Photos: RidgeMonkey · supplied retailer imagery
Luggage · Fishing rucksacks · Our take
RidgeMonkey Ruggage Rucksack
RidgeMonkey Ruggage Rucksack, RM675
A 40-litre fishing rucksack with a smart tray, loads of zipped storage and a waterproof base. Handy, tidy and built for anglers who hate a bag full of loose bits.
- 40-litre main compartment with a dual zip for easy access.
- Five dual-zipped external pockets plus three internal zipped mesh pockets.
- Magnetic EVA-moulded utility tray built into the top of the rucksack.
- Hydropel 1680D water-resistant fabric with a waterproof PVC base.
- Accessory cases are modular and compatible, but aren’t included.
Make sure it’s the right one. This is the 40-litre RidgeMonkey Ruggage Rucksack. It’s supplied as the rucksack only; the modular accessory cases shown with the system are separate.
Tackle Index Score
Tackle Index score
A well-organised, mobile fishing rucksack with strong practical features and a sensible middle-sized capacity.
- Product Quality9.2/10
- Performance8.9/10
- Impact on Fish Catching8.6/10
- Ease of Use9.4/10
- Value for Money8.5/10
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Who it suits
Is it right for you?
Great for
- Mobile carp and coarse anglers. The rucksack format keeps both hands free and makes moving between swims much less of a faff.
- Anglers who like tidy tackle. The tray, zipped pockets and modular case compatibility give every little bit a sensible home.
Maybe skip if
- Anglers carrying loads of bulky kit. Forty litres is useful, but it won’t replace a big carryall when you’re packing clothing, food, bait and loads of hardware.
- Anyone wanting the full modular system straight away. The accessory cases are compatible but supplied separately, so the rucksack is only the starting point.
The lowdown
Introducing the RidgeMonkey Ruggage Rucksack
A 40-litre fishing rucksack with a smart tray, loads of zipped storage and a waterproof base. Handy, tidy and built for anglers who hate a bag full of loose bits.
- 40-litre main compartment with a dual zip for easy access.
- Five dual-zipped external pockets plus three internal zipped mesh pockets.
- Magnetic EVA-moulded utility tray built into the top of the rucksack.
- Hydropel 1680D water-resistant fabric with a waterproof PVC base.
- Accessory cases are modular and compatible, but aren’t included.
Quick verdict
Verdict
The RidgeMonkey Ruggage Rucksack is a cracking all-rounder for keeping tackle, terminal bits and session essentials together without lugging a bulky holdall. The magnetic EVA tray is a proper winner when you’re tying rigs or sorting bait on the bank.
It’s not the biggest bag for a full day-session kitchen sink approach, and the accessory cases cost extra. But if you want a comfortable, hard-wearing rucksack with sensible organisation and decent weather protection, this is a bob-on choice.
A well-organised, mobile fishing rucksack with strong practical features and a sensible middle-sized capacity.
- Product Quality
- 9.2/10
- Performance
- 8.9/10
- Impact on Fish Catching
- 8.6/10
- Ease of Use
- 9.4/10
- Value for Money
- 8.5/10
1680D fabric, a waterproof PVC base, padded construction and YKK zips give it a properly robust feel on paper.
The pockets, tray and 40-litre compartment are laid out to make everyday tackle carrying straightforward.
It won’t catch fish for you, but quicker access to rigs and terminal tackle means less faff when the rods are off.
The rucksack carry system, magnetic tray and multiple zipped compartments are simple and bank-friendly.
It offers a strong feature set, though the separate accessory cases add cost if you want the full modular setup.
Head to head
How it stacks up
Side by side with the closest kit we've reviewed. This updates as we add more reviews.
RidgeMonkey
RidgeMonkey Ruggage Rucksack (this one)
Top scorer
Scores are our own, out of 10. Best in each row is in green. Prices change, so check the latest before you buy.
The full rundown
Everything you'll want to know about the RidgeMonkey Ruggage Rucksack
Some fishing rucksacks are basically a sack with a couple of zips and a hopeful attitude. The RidgeMonkey Ruggage Rucksack is a fair bit more sorted than that. It’s a 40-litre bit of luggage built around keeping your tackle organised, protected and easy to get at when you’re on the bank.
