SUP transport bags 2018
You can read the detailed board test in our SUP 2018 edition which here can still be ordered free of shipping costs. The bags are also available separately if required. The original 2018 pack sacks were not available for all SUPs at the time of publication, which is why this list is not completely identical to the list of tested boards.
Fanatic Fanatic offers an elaborately designed, spacious rucksack with extremely large wheels to match its SUPs. An additional padded handle on the underside makes it easy to load and unload. The rucksack is made from a high-quality, robust material with an additional Velcro holder for a paddle. Although the rucksack sits quite high on the back, it is not uncomfortable but is bulkier than a Starboard or JP bag. The rucksack has plenty of padding and comfortable carrying straps that cannot be stowed away. The very large wheels in combination with sufficient additional storage space offer a concept with which you can easily cover several metres in the city.
+ large wheels for comfortable pulling + plenty of storage space + solid and high-quality material - perhaps a little bulky and impractical for people who only travel a few metres from car park to lake
RRD The Roberto Ricci rucksack is identical for all SUPs supplied by RRD. It has enough storage space to easily stow even a SUP that is not perfectly rolled up. The side of the bag is fitted with a coarse mesh for better ventilation of the contents. A slightly stiffer edge in the seat area doesn't exactly invite you to run a marathon, but the comfort is perfectly adequate for shorter distances. Two large wheels make it easy to pull the bag for longer distances. An additional chest strap, which is not adjustable in height, can be fastened for longer distances. We find it a pity that the rucksack tips over if the load is not correctly balanced. All in all, it's a very coherent concept that impresses with plenty of storage space and robust workmanship.
+ large roller for comfortable pulling + spacious bag + ventilation net - bag does not stand on its own
Starboard The Deluxe Bag from Starboard has wheels and additional carrying straps that can be hidden behind a cover. The bag looks very simple and has no compartments on the outside of the bag. A very small mesh at the bottom of the bag allows some moisture to be wicked away to the outside. In order to stow a 12.6 board easily, the SUP needs to be rolled up very neatly and tightly. The rucksack is very compact on the back. An additional chest strap makes it comfortable to carry for a few minutes longer. A handle on the underside of the bag makes it easy to stow or carry the bag.
+ simple design + comfortable and compact size when worn - small storage space
Starboard The "Zen" version is offered by Starboard for the smaller models such as the "Paddle for Hope" and is identical in construction to the Deluxe version, but only has the roll function and can only be pulled. As the boards in this group are usually a touch lighter, we would have preferred to have been offered the option of a rucksack instead of wheels.
+ simple design + sufficient storage space - no option to carry the bag
Mistral Depending on the model, Mistral includes different backpacks in the scope of delivery. At first glance, one version looks very bulky and large. A SUP that is not perfectly folded can be easily stowed in this bag and there is plenty of additional storage space for accessories or for a second small SUP. Two large wheels make it possible to pull this packsack over long distances. The concept is similar to that of Fanatic, even if you get the feeling that a tandem SUP or a 16'0 could easily have found room here. On the back, our suspicion that this bag is very large and bulky is confirmed. Despite wide straps and a chest strap, this concept doesn't exactly invite you to carry it over longer distances. This is because the board can slide from left to right when the rucksack is not fully loaded. In addition, Mistral offers many padded handles that allow easy handling.
+ large wheels for comfortable pulling + very spacious bag for lots of accessories - uncomfortably bulky when carrying
Siren Siren's pockets are the same on all boards supplied and are similar to those of RRD. A large mesh on the side ensures good ventilation of the contents. Wide straps and a non-adjustable chest strap are part of the bag and offer sufficient comfort. Unfortunately, this rucksack also has a slightly harder edge in the buttocks area, which may be annoying for some people on longer journeys. We like the fact that the bag has plenty of storage space, so you don't have to fold the SUP neatly. Unfortunately, if the bag is rolled up too meticulously, it creates a little unnecessary space in the rucksack and allows the board to sway when walking. If you want to pack a suit or something to drink in this bag, this bag is perfect. A very successful concept with sufficient storage space and good quality.
