Singletrack/MTB
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The new RPGP “Rogue Panda General Purpose” straps are ultra-grippy TPU Voile-style accessory straps that replace the webbing straps on the Blue Ridge harness and their top tube bags. We had a chance to try them out ahead of today’s launch. Learn more here…
I can’t think of another hobby, pastime, or sport that is as obsessed with straps as bikepacking. Maybe the overlanding crowd comes close, with their Molle webbing and military-inspired colors and hardware, but I’ve not participated in any activity that requires so many various straps—and a few extras just in case. And when you really dig into it, there aren’t that many options out there. Voile and Titan’s polyurethane (TPU) straps are among the most popular, but countless other options use tried-and-true nylon webbing that offers similar performance. Brands like Austere are mixing things up by designing totally over-engineered buckles to up folks’ strap game, but they all have a common purpose: securing one thing to another.
Having strapped down my fair share of dry bags and bottles, I have some opinions on what strap materials and buckle styles work best for any given situation. For larger loads, static straps/webbing are nice to really lock gear in place. For bottles or cargo bags, having some stretch/grip in the strap does a great job at holding the load in place. Quick-release buckles are great for top-loading bags and hip packs, but a cam lock buckle is often the most dependable option when you really want to yank down on that strap. I have an entire bin in my basement dedicated to straps!
Rogue Panda General Purpose Straps
Rogue Panda in Flagstaff, Arizona, previously supplied their Blue Ridge Handlebar Harness with the customers’ choice of webbing straps with side-release buckles or an upgraded version with Austere buckles. They worked great, but Rogue Panda’s founder/owner, Nick Smolinske, saw room for improvement. The buckles themselves are made by Woojin Plastic in South Korea, but the new Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) straps are made from a different partner in China. Coincidentally, the new Revelate Designs panniers released today also use the Woojin buckles/straps. They are now an option for the Blue Ridge Harness, their top tube bags, and as a standalone purchase for any other strapping needs.
The RPGP Straps are available in four lengths; 6″, 9″, 15″, and an extra-long 28″ version for handlebar harness systems like the Blue Ridge. Rogue Panda worked directly with their TPU partner in China to strengthen the 28″ version by simply removing holes from the first several inches of the strap. Nick said although the TPU straps can stretch, it’s easy to pull the stretch out by hand and ultimately results in a more stable setup. They are nearly identical to Voile straps, but the little nub that inserts into one of the holes has a small bulge at the tip that almost locks in place. Neil and I have both had a chance to test the straps, and we agree they feel a touch more secure than other TPU gear straps.
To address the dreaded floppy strap, Rogue Panda also designed their own TPU strap keepers that slide in place to keep the end locked in place. All lengths of strap come with strap keepers, and you can also buy them separately to use on other brands’ 1/2″ wide straps. The Alamo and Catalina top tube bags are now also supplied with the new TPU straps instead of velcro but continue to use the TPU spacers for a front-strap-free setup. The 6″ straps cost $4, the 9″ costs $6, the 15″ costs $8, and the 28″ costs $10. The strap keepers are also available as a four-pack for $3.
Updated Blue Ridge Handlebar Harness
Alongside the new TPU straps, Rogue Panda designed some custom-molded TPU bridges that slide onto the carbon bars and keep your straps in place. This addresses an issue with some harnesses and cradles, where the straps fall off when loading/unloading. Moving forward, all Blue Ridge Harnesses will be sold with the bridges installed, but they are also available as an affordable upgrade kit. The kit is just $5, or $15 with a pair of the new 28″ long ultralight TPU straps. This price is only valid for existing Blue Ridge customers.
Rogue Panda is still offering Austere cam lock buckles when buying the Blue Ridge, but they’ve changed the strap material from webbing to Hypalon. I asked Nick why, and he said Hypalon adds a touch more grip and he thinks it looks better than webbing. Functionally, they are pretty similar.
You can find the new straps here, the updated Blue Ridge here, and the Blue Ridge upgrade kit here. For everything else, visit RoguePanda.com.
Further Reading
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