The first thing that stands out is the layout. You get a dual-zipped main compartment, five external dual-zipped pockets and three zipped mesh pockets inside. That’s plenty of separate storage for leads, rig bits, PVA, bait tools, markers and all the other little gubbins that normally vanish into the bottom of a bag.
Then there’s the magnetic EVA-moulded utility tray on top. That’s a proper handy touch. Pop your rigs, swivels, hook packets or bits of end tackle in there while you’re tying up, rather than balancing everything on your knee or chucking it on the unhooking mat. The magnetic closure keeps access quick without adding another fiddly zip.
The tray should appeal especially to anglers who like to stay mobile. If you’re dropping into a new swim, checking the margins or moving onto fish, you don’t want to unpack half your gear just to find a pair of scissors. The Ruggage gives you a place for the small, urgent bits while the main compartment handles the rest.
The 40-litre capacity sits in a useful middle ground. It’s bigger and more capable than a little daypack, but it’s not trying to be a huge carryall for a week’s worth of kit. Think terminal tackle, a bit of bait gear, spare leads, alarms or accessories, snacks, and a few personal bits. Pack it sensibly and it’ll cover plenty of short sessions and mobile trips.
Build looks suited to proper fishing use too. The outer is made from Hydropel 1680D water-resistant fabric, while the base is waterproof PVC. That means you can put it down on damp grass, muddy ground or a wet peg with less worry than you’d have with a standard fabric backpack. No one wants their spare rigs soaking before bite-time.
The walls and pockets are fully padded and lined, which adds protection and helps the bag hold its shape. That’s useful when you’ve got terminal tackle rattling around inside, and it stops the whole thing collapsing into a floppy heap every time you open it. High-quality YKK zips finish off the practical side of the build.
Comfort matters with a rucksack, particularly when you’re carrying a decent load down a long path. The four-point adjustable padded shoulder straps let you get the fit right, and the padded lumbar support should make the weight sit more comfortably against your back. It’s a much better approach than a basic shoulder bag when you’re walking between swims.
The clever bit is the modular compatibility. RidgeMonkey’s accessory cases can work with the Ruggage system, so you can build the setup around the way you fish. Keep hooklengths, leads, feeders or small terminal tackle in separate cases and the rucksack becomes easier to load and quicker to use. Just remember those cases aren’t included, so the complete setup needs extra budget.
Overall, this is a tidy, practical rucksack for anglers who want their tackle close, protected and properly organised. It won’t swallow a full car boot of kit, and it’s not aimed at that job. But for short sessions, roaming swims and anyone fed up with the classic ‘where’s that little packet gone?’ routine, it looks spot on.
Specifications
The nuts and bolts
- Capacity
- 40 litres
- Dimensions
- 380 mm high x 465 mm wide x 250 mm deep
- Material
- Hydropel 1680D water-resistant fabric
- Base
- Waterproof PVC
- Storage
- Dual-zipped main compartment, five external pockets and three internal zipped mesh pockets
- Carrying system
- Four-point adjustable padded shoulder straps with padded lumbar support
Specs checked with RidgeMonkey, Oct 2026.
Spot a model or spec change?
Our take
The angle
This is less about carrying every bit of kit you own and more about making the essentials easy to grab. The 40-litre capacity gives you room for tackle, leads, rig bits, small bait items and personal gear, while the five external pockets stop everything becoming one giant rummage.
The layout also makes sense for mobile anglers. You can sling it on, walk round the lake and keep your hands free for rods, nets or a brew. That’s dead handy when you’re moving between swims or fishing a short evening session.
Closer look
A tidy load-lugger with a clever top tray
The Ruggage Rucksack gives you a 40-litre dual-zipped main compartment, five external dual-zipped pockets and three internal zipped mesh pockets. That’s a sensible spread for separating terminal tackle, bait accessories, tools and personal bits. The fully padded and lined construction also gives the contents a bit of protection when the bag gets put down in a busy swim.
The magnetic EVA-moulded utility tray is the star feature. It gives you a firm, wipe-clean working area for tying rigs or sorting small tackle, and it’s much quicker to access than digging through a deep compartment. The four-point padded straps and lumbar support make the rucksack more suited to walking than a basic carryall.
Worth knowing. The rucksack is modular with RidgeMonkey Ruggage accessory cases, but those cases aren’t included. The supplied product is the rucksack only, so factor that in if you’re planning a full organised system.