+ large roller for comfortable pulling + spacious bag + ventilation net - plenty of room in the bag for unfavourable packing
SIC At first glance, the SIC bag looks very high-quality and well-made. A cover on the back conceals the wide shoulder straps. The cover can be opened with a zip and rolled up. Neither the large wheels nor a stiff edge in the lower section interfere with comfortable carrying. The size of the bag is very harmonious and offers sufficient space for SUP and accessories. A small handle on the underside, as well as many attachment options for pump or accessories are part of the bag. The only thing missing is a ventilation net. We think that this bag is extremely harmonious and practical. Simple design meets quality and practicality.
+ spacious pocket + additional fastening straps on the sides
Macaio The Makaio backpack is very large and, like the Crosslake and Mistral models, offers enough space for the board and accessories. However, if you don't need 100% of the space in the bag, the SUP wobbles from one side to the other with every step. In addition, the bag only has 2 thin straps and cuts in after just a few minutes. Unfortunately, the rucksack only fits snugly around the shoulders and hips and creates a large hollow space in the back area. Although a hip belt can help, it still doesn't make carrying the bag over longer distances a pleasure. For a large bag like this, we would have preferred wheels, as the large amount of space can only be utilised to a limited extent. For people who want to have enough space for a long day at the lake and pull the bag on a trolley, this concept should be convincing.
+ a lot of storage space + very light bag - unpleasant cutting of the straps - no wheels - lack of comfort
Quattro Quatro offers a large backpack that has enough space for a board, pump and accessories for a day, but doesn't look too big. It has 4 compression straps to prevent the SUP from wobbling while walking. The carrying straps are sufficiently wide and distribute the force comfortably over the entire contact surface. Additional chest and hip straps provide further comfort. Two wide wheels make it easy to pull the bag around town or from the car park to the water. Even if the rucksack sits a little lower on the back, the comfort is good. An additional handle on the underside makes it easy to carry or stow in the car. It should be mentioned that the bag only stands upright with a lot of patience and does not have a ventilation net. However, this rucksack offers plenty of space and sufficient comfort without any major weaknesses.
+ Sufficient space + Large wheels for easy pulling - bag does not stand on its own
Red Paddle Very high quality and with a different cut to the bags from the competition, the design of the Red bags clearly sets them apart from the rest. The backpack is well made and features high-quality materials. The SUP has to be folded neatly with this concept and the rucksack offers little additional storage space. The bag has two slightly smaller wheels for pulling, which are ideal for the city, but are likely to fare worse in the gravel than the slightly larger wheels of the competition. The back straps of the bag, which are exceptionally wide, are cleverly concealed behind a cover. An additional, well-padded handle on the side makes it easy to load and unload the car or carry by hand. When carrying, it is noticeable that the rucksack reaches down to below the buttocks, i.e. very low. The weight is comfortably distributed via the wide straps. An additional hip belt offers additional comfort, but cannot fully compensate for the low position of the rucksack. Perhaps an additional chest strap would have helped here. We think that this trolley has a lot to offer, not only visually but also functionally. However, there may be better options for people who want to transport a lot of accessories and provisions for a day trip.
+ Good workmanship and high-quality materials + Two castors for use on tarmac - little additional storage space
Naish Naish offers a yellow bag for carrying and pulling as standard with its SUP range. The bag has enough space for the board and accessories. A side handle and a small plastic handle on the underside of the bag make it easy to handle. Two additional smaller wheels make it possible to pull the bag behind a bike. Only the use of the bag on gravel is likely to be limited due to the size of the wheels. When carrying the rucksack, you will notice the very comfortable wide straps that can be fastened at the hips and chest. However, a low carrying position in which the wheels press directly into the buttocks is uncomfortable. Longer journeys with this bag should therefore be avoided. We think that the size of this bag is just right, but the wheels and the carrying position are unfortunately positioned in the wrong places.
