Sherpani Soleil Anti-Theft [Review]

This Sherpani Soleil review was put together after 2 months of testing, and after extensive use, we can’t help but name it the most impressive small backpack of its size. At only 14-liters, it is the perfect compact backpack for daily carry of essentials. The convertible design allows you to choose between different looks; backpack, tote bag, and crossbody bag. But the real magic begins when you delve into its anti-theft features. Here is where the Soleil really shines as the perfect travel companion at busy airports and crowded sightseeing destination.

Let’s delve in!

Video Review

The Rundown

What we like

• Great anti-theft features makes it the perfect travel daypack or airplane personal item

• Easy to convert to a tote bag or crossbody bag

• Protective padded laptop sleeve

• Lots of pockets to keep things organized

What we don’t like

• The bag tilts forward when worn as a backpack

• Poor water resistant protection because of gaps in top zipper (see photos below)

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 15” (H) x 11” (W) x 4.5” (D)

• Weight: 1 lb 10 oz

• Capacity: 14L

• Materials: Recycled Mélange, Ballistic Nylon

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15”

• Tablet Sleeve: None

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

Sherpani Soleil Backpack - Model Height 5’6” (167cm)

Convertible Design and Bag Fit

The small footprint of the Sherpani Soleil makes it an ideal personal item backpack for flights. With dimensions of 15” (H) x 11” (W) x 4.5” (D), it is small enough to fit underneath most airplane seats. Its compact size also makes it an ideal backpack for petite women or anyone who finds most backpacks too bulky. 

Sherpani Soleil convertible backpack - crossbody bag and tote bag mode

The Sherpani Soleil is a convertible backpack that can be worn in three ways; backpack, tote bag and crossbody bag. Switching between modes takes seconds thanks to the clips on the shoulder straps. Simply tuck the shoulder straps away into the back panel and you are ready to go! To switch to crossbody bag mode, Sherpani includes a single long shoulder strap that can be clipped to the top of the Soleil for an easy switch. 

As for backpack comfort, the shoulder straps on the Soleil are very comfortable. These shoulder straps are made with a dense foam that do a great job under weight. Unlike other thinner shoulder straps, you won’t have to worry about these cutting into your shoulders.

Shoulder straps on the Sherpani Soleil backpack

The area where the Soleil could improve is with its back panel. When worn as a backpack, the Soleil wants to tilt forward, creating an awkward angle on your back. This doesn’t make the backpack uncomfortable until the bag gets heavy, in which case you will have a pressure point on your lower back. Despite multiple adjustments of shoulder strap length, we could not get the Soleil to not tilt forward when worn as a backpack.

Construction & Water Resistance

The Sherpani Soleil is a well-made pack that feels as good as it looks. In addition to its ballistic nylon exterior, Sherpani also adorns the bag with vegan leather trim for an upscale look. The zippers are also as smooth as butter and have never snagged during use.

Sherpani Soleil Backpack - Gaps in top zipper

Our main concern is the overall water-resistance of the Sherpani Soleil. Although it is made with water-resistant fabric, the design of the top zipper undermines any meaningful protection. Two noticeable gaps on either side of the zipper allow rain to easily penetrate the main compartment during a storm. Unfortunately, if you are looking for a waterproof backpack, you might want to explore other options.

Pockets and Compartments

Sherpani offers an impressive array of pockets on the Soleil AT, and the great organization is one of our favorite design elements about this bag.

On the outside of the bag, you have two side pockets for water bottles or an umbrella. These side pockets are large enough to accommodate larger 32oz and 40oz water bottles, although they are a tight fit and dig into the main compartment. We found ourselves sticking to slimmer 20oz and 24oz bottles for easier access.

Sherpani Soleil Backpack - Exterior pockets

Three front pockets give you easy access to smaller items. However, one small gripe is that these pockets all share space with each other, meaning that if the top and bottom zipper pockets are full, the middle slip pocket becomes unusable. This is just something to keep in mind.

On the inside of the main compartment, there are even more pockets for organization. Here you will find an organization panel for small items like pens, keys, and a phone. Sherpani even adds an additional slip pocket for a water bottle or umbrella inside the main compartment as a bonus.

Sherpani Soleil Backpack - Interior organizer pockets and side water bottle pocket

The other side of the main compartment is where you’ll find the 15-inch laptop sleeve. Honestly, Sherpani has done a great job here. This sleeve is generously padded with great protection all around. We were glad to see that Sherpani took the time to design a protective laptop sleeve!

