on the web or a short video.

Here is the manufacturers blurb -
3 litre saddle bag for your tool kit, sandwiches or lightweight waterproof
The Kowari is a baby brother to the ever popular Koala. The 3 litre volume makes it perfect for keeping those extra bits and bobs neatly tucked behind your saddle.
The Kowari is ideal when you’re going on slightly longer, more adventurous rides but don’t have enough to warrant a bigger bag.
The bag is easily big enough to carry your sandwiches and snacks, an extra warm layer or just your riding essentials like tools, phone and money. The bombproof VX21 fabric is highly water resistant so your valuables will be kept clean and dry in most conditions and a small Airlok dry bag could be fitted inside if wetter weather is expected. 
The roll-top closure on the bag means Kowari won’t wobble and the compression strap along the length of Kowari keeps everything pressed towards the seat post for extra stability. The saddle rail strap keeps Kowari securely stowed under your saddle and prevents excessive bouncing. 
You may need to adjust the straps from time to time, especially on rougher surfaces, but with the strong, secure duraflex buckles this is quick and easy to do (and a good excuse to catch your breath after a big ascent too).
Key features
  • Made from durable and highly water resistant VX21
  • Weight: 130 g
  • Space/Seat post length needed: 16 cm (Saddle Rail to the base of the Koala)
  • Length: 25 cm, Width: 19 cm, Height: 16 cm
  • Roll top closure
here is a link to Alpkits webpage











as you can see mine doesn't look like the Alpkit photo, better have another go

need to swap the frame bag from the Krampgrease onto the beargrease as it has a red logo like the new bags, if I can be arsed at some point


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