Who it suits
Made for tidy, mobile fishing
This makes most sense for the angler who moves around. If you’re checking several swims, stalking the margins or fishing short after-work sessions, keeping both hands free is a real bonus. You can carry the rucksack, rods and net without feeling like you’re doing a full kit migration every time you relocate.
It’ll also suit anyone who likes a proper system. Use the external pockets for frequently used items, the mesh pockets for smaller packets and the main compartment for the bigger stuff. Add the compatible cases later if your tackle collection grows and you want even more separation.
Worth knowing. Don’t treat 40 litres as unlimited space. It’s a useful middle-sized capacity, not a replacement for a large carryall packed with clothing, food, bait and every conceivable bit of carp kit.
FAQs in full
The things you’ll want to know
Is the fabric weatherproof? The Hydropel 1680D fabric is water-resistant and the PVC base is waterproof, so it’s well suited to damp banks and everyday showers. For proper prolonged rain, sensible packing and extra protection for vulnerable items still make sense.
Can it carry terminal tackle? Yes, that’s one of its strongest jobs. The zipped pockets, padded construction and EVA tray are well suited to rigs, leads, hooks, swivels, PVA and other small tackle. Keep bulkier items in the main compartment and the quick-access tray free for what you use most.
Is it better than a carryall? That depends on your fishing. The rucksack wins for mobility, hands-free carrying and organised access. A carryall is usually better when you need maximum space or want to pack lots of clothing, bait and larger tackle boxes.
On paper
Pros & cons
What we like
- Excellent organisation without making the bag feel overly complicated.
- Magnetic EVA top tray is ideal for rigs, leads and small terminal tackle.
- Padded straps, lumbar support and fully padded walls make it comfortable and protective.
- Water-resistant fabric, a waterproof base and YKK zips suit proper bank work.
- Works with RidgeMonkey Ruggage accessory cases as your tackle collection grows.
Worth knowing
- The rucksack alone may not give enough capacity for a full day’s food, clothing and bulky tackle.
- The modular accessory cases are separate purchases, so the complete system can get pricey.
- A rucksack layout won’t suit anglers who prefer one large open holdall for big items.
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Your questions answered
What anglers want to know
The stuff you’d ask your mate on the next peg. Straight answers, no waffle.
01Are the RidgeMonkey Ruggage accessory cases included?
Are the RidgeMonkey Ruggage accessory cases included?
No. The Ruggage Rucksack includes the rucksack only. The compatible accessory cases are separate.
02Is the RidgeMonkey Ruggage Rucksack waterproof?
Is the RidgeMonkey Ruggage Rucksack waterproof?
It uses water-resistant Hydropel 1680D fabric and has a waterproof PVC base. That gives useful protection from damp ground and showers, but it shouldn’t be treated like a fully submersible dry bag.
03How much can the Ruggage Rucksack hold?
How much can the Ruggage Rucksack hold?
The main capacity is 40 litres. That’s enough for a solid selection of tackle, terminal gear and session essentials, but you’ll need to pack sensibly if you’re also carrying lots of clothing, food or bulky bait.
What anglers say
The word from the bank
Our read: verdict. The strongest reasons to choose it are excellent organisation without making the bag feel overly complicated. and magnetic eva top tray is ideal for rigs, leads and small terminal tackle.; the main trade-off is the rucksack alone may not give enough capacity for a full day’s food, clothing and bulky tackle..
Our take on the feedback
Why it appeals
Checked Sept '26 — “Excellent organisation without making the bag feel overly complicated.”
Best fit
Checked Sept '26 — “Mobile carp and coarse anglers: The rucksack format keeps both hands free and makes moving between swims much less of a faff.”
Worth knowing
Checked Sept '26 — “The rucksack alone may not give enough capacity for a full day’s food, clothing and bulky tackle.”
Tackle Index’s take from the product details and fishing fit we checked. We haven’t found enough independent public feedback to call this an angler consensus yet.
Angler score
What our readers rate RidgeMonkey Ruggage Rucksack
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Owner reports
Own this? Help the next angler.
Quick multiple-choice reports from people who say they own the RidgeMonkey Ruggage Rucksack. Not verified purchases, and kept separate from our score.
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