Like everything by Red Original, this cooler backpack is just a bit better thought-out than the competition. Take the dimensions, for example – where a smidge of extra width means you can store your standard mid-size food containers flat instead of side-on. Ditto for the super-comfy airflow straps and padded back panel that make carrying it a breeze even when the pack's fully loaded. As you might expect from a brand that specialises in paddle boarding gear, it's completely leak proof, with the same waterproof seams that they use on their industry-leading dry bags. The food-grade BPA-free liner is easy to keep clean, and to top it off, the pack uses an eco-friendly TPU material made from recycled plastic bottles.
Comfortable to carry, thanks to airflow straps, removable chest strap and padded back panel
Reflective logo increases visibility in low-light conditions
15 litres of interior storage, plus external water bottle/stash pockets
Food-grade BPA-free liner
T-bar zip
Outer measurements (H x W x D): 45 x 27 x 18.5 cm
Internal compartment (H x W x D): 34 x 25 x 15 cm
Cool bag weight: 1.15 kg
Eco Certified: Red Paddle Co is a certified B Corp, the highest distinction for companies committed to making environmental and social responsibility a core part of their business operations
Manufactured Sustainably: Red’s board production facility is 100% waste free, while packaging is made from recyclable reclaimed paper or cardboard.
Red Paddle Co boards come with a five-year warranty as standard – and if you think that sounds generous, it's because virtually no-one needs to use it. Their paddleboards are so well built that they've literally driven a 22-tonne digger over one without breaking it, and warranty rates stand at a staggeringly low 0.5%.
The same goes for the rest of their gear too – from beautifully made waterproof backpacks with super-strong welding, to hybrid changing robe/parkas that'll take you from the beach to the high arctic and everywhere in-between. This stuff isn't cobbled together overseas by the lowest bidder – it's designed and purpose-built in Red's own Devon facility, drawing on more than 15 years of experience and an uncompromising attitude to quality.
We've had a good old nose around their Totnes HQ, and what we really love about Red is the way their kit is engineered to be portable and versatile for multi-activity adventures. Sure, you can just chuck their compact inflatable boards in the back of the car and have a splash about at the beach, but they’re so packable that you can also stick them in a backpack and pony them up to remote mountain lakes, or spend a day paddling downriver and get the train home. Your imagination really is the limit.
This is seriously well-engineered gear that's built to perform and to last, and we're right on board with that.
Plenty of room for beers and the ice lasted the full day.