I'm after a few bits, rod bag, camera bag and a couple of weigh slings I'm thinking about Cotswold Aquarius anyone use them or should I stay away?
Save yourself some money and look at the speero range in green or dpm, I've had the rod holdall, rucksack and carryall for a good while now, normally fishing once a week in all weather's. Still all in perfect order, well made good padding and items well thought out on the modular items (you can clip on extra bags or cool bags if needed)
I have been very pleased with its performance.
Also have a few of the smaller bits and bobs as well...
I know a few others on here who have equally been impressed with it as a luggage range 😊
I have been very pleased with its performance.
Also have a few of the smaller bits and bobs as well...
I know a few others on here who have equally been impressed with it as a luggage range 😊
In reply to Post #1
Very good kit. I had a load, sold it off to buy cheaper and have ended up buying cotswold again. Expensive yes, but you get what you pay for
Very good kit. I had a load, sold it off to buy cheaper and have ended up buying cotswold again. Expensive yes, but you get what you pay for
In reply to Post #1
I've had my Savoy barrow bag I think it's called since my mid twenties I'm now in my mid fiftys and it's still going strong
I've had my Savoy barrow bag I think it's called since my mid twenties I'm now in my mid fiftys and it's still going strong
In reply to Post #3
See I don't think you do get what you pay for with Cotswold, I think it is very basic gear sold at a massively inflated price on the back of it being, "hand made in the UK".....look how much of it comes up for sale on Ebay with a zip issue or stitching coming undone, you shouldn't get any such problems with a supposed premium brand.
The carryalls have no rigidity so flop about all over the place and the rucksacks are probably the most uncomfortable on the market. The rod transport items are good, I will give them that, well padded and functional but to be honest, are they any better than something less than half the price.....maybe, just marginally but not enough to justify such an outlay.
I seriously looked at the Trident 3-rod recently but side by side up against others there was very little difference, certainly not enough to justify the price tag.
See I don't think you do get what you pay for with Cotswold, I think it is very basic gear sold at a massively inflated price on the back of it being, "hand made in the UK".....look how much of it comes up for sale on Ebay with a zip issue or stitching coming undone, you shouldn't get any such problems with a supposed premium brand.
The carryalls have no rigidity so flop about all over the place and the rucksacks are probably the most uncomfortable on the market. The rod transport items are good, I will give them that, well padded and functional but to be honest, are they any better than something less than half the price.....maybe, just marginally but not enough to justify such an outlay.
I seriously looked at the Trident 3-rod recently but side by side up against others there was very little difference, certainly not enough to justify the price tag.
In reply to Post #5
I can't comment on what come up on ebay, Im only going on my own experience and I've had nothing even remotely like that happen with my kit. I agree the rucksack ls aren't comfy, but that doesn't bother me as I always use a barrow so don't need to put anything on my back. As for being basic, well yeah but then again they are only bags so how complicated can they really be? I've used nash, jrc, gardner, chub, dam, daiwa luggage over the years, probably others I've forgotten too, and the ca kit is far better imo. Each to their own though
I can't comment on what come up on ebay, Im only going on my own experience and I've had nothing even remotely like that happen with my kit. I agree the rucksack ls aren't comfy, but that doesn't bother me as I always use a barrow so don't need to put anything on my back. As for being basic, well yeah but then again they are only bags so how complicated can they really be? I've used nash, jrc, gardner, chub, dam, daiwa luggage over the years, probably others I've forgotten too, and the ca kit is far better imo. Each to their own though
Absolutely mate, personal choice and all that.... 
By basic I was referring to the carryalls in particular....I ordered a Rhino a few years and sent it straight back, virtually just a single skin bag with no padding and no rigidity....awful thing....
By basic I was referring to the carryalls in particular....I ordered a Rhino a few years and sent it straight back, virtually just a single skin bag with no padding and no rigidity....awful thing....
In reply to Post #1
Massively overpriced. Look at the Speero stuff. As good if not better quality for considerably less money.
Massively overpriced. Look at the Speero stuff. As good if not better quality for considerably less money.
In reply to Post #6
Agree. I bought a Savay rod holdall 2nd hand in 2008----it's still going strong 12 years later and has been seriously abused.
Since have bought a couple of other bits - everything has functioned well.
Yes, it's expensive...but it lasts
Agree. I bought a Savay rod holdall 2nd hand in 2008----it's still going strong 12 years later and has been seriously abused.
Since have bought a couple of other bits - everything has functioned well.
Yes, it's expensive...but it lasts
In reply to Post #9
I have a pathfinder rucksack, I think that's the one, I cant fault it, and I do believe in the case of this I got what I paid for. Zips are still good, no holes etc. I do replace the zip tags with split rings to make life easier in the middle of winter. I also have a rod holdall for roving the rivers, it's okay but nothing special, as someone said it's not rigid which can prove an issue for some.