Sherpani Soleil Backpack - Internal 15-inch laptop sleeve

Overall, these pockets offer a good mix of usefull pockets for both everyday carry and travel. As you’ll see later in this review, the ability to lock the zippers and compartments make them great safe spots for items like passports and wallets while still having easy access.

What Fits Inside the Sherpani Soleil?

The inside of the main compartment is filled with lots of pockets for everything from a laptop to sunglasses. Although 13-liters is a great size for daily essentials, we found was that once these inside pockets were packed it didn’t leave much open packing space for other items. Below are some examples of what we were able to pack inside.

Travel PackING

• iPad (inside laptop sleeve)

• Tech Pouch 

• Baseball Cap

• 24oz Water Bottle

• Compressible Travel Jacket

School or Work Packing

• Folder

• Large 3-Subject Notebook

• Composition Notebook

• 1-inch Binder

• Laptop (inside laptop sleeve)

From our testing, it’s easy to see that the Sherpani Soleil is great for essentials only! Think of just a few notebooks and folders for work or school or in-flight travel must-haves like a tablet and compressible jacket. Larger items such as a lunch box or fleece jackets took up almost all of the inside space, leaving little room for much else. If you need more space than we definitely recommend looking at Sherpani’s other larger backpack options.

Anti-Theft Features Explained

If you haven’t already noticed, the “AT” in Sherpani Soleil AT stands for anti-theft. And wow, is this backpack packed with some great safety features!

The most notable are the lockable zippers. There is a small red clip next to the main compartment zipper that allows you to lock the zipper shut to prevent theft. The front zippered pockets are also lockable; you can secure the zipper pull by passing it through a small loop, offering a simple way to outsmart pickpockets.

Sherpani Soleil Backpack - main compartment zipper locking clip

Other great features include RFID-block fabric on the front panel of the bag to prevent digital identity theft, slash-proof fabric on the bottom of the bag and a stainless steel wire and loop that allows you to lock the bag to a table or chair leg in public spaces. Talk about innovative!

Sherpani Soleil Backpack - Included ReturnMe lost and found tag

Our favorite anti-theft feature has to be the ReturnMe lost and found tag. This little tag has information on it to allow a good samaritan to report a found bag from anywhere in the world, and ReturnMe will then contact you for a safe return. This ReturnMe service is free and comes with every Sherpani Soleil purchase.

Final Thoughts

Overall, we are very impressed by what the Sherpani Soleil has to offer. This is easily one of the most feature-packed bags we have ever reviewed. Not only is it convertible, but the anti-theft features alone are enough to make it one of our favorite small backpacks for travel. 

The biggest con is the lack of reliable water resistance. Unfortunately, the gaps in the main compartment zipper leaves the inside of the bag vulnerable to moisture if you were ever to be caught out in the rain. Aside from this design quirk, we found the overall quality of the bag to be excellent and do recommend the Soleil to anyone who wants a stylish yet practical bag that feels as good as it looks. 

If you are still searching for a small backpack with good water resistance, we recommend checking out our reviews for the Patagonia Atom Tote or the Able Carry Thirteen Daybag. Other great hybrid tote bag/backpack options can be found in our backpacks like Fjallraven buying guide.

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Able Carry Thirteen Daybag [Review]

Let's start by saying that we had the privilege of testing the Able Carry Thirteen Daybag for almost four years before writing this review. After only a few weeks of use, the Thirteen Daybag quickly became our go-to small backpack for everyday carry and occasional travel. What stood out the most was its great quality - after all these years, the only wear we could find was some slight fraying on the back panel's stitching from rubbing. This wear was so minor that we questioned even mentioning it.

Just in time for 2024, Able Carry released updated versions of the Thirteen Daybag that add about 0.5 liters of packing space, along with some very minor changes. Think of this update more as the Able Carry Thirteen Daybag "version 1.5" rather than "version 2.0". A couple of extra pockets, a removable key leash, and upgrades to the internal lining material - but it looks and feels like the same bag. In this Thirteen Daybag review, we take a look at the updated version but with the advantage of a few years of use to really dive into the pros and cons.

