Having had the Road Runner Bags (RRB) Medium Anything pack for nearly 8 years now, and then recently picking up the Freitag (FT) F511 Skipper, I thought a comparison may interest some folks. I feel like the two bags are a good representation of cycling packs these days, ie the messenger style roll top type pack with heaps of pockets, and the more minimalist big waterproof pouch style pack.
Below are the links to each pack if you want more specific details/features, my review will be more of a personal comparison.
Road Runner Bags Medium Anything
Road Runner Bags - Medium Anything Backpack Cycling Bag: 22L | Road Runner Bags
Freitag F511 Skipper
This link has a cool gif of the Freitag
EDC
As a commuter pack, at a minimum im carrying
- 13.4ā laptop with sleeve
- Chinos / polo / socks / jocks
- Lunchbox
- Repair kit (co2 inflator, 2 x c02s, levers, multitool, ParkTool sticky patch kit, pocketknife)
- Rain jacket
- Pair of Velotoze
- Wallet
- Keys
- Work pass
- Mobile
A side by side of the bags
Storage
Starting with the RRB, the variety of pockets make it convenient to spread the storage around, so while the main compartment would hold my work clothes, lunchbox and laptop in the laptop section, the other smaller items I would scatter in each of the external pockets. My mobile and workpass being on the outside zippered lid pocket for easy access, wallet, keys, repair kit, velotoze and rain jacket in the other 4 pockets. Compared to the FT, I would put my phone and workpass in one of the external zippered pockets, and my laptop in the external zippered pocket on the other side. In the main compartment it would be my clothes, lunch box, repair kit, velotoze rain jacket and keys. I didnāt like having all those small items loose in the main compartment, so I used a small pouch to hold the repair kit, velotoze, rain jacket and keys together.
I have to say, I think I prefer the FT set up, feels ācleanerā for commuting purposes. However, if you were to use as a day/travel pack, the pockets on the RRB come in super handy for easy access. For reference the side pockets on the RRB fits a 1L camelback which ive carried for the kids. No such pockets on the FT.
The FT opens up really awesomely, with the zipper opening up the length of the bag it feels like I can fit more. Compared to that of the RRB where it opens up narrow but deep, the FT opens up wide and shallow. The RRB with all its rolltop straps and clips does have its advantages, as ive been able to strap down awkward/large items or big loose items and its been solid. Ive yet to carry any oversize or awkward items in the FT.
In heavy rain the main compartment of the RRB having the vinyl liner meant the contents have stayed bone dry. However, items in the side and lid pocket does get wet. Ive yet to see how the FT will do, design wise everything should stay dry, however the zippers arnt lined so potential to have water trickle through there, weāll see.
Fit
RRB fit is great, with the chest strap its nice and secure. Have never needed to think twice or adjust, it just fits and sits. Shoulder straps are comfy, ive never felt it dig or any other discomfort on my 50-minute odd commutes. The straps look ābasicā, and yes your back gets sweaty. My only gripe is because of the extra length in straps for the lid to allow for more space in the rolltop, when im carrying minimal load the extra strap length loop would hang off the back off the pack, this would tend to get caught on my saddle when I remount after dismounting at lights etc. The FT straps are just seatbelts with a bit of padding in between, at the top of the strap thereās a small section that digs a little, however once on the bike and your arms or the hood its fine, donāt notice anything. I donāt miss the chest strap either, it dosnt feel any less stable to me.
The RRB fits square and wide, while the FT fits narrow and long. Definitely feel it on the back, I personally find the FT a little more comfortable, like I donāt have too much hanging off the side of my back, feels smaller. Also, with the FT being the tarp material, it feels like sweat dosnt absorb into the cushion like that on the RRB, in essence my back feels less sweaty.
Quality
The RRB is tough, ive been hit by a car twice with the bag, flung off the bike each time and its held up great. No visible damage at all. No issues with zippers or stitching coming undone etc, its been very robust. Ive only hosed it down when it starts to get a little manky from all the sweat. Thatās it. I cant fault the material or construction at all, its been rock solid. There maybe some minor holes on the inside of the vinyl because of folds etc, but thatās about it.
As for the FT, time will tell. Construction feels solid, and truck tarp should be tough, however will have to see how all the āfoldā sections hold up over the years. From reviews ive read they seem to wear and open up holes over time. The tarp itself is far from perfect, i guess being used you can already see some wear marks. However you go in purchasing knowing this.
Price/Value
This is pretty subjective, RRB is about $400 while the FT is about $600. I got the RRB during their sale, so at 42% off it was a no brainer, easily worth the money. At $400, I feel its worth it, but it aint no bargain.
The FT, Ill need to spend a little more time to asses if its worth it, my initial thoughts would say yes, paying a little extra for that cool factor as well. But again, it aint no bargain.
Final comments
I think both packs make for a great commuter pack, however for me the FT is a little more suitable. With its opening style, external zippered compartments and fit, itās a great pack-and-not-open-till-you-arrive kind of bag. Works great for a weekend get away bag too. As for the RRB, with its easily accessible pockets and multiple strapping points, it feels like more of a daypack on steroids, ie your typical messenger style backpack. Both amazing in their own ways.
Yes you can buy cheaper bags, just as you can buy cheaper bikes. Yet, here we are.
Ill update this post regarding the FT quality in about 7 years I guess.
Any specific questions, and/or pics wanted, shoot.