USWE AIRBONE 15
Having created the ‘No more dancing monkey’ carrying system, USWE have carved out a new form for shoulder and waist straps. Unlike regular shoulder straps, these ones are combined with the waist belt and fixed on the rider’s chest with a clasp. It isn’t the most female-friendly design and definitely suits flatter-chested riders (male or female).
As the smallest and most lightweight of the bags on test, the AIRBORNE 15 only just managed to house all of our kit for a day-ride. However, we succeeded in sealing it all inside this expensive backpack, and even snuck in an extra half a litre of water, going for 3 litres to see us through the day. This came at the cost of its shape, and there was significant bulging from its posterior as the backpack doesn’t have any reinforcements in it (hence the low weight).
No matter how tightly we pulled the straps we couldn’t quash the bag’s excitable nature and penchant for bouncing around. And while we got all the kit in the USWE AIRBORNE 15, it was at its limit for a day-ride and it’s probably wise to go for the smaller model with a 2 litre bladder and room for just the essentials on a local ride of just a few hours. We can really see it excelling on local home trails as it’ll give you freedom to move, it won’t put any pressure on your stomach and it’s ultra quick to fasten and unfasten.
As a day-pack the USWE AIRBORNE 15 unfortunately didn’t live up to the hype and we reckon the carrying system – while brilliant – is better suited to minimal racing packs. There are too many cutbacks at the cost of its comfort and this digs in to the amount of fun you’ll have on a ride. No Dancing Mokey providing you travel light.
Weight: 708 g
Volume: 15 l
Price: € 149
: www.uswe-sports.com
+ A lot of freedom
– Needs a light load and flat chest
– No rain cover
– Pushes on your chest if you want it to sit firmly
