I’m hard on tackle. I don’t look after it properly, often leaving things wet and dirty and generally knocking it about. So if there are any faults in a piece of kit I use then it soon shows up. Which is one reason why I look for quality in an item and am usually prepared to pay a bit more for it. 
So it came as quite a surprise when I took delivery of this little rucker and found that the price at £ 49.99 was well in line with most of the decent rucksacks of around 55 litres you can buy today. Surprising because the quality really is outstanding and puts some ruckers costing as much, and more, to shame.
The rucksack is made from a tough, hard-wearing material that repels water quite readily, and the elasticated hood is lined with a waterpoof inner.
The main body compartment has two sides and one front single-zipped pocket. The front pocket easily holds a standard tackle box. I would have preferred a double zip so that the pockets could have been opened from either side for easy entry, but I soon got used to that and didn’t find it a problem. 
The padded shoulder harness and padded waist belt was comfortable in use, helped no end by the cushioned back and lumber pad, and I found the adjustment of both was easy to do.
I like the nifty little strap that stops the shoulder straps from slipping off; which has been one of the most annoying problems I’ve had with rucksacks in the past. You can be carrying a load of gear and all the time having to put your rod holdall or chair down every minute or so just to pull the shoulder straps back into position.
Another small, but really thoughtful idea, is the zipped pocket in the waistband. Ideal for keys, change or a wallet. 
The main compartment has an extending tube neck that increases the capacity a great deal, and the slight misgivings I had about how much the rucker would carry were soon dispelled when I found I could get everything into it I could possibly need for a day on the river.
The base has plastic pads to help protect it when placed on wet ground.
Apart from the minor niggle of the single zip fastenings I found this 55 litre rucksack from Chub an excellent piece of kit that certainly looks like it will stand up to the sort of knocking about I shall no doubt subject it to. It is well designed, surprisingly roomy, easy to carry, relatively inexpensive, and tough. 
There isn’t a lot more you can expect is there?
PRODUCT: Chub 55 Litre RucksackPRICE: £ 44.99
Chub Leisure Ltd:
Website: Chub Leisure Ltd
E-mail: enquiries@chub.org
Phone: 01376 331609
Fax: 01376 552955
