Free Spirit "Rock Solid" Mini Ruck Box

Regular visitors to UKMA will know that we rate Free Spirit's products very highly from reading our reviews, but a lot of readers may not be aware that Free Spirit are far from being just manufacturers of rods and clothing. The company have listened to their select team of consultants andf developed a range of luggage that not just looks the part, but is predominantly functional.

Towards the end of 2009, UKMA were sent one of the products from the range to review - the Spirit Mini Rock Solid Ruck Box.

It is difficult to know where to start when reviewing the Rock Solid Mini Ruck Box, as there are simply so many features that are equally effective and practical, so please forgive us if we think something is more important than what the reader would first look for.

What the Manufacturers Say;

"Developed over the past two years the 'Rock Solid' Rucksacks feature an extremely stable powder coated brown aluminium frame inside what is essentially a rucksack. The specially designed ergonomically padded EVA back system features air channels to maximise comfort and is fully adjustable to suit any build. This back system is detachable and can be stored out of the way to keep it clean with a separate shoulder strap available should you wish to use it like a carryall.

On top of the frame sits a bivvy table and the front panel can be lowered forward drawbridge style to access the main compartment whilst not disturbing the table. All four legs are adjustable to bring the bag off the floor keeping it level and out of the mud. The frame is rated to 16 stone so can be used as a seat and the top is padded for comfort.

There are two side pockets on the front flap, two under the flap and two side pockets allowing items to be stored and accessed quickly. A full range of 'Multi-Bags' has been specifically designed to carry all useful items and fit perfectly inside the Rock Solids"

UKMA On The Bank Review

UKMA recently took the "Rock Solid" Mini Ruck Box on the bank for several sessions to see how it performed in a real use rather than just in the office.

The Mini should not be mistaken for meaning that it is small in size and capacity, as it is not! The sheer amount of storage space available in the Mini is staggering, and I could easily fit all terminal tackle, stove, gas, camera, scales, brew kit, bait and clothing that the majority of anglers would require for a 48 hour session inside the main compartment and outer pockets with plenty of room still to spare!

The material used is hard wearing and should be more than up to the task of brushing past trees or bushes that anglers encounter on the way to their chosen spots. The stitching on the material is first class and even after some of the abuse that I have put it through on the sessions, is showing no strain or pulling.

The large flap that covers the top of the frame has been made so that it secures at the base of the frame by two buckle clips, and also has 2 large pockets on the front of it. The largest has been designed to hold a large Fox system box and the thinner pocket will hold a Korda Rig Box with ease. Both of the pockets are zipped all round and fitted with double pullers. the clever part of this is that if the Ruck Box is used as a table inside the bivvy, there are two buckles on the rear of the material which the flap can clip to so the flap is not trailing around inside the bivvy and more importantly, the two pockets are accessible still.

When the flap is lifted, the front of the Ruck Box also has two more 3/4 height pockets for housing other important items. These are also readily accessible when the front of the Ruck Box is "upright" or open "drawbridge" style. To open the front "drawbridge" style it is a simple action of undoing a velcro retainer at the top and loosening off the two side buckles allowing complete access to the internal contents without having to lift everything off the table top. The bivvy table top can be used either way up - with one side having raised edges for use as a bivvy table to stop items rolling off of it, and the other side flat, making it more comfortable if sat on.

The most important part for me though, is that the Ruck Box doubles up as a seat. Free Spirit rate the frame to 16 stone (although I weigh significantly less than that!), sitting on the Ruck Box is actually comfortable. When used as a seat, I have to point out that it is most comfortable with the flat side of the tray facing upwards! If you want to lighten the load that you take with you on a day session, then this is perfect - not requiring an additional chair.

The Ruck Box also has four adjustable legs that work on a sprung lever system, meaning that millimetre perfect levelling can be done. Each leg is finished with a rubber foot so groundsheets are not damaged.

On both sides of the Ruck Box, pockets have also been fitted with a larger full height pocket on one side and two smaller half height pockets on the opposite. All the side pockets have additional Airlex mesh outer pockets fitted which are handy for placing wet towels or your rubbish in for removal from the waters edge. Also on the sides of the Ruck Box, Free Spirit have added a neoprene padded handle for easy loading in & out of a vehicle or on & off of a barrow. There are also a couple of "D" rings fitted so the Ruck Box can be carried with a single shoulder strap (available as a seperate extra) should the angler prefer.

On the rear of the Ruck Box, it is plain to see that a lot of thought has gone into comfort when loaded fully. The shoulder straps have more than ample coverage to spread the weight over the shoulders as well as having a chest strap and thick padded waist belt - both of which are secured around the body by buckle clips. The lumbar support on the back of the Ruck Box allows the body to stay in good posture when carried - which is a more than welcome bonus as we get older. The support is also removable by undoing a couple of straps and removing from the velcro that is attached to the actual ruck box itself. When the lumbar support is removed, Free Spirit have also had the foresight to include a cover for the velcro to stop it getting damaged or clogged up with debris.

I really rate this rucksack as one of the very best that I have owned over the years and having a bad spine myself, I don't find it a hinderance to carry even when loaded. If I could change anything on the Ruck Box, it would be to add larger feet to the bottom of the legs simply to make it sink less in soft ground when used as a seat, and to add a little more padding to the top of the cover. Other than these minor changes, I wouldn't change a thing with it and will continue to use it for as long as I possibly can do.

The Ruck Box is also available in a larger standard size for those anglers that really do like to take the "kitchen sink" with them and available in both the "Spirit" green and "Carpy" Realtree camouflage.