It is almost enough to say that I’ve never looked for anything to replace this strong, well-made and supremely functional bag, but its important to know why.
It is my second Deemeed Discovery – both have been the Medium size – and this Mk2 version features a bundle of clever additions that improved an already good product.
First, and most usefully, the new generation bag has got an orange lining. It makes such a difference that you can’t understand why anyone would choose anything different: it’s almost like having an LED to illuminate the insides unless it is actually dark, but even then using the torch on your mobile phone will get over that. Nothing short of genius.
The main straps, which used to be attached to the bag at one end is now entirely separate, because there are occasions when you will not need them: when you have attached the bag to a backrest, when you are carrying it with its handle, and when you have got the shoulder straps out and are using at as a rucksack to name but three.
The improved system for mounting to a backrest is much better than the original, because everything you need is integrated into the bag – the previous version had different length straps for different size backrests – but despite that being the primary mounting method, I haven’t used it: I don’t have a backrest. Instead I park it on the pillion, with anti-slip mat adding an additional grip and tie it down with the main straps, and it has seen a few pillion seats in its time.
It holds its shape, full or empty, thanks to soft stiffeners either side of the main compartment, and the bottom is braced by something altogether more substantial, to make sure that you can strap it down safely without fear of collapse, which would loosen the straps.
With primary luggage packed in the main bag, the side pockets can be used for the rain cover, cargo net or stuff you anticipate needing on the journey, and the four mesh pockets outside of those – two each side – are perfect for smaller bottles or tins. The final, lower pocket running across the width always used to be ideal for carrying the alternative straps for different sized backrests, but even though it is quite shallow, it’s useful.
The other big change is the switch from waterproof zips to conventional ones: they are just more reliable, and at the point when you would be getting worried about their ability to keep the water out, you will be fitting the supplied rain cover anyway.
The only place where this is now starting to show its age is on the back print – which is a custom option – and that’s only recently got scuffed by me attaching a second helmet onto one of the many anchor points for the supplied cargo net, without accounting for how abrasive its intercom mounting was.
Very highly recommended.
Deemeed Discovery
Small H50/W41/D11cm / 55 litres: £225
Medium H40/W51/D28cm / 60 litres: £245
Large H50/W51/D31 / 70 litres: £280
(Originally tested in AmV45, March/April 2011)
Deemed.com