Patagonia Refugio 26L Backpack

The Patagonia Refugio is perfect for anyone who needs a reliable backpack for daily commutes, travel or light outdoor activities like hiking or beach days. At 26 liters, the main compartment is surprisingly roomy while the front pocket is perfect for organizing smaller items for school or work. Features such as a removable sternum strap, front attachment loops and DWR water resistant coating also makes the Refugio perfect for days outdoors.

The Patagonia Refugio comes in two sizes, the women’s Refugio 26 liter backpack and the larger men’s Refugio 28 liter backpack. The women’s 26 liter version features a shorter torso and shoulder straps.

What we like

• Incredibly versatile. Roomy enough to be used for school, commuting, light travel or as an outdoor daypack.

• Women specific back panel and shoulder strap fit.

What we don’t like

• Shoulder straps are a little too close together. This could be a problem for people with broad shoulders.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17” H x 11.5” W x 8” D

• Materials: 630D Nylon

• Weight: 1 lbs 5.2 oz

• Capacity: 26L

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Burton Tinder Backpack

The Burton Tinder is a bold everyday pack that takes its style cues from heritage rucksack designs. But don’t let the vintage style fool you, the Tinder is filled with modern features such as a padded laptop compartment and ergonomic shoulder straps.

At 25 liters, the Burton Tinder is very much the smaller cousin of the Burton Annex backpack in both size and design.

What we like

• We like this as a medium sized daily carry commuter backpack for those who don’t need tons of storage room.

• Lots of color and pattern options to choose from.

• Laptop sleeve with separate tablet sleeve in main compartment.

What we don’t like

• Plastic buckles to snap close the main compartment feel cheaply made.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 20” H x 13” W x 6” D

• Capacity: 25L

• Materials: Varies by color

• Weight: 1 .8 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Columbia Tamolitch Daypack

Columbia offers a daypack for those who need a go-to bag for all of life’s adventures. At 23.7 liters, the Tamolitch is a good size for women and people with smaller frames who don’t want a backpack that is too bulky. The main compartment is surprisingly roomy and the various pockets and organizers are perfect for daily carry. We especially like the separate tablet pocket below the laptop sleeve in the main compartment.

For the adventurous, the Columbia Tamolitch can also be used as a light hiking daypack or travel backpack thanks to its water repellent Omni Shield fabric, stretchy side water bottle pockets and front stash pockets.

What we like

• Versatile multi-use backpack for school, commuting, days outdoors and can even be used as flight carry-on.

• The price is right - If you wait for a sale, you can often purchase this backpack for under $50.

What we don’t like

• Quality of the zippers, threading and construction is not on par with brands like North Face and Patagonia. You get what you pay for.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18.3” H x 12.5” W x 8.3” D

• Materials: 600D Coated Oxford 100% Polyester

• Weight: 1.5 lbs

• Capacity: 23.7L

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Patagonia Black Hole 32L Backpack

Born out of the popular Patagonia Black Hole duffel back, Patagonia’s Black Hole backpacks are available in a few different styles and sizes:

• Patagonia 25L Backpack

• Patagonia 32L Backpack

• Patagonia 45L Convertible Backpack

The 30 liter version is the mid-size option for anyone who needs a roomy backpack for a busy day of school, work or sightseeing. The Black Hole 30 liter features a padded sleeve for a laptop, front stash pocket for smaller electronics like headphones or a power bank and a large main compartment for everything from text books to a change of clothes.

What we like

• Incredibly versatile. Large enough to be used for school, commuting, gym or light travel.

• Deep side water bottle pockets. Water bottles, umbrellas and other items won’t fall out when on the move.

What we don’t like

• Although the TPU coated fabric is advertised as water resistant, the zippers and bottom panel are not. Water can sneak into the backpack if you set your backpack down during a heavy rain downpour.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 22” H x 10.5” W x 6.75” D

• Materials: 330D Recycled Polyester Ripstop, TPU-film laminate, water repellent DWR finish

• Weight: 1 lbs 12.6 oz

• Capacity: 32L

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Dakine Campus Backpack

The Dakine Campus is a backpack designed for busy students who need a large and reliable backpack to get them through long days on campus. The main compartment is large enough to hold textbooks, binders and even includes a padded sleeve for your laptop.

Plenty of organizers and pockets on the outside of the pack allow for storage of small items like pens and water bottles while the insulated cooler pocket on the front of the backpack keeps your lunch fresh throughout the day.

Note: The Dakine Campus backpacks comes in two sizes; 33 liters and a smaller 25 liter version. The specs here are for the 33 liter Dakine Campus backpack.

