Whether you’re traveling, going to work or packing your laptop for a weekend away, tech is some of the most expensive gear you’re likely to be carrying. So you want to be sure that your bag will give it the protection it deserves. And since laptops can be fairly heavy, a backpack is a good choice for helping distribute that extra load. But there’s no reason you can’t enjoy a little style with that tech protection too. And you don’t need to spend a small fortune to get it. These 8 stylish laptop backpacks under $250 will protect your tech in urban-friendly style…
Slim, elegant and practical for work or the weekend, the Knomo Southampton Laptop Backpack is a suave choice for carrying the essentials in style. It’s made with herringbone twill polyester and PU trim in a lightweight, compact design that easily navigates through crowded commutes or busy travel locations. The pack offers two compartments and a variety of pockets to organize your gear, including a dedicated padded 15″ laptop compartment. And at this price, it’s great value for money too.
Partial to timeless style, simplicity and straightforward functionality in your carry? The updated Bellroy Classic Backpack will see you right with its clean silhouette, useful organization and all-day carry comfort. The pack securely holds a 15″ laptop within an interior protective sleeve, with further interior pockets and two exterior pockets on hand to neatly store smaller essentials. Crafted with sustainably produced fabric and environmentally certified leather, the Classic Backpack offers a dialed-in mix of lumbar support, contoured shoulder straps and improved back padding to keep you comfy on the go.
Can’t decide between a backpack, shoulder bag or briefcase? Why choose when you can get all three courtesy of the Aer Flight Pack 2. This thoughtfully designed bag includes stowable backpack straps, a removable shoulder strap, padded top and side handles, as well as a luggage passthrough sleeve. The front organization compartment provides plenty of pockets for smaller work, travel or EDC essentials, while the main compartment accommodates larger items such as a 15″ laptop within a padded pocket. The durable, water-resistant 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon exterior will easily stand up to the demands of travel or everyday use, while the low-key looks suit office environments and urban sightseeing trips equally well.
Fancy a bag designed to fly under the radar, adapt to a variety of work and play environments, and all with a lightweight, weatherproof build? The OPPOSETHIS Invisible Backpack Three should definitely be on your shortlist. Combining a gym bag and laptop bag in one, the pack provides a dedicated 15″ laptop compartment, a separate shoe pocket, as well as additional pockets for smaller and quick-access items. Made with a 800x600D weatherproof nylon-polyester blend, the bag’s considered mix of minimalist styling and functional design makes it a savvy choice for weekdays and weekends alike.
The striking silhouette of RYU’s Locker Pack LUX makes this a great choice for users seeking a sporty chic statement piece that blends work and workout adaptability. The molded internal shell maintains the pack’s shape whether it’s full or empty, while the drop front opening lets you easily pack and retrieve gear throughout the main compartment. The water-repellent bag has a range of exterior and interior pockets to keep items tidy, including an externally accessed laptop sleeve that fits up to 15″ devices.
Inspired by the Mars Saheki crater, the Sormonne Saheki Black Backpack combines eye-catching aesthetics with everyday practicality. It’s crafted with a combination of braided black nylon, polyester and cotton yarns, combined with a black EcoYarn back panel. In the main compartment is a padded 13″ laptop pocket and four additional storage pockets, while the exterior provides two discreet quick-access pockets. If you like fashion-friendly style balanced with functionality, this is a fine pick.
Want a luxurious look and feel without the luxe price tag? Troubadour’s Explorer Apex Rucksack offers their signature minimalist aesthetics and premium quality, all for a reasonable cost. Plus with its versatile urban/outdoor design, you get good multifunctionality too. The pack is made with waterproof matte nylon, a waterproof antimicrobial lining and weatherproof zippers to protect the contents from the elements. And the sleek, durable design lends itself to office environments and exploring the trails too. The Apex features a padded interior 15″ laptop pocket, along with a useful removable pouch to securely store smaller items.
Durable, weatherproof and exuding pared-back, urban styling, the Granville 16 Zip Backpack offers an excellent blend of technical construction and understated functionality. The pack features Arc’teryx’s highly water-resistant AC² construction, with taped seams, WaterTight zippers and N400r-AC² nylon 6 ripstop. Ready for a range of elements and everyday use, the pack opens wide for easy access to the main compartment, where you’ll find a padded 15″ laptop sleeve, document sleeve, and stretch mesh zippered pocket. Externally there’s also a quick-access pocket for smaller, frequently used items.
Chrome Industries is a name linked inextricably with bombproof backpacks and messengers toted by those who rely on their bags day in, day out. But the Avail Backpack represents a different direction for Chrome: enhanced comfort. So much so, they decided to attach the tagline: “the most comfortable backpack you will ever wear.” It’s a lofty claim to say the least, so over a period of two months the Avail accompanied me on a variety of missions from photo shoots to everyday commuting and cycling, to really put it to the test.
Who It Suits
If you’re looking for a high speed, low drag backpack for urban commuting and active pursuits, the Avail is a great contender.
If you’re after that all-black, slightly aggressive, no BS look, that Chrome does so well, again, this is totally your jam.
Who It Doesn’t
The Avail isn’t for those who may require absolute waterproofness or the ability to expand to varying loads.
If you want soft lines and finer details, this isn’t for you. This is Chrome after all.
The Good
The first thing that stands out about the Avail is its profile. Strapped onto your back it is low profile, tapered from top to bottom and doesn’t have any dangling straps. This is great for sliding through crowded areas such as public transport or when you’re cycling – allowing you to focus on the task at hand instead of worrying about getting snagged.
Now for the main attraction: the harness. Chrome has utilized some unique technologies to create a supremely comfortable harness and back panel.
The back panel utilizes custom-molded dual-density EVA foam covered with a poly mesh, which is incredibly plush and provides a tangible increase in comfort when carrying heavier loads. During the review period, some days edged into 40ºC+. Whilst the columns and air channels didn’t completely alleviate a sweaty back, it was certainly better than most backpacks I have carried during the height of summer.
Strapped onto your back it is low profile, tapered from top to bottom and doesn’t have any dangling straps.
Admittedly, the harness is quite a departure from most daypack harness systems available. Using an engineered knit over two-layer perforated EVA foam, the straps are pre-formed to match the body’s natural contours, are ribbed to help keep the pack stable, and provide great comfort when loaded up. An advantage of the engineered knit is it seems to breathe noticeably better than most straps I have experienced – minimizing some of the sweaty marks at contact points. There is also an adjustable sternum strap that comes with the bag – I removed this for the review period to minimize any dangling straps.
Is it the most comfortable commuter backpack ever, though? I’m not sure about that claim. It is certainly Chrome’s most comfortable pack, I have no doubt about that. And it certainly excels when compared to a number of airmesh or moulded backpanels I’ve used. If I were to make a comparison, I’d say it compares really well to the old Boreas cycling packs and their trampoline suspension but with even more comfortable straps.
This is really backpacking technology, placed on a wicked streamlined bike pack, and it’s done supremely well.
And now onto access and organization. Entering the Avail via its top-loading design you will find a relatively minimal interior. The main compartment is tapered, forcing you to load larger items toward the base and placing progressively smaller items towards the top. The rear panel of the main compartment has a small suite of organizational pockets to keep your daily essentials in check – think pens, wallets or small hard drives. Behind these quick-access pockets there is a larger zippered compartment suitable for flat items such as your passport (within this pocket there is also a key clip). The Avail also provides a well padded laptop pocket suitable for a 13″ laptop, which is suspended off the base of the bag, something I was really glad to see.
On the exterior of the pack you will find an elasticated water bottle pocket (which maintains a low profile when not in use) and a small D-lock holster. In use I found the holster to be a little too tight for my Palmy lock to be of use – making insertion/retrieval of the lock a little slow. On the top of the bag you will find a small zippered compartment suitable for small items such as earphones, keys or the like. Adjacent to this compartment is a minimal grab handle comprised of simple webbing.
Using an engineered knit over an EVA core, the straps are pre-formed and provide great comfort when loaded up.
The overall build quality and material selection for the Avail is quite comprehensive, complementing the overall design philosophy of the backpack. High-wear areas utilize 1050D nylon while the face of the bag is a sleek 420D TPU laminated nylon (in the black colorway) – this really helps moving through snaggy areas as it is very low friction. The interior is comprised of a grey ripstop nylon, providing a little more contrast for finding smaller items.
The Not So Good
Whilst I enjoyed using the Avail there were a few design features which ended up being double-edged swords. First and foremost is the tapered design and top-loading main compartment. Whilst the bag maintains a sleek profile, access can be difficult when trying to retrieve items towards the base of the pack – a full clamshell opening would have been a great addition to improve organization and access.
On the harness front, whilst being super comfortable, I was somewhat concerned about the long-term durability of the harness/shoulder strap connection. Comprised of a single bartack stitch, it would be nice to see a double bartack or similar.
Whilst the bag maintains a sleek profile, access can be difficult when trying to retrieve items towards the base of the pack.
In comparison to other packs with articulating harnesses (Peak Design Everyday Backpack for reference) I found the harness to be slightly constricting for those with broader shoulders. This is nitpicking as it wasn’t a huge annoyance, however it may be useful to note for those with broad shoulders.
Also, there’s no waist belt. To address this, Chrome designed a sloping back panel which hugs the lumbar and presses it in place. It worked fine for my needs, but others might like the addition of one.
For the people out there with shorter torsos, you may find the Avail a little too long for standard carry. I am 180cm and I often felt I was on the edge of finding the Avail too long. However, this feeling disappears when riding a bicycle as you tend to round your back, allowing the Avail to stretch out.
Verdict
To sum it up, the Avail is a great option for daily commutes in the urban world, transitioning from on-bike to off-bike adventures seamlessly whilst being super comfortable.
If you love Chrome and are keen to try this, you’ll be blown away by the increase in comfort. It’s certainly worth a run.
If you need more capacity, rapid access or absolute waterproofness, you may need to look elsewhere.
This guest post is written by Howard Brittain, photographer, cyclist and all-round gear nut.
The HURU H2 Backpack is designed with multiple compartments and pockets to organize your gear, along with a clean look for versatile EDC use. How does it perform when put to the test? Find out in the review below…
The Best Active Backpack needs to carry comfortably, while being tough enough to handle demanding use. Add versatility and quick access to the mix and you’re onto a winner…
Carrying a lot of gear outdoors can be a real challenge, both from a comfort and logistics perspective. But Mystery Ranch overcomes that challenge with the champion Terraframe 3-Zip. A pack that can not only haul multiple days’ worth of gear comfortably into the backcountry but also tackle oddly shaped or wet gear like no other.
How does it do it? By combining two Mystery Ranch innovations into one hell of a burly hiker: the game-changing 3-ZIP and the OVERLOAD harness, previously only available in their hunting and military lines.
The OVERLOAD feature lets you secure gear between the pack and the frame, by simply unbuckling and releasing the shelf, giving the pack extreme dimension. The Terraframe will get you to camp with your cooking gear and fuel (talking to you, scout leaders) and carry your daypack too. It allows you to bring things back from your adventures (great for geologists or the like) or to store wet gear and allow it to air-dry. And it does so in an incredibly flexible way, so you can carry large loads when you need to and enjoy compact carry when you don’t.
While the pack is heavier than most in its category, it excels in comfort. The rigid but flexible frame system moves with the body, allowing greater carry comfort for heavier loads. Add in MR’s Futura Yoke and easily adjustable Redirect waist belt and you’ve got superior comfort and load stability to handle a vast range of carry needs. And when it comes to toughness, MR deliver. This is a pack that can’t be killed (and heck, if you manage to fell one, the lifetime warranty will give it new life).
The Terraframe 3-Zip is a highly adaptable pack for backcountry enthusiasts who want the flexibility to go light or go big for diverse excursions. All while delivering world-class comfort and bomber durability. Bravo, Mystery Ranch!
These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.
The EVERGOODS Mountain Quick Draw is a superior blend of alpine inspiration and modern-day functionality. A pack all about quick, efficient access to your gear on the go. And it does so through a combination of side zip entry to the main compartment paired with the unique Quick Draw Lid design that enables rapid opening and closing. Take a closer look and you’ll find plenty of further features adding to the bag’s user-friendly design. Top and side handles, along with a front center handle that allows for easy maneuverability and aids top access. A tough yet lightweight and water-resistant build to handle a variety of adventures without weighing you down. Hydration bladder compatibility with left and right hydration ports. Daisy chains and just enough pocketing to keep gear tidy without cluttering the design. A contoured back panel and shoulder straps, as well as a removable hipbelt and sternum strap for category-leading comfort and load stability. All making for a well-considered and versatile piece that can conquer active needs in urban and outdoor settings alike. Fantastic work, EVERGOODS!
If there’s a design boundary to be pushed or a problem to be solved, you’ll find Arc’teryx with their noses to the grindstone, working hard to deliver a top-notch solution. And their Alpha AR 35 is a prime example of their design ethos. A pack meticulously honed to excel in alpine and rock climbing environments. And doing so with a custom-developed fabric for superior tear and abrasion resistance. Arc’teryx’s N315r HT nylon 6,6 LCP material combines a liquid crystal polymer ripstop grid and a high tenacity nylon to create a durable fabric for rugged outdoor environments. Adaptable and lightweight, the pack takes on the challenge of climbing settings with a streamlined design that accommodates a variety of gear setups. The removable lid and removable framesheet let you shed weight when you want to pare down the load, while also allowing the bag to pack down small for easy storage. Designed to thrive on day missions, it’s a solid companion when the mountains are calling. Well done, Arc’teryx!
My last review for Carryology was of the Mystery Ranch Prizefighter. Mystery Ranch was founded by Dana Gleason, an industry titan and someone who would likely be on the Mount Rushmore of Carry. If this carry monument did actually exist, Patrick Ma, the founder of Prometheus Design Werx and designer of the S.H.A.D.O. pack would most certainly be chiseled into the granite right next to Gleason.
And when Ma and co-founder Chris Whitney launched Prometheus Design Werx (PDW), they did so with a fairly lofty goal; staying true to a singular design vision that is impervious to rigid corporate principles. In January 2017, Carryology conducted an interview with Ma and Whitney that did a phenomenal job at capturing this ethos.
I’ll lay out one answer from that interview I think eloquently conveys what PDW is at its core and who the target market is: “A life less ordinary. Helping others to help themselves to live a more fulfilled life in the true spirit of adventure at the very core. If you want to use our products to bike-bike-climb, stage a dive, explore an ancient jungle ruin, go shooting, bag a peak, go wheeling, discover an epic new point break, great. If you’re doing private contract work, want to go pursue some rare species of mammal to save in Australia, if you’re a doctor traveling to some remote part of the world to do humanitarian work, to the US Government agencies and elements in DOD we continue to work with, we are a brand that this caliber of user(s) goes to.” Enough said.
This S.H.A.D.O. v2.0 is an updated and dramatically improved iteration of the original pack by the same name. The first pass, launched a year ago, served as PDW’s maiden voyage into the relatively crowded sea of crossover backpack offerings. The name is an acronym for Suspension, Haul, Access, Durability and Organized which ultimately represents the core features, or essence, of a bag. I was an early adopter who purchased that original pack on the very same day it released. Upon initial inspection, it was immediately clear that the pack was constructed of high-quality material, was reasonably comfortable and I liked the overall design aesthetic. With that said, there were some significant misses that despite wanting so much to love it, were ultimately big enough to prevent me from keeping it. I won’t go into detail here as this is a review of the v2.0. However, I will also spare everyone the suspense, the v2.0 changed or improved every single aspect I took issue with in its predecessor.
