Test: Messenger bags have not only been widespread among bicycle couriers for some time now. Be it the way to the office, to sports, to university or to school - in many areas the comfortable bags compete with the backpack. With the Dakine Granville 18L we looked at a sporty representative today.
application
The Dakine Granville is mostly made of a very solid plastic that is reminiscent of truck tarpaulins or similar materials. As a result, the bag looks very robust and should certainly survive one or the other fall or scratch without damage. Another big plus of this material is its excellent weather resistance - even in the heaviest rain showers, no moisture gets into the bag. The seams inside and outside are impeccable, we could not find any loose threads or other processing weaknesses. However, the two zippers inside the bag make a somewhat fragile impression - that can of course be deceptive, but they don't really match the otherwise robust look and feel of the bag. The Velcro fastener on the notebook compartment, on the other hand, is pleasantly strong and keeps what is stowed inside.
When it comes to the straps of the Dakine Granville, we're a little torn. While the light green buckles look very high quality and almost indestructible, the straps themselves are made of simple nylon. There are no real disadvantages, but they just feel a bit cheap and don't match the otherwise really successful feel of the bag. Otherwise, we noticed during the test that the straps can be adjusted in length very easily, but on the other hand they tend to adjust themselves. Everything holds as it should while being carried, but careless putting on or taking off the bag is enough to adjust the strap.
Organization
Enough about the outside - now let's pack our bags and take with us:
- A 15″ laptop
- A Tupperware
- A notebook
- Two pens
- A full 1l bottle
This test fill should be more or less what most of us take with us on our way to the office, to college, or wherever. So how do things go in the Dakine Granville? In a word: problem-free. Not only is there enough space, but the bag also offers numerous possibilities to organize the contents and stay lord (or woman) of the chaos.
In the front area we find compartments for smaller items, such as our pens - but purse, glasses case or similar can also be stowed away quickly and easily there. One of these compartments can also be closed with a zipper. The actual main compartment of the Dakine Granville is divided into two: In addition to the main compartment itself, we find a thickly padded notebook compartment (up to 15″) that can be closed with Velcro. In addition to these two storage options, we also find a third, narrow compartment with a zipper on the top. Documents, loose-leaf binders or thin folders can be stored here, for example. All in all, we are very impressed with the space and the organization of the Granville.
Fitting
So the bag passed the dry test with flying colors, but how does the dark green companion fare in tough (cycling) everyday life? When putting on the bag for the first time, you should take some time to look closely at the adjustment options. In addition to the wide, padded shoulder strap, the Dakine Granville also offers a detachable hip belt that can be attached to two different straps on the bag. This little strap is a real blessing on the bike: it effectively prevents the bag from sliding up or down while pedaling.
Once correctly adjusted, the Granville sits firmly and securely and does not get in the way while cycling. Of course, the bag still has a little leeway if you don't want to bang the straps completely tight. So the fit always stays a bit looser - it looks good, but if you're looking for a bomb-proof bag for regular, longer rides, you probably won't be happy with the Granville. Nevertheless, the Granville is very well equipped for everyday cycling in the urban jungle.
[pricemesh]
