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Merida FIFTEEN II backpack review

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Liam Mercer's picture

Liam Mercer

Since beginning his mountain biking career while working as a resort photographer in Greece in 2014, Liam became a freelance contributor at off.road.cc in 2019. From there, he’s climbed the journalism job ladder from staff writer to deputy technical editor, now finding his place as technical editor.

Partial to the odd enduro race, heart rate-raising efforts on slim-tyred cross-country bikes, hell-for-leather e-MTB blasts or even casual gravel jaunts, there’s not a corner of off-road cycling where Liam fears to tread. With more than 40 bike reviews under his belt and hundreds more on MTB, e-MTB and gravel parts and accessories, Liam’s expertise continues to be cemented and respected by the industry.

Product reviews

Merida FIFTEEN II backpack review

The FIFTEEN II backpack is a large-capacity pack that’s built to carry everything you need for a full day's riding. It’s big, simple and well thought-out, but there’s not much in the way of airflow to your back, and it doesn’t come with a bladder.

Made from 10% nylon and 90% polyester, the FIFTEEN II is capable of carrying 15 litres worth of kit. Pockets aren’t as plentiful as other bags out there but that’s part of the FIFTEEN II’s charm. What you do get though is a vast main pocket, then two outer pockets that are ideal for phones and smaller items.

Inside the main compartment, you get a few netted pockets that are perfect for tubes, tools, and pumps, and then a space designed for a hydration bladder that’s unfortunately not included. Given the size and price, however, it's not a huge downside.

2020 Merida FIFTEEN II backpack open.jpg

On the outside of the bag are a couple of helmet hooks, which work really well. They’re big and it’s easy to slip your helmet straps in. The hooks are removable too.

2020 Merida FIFTEEN II backpack interior.jpg

To keep the bag where it should be, it has buckles at the waist and chest. There are also buckles and straps that cinch the back down, so if you're not filling it to the brim it can be compacted to something a little less flappy and rattling. Great if you only want one bag for all rides.

2020 Merida FIFTEEN II backpack helmet hook.jpg

While the FIFTEEN II is big and built reasonably well for the money, there’s not much going on to help you avoid nasty great sweat patches. It would be good to see perforations in the straps and a revised airflow system at the base of the pack, just to keep things a little bit comfier. It can get pretty hot.

2020 Merida FIFTEEN II backpack bottom.jpg

The main straps could do with a design tweak to stop the slightly annoying squeak you get if you do run a reservoir, too; the strap tends to rub on the drinks tube.

2020 Merida FIFTEEN II backpack base:back.jpg

Merida's FIFTEEN II backpack makes a great second-choice bag for long days or even as a commuter bag, and the price is reasonable. If you're planning serious rides with this as your only pack, however, the basic and rather hot rear panel could well be an issue.

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