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Hi everyone! I received my Flanders from North St. 6 months ago and after testing it well, it's time for me to give you my feedback :)
POSITIVE POINTS
The Flanders is made of 1000 D Cordura® nylon and an X-Pac™ lining. Even if it is not designed to be 100% waterproof like a nautical bag (the fabrics are not welded, but sewn), the fact that it is composed of two fabrics (one of which is waterproof) makes it resistant to any heavy rain. The chosen Cordura® is rough and matte in appearance, which brings out the shiny waterproof zips. As you know, Cordura® is a very abrasion resistant fabric, while X-Pac™ is very tear resistant. So this bag is a good mix. The main compartment opens and closes in a roll-top, it is very wide and very accessible. The lining being light grey, I find my things very easily. Once the fabric is rolled up, the bag closes with a 50mm plastic buckle.
The strap used is simply a piece of seat belt... which makes it puncture-proof. The side pockets are deep enough to slip bottles in (more than 22cm high), but not very stretchy: the maximum diameter is just over 8cm. My Decathlon 0.75L water bottle in the photo opposite fits perfectly. For the record, I never fill my bottle completely: during a simple walk, the water points are generally easy to find, there is no point in carrying too much. In addition, if I don't fill the other side pocket, I feel my bag leaning on my back.</span >
As I said before, the front pocket zips are waterproof and, very importantly in my opinion, you can easily grab them. Their size is #10, and a small braided zipper makes them easier to open and close. It may seem like a detail to you, but waterproof zips are often more difficult to slide than traditional zips. Are these zippers welcome? . I did not open the bag to check, but I feel that a rigid foam is integrated into the back. Thus, the bag remains straight and the weight of the bag remains pressed against me when I carry it. On the other hand, this bag has 4 compression straps. For a 32L it is, in my opinion, essential. Their buckle system is clever because it allows the straps not to drag anywhere. It's a detail, but when I'm cycling with a bag on my back, I like that its volume remains compact. By the way, if you look at the profile bag, you will see that its comma shape has been studied to be the closest as possible of the body. The sternum strap moves easily over the shoulder straps and, like the compression straps, adjusts very easily. North St. has found the right compromise between the plastic buckles and the straps used, making them easy to grip and easy to adjust.
Despite the fact that the back is straight, it is made of thick foam and a mesh that allows a certain breathability. To understand the importance of back shape, compression straps and sternal strap, take a look at this article? . The lifting handle is made of a strap sewn on foam a few centimeters thick. Its touch is very soft, almost fluffy (which will please the most fetishists among you ^^). Inside are female scratch strips in 50 mm. North St. offers additional pockets to attach to these bands. Personally, I'm not a big fan of modular bags. I prefer to have a solution imposed on me. But, if you wish, you can even customize the interior and take advantage of these strips to attach whatever you want. Against the back is a computer compartment, in which I easily slide my 15 inch (with its cover). The elastic strap is nice because it presses your computer well against your back and it's easier to use than a strap with a scratch.
The lifting handle is made of a strap sewn on a few centimeters thick foam. Its touch is very soft, almost fluffy (which will please the most fetishists among you ^^). Inside are female scratch strips in 50 mm. North St. offers additional pockets to attach to these bands. Personally, I'm not a big fan of modular bags. I prefer to have a solution imposed on me. But, if you wish, you can even customize the interior and take advantage of these strips to attach whatever you want. Against the back is a computer compartment, in which I easily slide my 15 inch (with its cover). The elastic strap is nice because it presses your computer well against your back and it's easier to use than a strap with a scratch. What I also like about this bag is its capacity. I can use it to go to work as well as for a 3-day weekend. The front pockets allow me to isolate small items such as my pencil case, a book, my glasses, my keys, my laptop or my wallet. The top pocket measures approximately 18 x 20 cm and the bottom pocket approximately 15 x 22 cm. (As a reminder, an A5 notebook measures 14.8 x 21 cm).
The plastic buckles used are Duraflex and the zips are made by Lenzip. I know the excellent reputation of Duraflex, but I did not know Lenzip, so I went to find out? . Apparently the majority of the components they use are made in the US and all the zips are assembled there. Also, they manufacture a lot for the military and guarantee all their zips for life, (which is not the case with YKK). Also note that you can attach a small bicycle light to a 20mm strap (located on the front of the bag), which is very practical. I attach a B'Twin lamp from Decathlon to it. Finally, a small detail that is important and that contributes frankly to the durability of the bag: the construction of the straps. In addition to their ergonomic shape, their seams are reinforced with a bias binding and several bartaks.
NEGATIVE POINTS
A few negative points now, for nitpick a bit? . For a 32L bag, I would have liked a slightly more accomplished back. With thermoforming for example, even more rigid and above all, a little more breathable. It's really the kind of bag I want to take when I travel, which implies a use of several hours. This is where the simple mesh back has its limits. On the other hand, when the bag is empty, it does not stand up. It's a detail (which many bags have in common), but I prefer when a bag stands on its own. Personally, I would have added a small strap next to the waterproof zips: to join what I said before, it would have made opening them even easier. And finally, I would also have liked a small pocket inside (automatically sewn and not optional). Again, when traveling, it's always more reassuring to store the things you care about inside the bag.
NORTH St.yle
North St. is a small American company headed by Curtis Williams, who only made to order. Suddenly, the delays to get a bag are a little longer than usual, but as announced by the brand, we know what to expect so it's not a problem. At Keus are we very proud to be the only ones to sell this model in Europe? and also very happy to participate in the promotion of developing brands. Do not hesitate to take a look at the North St. Instagram account and their website. Last thing: All North St. bags are made in Portland, Oregon and they all come with a lifetime warranty. We don't have everything in stock in our shop, but can order any model, any color for you. Do not hesitate to send us a quick email to the following address: contact@keus-store.com. I leave you my rating opposite and, if you want to have even more information on this bag, you can consult this article produced by a tester of Carryology, the Bible? and watch this video made by the very good Sylvain Paley, concerning the little brother of Flanders, the Davis. More information on our rating criteria.
Thomas.
