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review

Restrap Tool Pouch

8
£32.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Good size, simple and effective mounting strap and excellent build quality
Really useful size
Simple and secure fitting system
Excellent build quality
Reflectives are minimal
Weight: 
74g
Contact: 

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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In terms of design Restrap's Tool Pouch doesn't necessarily bring anything new or groundbreaking to the market, but what it does do is show how it should be done for quality and durability. It also comes in a range of colours (well, three), so you aren't only stuck with black.

If you're looking for similarly good bags to go with it, check out our Best Bikepacking Bags of 2023 feature.

A few years ago, when gravel riding started taking up a large amount of my time, I bought a whole range of Restrap's bags. I was very impressed with their finish quality, and it's backed by a lifetime warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.

After enduring hours of mud, grit, thorns and more, those bags still look brand new. With this Tool Pouch showing the same level of build quality, I can't envisage any issues from wear and tear here either, despite the onslaught of spray and debris from the rear wheel.

Restrap hasn't used zips anywhere on the Tool Pouch, which should also help durability. Instead it simply uses a strap that passes over the saddle rails before wrapping around the pouch itself; you then pull it through a loop and let the Velcro do its job.

It works well, giving an adjustable fit which sits firm and secure under the saddle regardless of whether the 0.6 litre capacity is being used fully or not.

2023 Restrap Tool Pouch - 2.jpg

The strap is robust and there is no sign of any stretch when you are pulling it tight to secure the bag. It does include reflective stitching, but its impact is minimal compared to some saddle bags on the market.

For the main construction the Tool Pouch uses 1000D textured nylon, which is very tough. It'll stand up easily to day-to-day abuse, and while Restrap doesn't make any weatherproof claims, I found it impressively resistant against rain and road spray with nothing getting through to the inside of the pouch.

I wouldn't risk putting anything electrical in there, but all of your tools and spares should remain relatively unscathed.

2023 Restrap Tool Pouch - 4.jpg

To open the bag you need to loosen the strap and open the end flap. Inside you'll find foam cushioning that goes a small way to minimising noise from the contents moving around.

You have a main compartment at the bottom with a small, netted barrier creating a smaller section at the top.

At roughly 130mm long, 95mm wide and 65mm deep the Restrap is perfectly sized to take an inner tube, a multitool, some CO2 cannisters and a few other bits. It also housed the bulky battery of my Hope District+ rear light with ease.

Value

At £32.99 it's a couple of quid cheaper than the PNW Components Satellite Saddle Bag at £35, which looks to be a similar size.

As its name suggests the Prime Tool Roll is more of a roll than a pouch like the Restrap, but according to John's review it should carry the same amount of stuff. It's £29.99.

Overall

The Restrap Tool Pouch has a decent capacity and fits securely, but its biggest benefit is the outstanding build quality.

Verdict

Good size, simple and effective mounting strap and excellent build quality

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Restrap Tool Pouch

Size tested: One Size

Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

"The Tool Pouch is ideal for carrying tubes, tools and spares during all kinds of riding, from road rides to mountain biking.

"Made with hardwearing 1000D textured nylon and a nylon lining, this pouch is tough against grit and grime. The foam cushioning helps protect your tools and an internal storage sleeve is perfect for smaller items.

"The adjustable velcro flap ensures that the pouch fits well, whether it's packed to the brim or lightly loaded and includes reflective detailing to aid visibility during night-time riding. Finished with the classic Restrap label, made from vegan-friendly PU."

It's a tool bag anyone can eat.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Material: 1000D textured nylon

Capacity: 0.6L

Colours: Black, green, orange

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10
Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

It can carry your main essentials and keep them protected.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Excellent quality.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Some bags/pouches have more rear facing reflectives.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

It's priced similarly to the two options I have mentioned in the review which offer similar sizing.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

Restrap has focused on delivering a simple and capable product with the best possible quality finish. A lifetime warranty goes a huge way to justify the price, which in itself is competitive.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 44  Height: 180cm  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: This month's test bike  My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed,

As part of the tech team here at F-At Digital, senior product reviewer Stu spends the majority of his time writing in-depth reviews for road.cc, off-road.cc and ebiketips using the knowledge gained from testing over 1,500 pieces of kit (plus 100's of bikes) since starting out as a freelancer back in 2009. After first throwing his leg over a race bike back in 2000, Stu's ridden more than 170,000 miles on road, time-trial, track, and gravel bikes, and while he's put his racing days behind him, he still likes to smash the pedals rather than take things easy. With a background in design and engineering, he has an obsession with how things are developed and manufactured, has a borderline fetish for handbuilt metal frames and finds a rim braked road bike very aesthetically pleasing!

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