I badly wanted to complete this review in time for the official launch but I also felt I owed it to PDW to provide a thorough review based on real-world use and not just a cursory glance for the purpose of a vapid write-up. PDW’s entire business model and design philosophy is about creating apex goods to support people getting outside and taking on the elements. In other words, this pack wasn’t created for light duty (although it excels in that role also). It was made for hardcore use; to carry your work things to the office, protect your gear on all manner of adventures and get you back home again. If someone gives you a Ferrari to drive for a week, you do more than just putter around side streets. That was absolutely my approach with the S.H.A.D.O. It was taken on day hikes, used as a range bag, hauled during cross-country trips and taken on a business trip from Boston to Singapore. With that said, it gets to a point where any additional testing is superfluous and incapable of changing the finality of my opinion; the S.H.A.D.O. v2.0 is an absolutely amazing backpack. I couldn’t love a human baby as much as I love this bag. So without further ado, let’s get into it.
Who It Suits
The S.H.A.D.O. is a fantastic backpack for anyone wanting a do-it-all option that can serve as an office EDC and an adventure pack with equal aplomb. It was created to support your inner adventurer and isn’t just something you can carry after work during a long bike commute home; it’s a pack you can carry out your office door and into the wilderness. It really is that good. In my opinion, the 24L/1465 CI capacity is the perfect volume for an EDC bag or daypack. Anything smaller forces the wearer to be overly selective with what they carry and any larger needs to utilize a belt to ensure comfort (more on that later). So if you are looking for a supremely comfortable pack that is lightweight, flawlessly manufactured and completely modular, you may want to give the S.H.A.D.O. more than a quick gander.
The S.H.A.D.O. is a fantastic backpack for anyone wanting a do-it-all option that can serve as an office EDC and an adventure pack with equal aplomb.
It’s also completely modular so it can essentially be utilized across a spectrum of use cases. When almost all packs in this class come devoid of a true weight-bearing hip belt, the S.H.A.D.O. comes with a fantastic 3-Stage ToF belt. It does a great job of transferring any weight to your hips but is also easily removable and stowable. In under 30 seconds you can attach it and have the pack completely dialed in. It also comes with an EDCO panel that was designed to slide into a rear zippered section. The EDCO is a semi-rigid MOLLE compatible panel that includes two zippered mesh pockets on the back end. It allows the user to attach any number of EDC pouches (from PDW or the brand of your choice). This ingenious setup allows you to easily compartmentalize and access your gear or even remove the entire setup for use in another pack. Even the top front pocket is modular as it comes as a blank canvas of loop lining. Absolutely brilliant. How many packs have you really liked but found the admin panel useless because it wasn’t tailored to your daily loadout? For me, quite a few for sure. Well, the loop lining allows the user to either utilize the pocket as a quick-access dump pocket or attach one of two different hook-backed 6×6 organizer admin tiles. One is geared towards EDC tools and the other is perfect for pens, business cards and other office items. They both work great.
Who It Doesn’t
The S.H.A.D.O. may not work well for anyone who is looking for a very professional-looking backpack to carry in a conservative office environment. While I think it looks relatively slick and wouldn’t classify it as overly tactical, it definitely isn’t something I would consider to be “board room ready”. At the end of the day, it has a giant loop panel, several external attachment points on the front and as of now, is only available in “All Terrain Brown” or “Universal Field Grey”. Both of these colors are great, but at the end of the day, they are variations of coyote brown and foliage green. These colorways are historically associated with the field vs the office. I understand color is relatively subjective, but that’s how I look at it (pun intended).
I also wouldn’t recommend this pack for anyone seeking an externally streamlined pack. There is a lot going on with the S.H.A.D.O. and even if you remove the gear trap (which I happen to love and would sooner remove my arm), you will still have a shock cord, daisy chains, webbing, lash points and two water bottle pockets. In my personal opinion, all of these design features complement one another and add functionality without detracting from the form. However, it’s still relatively busy so your mileage may vary.
The Good
As usual, let’s start with quality and materials. PDW partnered with a new top-of-the-line manufacturer with significant experience producing mountaineering packs. According to PDW, this allowed them the autonomy to truly design a pack from the ground up completely devoid of creative constraints or logistical limitations. The quality and attention to detail exhibited here is really impressive. The majority of the pack is made of Invista 500D Cordura but it also utilizes custom milled 500D Nylon/Spandex, 70D Nylon Ripstop, Nylon Mesh, welded laser cut MCA, Multiple Density Close Cell Foam for the back panel padding and of course, the ubiquitous YKK zippers (in this case, reverse coil). In other words, best-in-class materials all the way around.
With all that said, quality extends beyond the materials used. If you don’t have a design where the materials complement each other in an aesthetically symbiotic and cohesive package, it doesn’t very much matter if you are using Invista Cordura or papier-mâché. Similarly, a fantastic design and great materials can be relatively meaningless in the hands of a less than skilled seamstress. No such worries here. Not with the materials, not with the construction and not with the design. The pack exudes quality and quite frankly, it’s a steal at $198. Yes, I understand that is not cheap, but you have to understand what you are getting here. Similar US-made packs are EASILY $300+ and that is WITHOUT a waist belt and certainly without an EDCO panel. Truly, I’m not really sure how PDW managed to keep the cost down here, but kudos to them for doing so.
A pack can have an amazing design, use the best materials in the world and come out of a world-class factory but if it isn’t comfortable then it doesn’t very much matter. Any area of the S.H.A.D.O. that comes into contact with the wearer is covered in closed cell foam padding with ripple air flow channels. It is relatively lightweight and it helps with sweating. Now to be clear, if you wear a backpack during strenuous activity, you will sweat. That is a fact. But this material is as good as any I have tested in mitigating this. It is also extremely comfortable and in conjunction with the removable HDPE frame sheet, it provides a fantastic carry experience. While I always recommend leaving a frame sheet in because of its effect on carry comfort, I do like that it is removable. In an emergency situation it can be used to scrape, dig, or even serve as a splint.
The shoulder straps are fully padded and include more laser cut MCA. They are super comfortable and give the wearer the ability to attach pouches if they desire. It also includes a fully adjustable and removable sternum strap. I don’t always use a sternum strap but it’s a must-have for any pack. Earlier I referenced the included waist belt. PDW calls it a 3-Stage Modular ToF Belt because there are basically three components; a removable lumbar padding, a removable 2″ webbing belt and removable fully padded “belt wings”. As I said before, completely modular. It works great and looks even better.
The S.H.A.D.O. is 20″ high, 11″ wide at the base, 9″ wide at the top and 7″ deep. The majority of its volume is divided into two larger compartments and a smaller admin pocket. The main storage compartment is a full clamshell design and includes two zippered mesh pockets. There is also a padded laptop sleeve that can easily swallow a 15″ computer. I find this layout works well and the overall capacity in this area is fine. The aforementioned zippered compartments are relatively easy to access and have dedicated volume. I sure do love me some dedicated volume. The secondary compartment zippers three quarters the way down which is perfectly adequate. It includes a dedicated stretch EDC compartment (or hydration bladder pocket) depending on your use case. If you do utilize a bladder, there is a hanger clip and a top tube port. This is also the area where the included EDCO panel would reside if you choose to use it. I actually chose not to use the EDCO with attached pouches. Not because it doesn’t work well, but for weight savings. The compartment includes two additional zippered mesh pockets and between those and the EDC compartment, I was able to compartmentalize my carry and didn’t miss the EDCO panel. If I planned on swapping out my daily contents to another pack regularly, I would most likely feel differently. The top front pocket is completely loop lined, allowing you to either keep it slick with no additional organization, or utilize one of two hook-backed organizer tiles. I decided to use the one that is best for pens, business cards and other work items and it functions perfectly. The entire pack is lined in high-visibility orange 70D ripstop nylon. Not only is this great in an emergency SAR situation when being seen is a priority, but it is also extremely helpful when attempting to find items in your pack in low light situations. It’s one of those things you don’t truly appreciate until you have it.
The outside of the pack includes a removable and reversible gear trap/beaver tail. On one side is a stretch panel with a zippered compartment and the other side is MCA (MOLLE Compatible Array). I can’t possibly convey to you how useful this gear trap is. It is also important to note that you can fully access any compartment without having to detach it. That is worth its weight in gold and something that many other packs can’t claim. Other exceptionally cool details are the quick-release shock cord keepers up near the gear trap buckles. These are great for securing gear but also work as a secondary retainer for the gear trap. Normally, if you unbuckle a beaver tail, it flops back and allows any gear to fall out. Not with these shock cord keepers. Another design detail that exemplifies the thoughtful execution of this bag.
Some additional external features are dual ice axe loops, a hook and loop panel for morale patches, a single column of mountaineering daisy chain, a D-ring, vertical lash webbing, MCA on the bottom for lashing additional items and four low-profile grab handles (one on each side of the pack) and shock cord. As I said before, there is a lot going on with the S.H.A.D.O. but if you can’t find an area to attach something, you lack vision, my friend. To hydration enthusiasts’ delight, there are dual side stretch water bottle pockets. They work great and the stretch nylon has a phenomenal memory to it. You can fit basically anything you want, including a standard Nalgene bottle and it immediately goes back to its original form after removing whatever was stored there. The last external feature I want to mention are the “self-policing webbing straps”. As I have said in previous reviews, a higher-end pack needs to include strap keepers. I am not a complicated consumer so simple Velcro strips will do fine. But PDW laughs in the face of “fine” and instead implemented a method to tame your wild straps while also placing a giant exclamation mark on the whole “quality” thing. Quite simply, they are innovative, look cool and work great.
The Not So Good
I have only a few small critiques and they are almost entirely subjective. The first has to do with the colors. I REALLY wish they came out with black or even a true wolf grey. I have the Universal Field Grey version and it is stunning, but it really looks more foliage to my eyes. I’m just not comfortable carrying it in an office environment. Again, I am cognizant of how subjective this can be.
From a size perspective, I wish the back compartment was 1″ deeper. As it is now, it’s tight. It works well for me and once you play around with your carry loadout I am confident it will work for you too, but it’s still tight. This is not a design miss by any means and I understand that every inch brings with it aesthetic and weight trade-offs, but I think the additional capacity would have been beneficial here. Also, the pack was purposely designed to narrow towards the bottom and while this absolutely makes it more comfortable, it can make it challenging if you don’t pack strategically.
I have only a few small critiques and they are almost entirely subjective. The first has to do with the colors. I REALLY wish they came out with black or even a true wolf grey.
Lastly, I could do without the D-ring on the front. Yes, I know I am grasping at straws here, but I found the ring annoying. There are a billion attachment points and this one tends to get in the way when you operate the zipper to the admin area. A small annoyance but an annoyance nonetheless.
Verdict
The S.H.A.D.O. has my vote for pack of the year. Plain and simple. It checks every single box there is but also achieves something that very few packs do – it actually creates a few boxes you didn’t know you wanted checked. Patrick, Chris and team have created something pretty remarkable and I don’t see it being usurped in my carry rotation any time soon. With that said, I am absolutely waiting for it to come out in black. That is my preferred work carry color as it is nondescript, widely accepted and decidedly grey man. When black is offered, I will likely relegate my current S.H.A.D.O. to weekend/hiking duty and utilize the black as my weekday work bag. I think that is the best endorsement you can give a pack targeting the “crossover” market. Ask yourself, would your crossover pack be your PREFERRED carry option for BOTH work and play? Or is it just adequate enough at both to prevent you from purchasing two different packs? Well, the fact that I am patiently waiting for the black version for work so that my current S.H.A.D.O. can be my go-to daypack for play clearly answers that question. Well done, PDW.
Over 10 years, Jovanni Bello, researched, built, and slowly tweaked his Go Bag. Here’s how it ended up!
In 2009 I was recently married and picked up a book called “Emergency” by Neil Strauss. This book opened my eyes to several survival and preparedness steps I should have been taking to protect myself and my new family. One of the most seemingly attainable steps was to create a “Bug Out Bag;” little did I know the rabbit hole I was about to fall into headfirst.
Disclaimer: Bug out bags are tremendously personal, and there are a lot of strong opinions on the subject.
What is a bug out bag, and why? Definitions and purposes abound, but this is the best explanation based on my knowledge: A bug out bag, which can also be called a survival bag, or go bag, is intended to be a central repository of gear that you can quickly grab and escape a potentially dangerous situation. This gear should sustain you and loved ones without any other assistance. They can be used for such mundane situations as hurricane or earthquake preparedness, to the more extreme terrorist strike or marshal law scenarios.
Over the last ten years, I’ve put together a bug out bag from scratch; tweaking and tuning as expectations, skill set and comfort levels have changed. Below you’ll find what pack I chose and what’s inside, including my rationales.
The bag itself: An evolution
Right off the bat, I knew I wanted to create my own kit. I started by using an army surplus bag with an external metal frame. This thing was sturdy and heavy, and outright unwieldy. I was able to put everything I wanted inside, and it would surely survive any disaster, but at the same time it was cumbersome and took up a lot of space.
I moved on to a military-style Molex bag. This one was smaller and offered enough storage space for all my gear, but in the end, it was a tight fit and didn’t offer enough room to add miscellaneous items later. I was also concerned that aesthetically I was painting a giant target on myself as someone who had quality gear worth stealing.
I finally landed on a JanSport Big Bear 63. Why? This bag is massive, with 63L of storage space, a sturdy internal frame, plus hooks for more gear on the exterior if need be. Excellent organization with thoughtful compartments, webbing, and pockets. It’s incredibly comfortable, with beefy shoulder straps, a hip belt, and sternum strap. It has a muted aesthetic that doesn’t scream “rob me!” And lastly, it’s relatively inexpensive.
Unfortunately, the Big Bear has been discontinued by JanSport, replaced by either the Klamath 55, or the Katahdin 70L. Nevertheless, the rationale behind my choice holds true irrelevant of brand or series.
Why do I share this? To show that there are options, things to consider and that there is no one singular way to do it. Also, the hope is never to use this bag, so it’s okay not to go all out and get the most expensive pack, or trendiest survival carry.
The Contents
From here on out, I’ll guide you through what I’ve put in my go bag – to give you an example of what to consider, and what you too can add to your pack. As a resident of Miami, my environment is urban/coastal.
Water
Clean drinking water is one of the most fundamental and crucial aspects of survival – we can last a bit without food, not very long without shelter, and barely any time without water.
I first began by stuffing about three days’ worth of Mainstay Emergency Water packs. Sure, it’s storable water that’s ready to drink, but they were heavy and took up way too much space. I kept this setup for a couple of years, but then decided I needed to lighten my load and make room for other items. That’s when I changed my mindset; instead of carrying water with me, I’d keep methods of acquiring water instead. This setup minimizes weight on my back while maximizing my capacity to acquire water from various sources:
As you make your way to safety or are waiting to be rescued, you’ll need calories, and these calories can come from all sorts of sources. If you’re adept at hunting, trapping, fishing, or foraging, you increase your food supply exponentially. In the meantime though, you’ll want to have something on hand that won’t require a significant calorie expenditure to acquire.
