At the beginning of the 2010s, Sarah Giblin from Scotland set out to find a backpack for everyday use. She wanted a backpack where the zips were not on the back, but on the back towards the back, to make it a little more difficult for thieves. Despite an intensive search, no backpack with this requirement could be found, so she decided to design an appropriate model and produce it herself.
In 2014, a Kickstarter campaign was launched, over 1000 people supported the project and in cooperation with a factory in China, the first units were delivered. Subsequently, further models were developed and successfully realised via Kickstarter. One of these models is the RiutBag Crush, a foldable daypack.
The RiutBag Crush is black and only available in one size. The size is stated as 40 x 25 x 20 cm and a capacity of 10 litres. The highlight is that it can be folded into an integrated bag and is then only 22 x 15 x 6 cm. The material used is ripstop nylon in two layers. This material is also used for hot air balloons and is very robust and water-repellent. Added to this is the low weight, the backpack weighs only 240 grams in total.
The RiutBag Crush has three compartments, the main compartment, a small compartment at the top and the lower compartment that also serves as a pocket when folded. Each compartment comes with two zippers, although I don’t quite understand the use of two for the small pocket at the top.
Zips are probably one of the first things to break on a backpack. The ones on the Crush make a very solid impression on me. Nothing hacks and nothing gets stuck. Of course, this can only be answered conclusively after a longer period of use, but if I assume the general quality, this will certainly not be a problem.
The RiutBag Crush is really well made. Every backpack is checked for quality by Sarah Giblin herself at the factory and it shows. High-quality materials were used and all the seams make a good impression for me as a layman and no threads stick out. Its simple design is a plus point for me, but of course tastes differ. I don’t like the label with the URL as much, it looks a bit cheap to me and I generally like to do without logos.
The straps of the backpack are adjustable and sufficiently padded for the weight being carried. The excess part of the strap can be fixed with a loop. It is these small details that make a good design and user experience. The unique selling point is of course the zips on the side to the back. Of course, theft is still possible, but it’s a bit more reassuring that not just anyone can open the backpack like that. The disadvantage is that you always have to take it off and can’t ask your companion to take something out.
For photographers, the Riutbag Crush will certainly not be a substitute for a proper camera bag or camera backpack, but then you don’t always need a camera bag. In my eyes, it is the perfect companion for travelling, both short trips and longer trips. It goes folded into your suitcase or larger backpack, especially for air travel in Europe where you can only bring hand luggage, and is your companion for exploring at your destination.
The Crush has room for a water bottle (an additional compartment for a bottle would be practical, of course), a small snack, notebook, power bank, smartphone cable, keys, batteries and, of course, films. The camera is carried on the shoulder or neck with the camera strap and can also be stowed away later. If the camera is very sensitive, an additional bag is advisable or you wrap it in a jumper.
The Crush currently costs 49 pounds in the RiutBag online shop, which is about 54 euros. This price puts it at the upper end of the foldable daypack segment. Whether you are willing to pay this price and whether it works out for you is, of course, up to you to decide.
In my opinion, it is a solid, high-quality product that you don’t have to buy again after every use. In addition, you are also supporting a small innovative company. Another Kickstarter campaign is currently running. RiutBag+ is a backpack specially designed for everyday corona use with a mask and disinfectant holder and an easy-to-clean exterior.