What we like

• Very large main compartment is perfect for large textbooks, notebooks and binders.

• Insulated cooler pocket is a nice feature. Allows you to carry cold drinks and snacks.

What we don’t like

• Front organizer pocket is shallow and doesn’t hold as much as we would like it too.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 21” H x 14” W x 11” D

• Capacity: 33L

• Materials: 600D Polyester

• Weight: 2 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

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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STATE Bags Lorimer Backpack

The State Bags Lorimer is the brand’s premier lightweight backpack for school, commuting or a day out on the town. The backpack itself is simple and understated. The main compartment is large enough to carry books, binders and personal items while single front pocket stores smaller items.

The Lorimer is available in multiple different colors to match your personal style.

What we like

• Very lightweight - perfect as a daypack.

• For every bag sold State gives a backpack to a child in need through their #GIVEBACKPACK program.

What we don’t like

• No side water bottle pockets

• Nylon material gives the bag little structure and makes it look cheaper than it really is.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 16.93” H x 12.60” W x 5.2” D

• Material: Nylon

• Weight: 1 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 13”

Where to buy

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OGIO Alpha Convoy 320 Backpack

Inspired by tactical backpacks, the OGIO Alpha Convoy 320 is the more compact brother of the OGIO Alpha Convoy 525. Although smaller, it retains a lot of the features that made the 525 great; MOLLE webbing on the front for pouch attachments, reflective panels for safety, and a dedicated pocket for laptops up to 15-inches.

At 20-liters the OGIO Alpha Convoy 320 makes a great a daypack for school, commuting and daily carry.

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

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

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18.5” H x 12.5” W x 8.5” D

• Capacity: 20L

• Material: Cordura EcoMade

• Weight: 2lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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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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Herschel Settlement Backpack

Herschel’s Settlement backpack is a modern daypack that opts out of bells and whistles for a cleaner minimalist design. Organizers and smaller pockets are limited to a single front pocket but the roomy 23 liter main compartment makes it up in net cargo room. As far as tech carry goes you’ll get a laptop sleeve that fits a laptop or tablet up 15-inches and an internal media pocket with a headphone port.

The Herschel Settlement is available in 2 different sizes; full size (23L) and mid-volume (17L). The specs and photos on this page are of the full sized Herschel Settlement backpack.

What we like

• Simple modern design that’s available in over a dozen colors

• Spacious 23 liter main compartment is big enough for books, lunch or extra clothes.

What we don’t like

• Zippers aren’t the best quality.

• Lack of pockets and organizers for smaller items. No side pockets for water bottles.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.75” H x 12.25” W x 5.75” D

• Capacity: 23L

• Weight: 1.19 lb

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

• Internal media pocket with headphone port

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Patagonia Refugio 28L Backpack

The Patagonia Refugio is perfect for anyone who needs a reliable backpack for daily commutes, travel or light outdoor activities like hiking or beach days. At 28 liters, the main compartment is surprisingly roomy while the front pocket is perfect for organizing smaller items for school or work. Features such as a removable sternum strap, front attachment loops and DWR water resistant coating also makes the Refugio perfect for days outdoors.

The Patagonia Refugio comes in two sizes, the Refugio 28 liter and the smaller women’s Refugio 26 liter backpack.

What we like

• Incredibly versatile. Roomy enough to be used for school, commuting, light travel or as an outdoor daypack.

• Main compartment is surprisingly roomy and can comfortably fit a days worth of school books, lunch or extra clothes.

What we don’t like

• Shoulder straps are a little too close together. This could be a problem for bigger people with broad shoulders.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19” H x 12” W x 8” D

• Materials: 630D Nylon

• Weight: 1 lbs 7.5 oz

• Capacity: 28L

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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OGIO Renegade RSS Backpack

The Renegade RSS is OGIO’s best selling laptop backpack thanks to its clever features that make tech carry a breeze.

One thing you’ll notice about the Renegade RSS is that it’s full of pockets and compartments that are lined and padded for items such as tablets, cameras and other electronics. The backpack gets its name from its RSS (Reactive Suspension System) laptop compartment that protects your laptop from bumps and drops. You also get a crush proof lined pocket for small things like sunglasses, point-and-shoot cameras or accessories. These features and more is why the OGIO Renegade RSS is one our favorite tech carry backpacks.

What we like

• RSS laptop sleeve protects expensive laptops from bumps and falls

• Tons of soft-lined pockets for other electronics like tablets, cameras and accessories.

What we don’t like

• Lacks real side water bottle pockets which seems like a simple thing to get wrong.