A lot of folks immediately go to Military MREs (Meals Ready to Eat). These come in varying forms, but generally, they are vacuum-sealed pouches that contain a full meal that can be eaten with a utensil. They can be eaten cold, or you can cook them using a small stove, while some come with self-heating packs. You’ll feel like you ate a full meal of real food: turkey chili, cheese tortellini, spaghetti, hashbrown potatoes, beef brisket, etc. The problem with MREs is that they’re bulky and heavy in comparison to other options, but hey, you just ate a plate of pasta with a side of crackers and an apple turnover; that’s the trade-off.
Others go for freeze-dried MREs in smaller pouches; Mountain House is a significant player in this space, with loads of satisfied customers. If you follow the directions and use boiling water, you’ll get a surprisingly tasty meal. If you can’t get a boil going and just use water, it won’t be great, but you’ll get the sustenance you need. Like the military MREs, these take up a bit of space, but you’re still having a full meal.
I decided to go with S.O.S. Emergency Food Rations (Mainstay are also good). Why? Each vacuum-sealed pack is made to feed one person three days; nine bars in total, three bars per day. Each bar is about 400 calories. Sure, you’re not eating a full meal of pasta, but these things will keep you satiated on the go while taking up a relatively small amount of space. Because of their size and weight, I keep two in my bag – and with a five-year shelf life, I don’t have to think about it much.
For me, the amount of space taken up by food was a significant factor in deciding which route to take between:
In the end, rations won out due to their size, and because although not a complete meal, they taste like shortbread cookies, and I am okay with that!
Don’t forget to pack a few essentials to make your eating experience better:
· Jetboil isobutane stove – They can be a little pricey, but they pack a punch and are reliable.
· Eating Utensils – Stainless steel or titanium will do.
% of Pack: 15%
Fire
Irrelevant of which environment you intend to bug out to, or hunker down in, fire is essential. Not only for providing light, cooking food, keeping you warm, and warding off predators; sitting by a friendly fire boosts morale, providing a sense of calm and tranquility that will allow you to think clearly. Knowing how to produce a flame without the use of modern fire-starting materials is truly valuable. Nevertheless, you want to be prepared and have some gear on hand to assist.
My kit includes four methods of starting fires:
· Storm-proof Matches
· Magnesium or Ferrocerium Rod
· Wind-proof Lighter
· Magnifying glass
Additionally, I carry a pouch of cotton balls and twine for use as tinder.
Matches and lighters are no-brainers and readily understood, but using a magnesium or ferrocerium rod may be foreign to you. Generally, you will strike the rod with a sharp object at an angle, either a knife or a built-in striker. The strike will result in a spark that can light a cotton ball, twine, tinder, etc. If you’re not used to this method, be sure to practice a few times to get familiar.
Lastly, if you live in a sunny place, a magnifying glass can also be used to light the same flammable materials. It may take a little longer, but it’s an option. Still, nothing can replace the real world know-how of being able to build a fire using nothing but the material around you.
% of Pack: 5%
Utility/Protection
With some basics out of the way, you’ll want to be sure to pack tools. I personally carry:
· Leatherman Core – Comes with 19 tools. A multi-tool should have a minimum of pliers, scissors, screwdrivers, and knife.
· Victorinox Rangergrip Boatsman – Has an excellent and superbly sharp blade. It’s also high-vis yellow, making it hard to lose.
· Cut-resistant Gloves – Great for protection and safety, also having a little extra grip can be useful.
There are a few other items that you’ll want to consider in this category:
· Sabre Pepper Spray – In times of disaster, people will be desperate, and this is a non-lethal way of protecting yourself.
· N95 Face Masks – Useful in protecting yourself from dust and other airborne particles.
· Sunscreen
· Bug spray
% of Pack: 5%
Clothing
Clothing is going to be settled in large part by where you are, and where you plan to go. A general rule of thumb is to avoid cotton at all costs. Most survivalists will tell you that cotton is the “death cloth.” In terms of natural fibers, wool is your best bet as it can maintain warmth even when wet. Nowadays, though, there are a plethora of synthetic fibers on the market, with new combinations coming out all the time; read reviews and plan ahead.
Even if you’re in warmer weather you’ll want to pack these essentials; night hours can be cold and dewy, making exposure deadly.
% of Pack: 15%
Hygiene
No matter the situation, hygiene can be one of the most important yet overlooked aspects of survival; not only for the sake and senses of those with you but for your own health and safety. Travel size portions of your typical everyday items are readily available. If possible, steer clear of heavily perfumed soaps and lotions as these can attract bugs and ward off smell-sensitive prey. Let’s go over a brief list of items to consider:
· Bath soap
· Deodorant
· Toothpaste
· Toothbrush
· Napkins
· Shampoo
· Toilet Paper
· Wet-Naps
· Hand Sanitizer
% of Pack: 5%
Medical
During a disaster, or running from one, not everything will go as planned; you can get cut, scraped, or injured. There is an array of different first aid kits on the market with varying levels of complexity and quality. Complexity can depend on your skill level and what you’re familiar with, while quality should never be compromised. I have the luxury of being married to a nurse, so my kit is decked out. A practical suggestion would be to speak to a medical professional and become familiar with the techniques and uses for different scenarios and items. There are also books and hours of YouTube videos, although nothing beats hands-on training.
Like the go bags themselves, first aid kits come pre-made, or you can put them together piecemeal. MyMedic offers fully loaded packages that meet all sorts of requirements. Also, Amazon has tons of different kits of all shapes and complexities. For me, I purchased a high-quality pre-made kit on Amazon, that was then supplemented by my wife’s expertise.
% of Pack: 10%
Sleep
Once the chaos subsides, you’ll need to get some sleep. The market has produced astonishingly light and packable blankets, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, and travel pillows. You’ll want to stay off the bare ground, so at the very least, you should aim for a mat and a blanket, although a sleeping bag would be better. On the flip side, a sleeping bag is more cumbersome, and will most likely be strapped to the outside of your bag, making you a target. Another route is to take a packable hammock; they’re light, will keep you off the ground, and don’t take up much space.
If I can take my car, I’ll bring a two-person sleeping bag.
We’ve gone over the essentials, but within those larger categories, there are smaller items that although not necessary, are a boon to have. Below is a list of gear and their rationale:
· AA, AAA, C, and D batteries – Enough to power all my gear once over.
· Trash Bags – Can be packed small and tight, and with loads of uses, it’s worth taking a couple.
· Ziplock Bags – They’re watertight, and can be used for all sorts of things. They take up no space as I primarily use them as a way to compartmentalize all my gear; like packing cubes.
· Long-lasting Candles
· Moobibear LED Lantern – Light, cheap and crazy bright with hours of use on just a couple of AA batteries.
· Notebook – Keep notes, leave notes behind, can also be therapeutic.
· Maps – If cell phones die, you’ll know where to go
· Compass – Coupled with a map, and know-how, can guide you in the right direction. I would suggest practicing how to use one beforehand.
· Bungee Cords – Incredibly useful for putting up a makeshift shelter, hanging things up, or securing items.
· Duct Tape – It’s the solution to nearly everything.
% of Pack: 15%
Conclusion
These choices and recommendations are born of about ten years of slowly evolving and tweaking my go bag to not only be lightweight and effective but reduce the outdoorsman/survivalist aesthetic to where I just look like a scrub with some super basic camping gear. I am definitely not the definitive voice in this discussion, but if you’re new to this arena, or have been at this a long time, the details found in this guide may assist you in creating and tweaking a truly great survival carry.
This article was written by new contributor, Jovanni Bello. Renaissance man, adventurer and cell phone photographer.
When it comes to carry comfort, backpacks are king. Two shoulder straps offer the benefit of balanced load distribution, while sternum straps and hipbelts help stabilize the load too. Both useful when you’re carrying gear for extended periods of time, closing deals like a boss. Not to mention having a bag close to your body makes navigating through crowds much easier (compared to wheeled luggage for example). And if you add sharp, business-ready aesthetics to the mix, you get all the benefits of backpack comfort while still looking good and professional.
How to choose the right backpack for business travel?
Business aesthetics
As touched on above, smart aesthetics are important in a business travel backpack. Understated is best, with neutral colorways like black or gray and clean silhouettes that will fit more easily into meetings and formal occasions.
Access and organization
Access and organization are also important considerations when choosing a business travel backpack. Ideally it should offer separate storage for work tools and clothing and travel essentials. Dedicated quick-access storage for tech makes it easier and faster to get to on the go, while clamshell access for the main compartment removes a lot of potential hassle in reaching items throughout the bag. Additionally you’ll want sufficient pocketing to ensure smaller items are within easy reach and don’t get lost in a jumble of gear. And don’t forget, you can always make use of packing cubes to help you stay on top of gear and avoid having to undo all your careful packing each time you want a particular item.
Comfort
When it comes to staying comfy on your journeys, keep an eye out for features such as ventilated back panels, well padded shoulder straps that contour to the body, hipbelts and sternum straps. Especially if you’ll be carrying heavier loads and want to minimize fatigue as much as possible.
Weatherproof construction
You won’t always be able to avoid downpours during your trips, so weatherproof construction is definitely key to help protect expensive tech and ensure your clothing stays dry. Look out for features such as coated fabrics, weatherproof zippers and raincovers to help keep the elements out.
Gear protection
Speaking of protection, a good business travel backpack should offer sufficient protection for your valuables – be it from drops or thieves looking for an easy target. The likes of suspended laptop storage and lockable zippers will give you that little extra peace of mind.
Flexible portability
While backpack mode is great for load carrying, the ability to carry the bag as a duffel or in briefcase mode will better suit a formal event. Not only will it look more professional but the bag will also not crinkle your blazer or suit jacket around the shoulders.
Daypack adaptability
Lastly, while it’s not strictly necessary, it is useful having a backpack that can compress down for day trips. Alternatively you can pack a packable daypack for carrying essentials at your destination.
So with these considerations in mind, check out our selection of the best travel backpacks for business…
Best Business Travel Backpacks for Overnight or Short Trips
For shorter trips you don’t always need to carry a larger bag, though flexible packing space sometimes comes in handy. Enter the Setout Divide Backpack, which offers nifty expandability from 26L to 34L to accommodate changing loads. The clamshell main compartment partners with a front organization panel and dedicated tech storage to keep your gear tidy on the move. And you’ll stay comfy on the go too courtesy of the stowable shoulder straps and padded, removable hipbelt.
Weight: 3.8 lbs Dimensions: 20″ x 13″ x 6″ (expands to 8″)
Arc’teryx’s durable build quality, sleek aesthetics and practical design come together in the now classic Blade 28 Backpack. A Carry Award winner and proven workhorse for 2-3 day business trips. The clamshell opening allows for easy packing and access, while multiple pockets are on hand to organize smaller items. The pack also has a padded laptop pocket, top and side carry handles and a comfy harness for hassle-free carrying.
Weight: 1.46 kg (52 oz) Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 8 inches
The Nordepack serves up understated style, durability and travel-friendly functionality with a clamshell main compartment, quick-access laptop storage and choice of pockets for stashing smaller items. And when you need to carry a little extra? No problem, it’s got you covered with its expandable design that grows from 24L to 34L. The durable and water-resistant 800D nylon exterior stands up to frequent use with ease, while an included raincover provides added protection from the elements.
Weight: 3.5 lbs (1.6kg) Dimensions: 18.5″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ expandable 2″ (46.5 x 30.5 x 15 cm expandable 5cm)
The Carry Award winning 45L Setout Backpack suits maximum-sized carry-on use and packs plenty of useful features into its comfy, practical design. The clamshell opening, separate laptop compartment and front organization panel keep gear easily accessible on the go. The pack also comes with a removable hipbelt and stowable shoulder straps for easier carrying over longer distances. And its sleek, durable and water-resistant build will deliver years of reliable, stylish service.
Aer’s design approach of minimalist aesthetics paired with functionality makes the Travel Pack 2 a solid option for business trips. The clamshell opening and quick-access pockets for your laptop and travel essentials help you move smoothly through your journey, while lockable main compartment zippers add peace of mind. You’ll find separate storage for shoes or laundry, comfy shoulder straps, a luggage passthrough to secure the pack to rolling luggage, and the option to add a hipbelt (sold separately) for heavier loads. The burly and water-resistant 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon exterior handles travel well. And you can cinch it to daypack size for use at your destination.
Minaal’s Carry-on 2.0 dishes up a fine balance of clean style, durability, comfort and practical access. The water-resistant build comes with a raincover for added protection and serves up a handy clamshell-style main compartment with lockable zippers for convenient packing and retrieval of items. The shoulder straps can be tucked away to carry the pack in more formal briefcase mode, with a shock-proof laptop compartment keeping your tech safe and at the ready when you need it.
Weight: 1.415kg / 3.12lb Dimensions LxWxH: 55cm x 35cm x 20cm / 21.6in x 13.7in x 7.87in (fully packed)
Best Business Backpacks for the Office and Transit
Multiple carry options, intuitive organization and pared-back aesthetics are thoughtfully brought together in Aer’s Flight Pack 2. The bag can be carried as a backpack, shoulder bag or briefcase-style, with a luggage pass-through standing by too. The durable and water-resistant build takes the commute or transit in its stride, while dual compartments and a variety of pockets keep your work and travel items neat and easily accessible.
Heimplanet’s Transit Line Travel Pack fuses chic form and durable functionality to create a carry-on pack that works well for the daily grind too. The pack’s exterior is a sustainably made DYECOSHELL fabric that’s both tough and water-resistant. The clamshell opening lets you easily get to your gear, with a suspended laptop compartment to safely store your tech. And a front zipper allows access to the main compartment without having to open the clamshell. Additionally, the pack includes a removable hipbelt and sternum strap, with smooth Cordura polyester stretch where the harness comes into contact with your body in order to protect your clothing.
Weight: 1.66 kg (3.66 lbs) Dimensions (HxWxD): 53 x 34 x 19 cm (21 x 13 x 7 inch)
With its attractive styling, lightweight and water-resistant construction, and useful access the Arcido Faroe is a smart choice for lightweight business travel carry. The clamshell-style main compartment is complemented by a separate tech and organization compartment that provides an adjustable laptop harness to securely store your Mac or PCs in varying sizes.
Weight: 900g (1.8lbs) Dimensions: 55 x 35 x 20cm (22″ x 14″ x 8″)
The L-TRA Pack is all about traveling in discreet style. It’s designed with wings to conceal the easily accessible exterior pockets and to pare back the “travel bag” aesthetic to avoid unwanted attention. Made with a durable yet lightweight Cordura exterior, the pack features sleeves for a laptop and tablet, RFID-blocking storage for a passport and bank cards, and a ventilated back panel with a luggage pass-through strap.
As the name suggests, the Invisible Carry-On Backpack is a bag designed to blend in, carrying your gear in understated, trusty style. The clamshell main compartment is great for travel use or carrying bulkier commute items, while the separate laptop compartment and useful front organization compartment prevent the need to rummage for smaller items. Slim, weather-resistant and elegant, it’s a savvy pick for business travel.
Weight: 1.05 kg (2.3lbs) Dimensions: H50cm (20″) x W30cm (12″) x D20cm (8″)
The versatile Federate Travel Pack works equally well for travel or EDC use, with a compressible design that allows it to transition into daypack mode. It features a removable organizer and lay-flat laptop pocket, as well as handy side zip access to the main compartment.
Weight: 1.45 kg Dimensions (H x W X D): 54 x 30 x 28 cm
If you love a pack with plenty of organization options, the Award winning Synapse 25 (also in 19L) is sure to appeal. A variety of exterior pockets are on hand to keep items within easy reach, while the interior offers additional attachment points and a more open space for larger items. And with a choice of materials and color options, you can tailor your carry to suit your personal style. Add in its trusty build quality with a lifetime guarantee and you’re all set for a solid business partnership.
