Orucase’s Janus Duffel 50 joins an expanding lineup of travel equipment for athletes. Orucase started as a company with one goal in mind: Get around fees at the airport by creating bike travel cases that fit under the oversize baggage rules, and didn’t look like a bike case at all. Since then, Orucase’s mission has changed.
That’s partly because airline rules have changed. Fewer and fewer airlines charge bike-specific fees anymore. But more importantly, Orucase recognizes that travelers of all types can use better gear. The Janus Duffel 50 is one such tool: a duffel bag made to accommodate cycling gear, but also gear for any type of adventurer out there.
Quick Specs:
- $250
- Capacity: 50 liters
- Dimensions: 12″ x 24″
- 3-point shoulder strap
- Oversized #10 YKK Zipper
- Made from Challenge Sailcloth recycled materials
- Made in the USA
- Stuff sacks sold separately
Janus Duffel 50 layout
The Janus Duffel breaks down into three key compartments. The main compartment is large and open, like a typical duffel. The two side pockets zip open on the top, and they’re perfectly sized for a helmet or shoes.
These side pockets also feature a second zipper each. This second zipper unzips on the bottom of the pocket. This serves two functions: it slightly expands the pockets for more space, and it reveals a mesh panel that allows you to air out your sweaty helmet and shoes.
The main compartment is more than just a big open space, as it turns out. Unzip the clamshell-style lid and you’ll find a zippered pocket for a laptop. In the lining of the main compartment, Orucase has included two pockets stacked on top of each other: an open pocket and a zippered pocket, both ideal for keys, nutrition, and small items you might lose easily in the cavernous compartments.
There’s another cool touch inside the Janus Duffel’s main compartment. On each long side of the compartment, you’ll find attachment points. These work in conjunction with specially designed stuff sacks that Orucase sells separately.
The stuff sacks
You can use the Janus Duffel as just a plain ol’ duffel bag by stuffing your goods right into the main compartment. But Orucase also makes various stuff sacks to help keep everything organized.
You can fit three small stuff sacks, or one large and one small stuff sack, in the main compartment at one time. The stuff sacks are made from the same sailcloth material as the internal of the duffel itself, though Orucase also offers a mesh version of each should you need breathability.
The inside of the main compartment of the duffel features attachment points. This is where the small hooks on each stuff sack will slot on. That means the stuff sacks won’t shift during transport.
Janus Duffel straps and handles
There are four padded handles, one on each side of the bag. On top of that, there’s a removable shoulder strap. It’s also padded, and it connects to a secondary strap to form a three-point connection. This should provide plenty of stability while you’re carrying the Janus Duffel messenger-style.
You can run the shoulder strap differently according to whether you want it over your left shoulder or your right. The secondary strap also adjusts accordingly.
Testing the Janus Duffel
I’ve got some air travel on the agenda, so I’ll have the opportunity to use the Janus Duffel as a piece of travel gear. It seems perfect for a carry-on bag, so I’ll test its usability as a shoulder sling-style bag I can tote through the airport and onto the plane.
Of course, the Janus Duffel also seems prime for use as a daily driver, so to speak. I’ll use it as my regular gym bag and toss it in the cargo bike or in the back of the truck. And of course, it looks like an ideal piece of equipment as a trailhead bag, so I’ll use it to tote my mountain bike gear and clothing to the trails on my next several rides.
I’ll be looking at a few key points. First, I want to see if the side pockets are large enough to accommodate the various types of helmets I own. Then, I want to see how useful the Janus Duffel is both with and without the stuff sacks. I’ll also be taking note of durability of all materials.
And perhaps most importantly, I’m interested to see how effective the three-point strap system works. It’s easy to carry any duffel over one shoulder, but wearing it comfortably as a sling-style bag is another story entirely.
If you want to see a full, independent review of the Orucase Janus Duffel right here on Slow Guy on the Fast Ride, be sure to click on the video above and hit the thumb’s up button. Any video that gets 50 thumb’s ups get a full review.
