Gouthwaite Backpack - 20L

In 2023 I wrote a glowing review of my newly arrived Gouthwaite. Here’s an update; after daily weekday bike commuting in London carrying all sorts of (heavy) stuff; many, many country walks; multiple washes and re-waxings it’s doing great and I love it more than ever. There’s a tiny bit of fraying around the upper straps but that’s it and has not changed since I noticed it 2 years ago. It’s so comfortable. I hesitated at the price at first but it’s undoubtedly one of the best value things I own and I love that when it does give up the ghost (not soon at this rate) it will biodegrade back to the earth. Could not recommend more highly.

Gouthwaite Backpack - 20L

Great bag. Sturdy and useful. Great for packing work supplies and hiking gear alike.

Really pleased with my Gouthwaite bag. Used it for work where it comfortably holds my laptop and array of cables and accessories as well as notebook and water bottle as well as other essentials. I bought it more and have used it more for my aimless ambles across and around Kinder Scout in the Peak District where it easily holds all my Winter walk essentials. I can attest for its weatherproofness as I've been out in some substantial downpours and my bag contents have remained fully dry. Expanding side pockets very useful, and I can carry two walking poles in the side straps easily. The top fastening buckle does indeed make a pleasing 'clink' upon closing. Going to get a set of the cushioned shoulder straps as although the wide webbing straps are comfortable I'd like the extra cushioning for the Summer when I'll be carrying heavy water bottles. Couldn't be more happy with my new bag.

Excellent. Just excellent

Exactly as advertised and really enjoying using it. Love the look and feel.

I wanted a bag that would last me at least a decade of daily use. Hard to tell after a couple of weeks, but I think I've got one. It's really, really well made, robust, feels like it will wear in and age well. It's nicely capacious; I hesitated over this and the Jorvik, but this is plenty big enough for a well-packed weekend away and all daily needs. The rust colour is lovely, not quite as bright and bold as the photos seem.

I was very glad I bought the extra padding for the shoulder straps. Without, I found them a little uncomfortable, cutting in to my armpits or just below. With, it's a very comfy carry. It does add to the price, but I found it worthwhile.

I also bought the 2.6l Ramsgill pouch, which fits very nicely in the bag (without the strap) and provides more internal organisation. And then obviously you can carry both bags together for a little more capacity, or just take the pouch on its own. If you're hesitating over this or the Jorvik, consider the Gouthwaite+Ramsgill combination.

Looks great. Feels great. Amazing build. Would love the possibility of customising sections so maybe something to consider in the future.

Bought this bag as a replacement for my osprey and i wanted to buy a uk made bag. this bag is fantastic quality and we went over to the shop and spoke to the owners who were lovely and a very genuine pair. would highly recommend this bag or any of the other bags they make. granted they aren’t the cheapest but you get what you pay for and its always going to be a little more expensive being made in the uk by 2 people who only make 25 bags a week

Superb quality

Very happy with this bag !
Very high quality manufacture, fast delivery.
It looks like it will last for years !

Put simply I love my bag. One month in, I’ve used it for commuting, all day hikes, small shops and generally looking fancy.

It’s sturdy but flexible, the bag material is fab and I *love* the climbing clip.

I am also a big fan of the care and attention that has gone into sustainability ethos. I am really very happy with my bag and if you are dithering just go for it. You won’t regret it, I wish I’d got mine sooner!

The backpack is a birthday present for my partner and we both chose from your website. He loves the style, capacity and colour. What he would have liked are some padding on the shoulder straps to make it more comfortable to wear, and a zipped pocket on the outside (we saw that this wasn't there on the web photo - so no misrepresentation on your part). He definitely will keep using it, and it is being much admired, so thank you!

Really well-designed backpack. Looks awesome, love the funtionality of the rolltop and clasp and keeps the rain out. Only change I would make would be to brighten up the interior a little more. The design (rolltop) and being black means limited light gets into the bag making it tricky to find things. Keep up the great work!