Weight: 832g to 900g Dimensions: 13.4″ (w) x 20″ (h) x 9.1″ (d) / 340 (w) x 508 (h) x 230 (d) mm
The Osprey Porter 30 is ready to embrace the knocks and scrapes of travel life with padded side walls and dedicated laptop storage to protect your tech. The main compartment has lockable zippers, with a range of quick-access pockets to keep essentials readily available. You’ll also find a stowable harness and hipbelt for snag-resistant storage in tight spaces, as well as compression straps to help secure the load.
Weight: 1.3 kg Dimensions (cm): 50 (L) x 33 (W) x 25 (D)
The Eagle Creek Wayfinder Backpack delivers great value for money, with a variety of useful travel features to make your journeys smoother. The pack features a comfy padded harness with a sternum strap and stowable hipbelt. The weather-resistant laptop compartment keeps your tech safe from the elements, while a front pocket with a wipe-clean lining provides useful storage for wet items. The main compartment has lockable zippers for protection on the go. And rounding things off is Eagle Creek’s trusty No Matter What warranty.
Weight: 2 lbs 9 oz (1.17 kg) Dimensions: 14 x 21 x 8.25 in (35.5 x 53 x 21 cm)
Incase’s signature pared-back style teams up with convenient access to deliver the ProTravel Backpack. The wide-opening main compartment makes it easy to access your gear and you also benefit from a faux fur-lined laptop pocket. Additionally a luggage pass-through provides handy all-in-one portability with wheeled luggage.
Flexibility is often key when traveling with camera gear. And that’s exactly what the Peak Design Travel Backpack delivers. The 35L pack can expand to 45L for larger loads or compress to 30L for smaller loads or daypack use. Dual side access along with front and back panel access lets you easily reach gear throughout the bag, with a choice of pockets for stashing smaller items. Additional features include a stowable harness and a durable, weatherproof build with a 100% recycled nylon canvas shell.
Weight: 2.05 kg (4.5 lb) Dimensions (standard): 51cm x 28.5cm x 16.5cm (20″ x 11.5″ x 6.5″)
If discreet security features are a priority, look to the Venturesafe EXP45 ECONYL Backpack. Lockable zippers, a locking cable, eXomesh slashguard and a puncture-resistant double zipper help keep opportunistic thieves at bay, without drawing unwanted attention. And it’s also sustainably made with ECONYL® regenerated nylon.
Weight: 3 lb 13 oz (1.73 kg) Dimensions: 21.7 in x 13.8 in x 8.7 in (55 cm x 35 cm x 22 cm)
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The Lundhags Gneik 34 has been designed to tackle diverse outdoor adventures, from day hikes to weekend getaways. How does it fare when exposed to a variety of environments and weather conditions? Let’s find out…
Who It Suits
Most dayhikers, bushcrafters, mountaineers and outdoorsmen looking for a top-tier versatile sized-up daypack or weekender.
Who It Doesn’t
Technical climbers and true ultralight hikers. Also minimalists could find all the features a bit overwhelming.
Design
Looks
I must say that I absolutely adore the slim look of the pack. That alpine look mixed with hiking features is both attractive and highly functional. I’m not a fan of egg-shaped rucksacks, which can shift my center of gravity way back and down when loaded with a lot of gear. The Lundhags Gneik 34 is exactly on the opposite side of the scale – it’s tall and handsome. And it’s one of very few packs of this kind, which comes in an olive-green color; a valid point if you’re on a bushcrafting outing and want to stay invisible in a forest.
Construction
It’s a classic top-loading pack with inner/hybrid frame support. The suspension is slightly separated from the pack for enhanced ventilation, and the shoulder straps and integrated waist strap are wide and well padded. Overall construction is rock solid, no doubt. All the stitching is perfectly executed and the craftsmanship is top-notch. I’ve been using this pack on multiple outings since April before this review, so it’s been really well tested for a solid couple of months in forest environment, on the coast, and also in the Tatra mountains in Central Europe (alpine kind of mountains) in summer weather but also in partly icy conditions. So I’ve checked it on many outdoor gear battlefields and I can say with full confidence that it’s a tough pack.
Materials and Hardware
It’s made of a tough Poly-cotton blend (which they call LPC ECO Ripstop 65% Polyester 35% Organic Cotton) so abrasion resistance is very good and I’m absolutely in love with that classic matte, almost vintage look of Lundhags material. I’ve always been a fan of technical materials on purely technical packs. However this one is oriented more towards traditionalists, people living in harmony with nature – so for a company with such a heritage and Scandinavian eco-friendly approach this material is a great choice. And as I said, it’s tough! In the last four months of frequent use I didn’t notice ANY tear, rip or even pronounced surface scratch. All the webbing is polyester and super tough too. Last but not least, almost all the buckles (including the central waist buckle) are made of aircraft grade aluminum for strength and low weight. To sum up, the Gneik 34 is entirely made of environmentally-friendly top-tier materials. Sound good? Yeah…and pricy too, but I’ll address that point at the end.
Features
It’s a top-loading carry machine with a drawstring type closure and big floating lid. And with side access via a hidden long zipper. There are side compression straps, fixing straps, loops and attachments everywhere! The hidden daisy chains for bungee cord and carabiners are nice to have, so are the hidden trekking pole keepers. Thanks to all that I was able to carry my Gneik hiking poles, ice axe and crampons simultaneously.
The side bottle pockets can also be used to carry a fixed blade knife, folding saw or a small backpacking hatchet, must-have items for bushcrafters. There’s also a top strap under the lid for rope fixing, a handy feature for mountaineers. And just look at that oversized horizontal carry handle on the back…bold one! And it works like a dream for horizontally carrying the Gneik around. The pack is fully compatible with hydration systems and I use my Source Tactical with it. Additional attachment points on the shoulder strap allow for easy hydration tube leashing. Also I had zero problems fixing a small knife on my pack (TRC Speed Demon pictured on the shoulder strap). This pack is just packed with features…pun intended!
Performance
Space and Access
Despite bungee-net back suspension (which usually eats some space) the pack is really spacious and the 34L capacity is a very conservative measure based on my experience. I can easily use this pack for an extended weekend mountaineering trip. Or as a big daypack for hiking with two kids, which actually will be my main use for this pack for the rest of this summer. Over-stuffing couldn’t be easier – just use the top drawstring with extended collar and rope strap under the lid to keep stuff in place. And of course move the lid up as much as needed (there’s more than enough webbing for that). It’s a one-cavity pack, a logical choice for this volume.
Pockets and Organizing
I’m not a fan of multitudes of pockets so I’m glad there’s just a reasonable number of them on the Gneik. Of course there’s a big compartment on top of the lid, plus a hidden pocket under it (standard these days). Another hidden zipper pocket is inside the pack for a wallet or other small valuables. Plus side bottle pockets and very handy belt pockets sized ideally for a small compass, energy bars, Swiss army knife, headlamp etc. But of all the pockets I like that huge open pocket on the back the most! This almost endless well-pocket can be used for a jacket (wet or dry), laminated maps, an extra layer, or a tarp and hammock etc. and can be tied down via the top (rope) strap if desired. Very clever design!
Comfort
If there’s one thing that springs to mind when I think of the Gneik, it’s comfort. Early spring or winter with heavy clothing on, or sunny summer in just a t-shirt – no matter what you’re wearing this pack is ultra comfortable. The suspension system firmly binds the pack to your body and allows for unbelievably good air circulation in the back area. This pack carries so well that there’s no way a dedicated climbing daypack can match…not even come close. Sure, there’s no free lunch so it comes with a slight weight penalty (pack weight is 1.5 kg) but carry comfort is easily worth that additional 200-300g versus a climbing pack of that size if technical climbing is not your goal on that day. For a full day hike in summer sun I’ll take that versus even the lightest climbing pack like the classic Patagonia Ascensionist 35, which is also in my pack drawer. Plus the distance between net and sack is kept to a minimum and well controlled, so the shift in the center of gravity is not bigger than one inch on average. All in all, the Gneik is a very comfortable pack, one of the most comfortable I’ve ever had on my back. If not the most comfortable one. Oh, it also comes in two sizes and for me (I’m 186cm tall) the longer one was the obvious choice.
Weatherability
The DWR finish can easily deal with occasional short summer rain. In a serious downpour I highly recommend a rain cover – the Gneik won’t soak through immediately but in the end it will let some damp in. So just get a rain cover, a generic one or perfectly fitted dedicated Lundhags one. Or you can use a waterproof bag inside the pack as an alternative, or even a big trash bag in an emergency – not the most durable and elegant solution but it’s saved my lower back more than once.
Alternatives to Consider
Fjällräven Kaipak 38 – a little bit bigger and heavier, much simpler and without advanced suspension, but still a solid Scandinavian ‘eco-friendly’ option.
Fjällräven Abisko Friluft 35 – a direct response to the Gneik 34 (or vice versa) but with slightly less attachment options and no daisy chains.
Osprey Stratos 34 – a different approach to a 34L dayhiking pack but with similar suspension and comfort. A little bit less robust material and all plastic hardware.
Deuter Futura 34 EL – direct competition with the same general principles but a purely mountaineering pack, not so much dedicated for bushcraft / forest activities.
The Good
Excellent carry comfort Robust construction and materials Very good design and user experience Multi-role and multi-environment nature Multiple attachment points
Not So Good
Not fully watertight, so a rain cover would be recommended.
Verdict
It’s one of those packs that you don’t want to part with. And personally, I won’t! It’s an extraordinarily comfortable multi-mission pack with some ‘bushcraft-friendly’ features and tough enough for forest use. I really enjoyed using it and you’ll see a lot of pics of me using it this summer and autumn on my IG (@piotr_ma). It’s not a cheap pack, but the 250 EUR price would be money well spent on an excellent eco-friendly pack with timeless design and a lot of useful features. It’ll serve you well for many years if you decide to invest in the Gneik 34 as your hiking pack.
SoCal-based Colfax Design Works might be a new name to you. But we suggest you keep an eye on this relative newcomer, who has been cutting their teeth with the big boys since their launch in 2015. They even earned a Highly Commended Award in our 2019 Carry Awards, a seriously impressive feat for only four years in the game. I personally first discovered this brand via their Instagram account, displaying photos of their badass carry gear strapped onto a Ural sidecar motorcycle adventuring through rugged romantic landscapes. Yeah, I’m a fan of the simple things. Well, I’m glad I dropped the folks at CDW a line (super friendly folks, by the way!).
Let’s dig in. The T.O.A.D. (Tactical Operations Amphibious Drybag) is a fully ultrasonically RF welded bag that’s adaptable to any environment, “from aquatic to arid”. Yes, that means it’s legitimately waterproof, but we’ll get to that later. Surprisingly, even with the heavy-duty 500D Cordura with waterproof TPU coating and the extreme waterproof construction, this bag is shockingly lightweight. Coming in at 1.7 lbs total, this makes my comparable YETI Panga waterproof duffel feel extra heavy at 5.2 lbs. So you’ll only have to worry about the weight of the stuff you throw in here. Fun fact, this is my first Multicam bag…chosen specifically for its form factor and I’ve got to say that it’s growing on me. But hey, it’s also available in black, which if you’re on our Carryology Classifieds Facebook group, you’d know is my favorite.
Despite being lightweight (which can often mean “light use”), this is a serious gear duffel for your domestic or international travels. That being said, don’t expect all kinds of extra pockets to organize your stuff everywhere. For me, this isn’t a negative, since I’m a big fan of Inception Packing, where I’ll have all my gear divided up into their own respective pouches. There’s a big beefy YKK AquaSeal waterproof zipper that runs the length of the bag, providing full access to the cavernous interior compartment which eats up 40 liters of goodness. Having no divisions or small pockets means you can shove large and bulky items in here with ease.
Being in the bag design game myself for a dozen years or so now, it’s a mind-boggling feat to me that such a small brand can manufacture these bags in the USA. Particularly because of how they manufacture these “military inspired technical travel goods” with high-end materials and expensive (and hard to find) methods of manufacturing within the borders of the US. I’ll say, materials-wise, they nailed it. How about the hardware and trim?
ITW military spec hardware keeps everything nice, strong, and adjustable on the carry handle shoulder combo straps. I’ll admit that at first, I was wary of the non-padded straps, but surprisingly, when being worn in backpack mode, the thick and wide military spec nylon webbing straps distribute the weight of gear comfortably and evenly. Sure, they’re simple, but in some cases, like the end use for this product, that’s a good thing.
Despite being lightweight (which can often mean “light use”), this is a serious gear duffel for your domestic or international travels.
As mentioned in my opening paragraph, I’ve used this thing across a variety of environments and methods of travel and it was a pleasure to use. But CDW was making bold claims about the T.O.A.D., stating that it has an IPX7 rating (1 meter below water for 30 minutes without a single leak). Well, we wouldn’t be Carryology if we didn’t try to see if that claim held up. So my friends and I took a hike up to the 272-foot Watson Falls in Oregon’s Umqua National Forest to get this thing dirty and wet.
Putting a whole lot of trust into the T.O.A.D. (and maybe I was a little lightheaded from the freezing cold hike), I put my high-end camera gear into the bag, the YKK AquaSeal sounding like an angry hornet as I zipped it up tight, made sure it was fully inflated via the included exterior locking buoyancy valve, said some final words, then sent it down the fast-moving creek originating from the waterfall above.
I held my breath and my buddy Cole Fazio snapped photos as it bounced off the jagged rocks and down several 1-2 foot drops over rapids for about a quarter mile or so. The bag almost snuck by me, and would have likely continued on to the Pacific Ocean, but I did manage to nab the heavy-duty grab handle and pull it up to safety for inspection.
I put my high-end camera gear into the bag, the YKK AquaSeal sounding like an angry hornet as I zipped it up tight, made sure it was fully inflated via the included exterior locking buoyancy valve, said some final words, then sent it down the fast-moving creek originating from the waterfall above.
Well, folks, the bag came out unscathed. My gear was pristine, dry, and the T.O.A.D. casually brushed it all off like it never even happened. If you ask me, that’s a serious win. Since then, the bag has seen rain and ice and continues to hold air, even when I give it my heaviest and hardest bear hug to check for leaks.
Now I’ll be the first to admit that one doesn’t always need waterproof…but for that extra peace of mind, the Colfax Design Works T.O.A.D. ($345) delivers as an ultimate adventure duffel backpack for those who are serious about gear. Whether it’s strapped to a Ural sidecar motorcycle in a stereotypical PNW downpour or floating down a fast-moving snow-melt creek with expensive camera gear inside, it will keep your gear bone dry…and in my opinion, looks pretty badass while doing it.
Heading back to school means it’s time to haul gear, from tech, papers and books, to lunch, an outer layer and your daily EDC essentials. These back-to-school backpacks not only handle the task of organizing your gear well, but help you carry in style too. And since school is often a time where spare funds are in short supply, these packs also give a nod to more budget-friendly price tags, while still ensuring the quality you want out of a reliable study buddy for years to come…
Keen for a clean, practical and versatile pack that works hard during the school week and is ready for weekend fun too? The 19L Conceal Backpack is well up to the job, blending a pared-back exterior with functional organization to keep school supplies tidy and easily accessible. You’ll find quick-access pockets for the likes of a phone and wallet, a padded 15″ laptop pocket, and additional options for EDC or other school essentials. Plus the pack also comes with a removable sling bag, a great compact option when you want to ditch the load and roam with a small setup. And if you’re looking for more volume with plenty of organization options, the Hillside Backpack (23L-26L) is a solid alternative.
