I have been using the TRUCE DESIGNS Drop Liner BackPack for about two years now.
While I mainly use it as a bag for commuting and business trips, it serves me well in a wide range of situations, from long road rides to trail rides. Its simple look and streamlined design made it feel like a perfect fit right away. Before I knew it, it had become my go-to companion, and I never tire of it. Truce, my trusted partner, is handmade in Portland, Oregon—home to CHRIS KING and BREADWINNER. For more details on the brand, please check out the Ikeyama blog.
I’d like to share my thoughts after about two years of use.
I use the Small size, which is the smallest in the lineup. Since I also wanted to use it for long rides and trail riding, I chose the Small size because I didn't want it to be too big.
The capacity is about 14 liters, but I think it holds more than that number suggests, especially when you include the pockets. My favorite points are the shoulder harness and the back panel. They have just the right width and cushioning (thickness), which prevents the bag from shifting and keeps it stable, and minimizes the burden on my shoulders even when the weight increases. That said, I attach things like my camera bag to the shoulder harness straps, and due to the difference in usage, that's the only part I find a bit stressful. It might be asking too much, but I would have liked the strap design to be as flexible as those on a messenger bag.
Another favorite point is the expandable flap, which you might not notice just by looking at the bag. It’s incredibly convenient because you can secure a helmet or anything that doesn't fit in the main compartment. Because of this, I've never felt the Small size was too small. After all, if you have extra room, you just end up carrying more unnecessary things.
Accessing the main compartment requires two actions, which can be a bit of a hassle. Taking that into account, the two external pockets are large, and they hold most of the things you want to grab quickly (wallet, towel, notebook, snacks, etc.). Even when the bag isn't full, it doesn't lose its shape easily and maintains its form to a certain extent. At about 960g, it’s not particularly light compared to general outdoor brand backpacks, but once you put it on, you’ll never notice that weight.
That’s just how comfortable it is to carry.
We currently have both S and M sizes in stock at the shop.
I hope you'll come by to see it in person and feel its quality for yourself.