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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Under Armour Hustle Sport [Review]

The Under Armour Hustle Sport Backpack is a budget-friendly backpack that’s purpose-built for school, sports and gym sessions.

But is it worth buying? In this backpack review we will take an honest look at the pros, cons as well as explore how water resistant UA Storm Technology really is.

Video Review

The Rundown

What we like

• Roomy 26L capacity is large enough store a change of clothes and a basketball or school notebooks and binders.

• Available in lots of colors for a personalized look

• Ultra lightweight construction

• Affordable price

What we don’t like

• Laptop compartment is not padded

• Back panel is just one big piece of padded polyester with no breathability. Not great in hot weather.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18.5” (H) x 12.6” (W) x 7.4” (D)

• Capacity: 26L

• Materials: 100% Polyester

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15”

• Tablet Sleeve: None

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

Who is this backpack for?

• School: The roomy 26-liter main compartment is perfect for storing large notebooks, binders and books. Affordable pricing is great for those looking school backpack on a budget.

• Sports and Gym: Lightweight construction makes this a great backpack for sports and gym sessions. The bungee gives you additional storage for stuff like shoes, a towel or jacket. 

What fits inside the Hustle Sport?

Unlike the larger UA Hustle 5.0 backpack, the Hustle Sport which features 3 major compartments, the Hustle Sport only has one - the main compartment. Inside is where you’ll find the 15” laptop sleeve as well as a couple of extra slip pockets for smaller items.

The 26-liter main compartment is the perfect for daily packing. If you plan on using the UA Hustle Sport as a school backpack, you’ll be able to fit a generous amount of large binders and notebooks in addition to a laptop. For athletes, the main compartment is also large enough to fit a full sized (size 7) basketball in addition to a change of clothes.

Although the 15” laptop sleeve has a generous false bottom to protect your device from drops, it leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to overall laptop protection. The laptop sleeve on the Hustle Sport is just a thin polyester sleeve with no padding outside of the padding it shares with the back panel. It also does not include any fleece lining to protect your laptop from scratches.

Two additional slip pockets can be found inside the main compartment for smaller items. These slip pockets can fit items like a sunglasses case, small pencil case or laptop charger.

Exterior Pockets and Bungee Storage

On the outside of the UA Hustle Sport, you'll find a pretty large fleece-lined valuables pocket for items like sunglasses, a phone, and other tech. We found it to be just large enough to fit a pair of over-ear headphones.

Two additional mesh water bottle pockets can be found on each side of the backpack. These pockets are large enough to fit 32oz and 1-liter bottles perfectly fine.

Unlike other Under Armour backpacks, the Hustle Sport doesn't include additional MOLLE webbing or daisy chain loops for exterior attachments. Instead, the Hustle Sport provides you with a bungee cord for attaching bulkier items.

We found the bungee was able to fit a light jacket or workout shoes (up to a Mens US 12) but the bungee is also too small to fit a full-sized basketball.

Materials and Comfort

The Under Armour Hustle Sport is made of polyester material, which makes it incredibly lightweight. There isn't anything special with the construction; it has simple stitching throughout, and the material itself is pretty thin. The zippers on the Hustle Sport are as smooth as butter and the metal zipper pulls are nice touch.

Regarding comfort, the padded shoulder straps are the star of the show and provide excellent weight distribution and ample comfort even when the backpack gets heavy. Under Armour always does a great job with their shoulder straps and the Hustle Sport is no exception.

However, the back panel is where the Hustle Sport starts to suffer. Although padded, it's thin, and this causes oddly-shaped items to poke through when wearing the backpack, making for an uncomfortable situation. Moreover, the back panel isn’t nearly as breathable as we would expect a backpack designed for athletes to be. It's essentially one large piece of polyester with two tiny air channels - this spells trouble in hot weather.

Is the UA Hustle Waterproof? UA Storm Technology Tested

UA Storm Technology is essentially a water-repellent coating on the polyester that allows water to bead up and roll off the fabric when wet. The fleece-lined valuables pocket in the front of the bag is also equipped with a water-resistant zipper that does a good job of keeping moisture out.

Although UA Storm Technology offers some water-resistant protection, the Hustle Sport is far from waterproof. Unfortunately, the seams and main compartment zipper are not water-resistant, and this creates weak points for water to sneak in after repeated exposure. 