With its streamlined silhouette and functional design, the Bellroy Studio Backpack is an effortless way to bring style and practicality to your school setup. The bag is designed to hold its shape and look good no matter how full or empty it is. And with its slick Fidlock magnetic opening, access is simple and fast. The pack features a padded 15″ laptop pocket to protect your tech, while the quick-access exterior pocket is a convenient place to stash smaller essentials at the ready. And with its water-resistant fabric and fold-over top, your gear will stay safe from the elements too.
Sleek, water-resistant and serving up plenty of pockets, the Osprey Transporter Flap Backpack is a trusty choice for keeping on top of your school carry. The comfy padded harness with its sternum strap and removable webbing waist belt supports and stabilizes the load on the go, whether on foot or two wheels. And you also benefit from a range of quick-access and interior pockets to neatly store your belongings, including a padded laptop and tablet sleeve and a scratch-free pocket for delicate items. Additionally, cyclists will appreciate the bike light attachment point as well.
The Metro Pack combines outdoor-inspired ruggedness with urban-friendly style and functionality. The weatherproof, durable pack is made in the USA using 600D Cordura and water-resistant zippers. The rolltop closure adjusts to changing loads, while dual side zippers provide easy access to essentials while out and about. The pack includes an interior 15″ laptop sleeve, as well as a padded back panel, sternum strap and removable waist belt for carry comfort.
The Urban Assault’s considered blend of durability, access, comfort and versatility makes it a great pick for users who want a daily school bag that can hit the hills during their downtime. Mystery Ranch’s epic 3-ZIP access lets you easily reach gear throughout the main compartment. Plus there’s a dedicated exterior-access 15″ laptop compartment to keep a laptop and tablet close at hand too. The side pockets are handy for a water bottle or compact umbrella, with a lid pocket at the ready too. Look inside and you’ll also find a mix of interior pockets to store smaller items. The pack’s tough 500D Cordura construction is backed by a lifetime warranty and its comfortable design shoulders the load for all-day carry comfort.
While the 1733 Bookbag is pricier than other options on this list, you’re getting great value for money with premium materials and durable, Chicago-made construction. The pack is lightweight, highly water resistant, and abrasion resistant; more than ready to tackle the daily school grind. It’s crafted with VX-21 X-Pac material, a tough 500D Cordura nylon base, and YKK AquaGuard zippers. The interior laptop sleeve is complemented by quick-access top and front pockets, keeping your essentials tidy without cluttering up the straightforward, flexible feel of the pack.
By now, we all know the origin story of two superheroes who united to create a modern team that the EDC world needs right now. Experts in design and R&D from GORUCK and Patagonia, Jack and Kevin launched their first pack, the CPL24 and EVERGOODS along with it, three years ago.
Since then the CPL24 has seen a revision, they launched the Mountain Panel Loader for off-road adventures, and a 40L Civic Transit Bag for you dedicated one-baggers out there. But they didn’t stop there. EVERGOODS recently launched their latest EDC bag, the CIVIC Half Zip 22L (CHZ22) and it’s a stunner.
I started my obsession with the CPL24 after Jack showed us an early prototype in a top secret meeting at Summer OR in Salt Lake City, close to four years ago. Since then I’ve watched the company go through a successful Kickstarter campaigns, deal with moving production off-shore, and make small tweaks to the bag. But I couldn’t bring myself to pull the trigger.
Since then, I’ve talked to two EDC company founders who swear by their bags and carry them daily. And the overall consensus in the carry community is that the CPL24 was a triumph.
But, you see, the CPL24 checked almost all the boxes for me but I had some niggles with the design. The laptop compartment was not suspended and took up a lot of volume, even when empty. And the quick-access zipper was on the “wrong” side, if you’re right-handed. Also, for many, the lack of water bottle pockets was a no-go from the start.
Personally, I need to carry a laptop everyday and also like to carry lots of small accessories (notepad, pens, battery pack, cables, charger). I also use my EDC pack primarily for work and the occasional trip and would prefer one bag serve both purposes. I like bags that are between 18L and 22L and I need them to carry comfortably on hauls. Finally, I have a smaller frame (5’8″) and like bags to carry compactly and “densely”, which means a pack that is self-contained, without too much dangling loose, and void of too much sway as I explore.
After carrying the CIVIC Half Zip 22L for nearly two months, I can tell you it checks all those boxes and more. It shares much of the same DNA as the CPL24 including the shell and lining material, zippers, and shoulder strap foam but then it starts straying from its older brother in a refreshing way. Instead of a full clamshell opening the CHZ22 is a half-zip so it’s more akin to a traditional EDC school or book bag. The truncated zipper opening means room for a water bottle pocket on each side.
The laptop compartment is suspended and both it and the water pockets self-adjust so they slide out of the way when not being used. There are two accessory pockets, one accessible from the outside of the bag, just behind the main compartment zipper. The other is inside the front of the bag, for items that may require more security or are accessed less often. Small details like accessory loops on the inside and outside of the bag really pull it all together.
Design
So how is it to actually use? In a few words: familiar and reliable. I switch my main pack 3-4 times a year so I get to really put many different styles through their paces. The CHZ22 is built very much like a traditional school backpack which I consider a big pro. There are no load lifters to fiddle with and there is only about ten inches of slack on the shoulder strap attachment. I prefer to wear my packs high and close to my back and not slouched and low so your mileage may vary depending on your stance. While I like the short length and the loops at the end for easy adjustment, I do wish there were some loops or clips to tuck away the excess webbing.
Comfort
Comfort-wise, the bag is great. I love how compact and dense it feels on my back and that’s generally the “feeling” I like when carrying a bag. I don’t want bags to necessarily feel heavy but I want the load to stay tight together so there aren’t major sways or shifts in weight. The shoulder straps are really beefy and the padding is really consistent and uniform which means there are no hot spots. I wish, for my body shape, the straps curved in a bit more so it would put less pressure on the edge of my armpits, but that’s just a small niggle.
“The CHZ22 is built very much like a traditional school backpack which I consider a big pro. There are no load lifters to fiddle with and there is only about ten inches of slack on the shoulder strap attachment.”
Materials
Let’s take a deeper dive into what makes this backpack such a joy to use. Starting with the materials, the CHZ22 features a 500D High Tenacity Nylon with a water-resistant coating. This is the same as you’ll find in the CPL24. It has a tightly finished weave with high abrasion resistance and a matte finish which I think looks great in an urban or office environment. After using the bag and putting it on the ground on a daily basis, I haven’t seen any dirt or debris on it. My office is also pet-friendly and we have a handful of office dogs but my area doesn’t have any. Regardless, I haven’t seen any issue with dirt or hair. During the review, I set it down in the dirt path a few times. The bottom got dusty just like any bag would but it brushed off pretty easily.
The interior lining is made of 420D HT nylon with PU coating in a contrast (gray) color to make it easier to find things. I think I would have preferred a brighter color like an orange interior but that might be too much for the entire inside. Maybe just for the top accessory pocket?
The shoulder straps are lined with nitrogen gas filled Zotefoams which results in uniform bubble distribution, even density and long-lasting compression recovery. The straps are also constructed like a sandwich, with the top material cut longer than the bottom before being joined together. This results in a natural curve of the strap, mimicking the curve of the chest.
Hardware
The bag uses two sizes of YKK RC zippers which were designed for luggage, where high resistance to abrasion is critical. They are also DWR treated for increased water resistance. In some areas of construction, patterns are cut at a 45-degree angle from the roll of the fabric. This increases abrasion resistance in areas that need it most such as the bottom of the bag and the top of the shoulder straps.
The rest of the hardware is pretty average. The pull tabs, buckles, and sternum strap all do their job but they are nothing to write home about. I actually wish the zipper pulls were paracord but the flat-cord that comes with it works just fine and is long enough to function well.
Features
Laptop Support
The laptop compartment is suspended and holds up to a 15″ laptop. I use it daily with my 2015 MacBook Pro 15″ which is obviously a little thicker and heavier than the newer generations. It handles the laptop perfectly. One interesting aspect of the design is the top accessory pocket hangs loose in the main cavity and creates a sort of flap over the laptop area. This means any time you take the laptop in or out, you need to deal with pulling the computer around the flap, or tucking it behind the flap. This doesn’t take more than a few seconds but it’s a strange interaction that doesn’t really occur with other bags. Of course, you could always decide to just let the flap sit behind your laptop. The compartment also supports a water bladder with exit over each shoulder.
Accessory Pockets
The two accessory pockets are great. There’s an easy-access one just behind the main compartment, at the top. It has a red key strap which I hardly use but can see coming in handy when I travel and need to store my house keys. I put my work badge, sunglasses, and little knick-knacks in there. It’s great to be able to quickly grab at the badge when I get to work. Due to the position of the pocket, I can even wear the pack on my front and still access the contents easily.
The other pocket is on the inside front of the pack. I like unzipping the main compartment half way on each side, allowing the front to fold open, creating a sort of shelf. From there, it’s easy to slide items in and out of the pocket, perpendicular to the bag.
Top Strap and Freestanding
The top carry strap, which I’ve always said is a must-have on any bag, is just great. It’s nice and wide, thick, and well padded. I use it every single day and am not worried about carrying the bag by it for long periods, if needed. The zippers, as described earlier, do a great job keeping water and dirt out but sometimes I think, combined with the front shape of the bag, can be difficult to use. Since the half-zip nature of the opening is curved, the front of the pack has a tendency to collapse on itself (especially if the bag isn’t stuffed full). This results in a strange path for the zipper; lots of curves in and out. In my experience, opening is usually a two-handed affair. This doesn’t bother me much and I got used to it pretty quick.
The bottom of the pack features a large flat area, so it’s designed to freestand. However, this is really dependent on what sort of load you have in the pack. If you don’t carry the right combination and weight and volume, the bag will tip over, usually forward due to the design and shape of the bottom area.
Water Bottle Pockets and Latch Points
The big addition to the bag, over the CPL24, is of course the water bottle pockets. A simple foldover design prevents snagging and exposing seams. It’s fitted to hold a 1L bottle and does a good job of getting out of the way when not in use.
“The bottom of the pack features a large flat area, so it’s designed to freestand. However, this is really dependent on what sort of load you have in the pack. If you don’t carry the right combination and weight and volume, the bag will tip over, usually forward due to the design and shape of the bottom area.”
Speaking of the flap, there are loops sewn in that act as latch points which are perfect for pens or PALS attachments. There are also two attachment points, one on each side of the top carry loop, for small items like carabiners (Heroclip, anyone?).
Verdict
So, what do we have here? Who is this bag for? To me, EVERGOODS was very purposeful in their naming scheme. It’s part of the CIVIC line of packs, which means it’s designed for in-city pursuits. It’s 22L which falls in line with a perfect EDC daypack range for me (20L +/- 2L). It supports a laptop, has accessory pockets to hold keys and pens, and water bottle pockets for your Nalgene. The back and straps are textured and padded for comfort and the pack sits high and close to your back for stable carry. It’s not without niggles but they are all very minor compared to how well the pack excels in materials, construction, comfort, and use. In my opinion, this is one of the best releases of the year, and a case study into how to nail a daypack.
I would consider the CIVIC Half Zip 22L among the best EDC backpacks I’ve used and I think it will be some time before it gets rotated out. Bravo, EVERGOODS!
Note: My friend Jonathan modeling the bag is 6’2″ tall.
Camera bags have been around for ages, but so many of them are just plain ugly, with no style and are only meant for that one function; being a camera bag. Enter the WANDRD PRVKE: a stylish, pragmatic, do-everything pack. It will seamlessly accompany you on a photo shoot, on multi-day travel, as well as for everyday carry. Doing so with a graceful mix of cleverly designed access points, expandability, weather-resistance, and utility.
The PRVKE is something to behold. When taking it out of its protective bag, you can’t help but be impressed by its aesthetics, its materials, its sheer potential for packing loads of gear. With two flavors, 21L and 31L, there are plenty of opportunities to attempt one-bag travel either during a short getaway or trips abroad. WANDRD has done an excellent job of retaining a minimalist/urban aesthetic while packing in a healthy array of features.
I wandered with the PRVKE to work, on vacation, during volunteer service and traveling abroad. Here are my takeaways.
Who Is It For?
Photographers. Period. For everyone else though, the PRVKE is for those who are style-forward. For those who don’t mind calling attention to themselves, because this pack is not only big but attention-getting.
That being said, it’s for those who desire a versatile bag that can suit several gear configurations, including “one bag travel”, and camera and/or drone needs, especially in its 31L iteration. The number of pockets, both hidden and not, provide a wealth of options. All coupled with a huge main compartment that includes some organization with an optional camera cube, and a built-in partition that can be used or tucked away. It’s for the worker, the traveler and the explorer who needs to carry lots of gear; it’s indeed a comfortable and functional pack.
Who Should Pass?
If you want to keep a low profile and not call attention to yourself, pass on the PRVKE. I personally wouldn’t want to walk down some sketchy streets or go city exploring in a potentially dangerous place with this bag. Additionally, its aesthetics, although beautiful and modernistic, may not blend well in the more traditional workplace.
Also, if you’re a minimalist who only wants to carry the bare minimum, the PRVKE’s size can be a hindrance, and there is no detachable sling for those times when all you need are the basics. A separate sling or pack would be required.
The Good
There’s a lot to like about the PRVKE, it effortlessly blends stylish design with functionality; often described as utilitarian, minimalist, modernistic, urban, fashionable, rugged, sleek, and other adjectives that either agree with or contradict each other. However you want to label it, the PRVKE is a good-looking bag.
When doing volunteer work, I sometimes need to change clothes. For this use case, adding in some shoes, a towel, and clothes to my usual EDC was effortless. And since the PRVKE gives you multiple access points to the main compartment, the variable nature of my activities was not a problem: Need to get to my tech gear? Pull it directly from the side access. Need the Surface? Open the back panel only slightly and pull it out. Need a different pair of shoes? Open the back panel entirely and unzip the bottom section. Need a towel? Open the roll-top and grab it. Even when on an island-hopping trip, where each day required a new loadout, the PRVKE adapted to the varying needs of each circumstance. It’s adaptable, which I am all for, in how you access the enormous amount of stuff you can pack in it.
As a travel bag, the PRVKE is quite possibly the most comfortable bag I’ve ever used, even packed to the gills. It wasn’t “one bag travel”, but on a recent nine-day trip, I packed my entire Peak Design Tech Pouch (RavPower 20100 battery, Surface Adapter, Anker QuickCharge 3.0, two lightning cables, one USB cable, two sets of earbuds, Fitbit charger, flashlight, and Moment Lens case), Surface Pro 4, one large and one medium Knack compression cube filled with clothes, flip-flops, some documents, Kindle, Skittles, insulin, sunglasses, passports, Hydro Flask water bottle, and some pens. Sure it was heavy, but it was never burdensome, even when swinging it around to side-access the main compartment. This is in large part due to the robust, beefy, and comfortable shoulder straps. They have the right mix of padding, rigidity, and density that distributes weight effectively across the body. When you add the sternum strap and hip straps, it takes the PRVKE to another level. All this in tandem with a wonderfully designed back panel of molded foam with horizontal air channels, that even when walking the hot and humid streets of old San Juan, didn’t produce a sweaty back.
