The Lab: Backcountry Research Mutherload Review
Our global test team has been pushing products to the very limit on the world’s toughest trails. In The Lab, durability is rewarded and weaknesses have nowhere to hide. This time, we tested the Backcountry Research Mutherload strap.
In life the simplest ideas are often the best, and ideas don’t come simpler than the Backcountry Research Mutherload strap. UK Editor Trev enjoys wearing backpacks as much as poking a crocodile with a very short stick, so will do almost anything to get more weight off his back. At first glance the Mutherload looks like just another velcro strap, but open up the super secure velcro and inside are two elasticated retention loops that hold everything securely in place. This makes it super easy to add all you need to the ‘survival’ package without it disgorging its contents all over the trail every time you take it off.
Trev has a spare tube, CO2 canister, pump head, and a tubeless repair plug and multi-tool all stashed safely away – everything needed for a ‘get-me-home’ fix. The strap is super secure and can be applied anywhere on the bike and is so secure it doesn’t flinch under even the most theatrical of riding – functionally it’s perfect. The best thing is the stitching and fabric still look like new, even after repeated hose washing. Cheap, light and strong, pick three. We tried to get it back from Trev but he started growling, so we will let him test it a little longer. They are proving hard to find now, with many colours out of stock – but that only makes them more desirable.
Strengths
- Perfect execution
- Affordable and brilliant
Weaknesses
- Distribution is scarce, may have to import
Tester: Trev
Length of testing: Two months
Price: $ 18
More info: backcountryresearch.com
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