Video Review

The Rundown

What we like

• Amazing quality: water-resistant X-Pac exterior, tough ripstop nylon lining and some of the most comfortable padded shoulder straps we have tested in a bag this small

• Light colored ripstop lining makes it easy to quickly find items inside the bag

• Protective "floating" laptop sleeve

• Lots of pockets to keep things organized

What we don’t like

• No trolley sleeve to attach the bag to rolling luggage while traveling

• Laptop sleeve can be a little difficult to access

• X-Pac is noisy - we wouldn't want to open this backpack inside a library

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.7” (H) x 10.6” (W) x 6.7” (D)

• Weight: 2.2lb

• Capacity: 13L

• Materials: X-Pac with DWR water-resistant coating, ripstop nylon lining

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 14”

• Tablet Sleeve: Up to 11"

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

Able Carry Thirteen Daybag - Model Height 5’6” (167cm)

Who is this backpack for?

For Daily Carry: Laptop, chargers, water bottle, keys, and wallet — if these are the essentials you never leave home without then the Able Carry Thirteen Daybag may be the backpack for you. The water resistant and tough-as-nails construction makes this backpack easy to recommend to work commuters and urban explorers alike.

For Travelers: The compact size of the Able Carry Thirteen Daybag makes it an ideal personal item backpack for flights. It's small enough to fit underneath the airplane seat of just about any airline, plus its pockets makes it easy to organize in-flight essentials. The Thirteen Daybag also makes a great travel daybag thanks to it's water-resistant construction and hidden pockets.

It might not be suitable for Students: With only 13-liters of packing space, the most we could fit inside the main compartment was a single 1-inch binder and a large notebook. Students looking for a roomy backpack for school might not have enough room for essentials like multiple folders, books and pencil cases. However, the limited capacity might work for students who only need to carry a laptop and a few other items. If you need more room but want a similar style, we recommend upgrading to the Able Carry Daily Plus.

Size and Fit

The Thirteen Daybag is the smallest offering in the Able Carry lineup of backpacks. Although it is a unisex backpack that can be worn by anyone, those with a shorter torso can really take advantage of its compact size.

• Exterior Dimensions: 17.7” (H) x 10.6” (W) x 6.7” (D)

To really drive the point home of how small it is, check out the 13L Thirteen Daybag next to the 21L Daily Plus for a size comparison. As you can see it's quit the jump up in size!

Able Carry Thirteen Daybag vs Daily Plus size differences

The shoulder straps are some of the most comfortable we have seen in a backpack this small. Usually, small backpacks love to skimp on shoulder strap padding but the Able Carry equips the Thirteen Daybag with plush close-cell foam padding and an ergonomic s-curve shape for max comfort.

The back panel is less impressive - it uses a the same close-cell foam padding as the shoulder straps but is just a flat piece of foam with small stitching channels for airflow. Overall, it's a very comfortable backpack and given its small size, we never felt that the back panel needed any additional padding.

Able Carry Thirteen Daybag - S-curve shoulder straps and magnetic chest strap

A new addition is the magnetic chest strap that is not only height-adjustable but removable all together. In our honest opinion, the Thirteen Daybag is so compact that a chest strap is rarely needed, but it was great for Able Carry to the add the option for extra support.

Construction & Quality

If we are being honest, the construction quality Thirteen Daybag is probably the best part about this backpack. The exterior is made with durable X-Pac material with a DWR water-resistant finish. X-Pac is not only lightweight but very high-strength and we have never had any punctures or tears in our years of using the old Thirteen Daybag.

Quality check: Our 4-year old Thirteen Daybag vs our new 1-month old Thirteen Daybag

The inside of the backpack is lined with ripstop nylon lining, another high-strength fabric that is known for its tear-resistance. Every pocket and compartment on the Thirteen Daybag is lined with light-colored ripstop for quick spotting of small items.

The external zippers on the Thirteen are YKK zippers with a DWR coating for water-resistant. At first we were disappointed that Able Carry switched from the old coated zipper style to fabric zippers, but after testing the new zippers, we found that the fabric zippers do hold up well to moisture thanks to the DWR coating.

Able Carry Thirteen Daybag - X-Pac fabric does a great job at repelling water

Is the Able Carry Thirteen Daybag waterproof? No, it's not waterproof but it is very water-resistant.

