The Rando range of bikepacking luggage marks something new from the Nottingham-based adventure seekers, Alpkit. The company is renowned for making its luggage range in the U.K. which has allowed it to offer a full repair service, customised fit and a 25 year warranty. In looking to create a highly water-resistant load lugging system, Alpkit has looked to Asia, and one of its established suppliers, who specialise in seam welding.
Welding seams – rather than traditional sewing – creates a waterproof join between fabrics in place of slightly porous stitching (seam sealing is notoriously tricky on bags, especially when they are small and awkwardly shaped). In using this system and constructing the Rando luggage from a fully waterproof tough TPU fabric with extra weather proofing of zips and ties, it has maximum water resistance meaning that – barring the most monsoon of conditions – an additional dry bag should be unnecessary.
Compared to Alpkit’s other ranges of luggage, the Rando is aimed slightly more towards the road/gravel/touring/randonnee rider with a smart and understated urban style. Within the range are seat packs, handlebar bags and frame bags of varying capacity and a stem bag.
The full range comprises of:
- Analoko frame bag: small (2.5litre) £55, medium (4l) £60, large (6l) £65
- Gnaro handlebar dry bag: 3l £25
- Tivaro handlebar dry bag: 13l £30, 20l £40
- Finana dry bag seatpack: 12l £70
- Bato seatbag: 0.5l £20
- Lodo stem bag: 1.4l £20
- A bundle of a medium frame bag, 20l bar bag, 12l seatpack and the stem bag is available for £149
I have on test the 12 litre Fiana seatpack, the 4 litre Analoko framebag, 20 litre Tivaro handlebar bag and Lodo stem bag from the Rando range alongside a stem bag dry (£28) and small Enduro (£27) and medium fuel (£30) pods from the UK Made range. Keep an eye out in a couple of months for a full review after some adventures that should be testing for both me and the Rando.
Rachel Sokal