When used primarily for photography, the PRVKE is a champ. The camera cube, which can be secured inside the bag, or left loose for easy grab-and-go access, is a delight to use. The cube’s internals can be customized to your needs. One thing to note is that the 21L version will only fit a DSLR and a couple of lenses and batteries, while the 31L is much more versatile. If a DSLR, drones, or multiple lenses and chassis are in play, I’d suggest going for the 31L variant. Additionally, inside the side access flap is a zippered pocket for memory cards; this is incredibly useful and convenient, as I didn’t need to rummage through my gear. Lastly, it’s adaptable in that you can leave the bag behind and strap the camera cube to your side for times when all you need is a camera.
There are plenty of pockets apart from the main compartment to store varying items. One of my favorites is the “hidden” pocket that rests against my back when wearing the pack. Here is where I placed my passport or other sensitive documents like boarding passes. Additionally, it’s really one of the only pockets that provide any sort of organization to put pens, multi-tools, etc. I found the front pocket useful to store my Kindle or other documents. The top quick-access pocket is cleverly placed, and easy to get to. I literally discovered a pocket after weeks of use; a small side pocket with a key clip hidden behind a cinching strap. One can presumably store something small and valuable here, but I kept a bag of Skittles. Lastly, at the bottom of the pack, there is a pocket where the rainfly is stored; it’s a classy touch, but I found the rainfly to be superfluous since the bag is pretty weather resistant to begin with, and instead stored gear straps and some cables.
The tote style handles are a game changer. After having used the PRVKE for a few months, every other bag’s handles just seemed woefully inadequate. They’re comfortable to hold, even when the bag is fully packed (roll-top not included). On a few occasions, I found myself walking around carrying the pack just by these handles. They’re the perfect length; even when the handles fell to each side of the bag, they were easily scooped up. The addition of a small magnet on each handle is an ingenious touch when they work. I’d love to see stronger magnets used here though, to prevent the two handles from coming apart on their own.
Keeping in mind the PRVKE’s adaptable nature, the folks at WANDRD included a series of anchor points around the sides, and underneath. In tandem with the gear straps, these anchor points proved incredibly useful in strapping gear to the outside of the bag. This in itself is not unique to the PRVKE, but what the PRVKE does that’s quite brilliant is position the anchor points in a way to allow several configurations. They then upped the ante by including anchor points inside the laptop compartment that would enable a makeshift desk; crazy useful when on the go.
On that note, the laptop/tablet compartment is sturdy and well-made, with enough padding both inside and out to ensure that your valuable device is protected. Having it be its own separate compartment, apart from the primary storage area is a welcome design decision. I would be able to access my Surface by merely opening this back panel slightly, leaving the rest of the pack undisturbed. Also, as one of the only places to store documents safely, it was okay for more business-centric activities. Did TSA let me keep my devices inside their sleeves while going through security? Nope. Maybe one day – we can dream.
Now, the hardware is top-notch. After months of use and abuse, the bag still looks new. The buckles are intact, the webbing isn’t frayed, the nylon isn’t wrinkled or showing signs of wear, the large metal G-hook isn’t warped or bent. The PRVKE is a high-quality pack that is meant to last. This extends to the water-resistant YKK zippers – each one glides smoothly, with a satisfying sound. Special mention goes to the zip ties for the back panel; the large hoops make finding and pulling these zippers effortless.
Having a zippable and expandable water bottle pocket is killer, especially if you care about your silhouette and how you look while using the pack. When in use, the pocket is deep enough not to worry about the bottle falling out and large enough to accommodate both a basic Hydro Flask or Contigo. Reaching for and grabbing the bottle was never burdensome. One caveat though, when the PRVKE is packed out, you will have a hard time utilizing this pocket. I stuffed the bottle in but was concerned for the webbing attached to the tarpaulin each time. The pocket can also moonlight as a tripod holder in conjunction with a gear strap. Nice!
Not So Good
However much I like and admire my PRVKE, some niggling details should be noted:
There isn’t a whole lot of organization here in terms of where to put pens, multi-tools, and small items. Sure, you can put these things in the “hidden” pocket, but it’s cumbersome to access and can only hold the smallest of items that are not flat. There’s a felt-lined quick-access pocket, but if you’re putting glasses in there, you wouldn’t want to put anything else inside; also, it’s relatively small.
The side key-clip pocket is tiny. This leaves you with the large front pocket, where the outline of what’s inside is visible – once again, if you care about looks, this is a non-starter. I resorted to putting smaller items in my tech pouch, accessible from the side.
The front pocket is not a great place to put documents as they’ll get bent and wrinkled, leaving you to place documents in the laptop or tablet sleeve. Unfortunately, those slots may be occupied, forcing you to put them in between the sleeves and the main compartment. This is probably not an issue during travel but could be a hassle for EDC use.
Honestly, on several occasions, I appreciated the ability to expand my carrying capacity by utilizing the roll top. But, when expanded out to its limit or near its limit, I looked ridiculous. Like some kind of hipster Sherpa.
As mentioned, the PRVKE is a gorgeous bag whose style is going to call attention. A lot of attention. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you want and care about that. As for me, I tend to prefer a more low-key look when traveling, and the bag didn’t mesh well in more traditional workplaces. Even at 21L, the PRVKE looks big and attention-getting. Generally, my EDC is a Surface Pro 4, Surface Mouse, a bundle of IT cables, Skittles, and some insulin in a cooling pouch. The bag was mostly empty and here’s why; the Surface sits against the back of the pack in a separate laptop/tablet sleeve not taking up any room, while the rest of my essentials sit all the way at the bottom of the cavernous main compartment in a Peak Design Tech Pouch. The tarpaulin material is already formed, so the bag looks virtually the same whether it’s empty or packed. The nature of the PRVKE’s looks did produce some comments from clients: “Dude, are you going on a safari?” Whether or not this matters largely depends on your preference for attention.
For however attention-grabbing and beautiful the bag is on the outside, the inside materials leave a bit to be desired. The zippers look and feel cheaper than their outside counterparts, as does the nylon and mesh material that provides a barrier between the main compartment and the back panel. This is probably a cost-cutting measure, which I can appreciate, but it’s a jarring juxtaposition.
Speaking of the inside, unless you’re using the camera cube, there isn’t a whole lot of internal organization in primary storage. You can Velcro up the partition, but that creates one small pocket that is accessible through the roll top and a mesh-panel zipper, and one large compartment accessible via the side access or nylon-panel zipper. I am being super nit-picky here, but it’s worth noting and entirely dependent on your use case.
Verdict
If you’re into DSLR or drone photography, buy the bag; it’s worth every cent. As a travel and EDC bag though, I have a love-hate relationship with the PRVKE. It’s a gorgeous work of art in bag form that still catches my eye when I walk by it. But it’s because of how beautiful it is that I hesitate to take it with me on every single trip, and to every client’s office: I don’t want the attention. If you don’t care, then seriously, by all means, toss caution to the wind and acquire the PRVKE, it’s incredible.
That being said, some minor inconveniences can cause you to give pause – but no bag is perfect for every single person. Nevertheless, the PRVKE can take you onto the mountains, into the woods, through the deserts, exploring the cities, walking the streets, and going to work; maybe in the same day – a go anywhere bag. WANDRD has created a pack whose multiple access points, materials, construction, and features coalesce into an excellent product that is deserving of all the hype; one you can enjoy for years to come.
This article was written by Jovanni Bello. Renaissance man, adventurer and cell phone photographer.
Want to stay well prepped for day-to-day college tasks but watching the finances? Find out if the reasonably priced System G Carry+ 17″ Backpack is right for you, as well as what budget-friendly tools you can fit inside it…
Looking for a backpack but finding it hard to narrow down a good pick? So what exactly should you be looking for to help make the decision process easier? Well, who better than to ask than the expert designers dreaming up the best backpacks in the world. So we reached out to some of our favorite carry designers to share their top tips on how to choose a well-designed backpack…
As much as we might not like to admit it, a backpack is oftentimes just as much about fashion as it is about function. And this is coming from a designer who actively hates on fashion-forward products while spending absurd amounts of time stressing about tiny details related mostly to nuts and bolts usability, durability, manufacturability, value and performance. But a well-designed bag that doesn’t communicate anything about who made it or who’s wearing it…is like driving a Kia. Man, those new Kias are pretty sweet. And that warranty!? But am I buying a Kia? Shit no.
You get the point. There are so many great bags out there these days. Support designers who are passionate about the products they build and the communities they build them for. Invest in bag designs that speak to you and say something about your personality, interests and aspirations. That’s where the fashion (cringe) element comes into play. Of course you should never buy a bag with fashion as the primary driver, but don’t ignore it entirely. If you can’t emotionally connect with a bag then you probably won’t use it for long no matter how well it works. And yes, even the most hardcore tactical bag usually has this fashion element wrapped into the purchase decision. Probably more so, let’s be honest.
I think it’s always best to ask why you’ve stopped using the existing products you own? Do they break? Do they get dirty? Did that citrus lemon zing colorway end up being a passing fad? Or do they just stop rocking your emotional boat? The more you understand your own reasons for aborting products, the more you’ll be able to steer yourself towards products that become long-lasting companions for the road ahead.
The main thing I tell people when they are looking at a pack to carry a computer in is to pay attention to the shape and how the computer will fit in any bag they are looking at buying. The shape of a person’s back is curved like an ‘S’ and a computer is straight. If the bag you get to carry a laptop doesn’t accommodate for these two facts, you will have an uncomfortable pack that puts strain on your laptop.
Most bags keep the computer up high and that will keep the bag from properly curving over the shoulder blades. Your shoulder blades will also act as the fulcrum that your computer will bend over. Even if it’s titanium something has to give and what will often happen is the keyboard will just get shoved into the screen. Mystery Ranch fixes this by having a floating computer sleeve that lets a computer push into the bag on the bottom and top as it needs to flex around your back, but there are many ways to work around this issue that clever designers have figured out.
My single best piece of advice for choosing a well-designed backpack, borrowing from my dozen-plus years as an Industrial Designer focusing on softgoods design of bags, packs, and travel gear for some major brands in the industry… My best advice…
Yes, listen to OutKast.“I’mma show you how to wild out like Jack Tripper. Let me be bambino on your snipples. YKK on yo’ zipper, lick you like a lizard when I’m slizzerd”. That quick 4-word verse snuck in there from Mr. Big Boi can make all the difference between choosing a great bag and one that falls apart on you at the worst time possible. For example, when you’re 8 days into a 15-day adventure and the contents of your pack completely spill out over the floor of the Narita airport as you’re sprinting to make your flight to Manila which leaves in 10 minutes, leaving you no way to refill and close your bag, as the zipper completely self-destructed. Pretty horrific, eh? Well, that’s probably because that zipper was some no-name generic garbage nonsense.
There ARE many other high-quality and trustworthy zipper manufacturers out there (TiZip, RIRI, Talon, just to name a few). And I personally have and still confidently use all of these zipper brands on bags and packs I’ve designed… frequently even. But for a quick and easy way to choose a great bag… look for that industry standard, the YKK zipper. Or at least look for a zipper that is branded with a quality zipper manufacturer’s name on it. If the maker of the bag doesn’t call out the name of the zipper on their website or on the product hangtag, it’s because they’re embarrassed and don’t want you, the customer, to know. So remember… listen to OutKast. And look for that YKK on yo’ zipper.
James Jeffrey
Designer at Bellroy
Who are you trying to impress, where are you trying to optimize?
Bags, like clothes, signal. These signals show a great deal about how you travel through the world and your personal values. Walking into a meeting in a tailored suit carrying a ballistic nylon freebie bag with ‘Microsoft Windows 2007 Developer Conference’ embroidered onto the failing flap. Well, you sir have just devalued your suit.
I feel like shoes have a cultural acceptance of taking time to pair with your life that far eclipses bags (well for dudes, mainly). Where are you going to be going? Does the minimal functionality of Mismo’s organization matter over its ability to effortlessly walk into a high-powered meeting and immediately put you on the front foot? Most likely not.
So some bags might never be perfect, but they can certainly nail one purpose – every single time.
When looking into the design of an everyday bag, my interest is always first focused on the internal architecture.
Having clean separation for commuting, work, and play is key and something you don’t want mixed up throughout the day. For example, commuters want basic weather protection and easy accessibility for the random conditions you encounter, so TPU-coated materials and WR zippers on face-forward pocketing and quick-access pockets for your phone and keys are essential. When entering your work space you need to have easy access to a well-padded laptop sleeve along with essential pockets for all the work tools that can be quickly laid out in your space.
Lastly, after your work is done you might need a change of clothes for jumping on your bike or heading to the gym. To keep everything clean there must be a well-separated volume with stretch pockets and wet/dry separation for messy items. All together these purposeful compartments (and weather protection/commuter functionality) make for a well-designed pack that makes all aspects of your life less stressful.
Then, I move to the external aesthetic, which needs to be minimal.
Softgoods Design and Sustainability at Make it Better Co
Regardless of whether I am designing a lifestyle daypack or an alpine climbing pack, I want it to have a long, useful life. This is the most sustainable type of product to put out into the world and one of the hallmarks of a well-designed backpack. A well-designed, enduring product will consider many aspects of materials, design and construction and each brand will emphasize different areas. So what can you do when comparing backpacks at the front-end that will indicate it is well designed?
Seek out good quality. You can look at the individual ingredients of a backpack as signs (eg: branded components or material specs) but often a pack is more than the sum of its parts. My top pick would be to buy a backpack with a warranty the brand promotes. Ideally a lifetime warranty or at minimum 3 years. This way you know the brand is invested in quality materials, construction, and your end-user experience.
Try before you buy. As much as designers obsess over ergonomics and fit, the product brief rarely includes fitting 100% of the population. It is good practice to try the pack out with some weight or your current carry contents. Is it a comfortable fit for you? Can it be adjusted? If the pack is not comfortable to wear or does not carry and organize your load well, then reassess. After all, you are probably looking for a backpack because it can carry and distribute the load better than other types of bags.
One bag that can adapt to a multitude of uses and situations. EDC and travel. Work and gym. A driving design principle behind the Knack Pack, an expandable backpack which will work for most folks looking for a functional ‘every backpack.’
Let’s look at some of the details that make the Knack Pack so intriguing:
The Knack was my companion for over two months; every day to work, for volunteer service, on numerous trips, and for speaking engagements. It served as a backpack, and for one-bag travel. I also gave it to my wife to use on several occasions to get her thoughts.
Here are the takeaways:
Who Is It For?
The Knack Pack’s design and functionality serve a spectrum of people: The commuter, the professional, the traveler, the entrepreneur, the day hiker, the city explorer, the vacationer, the parent, the gym rat, etc. – male or female.
It’s for those who want a bag that doesn’t scream for attention, but rather subtly suggests they’re professionals who appreciate good design.
It’s for the minimalist who wants to one-bag travel but longs for adaptability.
Who Should Pass?
A technical pack this is not.
If you want gear loops, Hypalon straps, external compression or any of the major features you’d expect from a more rugged, or outdoorsy bag, look elsewhere. If what you’re seeking is more of a military-style bag akin to GORUCK, EVERGOODS, or Triple Aught Design, the Knack Pack is not for you. Lastly, if you plan to go on multi-day hikes, pass on the Knack.
Additionally, the Knack Pack isn’t high fashion; it’s not going to call a lot of attention to itself or be on the cutting edge of style. So if you care about having the latest bag design, or want people to notice you or win with style points, the Knack’s look may not impress you.
