Knog Pig Dog 15.5

Despite silly moniker and surrealist marketing blurb, Knog's Pig Dog 15.5 is one of the finest town satchels I've come across in a very long time. It's not a messenger sack but a sophisticated, urbane bag made from pillow-soft 1200 denier cotton duck complete with taped seams and extended flaps to keep the elements out and your precious cargo bone dry. Well organised without feeling overly regimented, its 24-litre capacity borders on kitchen sink territory but is tempered by tactile webbed shoulder and 3d sternum straps. My only minor gripe concerns the £95 asking price but classic civilian styling means like a well-mannered friend, it can be taken pretty much anywhere.

Our Stone sample has a really contemporary, yet distinctly timeless feel and beautiful detailing throughout. This begins with the huge belt n' braces storm flap secured by Velcro and two ratcheted straps. Opening this reveals a series of six orderly compartments running side by side like a row of terraced houses with stash-points for everything, although I was relieved to discover sections were not already mapped out for my pens, A5 notebook, keys, biro collection, spare tubes, multi tool, phone etc. It's literally tardis like-some have open tops; others mesh with zippers-there's even pockets integrated within the lining for MP3/Ipod/Compact cameras/MP3 players and similarly vulnerable gizmos.

The laptop section sits mid terrace and is a far cry from cheap sleeves- resembling a mini pig-dog with it's generously padded base, storm-flap top closure and super tactile anti scratch lining protecting anything up to a 15.5 inch laptop from torrential downpour, everyday carelessness and prying eyes. Speaking of which, the bag's external wall that rests against the body incorporates a zippered pocket, making it relatively difficult to access but means Johnny scrote the bag dipper will have a job too.

A pronounced lack of airflow can result in a sweaty back on long, vigorous commutes during warmer weather but otherwise it sits obediently like a well-trained collie. Honking up the climbs fully laden or breaking away from the traffic light grand prix,webbed shoulder and sternum straps distribute weight evenly and effectively, eliminating annoying sway. Daily service has made no impression upon the cotton duck, despite brushes with brickwork, buses, foliage and other casual neglect but it rapidly absorbs and retains moisture, adding to the overall weight. Despite this, contents have remained perfectly dry without recourse to the time honoured bin liners even under sustained attack from the garden hose.

Available in a choice of black, stone or lime colour schemes.

Verdict

Beautifully designed and executed satchel but style doesn't come cheap.