The Feuerwear Edgar roll-top backpack is not a normal backpack because it is made from used fire hose and recycled PET bottles. In practical testing it shows that it not only looks good, but can also take a beating and is extremely durable.
The Cologne-based company Feuerwear has been producing bags and backpacks from used fire hoses and other recycled material for more than 15 years. The products should not only be sustainable, but also impress with their longevity, suitability for everyday use and a timeless design.
With the roll top completely rolled out, the interior holds 27 liters.
(Photo: kwe)
Brand new to Feuerwear's offering is the Edgar roll-top backpack, which has a capacity of up to 29 liters and space for 17-inch notebooks and other devices. ntv.de tried out whether it was worth its price of just under 240 euros.
Edgar is available in the typical hose colors red and white as well as in black, ntv.de has chosen the red version. The backpack is 34 centimeters wide and 17 centimeters deep. Depending on how far you roll up the top, it is 45 to 60 centimeters high. The design is functional, but looks very stylish thanks to the unique tubing material with markings and signs of use. Useful detail: at night, two gray ridges on the seams of the large outer pocket act as reflectors.
Sustainable from start to finish
The backpack does not consist exclusively of cleaned fire hoses. The front, pockets and bottom are made from the extremely durable but also stubborn material. The bottom is black because the hose was turned over there. This is generally the case with the black model.
A 17-inch notebook disappears effortlessly into the large interior.
(Photo: kwe)
The rest of the backpack is largely made from recycled PET bottles (Cordura), everything is sewn in a Serbian factory, and according to Feuerwear, sustainability is also taken into account. Among other things, the company offsets CO2 emissions caused by transport through Atmosfair climate projects. Stiftung Warentest rated the non-profit GmbH as very good in every respect.
High quality and comfortable
Because of the fire hose used, the backpack is not lightweight at 1.55 kilograms. But this contributes to the extremely robust impression that you have as soon as you take Edgar out of its equally sustainable cardboard and wrapping paper packaging.
Here you can see the attractive structure of the tubular fabric.
(Photo: kwe)
Due to its relatively high weight, the backpack is not necessarily intended for mountain tours or other uses where every gram counts. But that doesn't mean you can't wear it for a long time. Because the wide shoulder straps and the back section are both generously and airily padded. This means that it doesn't pinch even when it's heavily loaded and you hardly sweat underneath as long as it's not too hot.
Adaptable
With 51 to 95 centimeter adjustable straps, the backpack fits the backs of both tall and short people. A chest strap also contributes to its adaptability, which is not only adjustable in width but can also be pushed up or down. Sliding clamps hold it securely in place and allow it to be removed if necessary.
The buckle can be easily opened and closed with one hand.
(Photo: Feuerwear)
Edgar offers plenty of storage space. When the roll top is rolled up, the main compartment has a capacity of 22 liters; when fully rolled out it is 27 liters. It features a split zipper to open wide. An adjustable strap allows you to flexibly adjust the height of the roll top.
Robust and weatherproof
The roll is held in place by a magnetic buckle that can be opened or closed with one hand without any fumbling. It also makes a very robust impression, even though it is made of plastic except for the cover plate. The same applies to zippers, Velcro fasteners and seams.
The workmanship is high quality everywhere.
(Photo: kwe)
The backpack is water-repellent, but not waterproof. According to Feuerwear, it can withstand heavy rain as long as you don't spend hours in it. In the test, no moisture penetrated into the interior even during heavy rainfall.
Three-year guarantee and affordable repairs
Feuerwear offers a three-year guarantee during which you can have the buckle, as well as any other damage caused by normal use, repaired free of charge. After that you only pay 25 euros. Feuerwear also sells spare parts at very fair prices, although there is of course no offer for Edgar yet – after all, repairs are still free for almost three years, even for early buyers.
Side access to the interior.
(Photo: kwe)
In addition to the large storage space, Edgar has several other pockets and attachment options. Inside the back there is a slot padded with soft fleece for laptops up to 17 inches in size, which can be secured with a Velcro fastener. Opposite there is a zippered pocket that can accommodate a 13-inch iPad, for example.
Bags for all purposes
The interior can also be accessed via a waterproof zipper located on the left side of the backpack. To deter thieves, the slider can be hidden in a small pocket, from which it can only be released via the interior.
On the front there is a small pocket with a zipper, underneath there is a large compartment with an expansion pleat. Inside you will find a key holder and a slot for small items. Behind the large outer pocket there is another zippered compartment that can fit a book, for example. All in all, there is a maximum capacity of around 29 liters. To do this, you can put a drinking bottle in a deep pocket on the outside on the left side and secure it with straps.
Conclusion
With a price of 240 euros, the Feuerwear Edgar is quite expensive at first glance. But as the saying goes, if you buy cheap, you buy twice. That certainly won't happen with this extremely high-quality and robust backpack. It also offers plenty of storage space, looks great and is practical to use. It is also pleasing that the manufacturer not only claims to act sustainably, but also provides evidence of this.
