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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Able Carry Daily Plus [Review]

Able Carry has taken their popular Daily Backpack and made it even better with the Daily Plus. What does the "Plus" stand for? More pockets, improved organization, and a more water-resistant design, thanks to its X-Pac and water-resistant zipper combination. Is this the right backpack for you? Check out this review to find out.

Video Review

The Rundown

What we like

• Amazing organization for everyday carry items

• Very protective laptop and tablet sleeves that float to prevent damage from bumps and drops

• Hidden pocket for secret stashes

• Comfortable and breathable shoulder straps and back panel

What we don’t like

• X-Pac is a high-strength and highly water-resistant fabric, but it has a downside: it makes a crinkly, plastic-like noise when the pack is opened, which can be distracting. Are we nitpicking too much here? We had to list something.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19.3” x 11.3” x 7.8” inches

• Capacity: 21L

• Weight: 2.6 lbs

• Materials: X-Pac

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 16”

• Tablet Sleeve: Up to 11” (does not fit 12.9” iPad Pro)

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

Who is this backpack for?

Work Commuters: We love this backpack as a daily driver for work and commuting. The organization panel in the main compartment acts as a mobile office giving you spots for a laptop, pens and tech essentials. The hidden water bottle pocket and back security pocket also provide protection during crowded commutes.

Students who need great organization: The main compartment of the Daily Plus can fit multiple large notebooks, books and binders and has all of the tech organization you need for a busy day campus. We also like the Daily Plus as a waterproof college backpack for rainy days.

"I need a good laptop backpack that won't fall apart": With its high-quality, water-resistant construction and protective "floating" laptop and tablet sleeves, the Able Carry Daily Plus backpack will keep your tech protected from bumps, drops, and the elements. Able Carry did NOT skimp on quality with this pack.

Who it might not be for:

Travelers - The Daily Plus was designed as a daybag first and foremost so it’s missing common travel backpack features. You won’t be getting a trolley sleeve for attaching the Daily Plus to rolling luggage and it’s a little oversized to fit the size requirements as a personal item bag on flights (although it is small enough to fit under airplane seats on many larger planes).

Materials and Construction

Able Carry scores a win with the high-quality construction of the Daily Plus. Its X-Pac exterior and water-resistant zippers provide a weatherproof design that can be relied on to keep your gear protected on rainy days.

We cannot stress enough how every aspect of the Able Carry Daily Plus exudes quality. The zippers are smooth, the interior ripstop lining is sturdy, and even the material used for the stretch pockets feels high-quality—nothing seems like an afterthought.

One thing to note is that when compared to a fabric like nylon, X-Pac is a much stiffer material and feels more like plastic than fabric. As a result, handling the backpack results in a loud, "crunchy" sound. Although X-Pac is incredibly strong and water-resistant, we understand that it may not be everyone's preference for daily use.

The Daily Plus also features Able Carry's "A-Frame" webbing design on the underside of the bag, which adds extra strength to the backpack when carrying heavy loads. This design is a substantial improvement in terms of strength compared to regular backpack stitching alone.

Pockets and Compartments

What sets the Daily Plus apart from its predecessor, the Daily Backpack, is the addition of numerous pockets for organization.

Inside the main compartment, you'll find the bulk of your storage, including a tech panel with a 16-inch laptop sleeve and a separate tablet sleeve for a device up to 11-inches (sorry, iPad Pro users, a 12.9” tablet won’t fit).

The great thing about the laptop and tablet sleeves is that they float in the middle of the backpack, providing ample protection from all sides. Additionally, the laptop sleeve has a generous false bottom to prevent damage from drops, which is a feature that many other backpack brands overlook.

On the exterior of the backpack, you'll find a hidden water bottle pocket that can fit bottles up to 1 liter, as well as a spacious front compartment with smaller pockets for easy access.

In terms of security pockets, the Able Carry Daily Plus offers two. The first is a hidden pocket above the shoulder straps against the back panel, which is large enough to hold multiple flat items such as a cell phone, passport, and wallet. When the backpack is worn, this pocket is completely out of reach from pickpockets. The second pocket is a small, well-concealed secret pocket located above the laptop sleeve, which is a little larger than a credit card.

Comfort (Back Panel and Shoulder Straps)

Able Carry is known for designing comfortable backpacks, and the Daily Plus is a testament to their expertise. The backpack features a closed-cell foam back panel that provides cushioning for comfortable weight distribution, even when carrying heavy loads. The back panel is includes with generous air channels, making it breathable enough to wear in warm weather. Additionally, the Daily Plus has a removable frame sheet for added stiffness that can be accessed via a zipper behind the laptop sleeve inside the main compartment.

The shoulder straps of the Daily Plus are padded with dense foam and provide ample support without being excessively bulky. The backpack also comes with an adjustable and removable chest strap with a magnetic buckle, making it easy to put on and take off.

Final Thoughts

This is a really nice backpack for everyday carry. We love the upgrades that Able Carry has made from the original Daily Backpack and are excited that they released this new iteration. If you are choosing between the two packs, we believe the Daily Plus is the clear winner. The separate laptop and tablet sleeves and dedicated water bottle compartment are significant upgrades.

The real victory is in the overall construction. We appreciate the water-resistant design and are glad they included water-resistant zippers in the main compartment instead of regular ones. This protection from the elements provides peace of mind when commuting in inclement weather and really boosts our confidence when choosing which backpack to wear on long days out.

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Able Carry Max Backpack

Able Carry departs from their smaller daypacks and offers their first larger multi-function bag for work, play and travel with the Max backpack.

As a clamshell backpack, the Max offers a generous 30 liter main compartment that can be used for anything from workout days to multi-day travel. The admin compartment located behind the main compartment gives you the convenience of a mobile office by featuring a large 17” laptop sleeve and plenty of pockets for pens, paperwork and tech accessories.

If you serious about finding one bag to rule them all then we definitely recommend taking a closer look at the Able Carry Max backpack.

What we like

• Large clamshell main compartment allows for easy packing and unpacking. Comes in handy on travel and gym days!

• Hidden water bottle pocket keeps the outside of the bag looking streamlined and our drinking bottles clean.

• Cordura bottom, ripstop lining and nylon webbing makes the bag feel like great quality both inside and out.

What we DON’T like

• We would love to see a secondary padded sleeve for a tablet.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 20.5"H x 12.5"W x 8"D

• Capacity: 30L

• Material: XPAC Shell, 1000D Cordura Nylon, 420D Ripstop Nylon

• Weight: 3.79lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 17”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

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