The Good
First and foremost, you can take this bag just about anywhere. The Knack’s aesthetics mold it to a myriad of scenarios. In the time I was reviewing it, I was in professional settings, construction sites, the beach, on a cruise, on hikes, at museums, walking around the city, and on vacation and getaways. It became automatic which bag I was reaching for as I prepared for whatever I was going to do. I felt entirely at ease taking the Knack with me wherever I went. A lot of this has to do with the sophisticated look of the fabric. Described as ‘suiting-inspired’, which I find to be silly marketing-speak, the custom-made and water-resistant polyester strikes a balance between elegance and pragmatic functionality – it’s durable, easy to clean, stain resistant and often looks like it belongs. Lastly, in regards to looks, the Knack is unisex. On a couple of trips my wife used the bag, and she thoroughly enjoyed it and commented on wanting one for herself.
Let’s talk about compartments and pockets. With seven(!) separate areas to store items, the Knack has loads of customization and organization. While in “EDC mode” the main compartment offers a ton of storage space, including a felt tablet pocket, and multiple zippered mesh dividers. This particular compartment has a pseudo-clamshell opening, where expandable fabric keeps the front panel from collapsing completely; it’s a thoughtful touch. The main compartment is so well designed I was often able to find what I needed in the dark, or by only needing to open the zip slightly and doing so solely by touch.
The additional compartments are equally well designed. The hidden zip-away water bottle pocket is inspired, accommodating a variety of bottle sizes. I enjoyed being able to stash my Hydro Flask inside and zip it up out of sight; not only did this keep the silhouette of the bag clean, but it kept my bottle away from the sun. Unless the pack was fully loaded, I had no issues fitting the bottle inside. The Knack includes a bottom pocket, a definite call-back to some of their eBags roots. This pocket is generally advertised as a spot to store cables and chargers, which it can, but I just used it for snacks. Still, that’s part of the appeal of this bag; it gives you the options, and however you use it, it’s functional, efficient, and easy to access. The quick-access pocket includes a partition where one side is nylon and the other is soft felt – with enough space to put a couple of pairs of glasses, some earbuds, keys, and maybe a phone.
Now, the elephant in the room is the two-zippered, triangular pocket that is prominently displayed on the front of the bag. This pocket is useful, and not as annoying as one would think. Here you’ll find two areas to store and quickly access more items, as well as elastic loops to hold pens or small cables. I’d often store my battery pack here and my phone, along with a couple of pens and any documents I didn’t mind folding up. And with the dual-zipper configuration, regardless of how I swung the bag around, I had quick access to my stuff. Lastly, the isolated laptop compartment fits snugly against the foam back panel, offering a level of protection on either side. On the large Knack Pack, a 17-inch laptop will slip right in. For me, though, using a Surface Pro, I had a ton of space left, which allowed me to store flat documents without a problem. A great thing about this configuration is that I could grab my Surface and never disturb anything else in my pack; my device was always a quick one-handed zip away.
Lastly, the inclusion of a luggage compartment is the big differentiator. In “EDC mode” the luggage compartment is compressed and out of the way, but when traveling, a simple unzipping expands it out, increasing the capacity by about 15L – you’re now in “travel mode.” On a cruise, I was able to fit a Large Knack Packing Cube, a Medium Knack Packing Cube, and an Eagle Creek packing cube along with my Sea to Summit toiletry kit, and Xero Prio shoes. The compartment includes a cinch strap that kept everything in place, another thoughtful touch. This area of the pack completely opens up, luggage-style, to give you full access to both sides, including a zippered mesh pocket. On a shorter trip, I didn’t even expand out the luggage portion and was still able to pack both Knack Packing Cubes and a toiletry kit. On both occasions, I was able to fit the Knack underneath my airplane seat, which was an absolute delight. When it’s expanded out though, it may be a bit too big, and you’ll be at the mercy of how ornery your flight attendant is.
Yes, the bag can hold a lot of stuff, but how does it feel? The shoulder straps distribute weight adequately. They’re a decent thickness and density, not incredible, but good. With heavier loads, I found myself reaching for the sternum strap to distribute the weight of the pack better. To be honest, I sometimes longed for the shoulder straps of the WANDRD PRVKE. That being said, I still found the straps to be enough, especially considering that the bag won’t always be in “travel mode” or loaded down. Both shoulder straps are stowable, which is slightly superfluous, but it’s possible if you need to do so for some reason.
In terms of comfort, the back panel is comfortable and sturdy. The material reminds me of memory foam, so it will sink into you a little. Thus, the bag always feels in place and stable when walking, hiking, or running to catch a plane. In hot and humid spots (I live in Miami), it took a long time with some exertion to get a sweaty back. The panel’s air channels and materials do a nice job of keeping you fresh, although other bags will perform better in this regard.
The last thing I’d like to mention is the bright inner lining of the Knack. This is a welcome trend in the carry world, especially in higher-end bags; instead of a dark cavernous bag where you can’t see the bottom, it reflects light adequately, giving you the ability to see all your items. Knack took this one step further; instead of just a solid color, they included a pattern with their logo in bright orange. Personally, I think it’s classy, albeit busy – I can see this chafing some people. In my experience, though, anyone around me who saw the bag commented on the design and said it reminded them of a luxury brand.
The Not So Good
There is a lot to like about this bag, yet there are some nagging issues that can be improved on.
For instance, aside from the top handle, there is nowhere else to affix anything to the outside of the bag. Some would see this as a plus because it does produce clean lines and a sleek silhouette, but because of my various activities, I often need to bring something extra that wouldn’t necessarily fit in the bag, or make it cumbersome to retrieve such as a hard hat, tripod, or rain jacket. I resorted to using a Heroclip hooked from the top handle. It’s an inelegant solution, but a solution nonetheless.
The Knack Pack is a professional-looking bag, but a bit of that professionalism goes out the window when I have two overly-long straps dangling below and swaying in the wind. I understand Knack is allowing for a diverse number of individuals to feel comfortable wearing their product, but the amount of extra slack on the straps is a little exaggerated. I’ve even toyed with the thought of cutting them to an appropriate length. It’s a small detail, but for a bag that is meant to take me anywhere, including the boardroom, the dangly straps are woefully out of place. As an example, I was in a crowded convention, and wanted to walk with the bag at my side, held up by the top handle. If I had done so, the straps would have dragged along the floor the entire time. It’s possible to clip them along with the shoulder strap into the bottom D-ring, but again, it’s an inelegant solution. I’ve tried tucking them into the back panel where the hip straps are stowed, but they inevitably fall out. I wish Knack would include an elastic loop to keep the straps together and out of the way, or just shorten the straps.
When the pack is loaded out, especially the main compartment, some of the auxiliary pockets and compartments become difficult to utilize. On the bright side, loading the luggage compartment doesn’t produce this issue. Thus, if the main compartment is packed out, fitting a water bottle becomes untenable, I’d caution putting food in the bottom pocket as it would get crushed, the triangular front pocket would fit only flat objects, and even storing a Surface Pro became cumbersome. This is inherent to most carry options out there, but it’s still worth noting since the Knack Pack has so many excellent and mention-worthy pockets and compartments.
When using the triangular front pocket, it was annoying to have to unzip both zippers to get to what I needed sometimes. I suppose there is a small give-and-take, since having dual zippers made it easier to retrieve items in certain circumstances as noted above. The one thing that was always a hassle is when zipping this pocket back up, the top flap of the triangle stays tucked out, requiring me to tuck it in manually, or else this little sliver of fabrics would allow water to get in, and make it easier for someone else to open it without me knowing.
Several mesh pockets allow for a bit of organization. Unfortunately, these pockets are not 3D, only allowing for smaller items. This includes the luggage compartment, where even a rolled-up belt pushed against the limits of the mesh. This issue is further exacerbated when the pack is loaded up. Perhaps in a future revision, Knack could add at least one 3D mesh pocket.
After two months of near-constant use, the Knack has held up well, but starting in week one I noticed little loose threads, and some fuzzy fabric ends sticking out of the top handle and other areas. Initially, this concerned me, as it foretold possible durability issues going forward. Thankfully that wasn’t the case, but it’s still relatively early days. It’s just slightly jarring to see such manufacturing and quality control hiccups in what is otherwise a quality bag.
The Knack includes stowable hip straps, a thoughtful touch given that they’re not completely necessary for the primary use case of this bag. Unfortunately, they are inadequate and don’t offer much in the way of support, making them more trouble than they are worth. Rather than make them stowable, I wish Knack would produce beefier hip straps that were later attachable if needed. This would reduce the weight of the pack but allow for greater distribution of weight when required.
When comparing the Knack Pack to other bags like the WANDRD PRVKE, the Aer Travel Pack, Peak Design Travel Backpack, Tortuga Outbreaker, etc. one can look at the exterior materials and conclude that the Knack looks and feels cheap. The unique exterior fabric is a victim of comparison because it’s different from what is usually used. Additionally, the material does make certain sounds, especially when constricting and expanding the luggage compartment that makes it seem cheap. Of course, this is entirely subjective, as multiple non-bag-enthusiast friends and colleagues commented on how “fancy” my bag is after I gave them a tour of it.
Verdict
With those issues mentioned and understood, this is the closest I’ve come to having a bag that’s met my minimalist and one-bag travel needs without breaking the bank. The strength of the Knack Pack is its mix of everyday carry features with travel features; it’s about adaptability. If all you want is something for everyday carry, there are better options out there. If all you want is something for travel, there are better options out there. But if you want something that strikes a delicate balance between the two at the cost of specialization, the Knack Pack is worth your time – it excels at being adaptable while only sacrificing some finer features and polish. At $195, the price point is a little high, but not terrible within the product category it’s contending in. Its materials, aesthetics, design, and functions are solid.
All this being said, if what you’re seeking is an adaptable, versatile, and professional-looking bag that can take you from the boardroom to adventure and back, the Knack deserves your attention.
This article was written by Jovanni Bello. Renaissance man, adventurer and cell phone photographer.
EVERGOODS has been in the headlines a lot recently with the release of their CHZ22, but that’s not why I’m writing you. I’ve been toting the Mountain Quick Draw 24L all spring and summer and felt like it was about time to give the official word on this crossover sportster.
Like I said in the MPL review, EVERGOODS does an extremely good job of showing these packs off via their social and website, so I’m going to focus on my experience with the pack, how I’ve been wearing it and hopefully help you edge out a decision on whether or not the MQD is right for you.
The Good
The MQD is extremely utilitarian, appealing if you live an active, outdoor lifestyle. The convenience of the cam-action closure cannot be overstated. If you’re really into things that work and see beauty in simplicity, you’ll probably dig this bag.
I hardly ever use the side zipper access. My packing style, the ease of the quick draw mechanism, and the fact that it’s only 24 liters hardly gives me reason to go for the side zip – but it’s a nice addition all the same.
“The convenience of the cam-action closure cannot be overstated.”
The 420d HT nylon has worn well, is water resistant enough that I’ve not had issues over two seasons, and hasn’t shown signs of slowing down yet.
I’m not nice to my things, but the MQD continues to thrive. I really would like to see this in some different colorways; I would have jumped on one in red for sure.
The silhouette of this bag is just about perfect. It’s a little smaller at the bottom and subtly increases in diameter through the top collar of the bag. It’s narrow, athletic and agile, and the shoulder straps are unnoticeable while I’m hiking – that’s about as high of praise shoulder straps can get.
I fed some cordage through the hydration port just to demonstrate that design feature. I clipped a whistle there just messing around – in real world situations, I’d wear the whistle on my person.
The layout of the pockets is spot on.
The small top pocket is just large enough and accessible
while you’re wearing the pack.
The internal mesh envelope pocket is a bit narrow but big
enough for cords, bars and maps.
I particularly dig the internal probe pockets; very discreet.
The stretch woven pocket on the face of the pack is
exactly as it should be. Where else would you put a large stretch woven stuff
pocket? Cleverly, the stretch woven material is doubled over on itself, so
there are no seams or raw edges to pucker over use, and two full pieces of
stretch woven give it a nice confident feel and clean appearance.
The contoured bottom panel is where things start to get
complicated for me…
Not So Good
I had a really hard time getting the bag to fit me in a
way that I wasn’t making compromises. This isn’t uncommon for a fixed yoke
pack, but it can be a little prohibitive if you’re really getting after it.
I’m 6’1″ and float around 190 lbs. these days. The way the pack is patterned, the bottom panel and lumbar support are designed with specific, fixed curves. The contoured back paneling and the curved lumbar area with isolated hip wings just won’t line up to my body.
I laid a trekking pole alongside the
back panel to illustrate just how much contour the back panel has to it.
I removed the frame sheet to get a little more play, but
still, I’m definitely making compromises. I choose to wear mine up high to fit
my upper back rather than lower to fit to my lumbar.
The heaviest loads I shouldered in the MQD were during grocery trips. On one occasion, I hauled about 35 pounds two miles. I never fatigued because of poor fit, but I gotta admit I’m super bummed I can’t get this dialed.
“The contoured back paneling and the curved lumbar area with isolated hip wings just won’t line up to my body.”
Another note related to fit is the overfill ability. I
found that the bag tends to get top heavy if you aren’t careful. Because the
max height of the bag is so much higher than the yoke (where the shoulder
straps attach to the back panel) you can get quite a bit of weight above that
line. Certainly not an issue around town, but on the trail and over uneven
terrain, it would be noticeable.
For nearly all of my wear, I ditched the hip belt. If I were skiing or scrambling, I can see where the belt would be nice to have, but it’s really just there to keep the load secured. Even when hiking, though, I found it unnecessary. The bag’s just not big enough to merit one for my use.
I ditched the sternum strap, too. Both straps live in the interior mesh pocket for the most part – nice to know they’re there if I need them.
Alternatives to Consider
The alpine sack design has been around for a long time and there are a bunch of iterations out there. None that I’m aware of really crossover in the way EVERGOODS has so intentionally done but here are a few of the notable comparisons.
Patagonia Ascensionist 30: Arguably one of the best 30-liter, minimalist alpine packs around. The Ascensionist line gained popularity thanks in large part to its simplicity and closure mechanism.
Arc’teryx Alpha FL 30: While the Alpha FL 30 is way more technical, at its core, it has a very similar feature set when compared to the MQD. The FL lacks internal organization, but boasts some darn near alien textiles and a waterproof stash pocket.
The Verdict
It’s a darned good pack for what it is. EVERGOODS’ take on the simple alpine sack is unsurprisingly thoughtful and wonderfully efficient in its design. From the silhouette and shoulder straps to the fabric and the layout, everything is intuitive, minimal and convenient.
Sadly, it isn’t a perfect fit for my body type. Although,
I’m not sure that will prevent me from reaching for it when outdoor ramblings
are on the agenda. It’s small enough, and the loads are light enough, that it’s
not a total deal breaker.
My first thought when testing out Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s Metro Pack was that a strong gust of wind is going to blow this bag away. At 8.6 oz the Metro Pack isn’t just light, it’s insanely light. It’s also Hyperlite’s first real foray out of the mountains and into the city.
With the Metro Pack, Hyperlite has taken their recognizable white/black Dyneema Composites and built an even more stripped-down version of their dedicated outdoor bags. The result is an ultralight pack fit for urban ramblings.
After carrying the Metro Pack for a few months commuting by bike, around town, and up to trailheads on the weekends, I’m a big fan of what Hyperlite has done with this bag. However, I’ve also learned that the Metro Pack really only makes sense for a specific range of carry. Keep inside this scope and the bag is incredible, but carry too far outside of what it’s designed for and the weight and looks of the Metro Pack will be moot points.