During our testing, we found that repeated exposure allowed water to leak into the main compartment through the top stitching of the backpack.

What does this mean for you? The UA Hustle Sport should be okay during a walk home in a light rain, but you will have significantly less protection walking home during a rainstorm or surviving heavy splash (think of being on the unfortunate pedestrian end of a car driving through a puddle on a rainy day).

Final Thoughts

Buy on Amazon

At the end of the day, the Under Armour Hustle Sport is a budget backpack for those who want a good value-to-price ratio and the Hustle Sport really is a great value when you tally up the specs.

You’ll get a water-resistant construction, a big roomy main compartment that's great for sports and school, plus a super useful bungee that expands your storage by quite a bit.

If you want a major step up in quality, we recommend you take a look at The North Face Jester or Borealis. These two bungee backpacks have much better laptop sleeves, more pockets for organization, and much more breathable back panels. However, these backpacks are not as budget-friendly as the Hustle Sport and we think this is where the Hustle Sport really shines.

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North Face Recon Backpack [Review]

One of The North Face’s best selling backpacks, the Recon features a roomy 30 liter main compartment and separate padded laptop compartment to keep your expensive tech safe while on the move.

The Recon is best suited for both school and daily tech carry thanks to its organizer panel pocket that can fit everything from pens and calculators to external hard drives and a tablet.

Note: The North Face offers both a Men’s Recon and Women’s Recon. The main difference is in the size and shape of the shoulder straps and back panel but all of the pockets and compartments are the same between the two versions. In this review we are showcasing the women’s Recon which is the one you want to go with if you have smaller shoulders and a shorter torso.

See our North Face Recon vs Borealis comparison for more in-depth info.

Video Review

The Rundown

What we like

• Lots of pockets and compartments for everyday carry.

• Multifunctional: 30 liter main compartment is large enough for a full day of school/work or a weekend trip.

• Men’s and women’s versions means a proper fit regardless of body type.

What we don’t like

• Side compression straps run across the water bottle pockets. It takes a moment to adjust the straps to accommodate different size bottles.

• Tablet sleeve is small. Anything larger than a 10.2” tablet will be too large for this pocket.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19.3” H x 11.6” W x 7.5” D (women’s)

• Capacity: 30L

• Material: Mix of recycled and non-recycled materials (210D recycled nylon ripstop, 300D heathered polyester ripstop, 600D polyester, DWR finish)

• Weight: 2lbs 9oz

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

Who is this backpack for?

For Students: The North Face Recon is perfect for carrying school items. We recommend it to students who need a lot of organization for smaller school items and also have ample space for larger items like folders, binders, and lunch.

For Work Commuters: The North Face Recon, with its sleek urban design and internal tech organization, is an excellent choice for commuters who need a dependable backpack for their daily commute.

It might not be suitable for Travelers: Although the backpack has a spacious 30-liter main compartment that is ideal for travel packing, it lacks some standard travel features such as lockable zippers, security pockets for items like passports and wallets, and a trolley sleeve to attach the backpack to rolling luggage.

Materials and Construction

The North Face Recon is mostly made of 210D recycled ripstop nylon with a DWR water-repellent finish. What does this mean? The backpack is water-resistant to some extent. Water will roll off of the ripstop nylon but unfortunately the zippers are not water resistant and are an entry point for moisture to sneak in.

Is The North Face Recon waterproof? No.

Will it be okay in the rain? The Recon will be find in a light rain but we wouldn’t trust it walking home during a downpour.

Overall, The North Face Recon feels incredibly solid. This is not a cheap-feeling backpack! The ripstop construction is strong yet lightweight and the YKK zippers are as smooth as butter.

Pockets and Compartments

The North Face Recon backpack consists of three main compartments: the front organizer compartment, the main compartment, and the rear laptop compartment.

The front organizer compartment is where you can find quick access to smaller items like pens, tech chargers, and other essentials. There is also a fleece-lined tablet sleeve in this pocket, but it is on the smaller side. The largest tablet that fits in this pocket is a 10.2-inch iPad, which barely fits without a case (sorry, iPad Pro users).

