JRC Defender II Carryall

How well is it built?

The Defender II is made from 500D polyester in plain green, and it's hard-wearing and water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. The base is reinforced and water-resistant too, which should cope with damp grass, although I'd still avoid setting it down in a puddle.

Double zips close both the main compartment and the pockets, and there's a padded shoulder strap plus webbing carry handles. It's a tidy, simple bag with nothing flashy about it, and that's no bad thing on the bank.

So, why a 7.5? It's a soft fabric carryall, while dearer bags like the Avid RVS Deluxe Hard-Top add moulded EVA and stiffening bars, and 500D is a lighter weave than the 600D on the Sonik Bank-Tek Carryall.

It should last well with normal care, but it's built to a price, and I think the score reflects that honestly.

Storage & Organisation

This is the Defender II's strong point. It's built around the Defender accessory bag and pouch range, so the main compartment takes Defender bags and pouches, and so do the three large external pockets.

It makes good use of its footprint, with generous space both inside and in the pockets.

The Large, at 57 x 32 x 33cm, suits overnighters and most weekend sessions, while the XL, at 66 x 34 x 38cm, gives you the room for longer stays or bulkier bait and cooking kit. Both are a lot bigger than a compact day bag.

Is it still worth it if you don't own any Defender pouches? Pretty much, as roomy pockets take any kit, but you lose the neat fit that turns it into a system. For me, that's why it scores 8.0 rather than higher, as the clever part depends on buying into the range.

Ease of Use

The shoulder strap is padded, adjustable and non-slip, which matters when a loaded carryall is pulling on one shoulder on the walk to the swim. Webbing carry handles take care of the short lifts, such as loading it into the car or onto a barrow.

The double zips are a useful touch, because you can open a pocket or the main compartment from either side and get at what you need without fully unzipping it. With Defender pouches in place, it's also quick to pack and unpack, as each pouch lifts out in one go.

The downside is that it's a soft bag, so it relies on what's packed inside to keep its shape, and it shouldn't be expected to stand as square as the Sonik Bank-Tek when it's half empty. Even so, it's a straightforward, easy bag to use, and the 8.0 is fair.

Is it good value for money?

It's one of the more affordable mid-priced carryalls, costing a little less than the Sonik Bank-Tek and a little more than the Wychwood Tactical HD Packsmart Carryall.

Next to the Sonik, you give up the rigid, free-standing body and the heavier 600D outer, but the pouch-friendly layout is just as practical if you use Defender luggage.

The Wychwood is cheaper again and has split-apart sections in tough 1200D material, though it holds 35 litres in all, so the Defender II's Large and XL sizes are the better fit for bigger loads and longer sessions.

Overall, I'd recommend the Defender II to carp anglers who already use JRC Defender pouches, or plan to, and want a roomy, sensible carryall that keeps them together.

If a rigid bag matters more to you, the Sonik Bank-Tek is worth the small extra, but for pouch users the Defender II makes a lot of sense for the money.