What’s up riders. Sometimes it’s not how fast you go that matters, but how you carry yourself…And the stuff you take with you! Today, we review the Craft&Ride Fender Pack and see what it has to offer.
I had been looking at the Fender Pack for a while! I don’t feel I have the balance skill to wear a backpack while riding yet. Like other Onewheel products I’ve tested – and some I’ve been developing! – I think this pack is a quality of life item that will open up opportunities for you. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves and start at the beginning!
No, this has not become a Onewheel-only blog! Motorized unicycles are not your jam? You can’t wait for my next write-ups? Check my Portfolio and my DIY guides to hold you over!
Disclaimer
The content provided on this website reflects my personal experience, circumstances and budget. All advice and information are offered “as is” and are not intended as professional guidance. I assume no liability for any actions taken based on the information shared here.
Readers should always conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making decisions or attempting anything based on advice or information shared here!
This is not a sponsored post. I bought this item like a regular Craft&Ride customer. I did use the gift card from Craft&Ride’s footpad trade-in program and social media sharing program. Both programs are available to any customer. This $75 store credit card let me buy the Craft&Ride Fender Pack and new rail guards.
Shipping
If you’ve read the Kush Nug footpad review, you already know what I expected from Craft&Ride’s shipping. Well this time around, the experience was much faster and better! I placed the order on a Friday, and my item left the warehouse within a few business days.
Once again, USPS tracking was just fine and my Fender Pack came in nicely packaged just at the expected date. A great experience, gg Nick and team!
Unboxing & Quality
Open your package, and you will find:
- Your Fender Pack
- Four 3M Velcro tapes
- A couple of alcohol wipes
No instructions? No instructions! I was a little surprised by that but seriously, installation is pretty straightforward anyway (we’ll talk about it more later).
The general finish for the pack is really good. Inside the pack, I found a patch for Nocqua Adventure Gear. This company makes sports, battery, lighting and travel gear. We’re in quality country here! The zipper doesn’t catch, there’s no threads hanging out, no unraveling stitches, and thick padding will protect your cargo. I think the main flap opens up a little too much (but that might just be me). Nothing that can’t be taken care of by a couple of safety pins.
The Fender Pack is separated into three small compartments. Once the pack is installed, each compartment is about 7 inches long by 3.5 inches wide, and about 2.5 inches tall. A mesh pocket on the inside of the front flap is there to store items for quick access.
When the Fender Pack is not on the Onewheel, the dividers relax and stand upright more, making it easy to access the contents. When the pack is in place on the fender, the dividers “fold down” to secure the contents in place.
Installing the Fender Pack
Installation is very simple. Like I said, there’s no print instructions in the packaging and the only video instructions I could find were… Very informal (and fun to watch)! So, in case you’re a worrier like me, here’s a short and sweet guide to installing your Fender Pack!
- Clean your fender with the alcohol wipes included
- Flip your Fender Pack over, zipper face down
- Attach the Velcro tapes to the back of the pack and peel off the tapes’ backing
- Position your Fender Pack over your fender, lengthwise from the back pad to the front pad
- You’re done!
At this point the pack should sit securely on the fender. You should already be able to pull the pack off the fender without the Velcro tapes peeling off! Then, press down the Velcro tapes on the fender to smoothe out any wrinkles. These are to be expected: after all, you are trying to fit horizontal adhesive tapes on a curved surface!
Packing the Pack Up
Craft&Ride has a cute demo on their Instagram account where they cram the Fender Pack full of Skittles. But how much can it usefully pack in the real world? Here’s a few observations (I’ll add more as they come):
- The split compartments are keep everything nicely separated and easy to find. On the other hand, items bigger than one compartment are trickier to pack because the dividers get in the way. Removable dividers would have been nice!
- The curved shape of the pack means that big non-flexible items are a no go. Forget taking a big metal water canteen! Refillable plastic pouches are a good fit though.
- The added weight of stored items has not been a problem for me so far.
- The Fender Pack doesn’t get in the way of stepping on or off the Onewheel. If you fall forward, the Velcro tape will give some but your foot might still catch on the pack (ask me how I know!).
Overall, you can pack a fair deal in the Fender Pack – if the contents can conform to its shape! I mostly use it to pack a first aid kit and my safety gear drawstring pack.
The Recap
So, the Craft&Ride Fender Pack. Worth it or not?
It depends: if you prefer riding without a backpack on your Onewheel, then yes, the Fender Pack is worth buying so you can stash your stuff directly on your ride! It looks durable, it’s well thought out, and there’s definitely convenience value to it.
If you don’t mind wearing a backpack maybe the Fender Pack is not for you. But keeping an eye on Craft&Ride’s sales or making use of their generous social media marketing and trade-in programs might make it worth your while!
Ultimately, I’m super happy with my Fender Pack! I take it on most of my rides now, and I have noticed my rides are getting longer just because I have my “just in case” supplies with me. Maybe it’ll be the same for you!