Gouthwaite Backpack - 18-23L

Such a well made, durable, high quality backpack. I reached out to Oscar and asked for a custom black gouthwaite to be made with tan straps instead, and the product is fantastic. I have been using it for a couple weeks now, and particularly appreciate how the shape and design of the bag makes for excellent weight distribution on the back. I may have to get another one for my husband soon!

I love my new backpack. If I had one suggestion for a change it would be addition of a loop at the top of the back so it can be lifted like a suitcase if wanted. If you grab the strap for the buckle, the strap slips in the buckle. Otherwise it is perfect

I rarely find the time to leave product reviews, but when I received a product that is such exceptional quality I knew this was going to be an exception.

Everything about this bag is amazing, the materials used, the workmanship to create it, and even the communication from the team. It is incredibly comfortable to carry, regardless of weight. I honestly can't recommend it enough.

I love this backpack. I have been using it for a few weeks and think it’s great. Takes all the stuff I need and is comfortable to wear. The quality of the bag seems really good. Couple of things I would change:
Add a key loop and a carry handle

Other than that cannot recommend enough.

I really like my new bag. It feels very well made and high quality.

I've been really impressed with my BearMade bag. It's very comfortable, I've had complements in an office environment and very impressed with how it dealt with a rain storm!! (I cycle into work). All in all, what a star!!

Recenty purchased and already used for work and adventures. It does everything and absolutely amazing quality.

First off, the orange colour is amazing. The fabric is first rate and the overall production values are second to none. I had a few small reservations about the pack before buying it - no hand / carry loop seemed like an odd omission, although the staff helpfully explained the chest strap can double as one. Not ideal, but not a major issue and I knew that before I purchased.

The back is comfy and slightly padded, and I managed to fit my LG Gram 17” laptop in the sleeve inside, which is excellent.

I have a few design quibbles. The side pockets could be taller, to allow for a larger water bottle, but that’s not a major thing. A few morninsode pockets would be nice - perhaps a secure zip pocket, but these are small things. My only major concern is the straps, which are very wide with no taper to the bottom. I’m not sure how I’ll get on with them, they seem to cut into me a little under the arms. Also, the strap adjustment is very odd. Changing the fit while wearing the bag is a bit annoying. The straps are super sturdy, but I do think they’re a little form over function. Certainly not the most user friendly.

However, the bag is seriously cool, and I’m getting used to the small odd design things, and in fact it’s nice to have a something a little different. I’d still like deeper side pockets, a carry/grab handle and easier to adjust straps. I really wanted to leave a five star review, as the build quality and overall look is simply amazing, but for me the functionality could be improved with those small changes.

I bought this bag after going through three rucksacks in under two years. I carry a lot of heavy items on a daily basis and needed something that would be durable. So far I'm immensely impressed with the quality of the backpack, it feels very sturdy, it fits all my essentials, and thanks to a very wet hike I can now confirm it's definitely waterproof. If it lasts me another five years minimum then I'll be happy, if it lasts more than ten it'll be one of the best purchases I've ever made.

My only real gripe with the bag is that the strap that connects the back straps across your chest (and doubles as a Handel) is a bit awkward. But otherwise fantastic bag. Especially love the design of the inside laptop sleeve and it's two pockets. Highly recommend this bag to other people, VERY sturdy design and has been extremely good on the back thus far (also their customer service is excellent)

An amazing backpack! I look forward to using it for many years :)

Very well made backpack for both commuting and free time. Terrific build quality.

I needed a backpack that could handle rainy weather and some long days walking and was really keen to get the gouthwaite. I contacted the team directly as I was working with a short timeframe and the rust was showing as preorder. Nell was an absolute legend, she had one at the shop that I could purchase and get shipped out asap. I now have my bag ready for travels on monday and it is beautiful, so comfy and functional! A blooming dream! Honestly so pleased to have purchased and supported this lovely company based in Yorkshire where I’m from who so clearly care about the environment and community. I have spotted the bespoke service and already have my eye on the Jorvik for the work commute…. I’ll be back!