In our testing, we really had to really drench the backpack to start seeing moisture seeping in through the seams. The verdict is that you should be fine with the Thirteen Daybag on a commute home on a rainy day, in fact we never had a problem wearing this backpack in light rain. The X-Pac fabric really has given us peace of mind with outdoor wear, especially when carrying expensive tech.

Outside Pockets and Compartments

What makes Able Carry special is their creative approach to pockets and compartments. The exterior pockets on the Thirteen Daybag are a prime example of what the brand has to offer.

Able Carry Thirteen Daybag - Front pocket fits a 24oz water bottle or umbrella

On the front of the bag, there's a slip pocket designed for a water bottle or umbrella. It's important to note that although a 24oz water bottle technically fits, once you pack the main compartment, it bulges into this front pocket. As a result, a water bottle will no longer fit once the bag is packed full so its not much of a dependable storage spot. But it is worth mentioning that we never had an issue fitting an umbrella.

Able Carry Thirteen Daybag - Removable key leash inside front zipper pocket

There is also another large front zipper pocket that spans the entire front of the bag. This is where you'll find a removable key leash attached to a small loop. The idea is that you have the option to detach this key leash and place it in a pocket inside the main compartment for better security.

This large front zipper pocket is roomy enough to fit bulkier items, like a large pair of over-ear headphones or a pouch. However, it has a similar issue to the front water bottle pocket—if you overpack the main compartment, it will bulge into this pocket and leaves you with less packing space.

Able Carry Thirteen Daybag - Hidden pockets behind back panel and inside shoulder straps

On the back of the Thirteen, there are a few hidden pockets for added security. Our favorite is the concealed pocket behind the back panel padding that can fit a cell phone and passport. Then, there are the hidden shoulder strap pockets, which are just large enough for items like a credit card or a metro card (we found they could just about fit a 3rd Gen AirPods case). You do have to be careful what you place inside these shoulder strap pockets because they are not secured with zippers.

Exterior Lash Points

For extra storage, the Thirteen Daybag gives you multiple lash points. There are two on the top of the bag for heavier items and a string of smaller daisy chains that are hidden at the bottom of the bag.

Able Carry Thirteen Daybag - Exterior lash points and daisy chains for extra storage

Finally, there is a lash point by the zippers that not only allows you to secure the zippers down when you are on the move, but allows you to use a lock to lockdown the main compartment completely.

14” Laptop Sleeve

Inside the Thirteen Daybag you'll find a padded laptop sleeve for a laptop up to 14-inches. What makes this laptop sleeve great is that is has a centered design that allows your laptop to "float" in the middle of the main compartment. As a result. you have a generous false bottom at the bottom and great spacing all around the laptop sleeve for protection from bumps and drops. The sleeve itself features soft-lining on the inside to protect your device from scratches.

In front of the laptop sleeve is a second sleeve that can fit up to an 11-inch tablet. This sleeve isn't as padded but does provide the same "floating" design so that your tablet device is protected.

Able Carry Thirteen Daybag - Shown with 14-inch laptop and 11-inch tablet inside

Our only gripe about the laptop sleeve is with accessibility. The top of the Thirteen Daybag hangs over the laptop sleeve, making it hard to access the laptop. In order to get full-access to the laptop sleeve, we found ourselves having to pull back the back panel to get the top X-Pac material out of the way.

What Fits Inside the Able Carry Thirteen Daybag?

The inside of the main compartment is filled with lots of pockets for everything from a laptop to sunglasses. Although 13-liters is a great size for daily essentials, we found was that once these inside pockets were packed it didn’t leave much open packing space for other items. Below are some examples of what we were able to pack inside.

Able Carry Thirteen Daybag - Inside pockets are packed with everyday essentials

Everyday Carry Packout

• 14” Laptop

• Small Notebook (or 11” tablet)

• Pen

• 24oz water bottle (inside side pocket)

• Sunglasses case (inside side pocket)

• Laptop charger and tech accessories (inside zip pocket)

A light jacket can squeeze into the main compartment when the water bottle and sunglasses case in the side pockets are removed.

Able Carry Thirteen Daybag - Remove items from the side pockets and you can fill a notebook and a binder

School or Work Packout

• 14” Laptop

• Small Notebook (or 11” tablet)

• Pen

• Large 3-subject notebook

• 1-inch binder

• Laptop charger and tech accessories (inside zip pocket)

Larger items such as a lunch box, camera cube or shoes took up almost all of the inside space, making it impossible to pack the pockets. Our conclusion is this: the Able Carry Thirteen Daybag is a great backpack is you need to carry smaller essentials. Emphasis on the word 'smaller'!

