Solar Tackle SP C-Tech All In One Ruckbag

How well is it built?

The build is where the C-Tech really shines. G-Tex is a high-performance recycled fabric, so you're getting a tough outer that's also a little kinder on the environment, and the zips sit under water-resistant covers to keep rain out of the main compartment and pockets.

The base is reinforced and waterproof, which matters more than usual on a bag that might spend half its life on a barrow and the other half on wet ground.

Being able to strip the shoulder straps off completely also means there's nothing to snag or fray when it's strapped down on the barrow or stacked in the car.

For me, this is about as well made as a carp bag gets at this level, and the 9.0 is well earned. I think it should look after your tackle for many seasons, whichever way you choose to carry it.

Storage & Organisation

So, how much does it hold? The main compartment is about 30 litres and measures 42cm wide, 32cm deep and 23cm high, which is room for the core kit on a short session but not a lot more.

Alongside it are one long side pocket at 34 x 7 x 15cm and two half-size pockets at 15 x 7 x 15cm each, which suit leads, PVA and small boxes.

Six external sleeves keep banksticks out of the main storage, and the EVA Magnetic Tray gives you somewhere to tie rigs and keep small bits of tackle in check while you're away from the bivvy.

Next to a dedicated rucksack like the Trakker NXG Deluxe, there are fewer pockets and less space overall, and that's why it scores 8.0 rather than higher. It's neatly laid out for its size, though, and the bankstick sleeves are a real bonus.

Comfort & Fit Rating

The Self-Ventilating shoulder straps adjust to suit the way you carry the bag, and the ventilated design should help when you're walking to a far swim on a warm day. Because they're fully removable, they also come off for carryall or barrow use, so they won't catch on anything.

The shape is the limiting factor on your back. It's a wide, low carryall body rather than a tall, slim rucksack, so the load sits less snugly against you than on a purpose-made pack. With a 30-litre main compartment it won't get too heavy, which helps.

Overall, it's comfortable enough for short walks and swim moves, and very handy as a carryall or on the barrow. If you carry your kit a long way on your back most sessions, a dedicated rucksack such as the Korda Compac Rucksack 45 will sit better, and the 8.0 reflects that.

Is it good value for money?

Is it worth the money? It costs about the same as the Trakker NXG Deluxe and the Carp Life Eclipse Camo Elite 60L, and both of those offer a lot more storage. That's the reason value comes in at 7.5.

What the C-Tech gives you in return is flexibility and build quality. To be fair, if you'd otherwise buy a rucksack and a carryall, one bag that does both jobs, plus a barrow bag role, starts to look much better value, especially with the magnetic tray included.

It just depends on whether you'll use all three roles. If you'd only ever carry it on your back, the Korda Compac Rucksack 45 gives you more room for a good deal less.

Overall, I'd recommend it to carp anglers who switch between mobile sessions and static ones, and who want a single, superbly made bag that can go on their back, in their hand or on the barrow.