Abrasion resistant waterproof nylon / 13-litre capacity / Waterproof Tizip closure / 3D welded / Sealable hydration aperture / Zipped inner pocket and bladder sleeve
Contact: Lyon Equipment 015396 25493, www.lyon.co.uk

At one time Ortlieb’s backpacks were the industrially-conceived choice of bike messengers, an unwieldy roll-top tarp sack in road-menders orange. However, with the Cor13 Ortlieb has successfully entered the realms of trail riding luggage. Unlike even the fairly recent but still cumbersome Flight, the Cor dispenses with the customary rigid frame, achieving a weight of just 700g. Padding isn’t compromised, though, with dense panels allowing airflow between the flexible proofed nylon carcass. 3D-welded seams are joined by Ortlieb’s burly patented Tizip to ensure a waterproof main pack. Sparse innards include a sleeve to swallow a drinking bladder, while a plugged port in the side of the pack allows a drinking hose to be threaded through without jeopardising a dry packed lunch.
Stealthily-padded shoulder and waist straps help the Core to hug the body even when laden, assuming lumpy spares are loaded towards the back. A removable, suspended rear panel for jackets or other excess items features a hidden zipped pocket behind. It’s hardly cheap compared to the swollen, non-proofed market, although considering Deuter’s equivalent Dry Shield pack (albeit 18-litres) retails at £85, the Cor’s asking price doesn’t seem completely unreasonable. After all you’re not paying for frills here, just fully-proofed piece of mind.

MBR RATING: 7/10