BTR Orange Waterproof High Visibility Backpack Cover

The BTR Orange Waterproof High Visibility Backpack Cover brings together some strongly performing elements to create a well designed and well priced backpack cover.

When people ride to work on a daily basis I always say that a backpack cover is one of the most important things they should get. This is because the vast majority are high-vis, they protect your bag and they are waterproof, so whatever's inside doesn't get soaked. The BTR Orange Waterproof High Visibility Backpack Cover attempts to fulfil these needs, and succeeds.

Fit

The most important element of any backpack cover is simply the ability to cover the bag and stay in place. Here the cover is elasticated around the edges and uses two velcro straps that sit in a cross across the back. These stayed in place well and despite use in pouring rain, didn't come unstuck regardless of how much water was running down my back. The elasticated outer can also be tightened or loosened with a toggle at the bottom, so if you are using a smaller or larger bag you can adjust the fit easily.

The cover is 60cm x 50 cm meaning that it can cover most regular sizes commuter bags, I used it on a 30 litre bag and it fit easily, with the elastic outer still tight enough around the edges to keep out the worst of the elements.

Waterproofing

The cover performed admirably at keeping out the water, even with me using it in the pouring rain. Water simply runs off it, although with the huge variety of back shapes and sizes it can potentially have creases and folds that may catch and pool water.

High Visibility

The other important aspect of any backpack cover is that it makes you more visible on the road. The BTR cover provides lots of additional visibility thanks to the bright orange colour and huge amount of 3M reflective material used across it, which provides visibility from multiple angles, rather than simply from behind. It shines out like a torch as soon as a set of headlights hits it.

Storage

Storing the cover is simple: it folds into a small package using the mesh pocket on the back of the cover so you can store it in your bag until it's needed.

Price

£11.99 represents really good value for money. The base model from perhaps the best-known brand, Hump, costs £25 and has less high vis materialso the BTR cover is great bang-for-your-buck.

Conclusion

The BTR Orange Waterproof High Visibility Backpack Cover is a really useful and well priced backpack cover, providing considerable advantages without an excessive price. It managed to keep my bag dry, it stayed in place at all times and thanks to the huge amount of 3M reflective material, it is incredibly visible.

Verdict

Good backpack cover; doesn't cost the earth and does everything it needs to