+ large amount of space + many handles - low carrying position - wheels press in the buttocks area
Oxbow With plenty of storage space, the Oxbow bag holds not only your board and pump, but also lots of additional items for a long day on the water. Compression straps prevent the board from slipping in the bag. When carrying the bag, you will notice the very wide and softly padded carrying straps, as well as a wide hip belt. The rucksack sits high enough on the back and can therefore also be recommended for people who want to go to the lake with a city scooter or longboard and need the necessary legroom. The bag has a robust plastic base with no additional handle attached. In our opinion, the concept of this bag is very well thought out. The large main compartment in combination with the compression straps on the side prevent the contents from sliding back and forth when walking. The wide straps and comfortable carrying height are also impressive.
+ very good size + comfortable to wear -
Indiana At first glance, the bag looks similar to the one from Oxbow. The size and shape are almost identical. The width of the straps has been reduced. However, there is an additional carrying handle at the bottom of the bag to make loading and unloading easier. The large main compartment offers plenty of space for your board and accessories. The rucksack also has a large front pocket that can also hold a pump. A robust-looking mesh material has been incorporated into the side of the bag to ventilate the board. Two wheels are available for pulling the bag. We found that this rucksack is comfortable to carry as well as to pull.
+ very good size + ventilation net -
SUP Monster(not shown) The SUP Monster backpack is made of thin material with a mesh on the side to ventilate the contents. It is sufficiently large and has no side compression straps to prevent the board from slipping in the bag. The concept offers sufficient space for the board and accessories. The low carrying shape is not recommended for longer distances, but is fine for normal use. Two additional wheels are fitted for towing on tarmac. Similar to the RRD backpack, SUP Monster offers a large backpack with sufficient space. Only in terms of carrying comfort are there models that can do better.
+ good amount of space + ventilation mesh - wearing comfort - cheap-looking materials
Croslake At first glance, the Croslake rucksack looks very bulky. If you don't know what Croslake makes, you might assume that this large bag contains a tandem paraglider. A cover on the back conceals the shoulder straps, which are rolled up and disappear into the hollow back when not in use. Two wheels allow the bag to be pulled on tarmac. When carrying the bag, you notice that it hangs very high on your back and hardly moulds to your back. We assume that the size of the bag is only a prototype and will be kept more discreet for the series.
+ lots of storage space - too bulky for normal use - carrying comfort
JP-Australia At JP, the SUPs differ between the Superior Edition, which is supplied with a roller bag, and the Light Edition, which is sold with an identical rucksack but without rollers. Padded handles on the side and top make it easy to carry. The wide straps give a pleasantly soft feeling when carrying, which is only familiar from a few SUP backpacks and is more reminiscent of a more discreet kite backpack. However, this feeling could also be deceptive, as the JP boards are very light and therefore more comfortable to carry. The rucksack has no additional straps in the hip and chest area, but we didn't miss them during testing. A coarse mesh on the side of the bag allows for ventilation. We found both the version with wheels and especially the version without wheels very comfortable to carry. This rucksack could also be carried around Thailand like a packback rucksack and wouldn't feel bulky or heavy for long periods of time, provided the board is light.
+ Very comfortable to wear with pleasantly wide straps + Ventilation mesh - little additional storage space
GTS There are two different backpacks available when purchasing a GTS board. One version has wide shoulder straps and two large wheels that make it easy to pull. There is also an additional handle at the bottom of the bag for easy handling. A flat patch pocket holds small accessories such as fins or smartphones. When carrying the bag, it is noticeable that the rucksack sits relatively high up and puts pressure on the buttocks. Compression straps on the side of the bag prevent the contents from sliding around while running.
The second, lighter version also has wide shoulder straps, but no rollers. Fortunately, there was no hard spot on this model that would have restricted movement. Due to its lower weight, it appears more delicate and more comfortable on the back, but still has all the essential features of the fully-fledged bag with wheels.
Both models have sufficient storage space and are also happy to hold accessories for a day trip. Both rucksacks fulfil their purpose and have a high-quality finish. GTS with wheels + sufficient storage space and solid quality - disturbing edge in the buttocks area when walking
GTS without wheels + sufficient storage space and solid quality + comfortable to carry - no wheels and therefore not recommended for longer journeys
