Chrome Barrage Cargo

The Chrome Barrage Cargo is a daily commuter backpack with an expandable rolltop design and durable weatherproof construction for peace of mind on rainy days. What makes the Barrage Cargo stand out from other commuter packs is its large cargo net that allows for extra storage of oversized items such as a bike helmet or shoes.

For an in-depth look at this backpack check out our hands-on Chrome Barrage Cargo review.

What we like

• Rugged bombproof construction made with heavy-duty materials

• Waterproof interior tarp liner and welded seams protects your gear during rainy commutes

• Cargo net comes in the handy when hauling bulky items

• The seatbelt sternum strap buckle is actually pretty fun to use (plus it looks cool)

What we don’t like

• Internal laptop pocket is not padded (a padded laptop sleeve is recommended)

• It’s heavy - weighs 3lbs when empty

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 20” H x 11.75” W x 6” D

• Capacity: 18-22L

• Materials: 1050D Nylon, 22oz 1000D TPE tarp

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

The ReNew Transit is Everlane’s modern take on the travel backpack. Packed with accessible pockets, a roomy main compartment and even a separate-access padded laptop sleeve, the ReNew Transit is Everlane’s most versatile backpack design to date.

Designed for both men and women, the Everlane ReNew Transit backpack is a medium-sized bag with a roomy 27 liter main compartment making it perfect for everything from busy work commutes to weekend trips.

For a hands-on look, check out our full Everlane ReNew Transit backpack review.

What we like

• Stylish minimalist design that is sleek enough to wear to work or on casual days.

• Carefully placed pockets on the front and top of backpack makes grabbing small items easy.

• Airline friendly size - can be used as a personal item backpack on flights.

What we don’t like

• Side water bottle pocket is not gusseted so it can be a tight squeeze when backpack is full.

• No organizers for things like a phone, pens or a passport

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.5” H x 12” W x 7.25” D

• Capacity: 27L

• Materials: Recycled Polyester with environmental friendly CO water-resistant finish

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Chrome Hondo Backpack

The Chrome Hondo is a midsize water resistant backpack for those who need a reliable commuter pack for work, school or exploring the city. The backpack keeps it simple with only a laptop sleeve and organizer in the main compartment and two side pockets and a front stash pocket on the outside. The Hondo is great for those who prefer a back-to-basics backpack that doesn’t have a million pockets and organizers for stuff to get lost in.

What we like

• Water resistant design makes it ideal for cyclist and city commuters.

• The bag looks and feels high quality. 1050D nylon feels like it will hold up to abuse and the metal buckle on the sternum strap is a nice touch.

What we don’t like

• Side pockets have no give to them. It can be hard to fit a water bottle in there if the pack is full.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.5” H x 11” W x 5.5” D

• Capacity: 21L

• Materials: 1050D Nylon

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Chrome Urban EX Rolltop Backpack

The Chrome Urban Ex is a waterproof rolltop backpack that packs a punch with a roomy main compartment, laptop sleeve and separate padded iPad sleeve. The outside of the pack offers a small quick stash pocket on the top of the bag while loops on the front of the bag act as attachments for bike locks.

The Chrome Urban Ex Rolltop backpack comes in three sizes:

• 28L Urban Ex

• 22L Urban Ex Gas Can

• 18L Urban Ex

The photos and specs on this page are for the 28 liter version.

What we like

• Padded shoulder straps and back are comfortable and distributes weight evenly when pack is full.

• Waterproof design makes it ideal for cyclist and city commuters.

What we don’t like

• Lack of outside pockets for things like water bottles and other quick access items. Only outside pocket is the top pocket for a small item like a passport or phone.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 21” H x 14” W x 6” D

• Capacity: 28L

• Materials: 600D Polyester/Nylon upper and synthetic rubber bottom

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15” + padded iPad sleeve

Where to buy

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Bellroy Classic Backpack

Made for modern urban carry, the Bellroy Classic Backpack was designed for anyone who wants a small reliable backpack for everyday use.

The Classic Backpack’s design is mature enough to wear to work, gym or on the weekends without feeling like you are lugging around a kid’s school bag. Its size is not too overbearing or bulky but somehow it manages to comfortably carry our essentials thanks to it’s thoughtfully designed pocket placement and roomy main compartment for bulkier items.

What we like

• Well constructed design that feels quality. Leather accents give the bag a premium feel.

• Laptop and file sleeves in the main compartment are well designed. Able to safely hold laptop, files or tablet and pen.

What we don’t like

• No other outside pockets except for a small valuables pocket on the top of the bag. This means you have to open the main compartment to fetch smaller items like sunglasses or water bottle.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19.29” H x 14.57” W x 2.76” D

• Capacity: 17L

• Materials: Venture-weave polyester with leather accents

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Timbuk2 Division Backpack

With the Division backpack, Timbuk2 set out to design mature backpack for those who want great functionality without looking like a high school student. The Timbuk2 Division is made up of two main sections; a roomy main compartment with an organizer panel and the separate padded compartment for your laptop that rests against the back.

If 22 liters is a bit too small for your carry needs, Timbuk2 also offers the 28-liter Authority backpack that has a lot of the same design features as the Division with more storage space and a few more pockets.