Who It Suits
With ultralight hiking in its DNA, the Metro Pack makes the most sense for someone who has a very streamlined and slimmed-down EDC. And given the material and looks of this bag it also appeals to the Techwear side of things.
Who It Doesn’t
Given its ultralight material and shoulder straps, the Metro Pack is not suited for someone looking to carry heavy or oddly-shaped loads. Carrying a computer without the bag sufficiently full to pack in the computer is also very difficult. Thus for someone who works at coffee shops, this might not be the best bag.
The Good
If I was to distil the essence of the Hyperlite Metro Pack it would be something to the tune of “Simplicity is beautiful and beautifully light.” This bag is gorgeous to look at and incredible to hold. It’s stupidly light. I expect it to float away while I’m holding it. And the thought (perhaps less the practice) of carrying so little so efficiently is intoxicating.
At 8.6 oz for the black version of the bag (the white version weighs even less at 7 oz but is constructed with 50 denier Dyneema Composite Hybrid (DCH) whereas the black version uses 150 denier DCH), this bag weighs an ounce or two more than my cell phone. This is so light that when empty I forget I’m even carrying the bag.
Being so light I find myself always packing the Metro Pack when I’m traveling. When backpacking it makes an excellent summit bag. When carrying heavy luggage, I’ll stow the bag for use as a daypack. In many ways the Metro Pack is like the omnipresent plastic grocery bag that I’ve always got on hand because it takes up no space, weighs nothing, but is incredibly handy. Except this bag costs $165.
With the Metro Pack on my back, I immediately noticed how much higher it rides compared to most other bags I own (a lot). While I find this to be more comfortable as the weight is closer to my body (instead of dangling by the curve of my spine or bouncing off the top of my hips), psychologically it feels very different. This is because while wearing higher on my back, the pack itself is also 27″ tall (fully unrolled). For reference, most daypacks are 18-21″ tall. While I’ve definitely adjusted the height of the Metro Pack it can be a bit disorientating at first.
If I was to distil the essence of the Hyperlite Metro Pack it would be something to the tune of “Simplicity is beautiful and beautifully light.”
Looking in the Metro Pack there’s really, well, not a whole lot of anything. The entire 30L of volume is within the single compartment. The bottom is folded, sewn, and seam sealed. The top is sewn with a buckle to make it a roll-top closure. The roll-top closure works great because I can adjust the volume of the bag depending on what I’m carrying. While I would have appreciated roll-top buckles that can buckle to a set of bottom straps like other Hyperlite bags have, the single buckle on top does keep the bag much more streamlined.
Beyond the single compartment there are the shoulder straps themselves and a loop sewn above them. That’s it. No additional suspension system or padding aside from what the DCH provides.
Despite being only a 30L bag I can easily carry a day’s worth of stuff, and everything for a weekend. With the entire volume of the bag concentrated in one pocket instead of spread out across a couple of smaller pockets, the Metro Pack can easily swallow most everything I throw at it.
That said, there’s definitely a learning curve in how to pack this bag. As I mentioned above, I’ve often found that packing and carrying an unstructured bag is better in theory. And that is an excellent segway into the not so good aspects of this bag.
The Not So Good
The crux of the packing problem I have with the Metro Pack is this: if I’m carrying anything other than clothes, packing and carrying this bag kind of sucks. With no padding on the back of the bag, I need to be very intentional to pack some clothing that provides this cushion. Not a huge problem in the winter, but during the summer I’m not carrying much extra clothing.
While 30L is a good amount of space, I’ve found it to be somewhat limiting because the width of the Metro Pack is only 10″. This is most acutely noticed when trying to pack a pair of shoes flat in the bag which, spoiler alert, is impossible.
The crux of the packing problem I have with the Metro Pack is this: if I’m carrying anything other than clothes, packing and carrying this bag kind of sucks.
My final gripe with packing the 30L of the Metro Pack is really the Achilles Heel of the bag. 30L of anything is a lot to carry in a bag that weighs 8.6 oz. Hyperlite says that the Metro Pack can carry up to 20 lbs. In my experience carrying much of anything other than a jacket starts to degrade the experience of using the Metro Pack because there’s simply no padding on the shoulder straps, or suspension on the back of the bag.
Verdict
So after a few months of using the Hyperlite Metro Pack do I keep playing the delicate packing game in order to have such a novel bag on my back? Yes.
When comparing the Metro Pack to other daypacks, its ability to comfortably and easily carry is glaring. However, and to give credit to the designers at Hyperlite, they never set out to create a run-of-the-mill daypack. The Metro Pack is the result of an ultralight thru-hiking backpack reimagined for minimal carry in the city.
Yes this bag is very niche but it’s also very liberating and enjoyable to use, especially when you figure out how to carry it. At the risk of going too deep on the theory of carry, the Metro Pack forces me to rethink what I’m carrying and why I’m carrying it (again, there’s that ultralight thru-hiking DNA). And for the most part, after experimenting with this bag, it’s a fun process.
Now, do I recommend paying $165 for this experience? That’s a personal choice. However, I would be much more inclined to pay $165 if the Metro Pack was closer to Hyperlite’s dedicated outdoor packs. For instance, a 2400 Southwest bag with the hip belt and sternum straps removed. A bag with these characteristics would provide more carry flexibility for this niche bag.
The crew at Troubadour have been designing durable and deeply fashionable daily carry for a while now and though their bags can take a beating, they didn’t have anything targeted for taking off the beaten path. Enter the Explorer range. This line is slick (and more affordable than their other offerings) and is designed for the way into work and built tough enough to keep you going on the long way home. So I slung the Explorer Apex Rucksack over my shoulders to see how it handles real-world use.
Who It Suits
This is targeted squarely at all you cross-over enthusiasts. So if you fancy leaving the office and heading for the hills to log a few miles before the sun sets, you’ll be pleased. This is a durable, capacious, decent all-rounder that can hang in the boardroom as well as the backcountry thanks to some durable materials.
Who It Doesn’t
There are better bags for more specific purposes. This backpack will look decent with a suit, and hauls a laptop fine. It will likely survive a ramble through the woods as well but it isn’t entirely purpose-built to either end exclusively. If you want something bespoke and even ‘soulful’ on your shoulder at the conference or conversely, if you have a water bladder or two with you any time you leave the house, you’re best off looking elsewhere.
Look and Feel
The exterior of the pack is super clean. Like a freshly painted spaceship on the launch pad. The only branding on the pack is the word “Troubadour” in a puffy applique style, oriented vertically along the left side of the bag. It is reflective which is nice for visibility’s sake, as long as the car barrelling towards you at night is coming from the left when you’re wearing the bag.
The location of the logo and even the style seems at odds with the symmetrical minimalism of the pack. This is a bag rendered in planes and angles and somehow the off-centered logo in pure white text undermines the sleek austerity of the pack to me. Perhaps a minor aesthetic niggle but one that I kept coming back to.
Space and Access
This is a big bag. Though stated at just 23 liters, the pack feels and ‘lives’ larger. I would say this pack somehow manages to feel both slightly wider and slightly taller than most daypacks I have used. The footprint on this pack is wide and feels akin to carrying a shield on your back in some scenarios. It isn’t unwieldy but you’ll know it’s back there. The fact that this pack is also tall will make you lengthier folks happy because you’ll finally feel like you’re wearing an adult-sized pack, but for anyone on the shorter side, this bag may feel not suit. For folks 5’9″ and up, you’ll feel good about this pack. Slightly shorter users may want to look elsewhere. For a minimal weekend away this pack was all I needed so that space will come in handy if you’re keen to travel light.
“This is a durable, capacious, decent all-rounder that can hang in the boardroom as well as the backcountry thanks to some durable materials.”
There is a quick stash pocket at the top sealed with a weatherproof zip. This pocket is deep enough for phones, keys, headphones, and other tiny bits, perhaps an energy bar or some version of a mini first aid kit if you’re heading out to the trail with it. It is sufficient as far as space is concerned but the nylon lining inside the pocket (and in fact throughout the pack) feels very thin and I wouldn’t necessarily trust it were I jamming a somewhat sharp object in there.
The bag opens with a lengthy weatherproof ZipGlide zip that gives you great access to your stuff on the inside. It opens wide and these are some of the most agile weatherproof zips I have ever used. There is no snag or pull, like you feel with other rubberized zippers.
There are two external water bottle pockets on either side of the pack and they disappear beautifully into the seams that wrap around the bottom.
As well integrated as these water bottle pockets are, in actual use they are a bit more difficult to appreciate. The overall shape of the bag is more rounded than it is angled and that simply means there isn’t really a side wall to the bag, so the opening of these water bottle pockets sits lower at the front of the bag than it does at the back. When you have a weighty water bottle in there, without the obvious side wall at a perpendicular angle to the base of the pack, gravity drifts the bottle back and away from your body. Said another way, you’ll be fine walking gently around town but you’re gonna lose a bottle if you scramble up that cliff face too fast. What these pockets provide in visual appeal, they lack in real-world functionality to some degree. Again, this seems like a design choice that feels well considered but only half-realized.
“The bag opens with a lengthy weatherproof zip that gives you great access to your stuff on the inside. It opens wide and these are some of the most agile weatherproof zips I have ever used.”
Comfort and Carry
The straps on the Troubadour Explorer Apex Rucksack are good; thick, well padded, and slim. In fact, they get better the more loaded down the pack is. When empty or hauling only a few items, the straps feel a touch too rigid and sort of sit ‘on’ the shoulder as opposed to melding with the shoulder’s natural curve. The foam is dense and that will serve you well when you load the bag up by encouraging the straps to bear the load while contouring to the curves of your shoulder. There is no sternum strap nor the option to apply one after-market but I have yet to feel the need for one due in large part to the form and fit of the straps; wobble has not been a serious issue at all.
The buckles are made of a durable metal and they feel unbreakably strong. The webbing on the straps is narrow but thick…quite thick and perhaps some of the thickest webbing I have ever seen. We are talking a difference of nanometers here but what a difference it does make: after many weeks of regular use, adjusting the straps etc. I’ve found pulling the webbing through the slide adjusters cumbersome. I found myself forced to lodge a thumb under the slider to adjust, using the rest of my fingers to pull down on the webbing. Relieving the tension on the adjuster like that does allow you to pull it through but it is a step or two more annoying than simply pulling at the webbing with the usual amount of force.
“Adjusting the straps i.e. pulling the webbing through the slide adjusters is cumbersome.”
Troubadour have thought out some clever design details for this pack and that includes, again on paper, the inclusion of a somewhat unique strap management system. At the end of each length of webbing, you’ll find little metal ‘C’ shaped hooks, similar to the sort of hardware you may be used to seeing attached to ‘removable’ sternum straps. The same idea applies here: you hook the ‘C’ shaped hardware around the webbing at the base and voila, no more dangle… Except, when the straps are adjusted within any range of my personally desired fit, then attaching and managing the webbing with this system produces two large and rather snaggable arm-tickling loops. If you wanna sling the bag really low, like really low, on your back, you can and the webbing management system will keep the dangly bits tidy, but if you like wearing your pack high and tight, then you’ll have to put up with the loops. I leave the straps unmanaged because of this.
Interior
The interior is minimal, there is nothing in there but a laptop sleeve. The sleeve itself is moderately padded (think thin neoprene rather than a denser EVA foam) and does sit off the bottom of the bag, which is a big bonus. It is worth noting here that I see a potentially missed opportunity by Troubador to push the outdoor/indoor vibe a little further. Had they placed a very simple, minimal toggle loop at the top of the pack, one could easily accommodate a water bladder in here and run it out the top of the weatherproof zip.
“What the water bottle pockets provide in visual appeal, they lack in real-world functionality to some degree.”
To mitigate the basic simplicity of the interior, Troubadour provides a detachable folio: a sleeve sized to fit a 13-inch laptop with two larger, flap-sealed slip pockets on the outside and a grab handle on the bottom. This folio does a few things well and may be my favorite thing about the pack. It creates a nice tight little package for your device along with some smaller cable and phone-shaped items. As it is detachable, that grab handle on the bottom is handy for rambling light and fast through the coffee shop gauntlet with just your tech gear.
It is worth noting that the flap and zipper orientation of the folio makes the pocketing largely inaccessible when it is clipped into the two magnetized hook attachments on the outside of the laptop sleeve. It would be a good spot for say an iPad if you carry one concurrently with a laptop but when the folio is hooked in, the laptop sleeve in the back of the bag is still your best bet for quick tech access. That said, I like this accessory a lot actually and I have even been running it in other bags as it makes a very serviceable mobile tech sleeve.
If you do choose to run the detachable folio on its own, be aware of the orientation of the pockets on the outside of the folio. The flaps are held shut with magnetic buttons and they will open downwards, towards the ground, if you’re using the grab handle. So if you accidentally un-click one of the magnetic closures, whatever lives in those exterior folio pockets will tumble out and hit the ground.
Material
The nylon on this pack is thick. Think thick like canvas but considerably lighter. It’s somewhat textured and the weave has a coarse horizontal feel but it’s slick and almost slippery north to south. The navy colorway I have is deep, subdued and works well in most applications without announcing its presence. It is a nice, strong fabric and decidedly waterproof. I have been continually impressed with the quality of the exterior fabric.
It’s also ethically sourced. All fabrics are bluesign® approved and their leathers are naturally vegetable-tanned.
The Leather
On the top grab handle, it feels nice, even luscious and it’s a perfectly suitable accent if you consider leather’s historic applications. However, the leather accent panel at the top, just above the stash pocket, seems almost coerced into being there.
Personally, I’m a patina guy, and I start to feel a little twitchy when I can’t scratch up a bag a little bit and to that end, the leather on this pack has thus far vexed me. But that’s just my taste.
That said, and while I wish the leather was a little more robust, with a better hand-feel, I understand the decision by the design team at Troubadour and it does do well to echo the brand’s overall design sensibility.
My biggest gripe with this pack is the lack of structure. See pictured above, how the top sags downwards when not fully loaded? That’s a big issue for a pack so attached to aesthetics. This pack sort of wants to be fully loaded to really indulge in the structured, streamlined patterning.
Verdict
There are some nice details on the pack like Troubadour’s signature ‘hand-stitched’ edges. You’ll find those in a thick silver thread at either end of the stash pocket and on the top grab handle. The clever interior folio and the super-comfy straps are both welcomed and considered. The lines are clean, and when packed properly it has a stunning silhouette.
The Troubadour Explorer Apex Rucksack will perform well in most scenarios and I feel pretty certain that it won’t break down while doing it.
It’s a solid all-rounder, but could do with more added features to really live up to the ‘Explorer’ tagline.
This bag does do what you ask: it carries well, it feels durable, and looks slick but is held back by some of the mildly annoying use-case issues like the oh-so-tough to adjust straps and the bottle-fumbling side pockets.
It’s a good pack, but I’d love to see a version 2.0 released.
Compact in design and multifunctional in nature, the Minaal Daily Bag aims to be your go-to everyday bag. Is it a good fit for your daily setup? Get the details below…
zippers and N400r-AC² nylon 6 ripstop. Ready for a range of elements and everyday use, the pack opens wide for easy access to the main compartment, where you’ll find a padded 15″ laptop sleeve, document sleeve, and stretch mesh zippered pocket. Externally there’s also a quick-access pocket for smaller, frequently used items. 
