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

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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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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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Topo Designs Rover Pack

The Rover Pack is Topo’s premier daily carry rucksack. From its laptop sleeve and thoughtful pocket placement to its tough nylon construction - the Rover Pack is designed to be a companion for both daily commutes and outdoor exploring.

Topo Designs describes the Rover Pack as the “Goldilocks of rucksacks - not too big, not too small, not too fancy, not too simple.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

What we like

• Expandable rucksack design can hold more than it looks. Main compartment is deep and spacious.

• Stylish yet iconic vintage-inspired design. Available in over a dozen colors.

• Lightweight yet built tough with premium nylon materials.

What we don’t like

• No admin compartment with slip pockets for small items like pencils, charging cables, etc. Very small items float around in zip pockets.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17” H x 11” W x 4.5” D

• Capacity: 20L

• Materials: 1000D Nylon, 420D Nylon Pack Cloth, 420D Recycled Nylon

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15”

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Topo Designs Daypack

The Topo Designs Daypack is a versatile daily carry bag for work, school or the hiking trail. Designed to be a true path to pavement backpack, the Daypack features everything you would need for both city life and outdoor adventuring with a laptop sleeve, internal pockets, side water bottle pockets and plenty of loops and tabs for attaching things to the outside of the bag.

The Topo Daypack comes in a few flavors: The premium Daypack Heritage Canvas (Made in the USA), Daypack Tech and the more affordable Daypack Classic.

What we like

• Beefy YKK zippers

• Tough nylon construction makes the bag feel sturdy and incredibly well-built.

• Cool throwback mountaineering design. Lots of color options.

What we don’t like

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19” H x 11” W x 5” D

• Capacity: 21.6L

• Materials: 1000D Recycled Nylon, 210 Recycled Nylon Liner

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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Fjallraven Rucksack No.21 Backpack

The Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 is a great multipurpose backpack that can be used for anything from a daily commuter bag to an outdoor hiking daypack.

Those who want a daily commuter backpack with a vintage-inspired heritage design will love the No. 21’s functional carry features such as a 15-inch laptop sleeve and outside pockets for water bottles and small items. The main compartment is large enough to hold a few books, notebooks and personal everyday items.

But it wouldn’t be a Fjallraven backpack without the ability to use the backpack outdoors. Unlike modern technical backpacks, the Rucksack No. 21 keeps things simple with a rucksack design that allows the main compartment to extend up instead of out. Add in Fjallraven’s G-1000 HeavyDuty fabric into the mix and you have a weather-resistant and tough bag that can handle casual adventures.

The Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 is available in 3 different sizes; Small (15L), Medium (20L) and Large (30L). The specs and photos on this page are of the medium sized Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21.

What we like

• Good multipurpose backpack; from school to outdoor carry

• Fjallraven’s G-1000 HeavyDuty fabric is tough, durable and weather resistant

• Cool vintage rucksack design available in a ton of different colors

What we don’t like

• Can’t fit too much in the medium size backpack, main compartment is deep but on the thinner side limiting what you can carry

• On the pricier side considering the size and features

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.32” H x 11” W x 5.1” D

• Capacity: 20L

• Weight: 2.11 lb

• Material: G-1000® HeavyDuty: 65% polyester, 35% cotton

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

• Top loading main compartment entry

Where to Buy

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Patagonia Black Hole 25L 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 25 liter version is great for anyone who needs a smaller pack for everyday carry or light travel. One of the best features of this backpack is its versatility. It can be used as a daily commuter backpack thanks to its padded laptop compartment and organizer pockets on the inside of the main compartment. For more adventurous days, the laptop sleeve can be used as a water reservoir for hiking and the deep bucket main compartment can be used to stash extra clothes, shoes or a jacket.

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 are not. Water can sneak into the backpack if you are unfortunate enough to be caught outside during a heavy rain downpour.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 21” H x 11” W x 6.5” D

• Materials: Water resistant 450D Polyester Ripstop with a TPU-film laminate

• Weight: 1 lb 8 oz

• Capacity: 25L

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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