What we like

• Great commuter backpack. Slim profile looks clean and professional enough to wear at the office.

• External compression straps allows the backpack to hold more than you would expect.

What we don’t like

• Items in the font outside pocket can be hard to access when the main compartment is full. The pocket is deep and narrow.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.3” H x 11” W x 4.33” D

• Weight: 2.1lbs

• Capacity: 22L

• Material: Varies by color

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Timbuck2 Tuck Pack Backpack

Timbuk2 offers a back-to-basics rolltop backpack with some modern flare with their Tuck Pack. Some modern upgrades to the classic rolltop design include a side access padded laptop compartment and organizers inside the main compartment. Side pockets are perfect for water bottles or bike locks making the Timbuk2 Tuck a great option for daily urban carry.

What we like

• Good small/mid size backpack for everyday commutes. Stylish enough to be worn just about anywhere.

• Rolltop style allows for more storage vertically.

• Side access to laptop compartment so you don’t have to undo the rolltop to access your tech.

What we don’t like

• Outside pockets (side and front) can be hard to access when the main compartment is full.

• Clip that secures the rolltop is made out of plastic. Not sure how that will hold up over time.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.1” H x 15.4” W x 6.30” D

• Weight: 1.5lbs

• Capacity: 20L

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Timbuk2 Authority Backpack

With a slim and modern design, the Timbuk2 Authority is the perfect backpack for work commutes or daily carry in the city.

The bag is made up of three main sections. The front compartment features an organizer panel for your small items, the main compartment can fit bulkier gear and a separate padded compartment keeps your laptop accessible while protecting it from bumps and drops.

At 28 liter capacity, the Timbuk2 Authority can be described as a larger upgrade to the 22 liter Timbuk2 Division backpack.

What we like

• Structured and slime profile looks clean and professional enough to wear at the office.

• Padded laptop compartment can fit larger laptops up to 17-inches.

• Airmesh back and padded shoulder straps are very comfortable, even when the bag is fully loaded.

What we don’t like

• Narrow compartments makes it hard to store bulkier items. Bag shape makes it feel like less than 28 liter.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18.1” H x 11.4” W x 5.91” D

• Weight: 2.4lbs

• Capacity: 28L

• Material: Nylon or 600D Melange Polyester (varies by color)

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 17”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Samsonite Modern Utility Paracycle Backpack

Versatile enough for work, school or travel; the Samsonite Modern Utility Paracycle backpack offers a twist to the popular rucksack style with loads of modern features.

The Modern Utility Paracycle backpack is split into three compartments, a roomy main compartment, a separate laptop compartment and the front organizer for small items. Add in tough ripstop polyester and comfortable air mesh back and shoulder straps and you have an urban commuter backpack that is ready for just about anything.

What we like

• Spacious main compartment is perfect for overnight stays, daily school/work carry or travel.

• Includes trolley sleeve and can be carried on luggage handles while traveling.

What we don’t like

• If heavy items are placed in the front zip pocket it can tilt the bag forward and make accessing the organizer underneath annoying.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.75” H x 12” W x 8” D

• Weight: 2lbs

• Material: Ripstop Polyester

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15.6”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Everlane Modern Snap Backpack

The Everlane Modern Snap backpack is one the brand’s most popular bags and it’s easy to see why. The Modern Snap Backpack is stylish enough to wear while running weekend errands yet sophisticated enough as a work commuter bag. The sleek design looks great on both men and women while the size is perfect for people with smaller frames who want to avoid bulky backpacks.

What we like

• Stylish modern rucksack design that can be worn to work or on the weekends.

• Main compartment is spacious and can fit everything from books, binders to a change of clothes.

What we don’t like

• Side pockets are not gusseted so it can be hard to fit things like water bottles or umbrellas when the pack is full.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” H x 12” W x 5.5” D

• Capacity: 29L

• Materials: Water resistant cotton twill with leather accents

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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OGIO Alpha Convoy 525 Backpack

OGIO offers a stylish and versatile backpack with their Alpha Convoy 525 backpack. Its design is inspired by rugged tactical backpacks and includes elements such as MOLLE webbing for pouch attachments, a tough Cordura construction and “tactical” color options.

Although its design is heavily inspired by tactical bags, the Alpha Convoy 525 backpack is an urban daily backpack at heart with a dedicated padded laptop compartment, padded shoulder straps and handles and an anti-theft back pocket. Those who want an even more compact version of the Alpha Convoy should check out the OGIO Alpha Convoy 320 backpack.

What we like

• Stylish tactical-inspired design

• The Cordura EcoMade makes the bag feels durable and well-made.

• Reflective material on the front of the bag is a nice touch. Great for city and campus commuters who often walk at night.

What we don’t like

• Even though the 525 is the largest Alpha Convoy backpack, at only 25 liters it still feels too small.

• Lack of organizer pockets - OGIO depends on the use of external MOLLE attachment pouches instead of including extra pockets.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 20” H x 13” W x 9” D

• Capacity: 25L

• Material: Cordura EcoMade

• Weight: 2.4lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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