The main compartment is a large, open space where you can fit 2-3 days of travel packing or a considerable amount of binders, notebooks, and folders - enough for a full day of classes. If you are a student and need to carry more than that, you might need to have a talk with your teachers.

The rear laptop compartment can accommodate a laptop up to 15 inches (the largest we tested was a 15.6-inch laptop, so we cannot confirm if larger laptops will fit). What we like about this compartment is that it offers excellent protection. Not only are the walls padded, but The North Face has also added a false bottom so that the bottom of the laptop is suspended above the bottom of the bag, providing extra protection against bumps and drops.

Another feature of the laptop compartment that isn’t talked about enough is the ability to it for storing a hydration bladder. This small feature allows you to turn The North Face Recon into a full-fledged hiking backpack.

On the front of the backpack there is the iconic front stash pocket. This pocket is stretchy, but not as spacious as you might expect. It is too small to fit a pair of shoes, although sandals might fit. It is also not large enough to store a bicycle helmet (sorry, commuters). However, you can store a lightweight, compressible puffy jacket and smaller items like a baseball cap and over-ear headphones in this pocket.

Other pockets include two side water bottle pockets and a hidden fleece-lined pocket in the front for storing tech and sunglasses.

Final Thoughts

Ok we will say it, we think this is the best North Face backpack design. It’s not as sporty as the Borealis but keeps its best features. It’s also not as unruly as the Surge and keeps the pockets and compartment to the point and easy to find. Think of the Recon as the goldilocks of North Face backpacks. It’s an urban backpack, an outdoor daybag and secure laptop backpack all in one.

Is it worth the price? Absolutely. 

The only real gripe we have with it is that The North Face makes the Recon seem more water resistant than it really is. But as long as you understand where it’s limits are we can’t recommend this backpack enough.

If you are looking for water resistant backpacks with better protection, check out the backpacks below.

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Matein Travel Laptop Backpack [Review]

Rated as one of the most popular backpacks available on Amazon, the Matein Travel Laptop Backpack (15.6 inch version) is an affordable option for everyone from students and commuters to travelers alike.

This backpack can be divided into three major compartments: the main compartment, the front organizer compartment, and the rear laptop compartment. The main compartment is where you will find the bulk of your storage, and we found that you can easily pack bulkier notebooks, binders, and textbooks into this compartment or a couple of days' worth of clothing and toiletries.

The second major compartment is the front organizer compartment, which features smaller pockets for items like pens, a phone, and small notebooks. There is even a detachable leash for your keys. In the rear is where you'll find the laptop compartment, which features a padded sleeve for a laptop up to 15.6 inches, plus an additional non-padded sleeve for a tablet. This rear compartment is also roomy enough to pack additional notebooks or for a second laptop inside a laptop case.

The quality of the Matein Travel Laptop Backpack is surprisingly good for the price, with a mid-weight polyester exterior and metal zippers. Not to mention features like an exterior USB charging port and great pocket variety that punches above its price point.

However, it doesn't come close to the quality of a more expensive backpack, and you will start to see that in the small details. For example, the water bottle pockets are made of cheap mesh and are a little too shallow to securely hold tall bottles, and the interior lining is on the thinner side, which questions its durability after heavy use.

Despite its flaws, for $30 you really can't go wrong with this backpack, and we definitely recommend it for students, commuters, and travelers looking for a reliable laptop backpack on a budget.

What we like

• Affordable price makes it perfect for students and travelers on a budget

• Three compartments so you can organize your carry into different packing zones

• Integrated USB charging (bring your own power bank)

• Lots and lots of pockets for organization

What we don’t like

• Lining and stitching on the inside is pretty flimsy and we question it’s longevity. However, the overall quality is about on par with bags in this price point.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” x 12” x 7.8” inches

• Capacity: Unspecified (we would guess around 25L)

• Weight: 1.56 lbs

• Materials: Polyester

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15.6”

• Tablet Sleeve: Up to 12.9” iPad Pro

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

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Pacsafe Go Anti-Theft [Review]

One of the biggest strengths of the Pacsafe Go is that it's an anti-theft backpack that doesn't look like your typical anti-theft backpack. While many brands offer futuristic, ultra-minimalist designs that look more like props from a sci-fi movie, the Pacsafe Go offers a more "gray man" option that's designed to blend in and not draw much attention. 

