Flanci is my favourite brand for skorts and they have branched out to design and sell other items, such as the Flanci Huggle robe, buffs, tops and shorts. They have also introduced a kit bag. I confess, I had no idea how useful this kit bag from Flanci would be until it arrived.
If I’m honest, I have so many rucksacks, bags and packs that I initially thought, “Do I really need another?” But then I realised th Flanci 33l backpack is great for carrying spare clothing and shoes with me when I head to the mountains in my van and it’s also perfect for wild swimming.
It’s not the sort of pack you would choose to carry in the hills with you for longer-distance walks, rather it’s a product that is useful for hefting around bits and pieces in between activities. It has a lot of volume in the main area of the pack and a very practical waterproof zipped pocket that is big enough for a pair of shoes or boots.
There’s also another zipped pocket on the rear of the pack with ample space for smaller accessories and snacks. Additionally, there’s is a zipped mesh pocket inside the main internal area.
Further features include:
33 litre volume – (enough space for a Flanci Huggle dry robe and more)
Plastic base with studded feet
Polyester fabric
Mesh pockets on either side to store drinks bottles
Small waterproof zipped pocket on top
Colour co-ordinated removable luggage tag
Adjustable back pack straps
Sliding adjustable chest strap
Price: £49.99
See: Flanci – use the code FIONA10 to receive a 10% discount
My thoughts: Flanci 33l backpack and kit bag
The first time I used the bag, I packed the spare items I would maybe need for a mountain hike. I am never quite sure until I arrive at the start of a walk, what I will take in my hiking or running rucksack. I like to add in extra layers, waterproofs, shoes, socks, snacks etc. I also like to take clothing to change into after my run or hike, including, of course, an extra Flanci skort!
The Flanci bag was great for this. I just threw in everything I thought I might possible need, as well as packing a small hiking rucksack, and put both bags in my van. I particularly like the zipped waterproof pocket for shoes. This keeps dirty and damp footwear away from other kit.
The next time I used the Flanci bag was for wild swimming. I often go to my local loch, which is a 10-minute walk away. I realised that the waterproof pocket at the base would be ideal for wet swimsuit and neoprene socks and gloves after the swim.
I used the another zipped outer pocket for swim goggles, swimming ear plugs and mobile phone. The main part of the bag was useful for carrying a towel and Huggle robe.
In addition, when swimming, I used the smaller zipped pocket a the top of the pack for my house keys.
The bag is the ideal size for taking all I need for wild swimming. It is also comfy enough to carry on the short walk to our loch. It has a lightly padded back and shoulder straps and can be adjusted to fit smaller or larger people.
I spotted a review where someone used the Flanci kit bag in a ultra running race at a bag drop station. This is a great idea because it’s possible to keep things separated into the right compartments for easy access.
The bag has a handy handle at the top for moving about when it’s not on your back and I really like the durable plastic base. The loch where I swim can sometimes have a muddy shore and it’s good to have a pack that I can happily leave on the ground when getting changed or going swimming.
I am now thinking that I might need two of the Flanci kit bags: One for wild swimming and one for taking in my van when I head off to walk or run in the hills and mountains. Fortunately, they come in four different colours so I won’t end up muddled.