The Sparco Stage rucksack. Part number 016440.
Made from 600 denier water resistant polyester with double padded adjustable shoulder straps, and it is the bag for the things you carry rather than the things you pack. Gloves, balaclava, notes, phone, wallet, the drink you meant to have on the last stage.
A rucksack rather than a holdall matters more than it sounds in a paddock. Both hands free is the difference between carrying your kit and juggling it, particularly if you are also carrying a helmet.
Size and what goes in it
15 litres, measuring 52 x 40 x 20cm. There are two hidden front pockets with reflective detailing, and a padded laptop pocket.
15 litres is day bag size rather than luggage size. If you want the one that carries a laptop and a weekendโs kit, the Super Stage is 42 litres in the same 52 x 40 x 20cm footprint.
The liveries
Six to choose from: black, black and red, black and blue, blue Martini, black Martini and black Gulf Racing. The Martini and Gulf versions are the ones most people are here for, and they are proper liveries rather than a logo printed on a plain bag.
What it is not
It is not a suit bag or a full kit bag. A race suit wants hanging rather than folding into a rucksack, and a helmet wants a soft lined bag of its own if you care about the visor. Plenty of people run this alongside a duffle and a helmet bag, and that is the arrangement we would suggest.
Ask us about matching bags if you want the set in the same livery.
Will a full race kit fit?
It swallows the soft kit comfortably: suit, underwear, gloves, and boots. Helmets are better in their own padded bag, which also stops the visor getting scratched in transit.
Is it worth a dedicated kit bag over a normal holdall?
The difference is compartments and padding in the right places: wet and dry separation, boot pockets that keep tarmac dust off your suit, and padded sections where they matter. A normal holdall works until the first time a buckle rubs a hole in fireproof fabric.
How do I look after it?
Brush it out and wipe it down rather than machine washing, and let it dry open after a wet weekend. Zips last longest if you close them before storage.
At GSM Performance, our priority is to maintain the utmost hygiene and quality standards for the benefit of our customers. To that end, we have instituted a policy that all purchases of long johns, balaclavas, tops, and underwear are final and non-returnable. This policy is necessary due to the personal nature of these items, which are worn in close contact with the body. This protocol is intended to guarantee the health and safety of all our customers.
This policy adheres to the best industry practices and safeguards both our customers and our staff. It's important to clarify that this policy does not affect your statutory rights as a consumer. This policy does not apply if you receive damaged or defective products. In such cases, our customer service team is available to promptly address your concerns and arrange a replacement or refund. We greatly appreciate your understanding and adherence to our hygiene policy and thank you for your continued confidence in GSM Performance. For further information please see our terms and conditions which are agreed on checkout.ย