Final Thoughts

After countless uses, we wholeheartedly recommend the Able Carry Thirteen Daybag to anyone seeking a high-quality daily backpack. This little backpack is built like a tank! The proof really is in our three-year-old Thirteen Daybag that still looks and feels like fresh after repeated use. The X-Pac material is durable, and we appreciate that Able Carry upgraded the internal lining to ripstop nylon. The shoulder straps are also among the most comfortable we've ever used on a backpack of this size, so it's safe to say that comfort has never been an issue.

The most important takeaway is that the internal packing space is pretty limited. While 13 liters is enough room for those looking to carry smaller essentials, once those internal pockets are filled, there isn't much room left over. Need an upgrade from a sling bag but don't want to carry a bulky backpack? The Able Carry Thirteen Daybag will be perfect. However, if you need something to carry bulky daily items like a lunch or a change of clothes and shoes, this bag might be too small for you. As long as you understand this backpack's limitations, it will serve as a reliable everyday backpack for years to come.

If you on the hunt for a small backpack with a similar footprint but with a little bit more packing room, we recommend taking a look at the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack, the Fjallraven Raven 20 or checking our buying guide of small backpacks for men.

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Doughnut Macaroon [Review]

Are you looking for a small backpack that's perfect for school and carrying your laptop every day? You might want to take a closer look at the Doughnut Macaroon backpack.

In this hands-on Doughnut Macaroon review we will explore whether this backpack is a good buy. Here are thoughts on this popular, and dare we say, cute backpack.

The Rundown

What we like

• Comfortable padded shoulder straps

• Lots of pockets on the inside for organizing small items

• Real leather accents and metal buckles give it a high quality look

• Can be used for school - fits folders, binders and notebooks

What we don’t like

• Shoulder straps stick out a little even when tucked in. Shoulder straps bulge when using the Macaroon as a tote bag.

• Internal bottle pockets take up packing space. You will not be able to fit large binders and notebooks if you use the water bottle pocket on the inside.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 15” (H) x 10.6” (W) x 5.11” (D)

• Capacity: 16L

• Materials: Water repellent 420D Crinkle Nylon Twill fabric

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 14”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

Size and Fit

Let’s begin this review by saying that this brand is spelled Doughnut and not Donut. Although, Donut Macaroon looks pretty cool now that we spell it out. 

We have the standard 16-liter Macaroon for this review. This is a small backpack that is similar to the Fjallraven Kanken in size. With that said, if you are a small or shorter person than you should be fine with the standard 16L Macaroon. Those with broader shoulders may want to upgrade to the Doughnut Macaroon Large size.

The Macaroon is a convertible backpack. This means that you can tuck away the shoulder straps to get them out of the way when using it as a tote bag. In concept, we love the idea. But in reality we found that the padding of the shoulder straps made the straps stick out a little more than we liked.

Materials and Construction

The Doughnut Macaroon is made out of a water repellent nylon fabric that will keep your stuff protected in a light rain. The fabric itself feels strong yet lightweight. And water does roll off the fabric when wet. Keep in mind that this isn’t a completely waterproof backpack, so if you need a bag that will protect against heavy downpours, the Macaroon might not cut it.

The most impressive materials are the leather and metal. Doughnut uses real leather on their handles and small accents. The leather really upgrades the look and feel of the bag. Doughnut also doesn’t use any plastic for their hardware, instead you’ll find metal throughout the bag. This includes metal buckles on the shoulder straps and metal snaps in the front pocket.

What fits inside the Doughnut Macaroon Backpack 16L?

With a packing capacity of only 16 liters, we were surprised that the Macaroon would make a good backpack for school. We were able to fit folders, binders and notebooks inside the main compartment just fine.

There are pockets on each side of the main compartment that can fit a water bottle. We found that it can fit a slim 24oz bottle. One gripe we have about these pockets is that they can take up room when used, making it harder to fit bigger items like books and notebooks. Keep this in mind if you carry a water bottle to work or school.