• Shoulder straps don’t extend far enough to comfortably fit big and tall people.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19.5” H x 14” W x 10.5” D

• Capacity: 29.5L

• Material: 600D Polyester Pindot

• Weight: 3.5lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15” and some thinner 17” laptops

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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JanSport Right Pack Backpack

The JanSport Right Pack is the bag that started it all. Before daypacks were common, students would carry their books in their hands. It wasn’t until the 1970’s where students began using JanSport hiking backpacks as school bags. This led JanSport to introduce the Right Pack, one of the world’s first lightweight nylon daypacks.

Little has changed since the original Right Pack design. JanSport did a great job at keeping the Right Pack’s classic silhouette as well as all of its small details such as a suede bottom and matching zipper pulls. Today you’ll find a couple of modern upgrades such as a laptop sleeve in the main compartment and a utility pocket with an organizer for small daily items.

What we like

• Iconic heritage design that doesn’t go out of style

• Roomy main compartment that is perfect for lugging around a day’s worth of school books and gear.

What we don’t like

• Like many older brands who have outsourced production, quality isn’t what it used to be despite the heritage design.

• No side pockets for water bottles

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” H x 13” W x 8.5” D

• Capacity: 31L

• Material: 915D Cordura & Leather Suede Bottom

• Weight: 1 lb 4 oz

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Vaschy Classic Rucksack Backpack

There is no point in tip-toeing here so let’s call this backpack what it is; a cheap backpack for those who like the Herschel look but don’t want to pay Herschel prices. Vaschy introduces a competitively priced Herschel Little America alternative with their Classic Rucksack backpack and it surprisingly doesn’t suck.

So what exactly do you get with such a cheap backpack? Surprisingly, more than you would expect. The bag’s main compartment has a slightly bigger carrying capacity than the Herschel Little America. It also has side pockets for water bottles, smaller pockets inside the main compartment, and a mesh pocket inside the front pocket - all things that the Little America doesn’t have. Although you shouldn’t expect a “quality” backpack here, the Vaschy Classic Rucksack backpack is decent enough considering the low price.

What we like

• Cheaper backpack for those who don’t want to spend the money on more expensive brands.

• Side pockets and internal mesh pockets are a nice touch.

What we don’t like

• Cheap construction and stitching proves that you get what you pay for.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” H x 12.8” W x 7” D

• Capacity: 26.5L

• Material: Water Resistant Polyester

• Weight: 1.59lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15.6”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Vaschy Classic Daypack

Vaschy is a brand that is relatively new to the scene of backpacks and bags. With their Classic Daypack, Vaschy takes a bite right out of the designs of more expensive bags such as the Herschel Heritage backpack and the JanSport Right Pack. Simply put, it’s a more affordable option for those who don’t want to put out the extra cash.

The bag itself is filled with surprising features that you don’t get with more expensive backpacks of this style. For one, the Vaschy Classic Daypack features two side pockets for water bottles or an umbrella, something that is painfully missing from Herschel’s Heritage backpack. The Vaschy Classic Daypack also features a laptop sleeve in the main compartment, various small-item pockets and even a water resistant exterior. Not bad for a budget backpack.

What we like

• Cheaper backpack for those who don’t want to spend the money on more expensive brands.

• Side pockets and internal mesh pocket for small items is a nice touch that you don’t usually see with backpacks of this style.

What we don’t like

• Quality isn’t terrible, but it can feel cheap. You get what you pay for.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 16.9” H x 11.8” W x 5.9” D

• Capacity: 19.35L

• Material: Water Resistant Polyester

• Weight: 1.3lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 14”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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North Face Router Transit Backpack

At 41 liters, the Router Transit is The North Face’s largest backpack offering. Much like the smaller North Face Surge, the Router Transit is a thoughtfully designed backpack with enough pockets, sleeves and compartments for today’s modern carry. The main compartment is massive making it perfect for busy students, commuters or multi-day travelers. A separate laptop zip compartment is padded, lined with fleece and made to withstand everyday bumps and falls while protecting the electronics inside.

What we like

• Spacious main compartment with the right amount of pockets - perfect for school, travel or busy commuters who need to carry a lot.

• Large padded and fleece-lined laptop compartment that does a good job protecting your laptop/tablet from bumps and falls.

What we don’t like

• Huge main compartment goes deeper than most other backpacks - this means things can get easily lost in the abyss, especially smaller items.

