We expect a lot from Loaded.

For 23 years they've been pushing the boundaries of materials and design.

Most of it hits the mark perfectly. Occasionally it misses (remember the "Flowboard"?), but there is never any compromise on the design philosophy (fun) and amount of thought (lots) that goes into any new release.

The same can be said for the new Loaded x Kyoto backpacks that we've had in the shop for a few weeks now. Everyone who picked one up for a look in the shop walked out with one over their shoulder.

However one other thing we've come to expect from Loaded over the years is that quality doesn't come cheap.

The biggest surprise therefore with these backpacks is the price!

At £120 for the smaller bag and £125 for the bigger one, they're well within reason for any backpack designed for travel.

The short one will take boards up to 37" and the long one 47" - but has a roll top so it won't be saggy on top if your board is somewhere in between.

And these'll take your favourite board (and a spare deck) as well as everything you need for a skate trip whether it be by plane, train or car.

I'd recommend the bigger one, the Long Base, if you're planning on travelling far with it even if your board is shorter - it'll give you extra room for a few spare pairs of undies as well as all your wheels.

Even if staying in the UK, having a "race bag" with separate compartments to keep your smelly gear separate from your clean clothes is a big win.

And compartments they do have - including the all important cover and padding to keep your griptape from touching anything else in the main area.

Throw in:

• High quality materials and zips
• Reflective logos on the shoulder straps and back
• Detachable single shoulder strap
• Good adjustability
• Helmet strap and bottle pocket

and you've got a bag that's going to provide great utility and take years of abuse.

Just as we'd expect from any Loaded product.

So come on in and check them out - or don't, if you don't need to be spending £120 right now, which I can fully understand.

We're open 12-5 weekdays now the season is winding down again - no more Saturdays until next Spring.

But there are still plenty of warm and dry evenings to take advantage of before we have to start dreaming of that!

Enjoy them,
Matt @ Vandem

Fancy reflective logos to keep you visible and alive as you inevitably skate home from your public transport late at night after the trip.
Worth noting - only the long bag has a chest strap.

The detachable single shoulder strap for if you've already got another backpack on.