Against the back panel is where you’ll find the 14-inch laptop sleeve. It is well padded but it does not have a false bottom. This means that the laptop sleeve touches the bottom of the bag with only a strip of padding protecting your laptop from the ground. If we could change one thing about the Macaroon it would be to add a little bit more protection at the bottom of the backpack sleeve.

Inside you’ll also find an organizer panel filled with pockets. Here you can store pens, chargers and other small items. There is also a pocket for a phone and we found that it can fit a regular iPhone 13. This means larger iPhones or larger Android phones will not fit inside this pocket.

Outside Pockets

On the outside of the Doughnut Macaroon you’ll find two side pockets that can fit an umbrella. It can also fit a slim water bottle but we found that bottles dig into the bag.

Lastly, there is a large front pocket. What’s interesting about this pocket is that you enter it with two metal snaps. The leather straps are just there as decoration and you do not need to unbuckle them to enter the pocket.

Final Thoughts

The Doughnut Macaroon is great if you need a small laptop backpack for work, school or running errands. But it may be too small for some people, including students who need to carry lots of big books and notebooks. 

We recommend the Macaroon to those who know what to expect with its compact size. It makes a great daily carry bag for essentials like a laptop, water bottle and personal items. It’s also great for students who just need to bring a few books and a laptop. Those looking for a bigger bag might want to check out the Macaroon Large.

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Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L [Review]

The Patagonia Atom Tote Pack was designed to be as versatile as you are! Patagonia has set out to make one bag to be used as a daily laptop backpack for work or school. Or as an outdoor and hiking pack, thanks to its removable laptop sleeve.

In this backpack review, we will take a closer look at the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack and explore all of the details. Is this backpack worth the price? Let's find out.

Video Review

The Rundown

What we like

• Removable laptop sleeve is a game changer! Quickly turn from laptop backpack to hiking pack in seconds.

• Stretchy side pockets fit larger bottles

• Roomy main compartment that fits a lot despite being a small bag.

• Super comfortable shoulder straps. Very padded!

What we don’t like

• The front pocket becomes hard to use when the main compartment is overpacked.

• No trolley sleeve to attach bag to rolling luggage when traveling.

• Not convertible - cannot tuck away the shoulder straps when carrying as a tote bag.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 16” (H) x 12” (W) x 5” (D)

• Capacity: 20L

• Weight: 1 lb 7 oz

• Materials: 100% Recycled Polyester with PFC-Free DWR Finish

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 13”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

Size and Fit

It's important to note that the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L was designed to be a smaller-fitting pack. Patagonia calls this the "Atom Fit" - which means it can accommodate those with a shorter torso length and smaller shoulders. This is welcomed news to anyone who find most backpacks to be too long on the back. It's about the same size as the old Patagonia Classic Tamangito Pack.

You can carry the Atom Tote Pack as both a backpack or a tote bag. One small design issue we have with this backpack is that it is not a true convertible backpack. The shoulder straps cannot be tucked away and you will get dangling straps when carrying it by the top handles.

Materials and Construction

The Patagonia Atom Tote Pack is made out of 100% recycled polyester with a PFC-Free DWR Finish (a technical term for water resistant coating). The polyester construction makes the Atom Tote Pack very lightweight. But this pack never feels cheap and keeps the premium Patagonia feel the brand is known for.

We found that the Atom Tote Pack can stay dry in a light rain with the weak point being the zippers, which are not water resistant. But the fabric allows water to just roll off the pack. Would we take this kayaking? No. Are we comfortable using this as daily commuter or beach backpack. Absolutely.

One of the most impressive features of the Atom Tote Pack is the back panel and shoulder straps. Patagonia does not cut corners here!

These shoulder straps are very padded and some of the most comfortable we've used in a backpack this size. The breathable back panel has two spacer mesh panels for cushioning. Again, this beefy back panel is a rare sight in smaller backpacks.

Although the Atom Tote Pack isn't a large backpack, Patagonia still includes a chest strap to help with weight distribution. This chest strap is adjustable and removable.

What fits inside the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L?

With a pack volume of 20 liters, you wouldn't expect the Atom Tote Pack to fit much. But this is a roomy 20 liters! The main compartment is designed as a large open space with just a single sleeve (more on that below).

We found that we could easily fit a pair of running sneakers and a change of clothing inside the main compartment. Folders, binders and notebooks also fit inside the main compartment of the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack just fine.

The wide open main compartment gives you a lot of versatility to use the bag as a school or work backpack, gym bag and hiking backpack.

