UK bag maker Restrap adds more in-house customization, playing with new hi-tech manufacturing tools in their workshop. The result is both new & reshaped pack designs, plus cool limited edition bags that standout from the basic grays & blacks that make up most bikepacking bags. Restrap’s first Limited Run were some Contours bags that sold out fast, and now they are back at it, in reflective Polka dots, while they last…
Restrap Polka – Limited Run 02 edition bikepacking bags
The limited edition Polka run takes a couple small bike bags out of Restrap’s regular line and adds in a new one to create a unique compact carrying setup. The bags all feature their standard military-grade waterproof Hypalon & 1000D Cordura fabrics, plus quality waterproof YKK zippers & magnetic clasps, in the new look. The idea for the Polka Run was to take advantage of the flexibility of their new CNC fabric cutter to make small size tweaks, and laser cutting to create customized accessories, plus of course a new printing technique that gives the body fabric a reflective polka-dot pattern.
Restrap Limited Run 02/ Polka Canister Bag
This Canister bag is a new one for Restrap, and the Limited Run lets them test the waters to gauge customer interest in the new bag. It is a simple round bar bag about 20cm wide and 12cm in diameter, making it just over 2L in volume. The idea is that it lets you haul some small items close at reach without getting in the way of your hands on the tops or pressing down much onto your cables.
The 52€ bag features elastic-topped mess pockets on each side to stuff snacks or trash, a full width waterproof zip up top to keep the contents dry, two simple locking straps to hold it in place, and a front loop to attach a small front light.
Restrap Limited Run 02/ Polka Top Tube Bag
This polka-dotted toptube bag is straight out of Restrap’s normal range, now with extra visibility. The small trapezoid bag attaches with one strap to your toptube, and uses a two-piece front attachment (you loop a separate velcro strap around your spacer stack, then the velcro of the bag sticks to that loop) which makes it more adaptable than most bags to a wide range of headtube, headset, spacer & stem configurations.
The roughly 22cm long, 0.8L pack opens up fully along the top with a waterproof zip to get at snacks, a mobile phone, or a compact camera. The 44€ Limited Run 02 Top Tube Bag adds a dash of evening visibility to any ride.
Restrap Limited Run 02/ Polka Saddle Pack
The 45€ Polka Saddle Pack takes another bag from Restrap’s regular collection, and reimagines it in a slightly new shape & construction that actually lowers the price quite a bit.
The 4.5L bag gives a bit more storage than the regular bag, but uses the slightly heavier 1000D Cordura fabric that Restrap prints the reflective polka dots on, in lieu of the lighter VX21 of the original.
Inside, the pack still gets a nylon liner with fully taped seams for waterproofing, and a roll-top closure at the back to get in and out. The new saddle pack also has a new, more squared-off shape that puts the seatpost strap a bit lower for more secure attachment. Magnetic Fidlock buckles cinch down the closure & sides for ease-of-use, and offer a loop to mount a rear light.
Availability
Restrap’s first edition of Limited Run Contours bags sold out in two weeks. And this one is expected to sell out even more quickly. This one popped up at the end of last week, so buy now if your bike needs more reflective polka dots in its life. The handmade in the UK Polka bags will start shipping out to buyers now at the end of September 2019.
Other new Restrap gear
In addition to Polka, Restrap also has a few more all-new pieces of UK-made gear. A new 5L Fork Bag for 45€ offers lots of extra expedition hauling capacity. The 100% waterproof, roll-top design keeps its contents clean & dry, and includes two 20mm wide straps that will strap it to almost any fork cage via four loops built into the bag for secure attachment.
The small new 34€ Tool Roll is even simpler, making it easy to carry the essential on every ride. Made from tough Hyaplon, the roll contains four tool slots (multi-tool, levers, CO2) and an elastic strap for any size tube. Plus, it has a small pouch for a spare chain link or other tiny part. It loops under your saddle rails with Restrap’s easy-to-use magnetic clasp, or can slip inside a jersey pocket or new polka-dotted bag.