I also have a stalking bag, like a satchel, lovely bit of kit.
I have a pathfinder rucksack, I think that's the one, I cant fault it, and I do believe in the case of this I got what I paid for. Zips are still good, no holes etc. I do replace the zip tags with split rings to make life easier in the middle of winter. I also have a rod holdall for roving the rivers, it's okay but nothing special, as someone said it's not rigid which can prove an issue for some.
I also have a stalking bag, like a satchel, lovely bit of kit.
Using the Pond Creeper DLX. Maxi cool bag dlx and also the 5rod trident rod hold-all. All are as good as the day I got them. Have been through hell and back with them. Yes you pay a premium for them but in this day and age I like to support local manufacturers.
Had cotswold,sold it all.The speero gear is better and alot cheaper
In reply to Post #12
The rod bags are a lot cheaper yes, not so much the carryall and cool bags etc from what I've looked at just now. Seems a lot of bag in a bag kind of gear too, bags and pockets for the sake of it. Why would anyone need a modular cool bag for instance?
The rod bags are a lot cheaper yes, not so much the carryall and cool bags etc from what I've looked at just now. Seems a lot of bag in a bag kind of gear too, bags and pockets for the sake of it. Why would anyone need a modular cool bag for instance?
Has anyone purchased there Coleman double burner storage bag?.
Purchased 2 but never used them so don't really know if quality is everlasting or not.
Purchased 2 but never used them so don't really know if quality is everlasting or not.
In reply to Post #6
Fan myself
Trident, best holdall about for me. Got one as soon as they came out. On my 3rd
First one was torn to bits, walking though undergrowth and brambles etc. Had the zip replaced by Cotswold during its life span. Had a 12'6" specially made to suit some rods, sold that with the rods. Back on a 12 foot DPM one, superb
Using a Vulpine rucksack for me fishing gear, well built, sits rubbish on the back but does what i need it to, only downside i have found to the rucksacks is that, how they hang, had the MK3 roamer too, well made, not good for long walks
British company who will repair or sort any problem out
Fan myself
Trident, best holdall about for me. Got one as soon as they came out. On my 3rd
First one was torn to bits, walking though undergrowth and brambles etc. Had the zip replaced by Cotswold during its life span. Had a 12'6" specially made to suit some rods, sold that with the rods. Back on a 12 foot DPM one, superb
Using a Vulpine rucksack for me fishing gear, well built, sits rubbish on the back but does what i need it to, only downside i have found to the rucksacks is that, how they hang, had the MK3 roamer too, well made, not good for long walks
British company who will repair or sort any problem out
I've got 4 trident rod holdalls - they are great - never let me down. They are expensive compared to others - but they are tough and give good protection to the rods and reels. I do use tip and toe protectors as well.
I also have a savay 6 rod holdall which I think is better - but it is bulkier and heavier. I seldom need 6 fishing rods so the savay seldom gets used.
Also got a cotswold mk2 unhooking bean bag mat - again expensive and bulky, but does the job really well.
I also have a savay 6 rod holdall which I think is better - but it is bulkier and heavier. I seldom need 6 fishing rods so the savay seldom gets used.
Also got a cotswold mk2 unhooking bean bag mat - again expensive and bulky, but does the job really well.
Had cotswold , still got one quiver but prefer custom carp products in dpm use british army bergen rucksacks and cant see me ever changing .
Funny thing is the CA Carryalls not much more experience than aqua.
In reply to Post #13
Use the outer pockets for stove,kettle,plates and toastie maker and main bag for food.Its absolutely spot on
Use the outer pockets for stove,kettle,plates and toastie maker and main bag for food.Its absolutely spot on
I've gotta their unhooking mat, very good bit of kit, they made a couple of bags for me one for a bedchair and another for a chair. Could have been better thought out to be perfectly frank as the bedchair bag has holes in it after a few years they should have double layered it, I should have specified it.
Imo they make bags but not sure if they actually go fishing.
Imo they make bags but not sure if they actually go fishing.
In reply to Post #5
Couldn't agree more. I've bought a few items off eBay with failed stitching.
Couldn't agree more. I've bought a few items off eBay with failed stitching.
In reply to Post #1
Well made, but absolutely ruined by poor design. Their quivers are good and so too their cool bags. But rucksacks and carryalls are hopeless things, just really poorly designed. Just compare to something from Wisport and the difference is night and day. Having said that, most angling specific luggage is pretty rubbish.
Well made, but absolutely ruined by poor design. Their quivers are good and so too their cool bags. But rucksacks and carryalls are hopeless things, just really poorly designed. Just compare to something from Wisport and the difference is night and day. Having said that, most angling specific luggage is pretty rubbish.