But despite its no-frills appearance, the Pacsafe Go is built from the ground up with anti-theft technology. The fabric itself is made with Pacsafe's eXomesh slashguard, a built-in wire mesh that prevents theft through cuts and slashes. Each exterior zipper also includes built-in locks to prevent pickpockets. You can also lock the entire bag to a table or chair leg using the lockable shoulder strap. These features make such a simple bag anything but ordinary.

The Pacsafe Go is a great all-around backpack that can be used as a daily pack or a dedicated travel backpack. At 25 liters, it's the perfect size for packing for an overnight stay or as a personal item backpack on airplanes. Students and commuters will also benefit from the extra anti-theft protection on busy campuses and crowded public transportation, and the water-resistant shell gives you extra protection on rainy days.

The pockets and compartments on the Pacsafe Go are straightforward: you have a laptop sleeve and an anti-RFID pocket inside the main compartment, and a large front pocket gives you extra storage room. Two side pockets provide a spot for water bottles and umbrellas. If you are looking for a backpack with lots of pockets for organizing smaller items then the Pacsafe Go might not be the best option - but what it does do well is offer a straightforward design for those who value simplicity in a lightweight package. 

All in all, Pacsafe offers a solid choice for daily carry and travel alike. The Pacsafe Go is lightweight, water-resistant, and has plenty of storage for most tasks at hand – school, daily carry, and travel - leaving us with little to be desired.

What we like

• Built in anti-theft features for maximum protection against pickpockets and theft

• 25L is the perfect size for school or as a travel daypack

• Low-key “gray man” design that blends in with other backpacks

• Water repellent fabric

What we don’t like

• Side water bottle pockets have no stretch to them so fitting larger bottles can be a hassle.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18.1” x 12.2” x 5.5” inches

• Capacity: 25L

• Weight: 1.6 lbs

• Materials: water resistant recycled polyester

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15”

• Tablet Sleeve: None

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

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Under Armour Hustle 5.0 [Review]

The Under Armour Hustle 5.0 was designed with student athletes in mind and you can see this inspiration throughout its design. A roomy 29-liter capacity gives you enough room for a busy day of classes and a bottom shoe compartment allows you to partition shoes, laundry and other items you want to keep separate from the rest of your carry.

Is this one of the best affordable backpacks for school and workouts? Let’s find out.

Video Review

The Rundown

What we like

• Roomy 29L capacity is large enough to store a basketball, shoes, school books and more.

• Available in lots of colors for a personalized look

• Soft-lined laptop sleeve and front valuables pocket to protect tech from scratches

• Bottom shoe compartment is great for keeping dirty stuff away from clean items

What we don’t like

• Light weight and low cost comes at a cost to overall quality. The MSRP is $55 and to be honest, this backpack feels like a budget backpack.

• UA Storm Technology is a bit oversold. Although the bag is technically water resistant, it’s nothing special.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 20” (H) x 12.6” (W) x 6.3” (D)

• Capacity: 29L

• Materials: 100% Polyester

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15”

• Tablet Sleeve: None

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

Who is this backpack for?

• For Students: The roomy main compartment is perfect for storing your laptop, books and notebooks while the exterior pockets give you the organization you need for pens and accessories. The Hustle 5.0 is a nice Goldilocks size for school - not too big and not too small.

• For Athletes and Gym Goers: The bottom compartment is handy for separating your dirty shoes or laundry from your clean items. The MOLLE webbing on the front and shoulder straps also makes it easy to attach additional gear. 

What fits inside? Pockets and Compartments

The Hustle backpack can be divided into three major compartments: the front admin compartment, the main compartment, and a bottom shoe compartment.

The front admin compartment features slip pockets for pens and accessories and is also large enough to store a couple of additional notebooks and smaller books.

The main compartment is where you will find a soft-lined 15-laptop sleeve. Under Armour did a good job at providing a false bottom so that the laptop sleeve floats about two inches from the bottom of the bag to prevent damage from drops.

If you are using the Under Armour Hustle 5.0 primarily as a school backpack, the 29-liter capacity can fit a fair number of large binders, books, and notebooks. 