Removable Laptop Sleeve

The removable padded sleeve is easily the best feature on the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack! This feature is what allows you to quickly switch from laptop backpack to a outdoor trail bag.

Each Atom Tote Pack includes a removable padded sleeve that is held in place by a velcro loop. The sleeve itself contains a padded sleeve for a tablet or laptop up to 13-inches plus a secure zippered pocket for small items. This zippered pocket is great for keys, chargers, cords, pens, and other accessories.

When the sleeve is removed, you can then use the built-in padded sleeve to store a hydration bladder for hiking. The velcro loop now acts as a hydration hanger and Patagonia gives you pass-through access against the back panel to feed a hydration tube.

The larger sleeve that the removable laptop sleeve lives in is also padded with a false bottom to protect it against drops. This means that you can technically use it as a laptop sleeve for a bigger laptop. We were able to fit a 14" laptop just fine.

Outside Pockets

The outside of the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L gives you a few extra pockets for organization.

The two side pockets are made of stretch mesh that fits larger bottles. We were able to fit a 32oz Nalgene bottle and big 30oz Yeti cofffee tumbler inside the side pockets. These pockets are also great for daily commute items like an umbrella or phone.

The front stash pocket is fairly large and covers the entire front of the backpack. Here you can fit items you need quick access to like headphones, winter gloves or small notebooks.

Our one gripe with the front stash pocket is that the main compartment can bulge into this pocket when overpacked. This makes it harder to access the items inside this pocket.

Final Thoughts

We recommend the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L if you are looking for just one smaller pack that you can used for everything from daily laptop carry to outdoor adventures. It really is a great do-it-all option. This is all made possible by the removable tech storage that transforms the bag into a blank slate for different acitivies.

If you need a backpack with lots of pockets, then this backpack may not be the one for you. The Patagonia Atom Tote Pack has just enough pockets without being too overwhelming. But those who want more organization may find the number of pockets lacking.

Additionally, the shorter body of the Atom Tote Pack might too small for some people. If you are tall or have wide shoulders, you might want to take a look at other Patagonia backpack options for a better fit.

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Got Bag Daypack

The Got Bag Daypack is a compact backpack for work, weekends and travel that combines a stylish minimalist design with a sustainable ethos.

Each Daypack is constructed with Got Bag’s Ocean Impact Plastic, a fabric that is made out of recycled ocean plastic waste and the brand is dedicated to offering sustainable circular manufacturing process with a strong initiative to help clean up our oceans while providing stylish bags in the process. You can learn more about Got Bag’s awesome recycling initiatives here.

Inside the Daypack you are greeted with a padded 13” laptop sleeve and 11 liters of packing room for essentials. Although some may find the internal packing room too small for busy school or work days, it’s the perfect size to use as a lightweight daily laptop backpack and its compact dimensions make it the perfect personal item backpack for flights with strict bag requirements. The small footprint and slim shoulder straps also make the Got Bag Daypack ideal for those with smaller shoulders who find most backpacks too large and bulky.

The Daypack’s water resistant construction also gives it an edge over most compact backpacks on the market. Although not waterproof, the Daypack will protect against light rain and splashes thanks to its water resistant coating that is free from harmful PVC and PFC.

Overall, the Got Bag Daypack is a great backpack for those days where you just need a stylish hand-free way to carry the essentials. With tons of great colors to choose from and sustainable construction - you really can’t go wrong!

What we like

• Stylish modern design with option to carry like a tote bag thanks to its integrated top handles

• Available in lots of fun colors

• Padded laptop sleeve has a false bottom to protect against bumps and drops

• Water resistant design for peace of mind outdoors

What we don’t like

• While equipped with two large zippered pockets, we wish there was more pocket organization for smaller items like keys and sunglasses.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 14” (H) x 11” (W) x 5” (D)

• Capacity: 11L

• Materials: 60% Ocean Impact Plastic fabric, 20% recycled materials, 20% non-recycled materials

• Weight: 1.19lbs

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 13”

Where to buy

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North Face Surge Backpack

The North Face Surge is the brand’s premier commuter backpack now updated to fit more of life’s daily carry. This backpack is fairly large with a 31 liter main compartment and separate “mobile office” compartment that fits a laptop, tablet and documents. We also found that this mobile office compartment can hold up to two laptops - making the Surge a good choice for a dual laptop backpack.

