Berghaus Mule 80 

I needed a holdall that would be tough enough not only to endure countless longhaul flights with sometimes less than careful carriers, but also endure the rigours of being portered around the Himalaya.

This has to be the toughest test for any bag, being tied to the back of a high altitude porter, dropped on the ground several times and exposed to the elements for the majority of each day. 

The guys at Berghaus suggested a bag from the Mule range and with a luggage weight restiction of 15kg on most of  our challenges I opted for the 80l version.

The bag is made of a rugged canvas type material with 2 strong carrying handles and a shoulder strap that stows in 1 of the 4 external pockets. There is an external pocket on each end and both sides of the bag, the end ones being large enough to fit a pair of running shoes in. The zips are robust and the main compartment zip has the facility to be able to secure the main compartment with a padlock.

Inside there is a handy "false bottom" that can be used for keeping papers and documents etc flat on the bottom of the bag and 2 elasticated seperate pockets at either end. The main compartment is large and easily accessible from thje top of the bag.

I used the Mule 80 during Yak Attack 2008 and it was large enough to stow all my gear for the 9 days, including a 4 season sleeping bag and 9 days worht of energy bars and recovery drink.  Despite the bag being exposed to sun and snow, bus and jeep roof racks and probably being used as a porters seat during the day it showed little signs of wear at the end of the race, and Im sure it will accompany me on many a race for many years to come.

Id thoroughly recommend the Mule range of bags for anybody looking for a functional and rugged travel bag that can endure the rigours of life on the road.