Not all bad reviews have bad endings! A few years ago, I purchased the Guerrilla Pack and took it on a four month journey with me…
It fell apart when I needed it most, and left my belongings unsecured and my back aching. To prevent other travelers from making the same purchase mistake, I went against the popular PR move and wrote an honest, detailed, and perhaps slightly cruel review…. I couldn’t resist the Inspector Gadget drawing! I called out the owner and waited for a response… but alas, none came and I had forgotten about the incident- using another favorite backpack in the meantime.
This year I received an email from their new Brand Manager, Jason, who reached out to let me know the company has undergone a large change and they wanted to prove to me that the product is improved and ready to travel with the big guys. To be truthful, I was skeptical at best.
Jason and I exchanged emails and I told him that even after having received the pack I wouldn’t publish a review until I put it to the test. He agreed that it was fair, so I just had to plan a trip to give the backpack a proper travel workout. So, I took off for the summer to France and Portugal to put the Roundhouse through the wringer.
ready to hit the road
I chose the Roundhouse which is carry on sized (even though my boyfriend had to physically punch it into the EasyJet carry on sizer to leave Marseille) at 60 liters: it includes the 50 Liter Backpack and 10 Liter Detachable Daypack.
Though the design is slim and tall, it was an easy feat to include everything on the Ultimate Packing List, and I was happily off to the airport. After the first few hours, my shoulders still didn’t hurt and my lower back wasn’t screaming out; a major improvement over their last model!
We landed in Paris and had to wait a few hours for our Air BnB host to be ready, so we walked around 16kms and though it was not pleasant to do so, it was definitely made better by the Roundhouse. I was pleased, but still not convinced – entirely. We went to a small town in the West of France and discovered Summer showers were upon us, but thankfully the Roundhouse comes with a waterproof cover that is infinitely better than the last.
The backpack was tossed around, laid on, crammed to the max, and generally treated as a backpack is: giant pillow, emergency backrest, crowd mover, foot stool and temporary bed. It really brings me great happiness to say The Guerrilla Packs Roundhouse withstood the Brandy Bell test and will be going on future travels with me!
The best part? Guerrilla Packs is so serious about their revamping and their new products that they want to share it with YOU.
Win your Guerrilla Pack Roundhouse NOW!
Leave a comment on this blog post to enter the GIVEAWAY for the Roundhouse 60 Liter backpack for yourself with a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLAIMER : I was not paid to write this; but (as I said above) Guerrilla Packs did send me the backpack free of charge for review and the Giveaway backpack and shipping is also on them, so show your thanks by stopping by their Facebook! Fear not; I will always let you know when content is sponsored!
'Guerrilla Packs GIVEAWAY!' have 12 comments
December 11, 2014 @ 2:30 pm Victoria
Great read Brandy! Nice to see that you were heard and that company was able to help you! I’ve always wanted to go back packing! Your story inspires me to do so!
December 11, 2014 @ 5:49 pm Katelan McCurdy
I have been on a search for backpacks lately! I am doing the Camino de Santiago (Ruta Frances) in July! I am glad I got to read this review!
December 11, 2014 @ 6:58 pm Sima
That’s pretty awesome you got to email the product manager. It shows they care about your opinion and the quality of their products. It looks like a fantastic bag for my journeys! Right now I have a satchel and a large backpacking bag. I look forward to hearing more about products and adventures.
December 11, 2014 @ 7:02 pm Roberta Wijangco
I’ve been searching for a travelling backpack for quite a while now, I know how hard the struggle can be! But I’m glad that you are happy with this one!
December 11, 2014 @ 7:42 pm Kirsten
I can totally imagine what you are going through. I am just preparing for my new life abroad in Uruguay and am looking into backpacks. THERE ARE TOO MANY. AND HOW TO KNOW WHICH BRAND WORKS BEST!?!? So, for me it was really helpful to read your entry to get some personal Review and Feedback one at least one of the brands. I would like my new backpack to survive the two years in South America to bring back all my memories when I return. BEst Kirsten
December 11, 2014 @ 7:53 pm Rachel
When your boyfriend got it to fit into the easy jet carryon sizer was it full or about how much space would you say was empty? Having my bag be carry on sized is VERY important to me. Thanks!
December 11, 2014 @ 8:11 pm Jennie // scarletscorchdroppers
Its not easy to find the right bag is it! You never really know until its been on your back for far too long, and then its too late to change your mind! I’m coming towards the end of a long trip now, with a backpack thats limping through its final days. The sides are splitting so everything has to be bagged up inside, the shoulder straps have given way so they’re like piano wires, and the only thing keeping everything together is the rain cover! x
December 11, 2014 @ 8:27 pm KC White
I’ve been looking for something to meet travel needs for a while. Ryanair and other space things confuse me. I just want a bag that I can take on my flight, with no fuss! Is that so wrong??
December 12, 2014 @ 3:36 am Rachel McCray
I have always believed that honesty is key to living a happy life. I’m glad that this company has taken the time to show you that they are trying to make a positive change in their product. If anyone would be a good candidate to try this new product out its you Brandy. I’m excited to see what happens with this make over and will keep it in mind for my future travel plans.
December 14, 2014 @ 11:18 pm Alice
Nice review! I like the idea of a detachable day pack 🙂
December 19, 2014 @ 11:14 pm Nicole
I’m glad that the company was able to improve their product so well! I am planning on going on my very first trip around the world by myself in May and would love a backpack like this!
December 22, 2014 @ 11:27 am Julia
glad to hear you had a good experience in the end!