When it comes to organization of daily essentials, the Surge is easily best in class. Along with an entire organizer compartment filled with smaller pockets, the Surge also includes two front zippered pockets for even more organization for your gear.

Note: The North Face face offers the men’s Surge and women’s Surge so that you can find the perfect fit. The women’s Surge is better suited for those with slimmer shoulders and shorter torsos.

What we like

• Maximum organization - Lots of pockets for tech and smaller items

• Laptop compartment is great for stashing a laptop (or two), tablet and documents.

• Light colored internal lining makes finding items inside the backpack quick and easy.

What we don’t like

• No side compression straps

• Great for school or business casual but a little too sporty to be used in professional work settings. There are more mature backpacks out there for both men and women.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 20” H x 12” W x 7” D

• Capacity: 31L

• Material: 210D recycled nylon ripstop, 600D polyester, non-PFC DWR finish, YKK Zippers

• Weight: 2 lb 12 oz

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Patagonia Chacabuco

The Patagonia Chacabuco is one of Patagonia’s most versatile backpacks and it’s easy to see why. As a daily backpack for school or commuting the Chacabuco gives you a roomy main compartment, an additional organizer compartment with smaller pockets and both a padded laptop compartment and tablet sleeve.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love its lightweight construction, breathable mesh back panel and the ability to convert the laptop compartment into a hydration pocket.

The Patagonia Chacabuco comes in two sizes - the standard 30L Chacabuco and the smaller 28L Women’s Chacabuco. The women’s 28 liter version accommodates a shorter torso and smaller shoulders for the perfect fit. Both sizes feature the same pockets and compartments.

What we like

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

• Includes both a tablet sleeve and laptop compartment

• Two size options for a perfect fit

• DWR coating makes this backpack water repellent

What we don’t like

• Zipper to the laptop compartment is narrow. Could cause trouble removing larger laptops.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19” H x 12” W x 8.5” D

• Materials: 630D Nylon

• Weight: 1 lbs 7.8 oz

• Capacity: 30L or 28L

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Targus 15" Newport Backpack

The Targus Newport is a modern take on the classic laptop backpack. Unlike other women’s backpacks that are primarily “style-focused” and leave much to be desired when it comes to actual carry, Targus makes a real effort to incorporate useful pockets and compartments that make all the difference. There are pockets and organizers for everything from a laptop, charging cables, small personal items and more.

A clean design, intuitive pockets and small footprint is what makes the Targus 15” Newport backpack one of our favorite travel and work backpacks for women.

What we like

• Clean design and mature colors makes the Targus Newport a polished alternative to most casual backpacks.

• Lots of pockets and compartments for everyday items and tech. Separate laptop pocket makes it easy to keep things organized.

What we don’t like

• There isn’t much we don’t like if we are being honest. But if we would have to nitpick it would be how the faux-leather bottom and panels will hold up over time.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” H x 11.13 W" x 5.25" D

• Dedicated compartments for a slim laptop or a tablet, clothes, and everyday accessories

• Lots of smaller organizer pockets

• Materials: High-density water-repellent twill nylon and faux-leather accents

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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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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Fjallraven Kanken Backpack

The Fjallraven Kanken is one of the most iconic backpacks in recent memory. Although first introduced in Sweden in 1978, the bag has only recently exploded in popularity thanks to its unique style, ergonomic design and endless color options.

But it's not all hype. We love this bag for it’s smaller form factor that allows it to be comfortably carried by people with smaller frames who normally have trouble with big bulky backpacks. The design is also versatile enough to be used as a school book bag, travel bag and everyday items backpack. Two side pockets allow you to carry a water bottle and umbrella while a smaller front pocket is perfect for little items such as keys, pens, and wallets.

What we like

• Spacious main compartment that opens 3/4 for full access to the things inside

• Size is perfect for women, kids or people with smaller frames

• Comes in over 2 dozen different color options

What we don’t like

• Shoulder straps can become uncomfortable if the bag gets too heavy.

• No organizers such as pen holders or key fabs for small items.

• The original Kanken does not have a laptop compartment (must go with an updated “laptop” version instead)

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 14.9” x 10.6” x 5.1”

• Capacity: 16L

• Weight: .7lb

• Material: 100% Vinylon-F

• Water resistant

Where to buy

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