• Unless you have a larger frame, this backpack tends to sag when it starts to get heavy. Chest straps helps with this but it isn’t an ideal situation.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 21.5” H x 14” W x 10” D

• Capacity: 41L

• Material: Varies per color

• Weight: 3 lb 8 oz

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 17”

Where to buy

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JanSport Big Student Backpack

As one of JanSports larger backpack models, we have always considered the JanSport Big Student to be the big brother of the popular Jansport Superbreak. Unlike the Superbreak’s 25 liter capacity the Big Student touts a hefty 34 liters plus a wide array of pockets, organizers and even two main compartment instead of just one. Simply put, the Big Student is a true school backpack with enough organization and pockets to satisfy today’s busy students.

Where the JanSport Big Student falls short is in the lack of a dedicated laptop sleeve. With more and more students relying on technology throughout their day it seems like an obvious oversight. But in recent years JanSport has introduced the Digital Student Laptop Backpack which is essentially the JanSport Big Student with a laptop sleeve. Even without a laptop compartment we consider to the Big Student to be one of JanSport’s best backpacks for school and one of our favorite school bags of any brand.

What we like

• At under $50 it’s a good value for the price.

• Good design - One of our favorite school backpacks

• Ergonomic shoulder straps and padded back keeps the Big Student comfortable enough to lug around heavy books all day.

What we don’t like

• Multiple main compartments means each compartment has less room for storage (vs one large main compartment). In terms of carrying capacity, there is not as much room as you think.

• No laptop compartment

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.5” H x 13” W x 10” D

• Capacity: 34L

• Material: 600D Polyester

• Weight: 1 lb 8 oz

• Laptop Compartment: No

Where to buy

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JanSport Superbreak Backpack

The JanSport Superbreak is the brand’s best selling backpack and it’s easy to see why. The bag was originally introduced in the 80’s as a school bag and has since been one of Jansport most popular and iconic designs.

The design behind the JanSport Superbreak is simple; one large main compartment and one smaller front pocket. That’s it. The lack of bells and whistles is part of why the Superbreak is so beloved. But if you want features like a dedicated laptop compartment, water bottle pockets and organizers then the Superbreak is not for you and we recommend checking out the JanSport Big Student instead.

What we like

• Inexpensive - proof that a reliable backpack doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

• Durable material and construction allows the bag to last through years of use

What we don’t like

• No laptop sleeve means you’ll have to lug around electronics in the main compartment with everything else.

• No side pockets for water bottles

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 16.7” H x 13” W x 8.5” D

• Capacity: 25L

• Material: 600D Polyester

• Weight: 12 oz

• Laptop Compartment: No

Where to buy

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Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Backpack

Although Herschel is a relatively new brand, many of their bags feel oddly familiar. Their Heritage backpack in particular is reminiscent of vintage daypacks from the 1970’s that gained popularity with students at the time. Fast forward 50 years and the idea of a school daypack feels far from revolutionary. But there is still something incredibly charming about the original daypack design that Herschel recaptures with their Heritage backpack.

The main difference between the Herschel Heritage and its more modern sibling the Herschel Settlement is that the Heritage features more vintage design elements such as the a leather lash tab on the front and a contrast panel on the bottom. Size wise, the Herschel Heritage (21.5L) is one of the smallest Herschel daypacks when compared to the Herschel Pop Quiz (22L) and the Herschel Settlement (23L).

The Herschel Heritage is available in 2 different sizes; full size (21.5L) and mid-volume (14.5L). The specs and photos on this page are of the full sized Herschel Heritage backpack.

What we like

• Cool vintage design

• Thick shoulder straps are comfortable

• Good medium sized daypack for school or commuter carry

What we don’t like

• Lack of organizers and pockets can feel limiting if you carry a lot of small items.

• No side pockets for water bottles

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” H x 12.25” W x 5.5” D

• Capacity: 21.5L

• Weight: 1.3 lb

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

• Internal media pocket with headphone port

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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STATE Bags Kent Backpack

State Bags is known for their stylish daypacks and the Kent is no exception. Available in a variety of materials and colors, the Lenox is an attractive backpack that is a step up from more common daypack brands like Herschel or Jansport.

What differs the Kent from the popular State Bedford backpack is its smaller size that is proportioned to fit smaller frames. Just like the Bedford, the Kent features a roomy main compartment with a laptop sleeve, a front organizer pocket and multiple outer pockets for smaller items.

What we like

• Stylish enough to wear just about anywhere. Mature design is perfect as a commuter or work backpack.

• For every bag sold State gives a backpack to a child in need through their #GIVEBACKPACK program.

What we don’t like

• Water bottle pockets aren’t gusseted and will dig into the backpack when carrying a water bottle or umbrella.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 14.76” H x 12.80” W x 5.91” D

• Material: Polyester Canvas, Coated Canvas, or Nylon

• Weight: 1.4lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 13”

Where to buy

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