If you’re looking for a waterproof or ventilated pack, move along. But if you are in the market for a simple, basic pack that offers decent features and great value, the DHB Luggit Slice 15L may be just what you are looking for.

Your typical mountain biker has a list of things at the back of our minds (or in my case, synced across all my devices in EverNote) that we want to buy. And another list of things that we need. The problem is, the more we spend on the things we need the less we have to spend on those we want.

One of the things on your need list may well be the humble backpack. Unless you want to get caught miles from anywhere without a spare tube, tools or jacket, it’s are a necessity. Wouldn’t it be great if you could save money on your backpack, to put towards that nice new dropper seatpost you’ve been coveting?

There’s not too much to a good backpack. If it holds your stuff, feels comfortable to wear, carries your hydration bladder and looks okay, then you’re good to go. Sure you can spend loads on a super light one, or a waterproof one, and if those are your criteria, then move along There are plenty on the market to take your pick from, but the DHB Luggit Slice is not one of them.

If you want something plain and simple that does the job and doesn’t break the bank your choice is surprisingly limited. But that’s precisely the market DHB is aiming at with their Slice range.

The 15-litre model we’ve been testing is the smallest of the three-bag range, and it’s perfect if you’re looking for a day-pack to hold your waterproof, snack tube and tools or a compact commuting pack. I rammed a pair of jeans, Vans and a t-shirt into it and had I been more efficient, I’d have had space for a few more things.

My everyday pack is a much more expensive Deuter model, and compared to that, the DHB does feel cheaper in some undefinable way. But it also it feels lighter too and that’s no bad thing. Feature wise, there’s little to choose between them, the Slice comes with a 2l hydration bladder that’s strikingly similar to the Deuter one, though with a markedly different but perfectly effective bite valve.

The bladder is suspended in the bag with the kind of single loop Velcro strap that works with most bladders if you already have a preferred one – and if you do the Slice is available without a bladder for £29.99. (In usual Wiggle style, it’ll actually cost you £20.99 at the moment.) Hydration tube routing is by means of two loops on the shoulder straps. The loops are not elasticated, and are close fitting to the strap, so getting the bite valve through them is slightly tricky.

The straps themselves seem quite insubstantial, but they do a great job of holding the pack close and stopping it moving around. The waist (lower chest) strap is removable, though I found it helpful in preventing pack wobble when heavily loaded.

As you’d expect for the price, there’s no clever ventilation system, but they can be heavy and reduce pack volume. The main space is undivided as is typical for a pack of this size. There’s a small external pocket which rather thoughtfully has a series of elastic loops that’ll keep tools, energy bars etc upright and stop them rattling around. The stretchy mesh side pockets (one on each side) also have a very useful elasticated loop retainer at the middle of each one. These will reduce the chance of something like a pump falling out as you ride, but they also turn out to be great for securing drink bottles – not just cage compatible bottles, but plain old soda-pop bottles you buy in stores. You can also use them to clip your keys or garage door remote into place.

Reflective stitching and printing is liberally but tastefully distributed around the pack, on the sides and on the straps round your front too. It’s not in your face, but where being seen is concerned every little helps. And the result is a rather tasteful looking pack.

The 15l Slice has no helmet pouch nor waterproof cover. We can live without the waterproof cover; a sil-nylon pack liner does a much better job of keeping things dry. But a helmet pouch comes in useful, and we’d love to see one on this pack.

My existing pack has been taking a beating for years now, repeated soakings, lashings of mud and a fair few falls. I’m not sure the Slice would be in such good shape after such abuse, but the Slice costs around a third the price of my current pack.

Verdict

The Slice’s USP is its price, and at the price, it delvers a pretty much unbeatable combination of features and value. If I was looking for a replacement today, I’d look very hard at this pack.

Pros

Looks good
Three compartments
Great Value
Tool organiser in external pocket.

Cons

No ventilation system
No waterproof cover
No helmet carrier

More info: dhb Luggit Slice 15L Rucksack with Hydration Pack
Price: £34.99
Options: 25-litre version: £44.99. 30-litre version, £54.99

What dhb says about the Luggit Slice 15L Rucksack with Hydration Pack

The smallest member of the dhb Slice pack range. This compact, 15L pack is suited for riding the trails or commuting with a modest amount of gear. This pack option includes 2L Hydration Bladder.

Air mesh channel back system
Anatomical harness shape with 3D mesh
Main Zipper entry compartment
Internal sleeve for 2-Litre hydration bladder
Fleece lined top zipper pocket for valuables
Lower front tool zipper pocket
Stretch mesh side pockets – with elastic loop retainers
Reflective web light loop
Reflective print details
Elasticated, adjustable chest strap
Removable webbing hip belt
YKK external zippers
600D + Nylon Ripstop fabric

The compact 15L Slice has been designed to hug the body whilst riding. The slim silhouette allows you to hit the trails with minimal ‘overhang’ on your back. If you are belting through the traffic on your daily commute, the bag feels close compact and unrestrictive.

This is a medium weight pack made from durable materials (600D Polyester and Triple ripstop 210D Nylon) with slim harness. YKK zips provide robust access to the main compartments and pockets. Engineered NIFCO side release buckles provide reassuring quality on the web tensioners, shoulder, chest and compression adjustment webs.

The pack features a selection of design details to make it function well: easy-grip moulded zipper pullers, top grab handle – to make handling the pack when off the body easy, elastic web retainers to help you keep the adjustable web lengths under control, reflective details in key areas.