In reply to Post #1
Can't say anything but good things for Cotswolds, use a vulpine quiver for all my fishing, vulpine rucksack for my river fishing, have a custom camera bag (that eventually turned into the mkii camera bag off the back of it) a small custom hold-all for my carp fishing aswell as cool bags and other bits and bobs. I don't understand the moaning with them, they offer a bespoke service that doesn't cost much extra at all, if what's on the shelf isn't quiet what your after they will tailor it however you want it to be. Quality has never let me down, despite years of use with my old hold all's, really can't complain personally!
Can't say anything but good things for Cotswolds, use a vulpine quiver for all my fishing, vulpine rucksack for my river fishing, have a custom camera bag (that eventually turned into the mkii camera bag off the back of it) a small custom hold-all for my carp fishing aswell as cool bags and other bits and bobs. I don't understand the moaning with them, they offer a bespoke service that doesn't cost much extra at all, if what's on the shelf isn't quiet what your after they will tailor it however you want it to be. Quality has never let me down, despite years of use with my old hold all's, really can't complain personally!
In reply to Post #22
As said I really rate cotswold gear, and the cool bags are well made but the insulation properties of them is awful, it's the only bit of their kit I'm not happy with at all
As said I really rate cotswold gear, and the cool bags are well made but the insulation properties of them is awful, it's the only bit of their kit I'm not happy with at all
In reply to Post #21
There rucksacks are awful so uncomfortable poor design good quality material used
There rucksacks are awful so uncomfortable poor design good quality material used
I have a 3 rod trident which is ok. reason I went for this was due to the size, a lot more room that in other brands. the fox campsite is far better quality but too tight and the rings would bulge out the sides which I was worried could lead to the being damaged. great quality badly executed design. the cotswold however is much bigger and I feel offers better protection because of it.
the camera bag, I've just posted on their Facebook page about that. the bag itself is fine, feels well made, good features. but over £100 posted (no one else had stock so I ordered direct £11 postage). the shoulder strap has those awful plastic clips on, the ones you find on cheap holdalls in sports direct. keeps coming undone, will definitely snap at some point. very disappointing for a supposed premium brand. feels like the strap was an afterthought. I opted for the cotswold as due to the design, I could carry my camera stuff separately. the tracker bag is square and badly designed for that and just bounces around and twists.
the camera bag, I've just posted on their Facebook page about that. the bag itself is fine, feels well made, good features. but over £100 posted (no one else had stock so I ordered direct £11 postage). the shoulder strap has those awful plastic clips on, the ones you find on cheap holdalls in sports direct. keeps coming undone, will definitely snap at some point. very disappointing for a supposed premium brand. feels like the strap was an afterthought. I opted for the cotswold as due to the design, I could carry my camera stuff separately. the tracker bag is square and badly designed for that and just bounces around and twists.
In reply to Post #25
I think they're all poor, in fact I'd go as far as to say laughable. The only thing worth spending any money on is a British army bergen, or if you're lucky enough to come across a Dutch army Lowe Alpine; they're megga, don't let one of those gems pass you by.
I've got an Aquarius Les french named jobby that's very good and a few rod straps. I can see why some are not that taken by some of their gear which could be better designed.
I will pull the trigger on a savay 5 rod holdall at some point as I'm fed up with my Aqua sling that leaves the rods too exposed. Shame Chub have either gone belly up or simply just discontinued their version of the savay holdall as I'd get that instead of the Cotswolds one.
If you're reading this, you'll know who you are Mr s hit berretto
Came across a bloke who has everything Cotswold. Like is said to him 'I bet if Cotswolds sold pants you'd buy em you nutjob.'
I think they're all poor, in fact I'd go as far as to say laughable. The only thing worth spending any money on is a British army bergen, or if you're lucky enough to come across a Dutch army Lowe Alpine; they're megga, don't let one of those gems pass you by.
I've got an Aquarius Les french named jobby that's very good and a few rod straps. I can see why some are not that taken by some of their gear which could be better designed.
I will pull the trigger on a savay 5 rod holdall at some point as I'm fed up with my Aqua sling that leaves the rods too exposed. Shame Chub have either gone belly up or simply just discontinued their version of the savay holdall as I'd get that instead of the Cotswolds one.
If you're reading this, you'll know who you are Mr s hit berretto
Came across a bloke who has everything Cotswold. Like is said to him 'I bet if Cotswolds sold pants you'd buy em you nutjob.'
In reply to Post #26
I looked at the cotswold camera bag, seemed poor compared to proper camera bags in the £80-£100 bracket.
They seem to have a bit of cult status around the brand but none of the luggage appeals to me tbh
I looked at the cotswold camera bag, seemed poor compared to proper camera bags in the £80-£100 bracket.
They seem to have a bit of cult status around the brand but none of the luggage appeals to me tbh
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