For sports, workouts, and travel, you can fit three or four days' worth of clothing and toiletries depending on how lightly you pack. A full-sized basketball takes up about half of the inside of the main compartment.

The last major compartment is the bottom shoe compartment. Our testing revealed that it can easily fit a full-sized #7 basketball as well as size US 12 men’s running shoes.

What fits inside the shoe compartment? Men’s US size 12 shoes (left) Size 7 full sized basketball (right)

One important thing to mention about the shoe compartment, however, is that it shares its space with the main compartment. This means that whatever you store in this shoe compartment will take up room inside the main compartment. When Under Armour says this bottom compartment is "expandable," they mean it expands into the backpack.

Under Armour includes a few additional exterior pockets for extra organization. The first is the fleece-lined pocket on the front of the bag that is large enough for items such as a phone, sunglasses, or wallet.

There are also two side pockets for items such as water bottles and umbrellas. These pockets can easily hold larger 32-ounce bottles.

Materials and Construction

The Under Armour Hustle 5.0 is primarily made of polyester, making it very lightweight. Seriously - when empty, this backpack feels like air.

However, this lightweight construction comes at the cost of overall quality. The outer fabric and inner lining feel thinner than we would like, and the stitching throughout is very simple, which is most evident when looking at the inside pockets. If you want a heavy-duty backpack, you might want to consider spending a little bit more and finding a bag made with more substantial materials. Our Best Backpack with Shoe Compartments buying guide features some great alternatives.

The shoulder straps are nicely cushioned and very comfortable, we have no complaints here. However, the cushioned foam back panel leaves something to be desired. There is no structure to it, making it easy for oddly shaped items to poke into your back, which is our largest complaint.

Under Armour also does not include a chest strap or waist belt for additional support. We actually like this about Under Armour backpacks because it means fewer annoying dangling straps, but it might be a deal breaker for those intending to carry heavier loads and would like the extra support.

Waterproof? UA Storm Technology

Under Armour uses its UA Storm Technology as a selling point for this backpack, and we are here to set a few things straight. Although the fabric has a water-resistant coating, we believe that the UA Storm technology is a bit oversold in our opinion. If water gets on the fabric, it will roll off, but under heavy rain, water will find its way into the backpack with repeated exposure.

The Under Armour Hustle 5.0 also does not include any special water-resistant stitching, and the zipper for the main compartment, where your expensive laptop will be, is not water-resistant either, giving it weak points for water to sneak in. This construction is not anything special, nor is it bad. In fact, most backpacks are built this way and offer the same level of protection.

Will you be okay in a light rain? Yes. Is the Under Armour Hustle backpack waterproof? No, not even a little bit.

Final Thoughts

Buy on Amazon

Under Armour's best-selling backpack is popular for a reason - it hits enough sweet spots to a broad spectrum of people. It can be used as a gym bag, a sports bag, a school bookbag, and even for travel in a pinch. What's not to like?

With an MSRP of $55, you really can't go wrong. However, it's important to understand that this backpack isn't high-end. It's not made with the best materials, nor is it the most water-resistant backpack you can get. But if you're looking for a backpack that balances functionality and affordability, the Under Armour Hustle 5.0 is perfect.

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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

Similar Backpacks

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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”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

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North Face Jester Backpack

One of The North Face’s most popular backpack designs, the Jester is the perfect blend of outdoor design and urban functionality. At 27 liters the North Face Jester is a great choice for anyone who wants a lightweight backpack without the bulk.

When it comes to organization the Jester keeps it pretty simple with just two compartments. The main compartment is where you’ll find the padded 15” laptop sleeve and a second compartment features plenty of pocket to keep your essentials organized.

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

What we like

• Perfect size for daily carry with just the right amount of pockets.

• Lightweight

• Bungee is great for attaching a light jacket or hoodie without taking up space in the main compartment.

What we don’t like

• The Jester is a good value for the price but it’s still a few steps down from the Borealis in terms of quality, construction and organization.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18.13” H x 11” W x 8.25” D

• Capacity: 27L

• Material: 600D Recycled Polyester with non-PFC DWR finish

• Weight: 1lbs 10oz

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

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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

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GBY Ultralight Laptop Day Pack

GBY Ultralight claims that their Ultralight Laptop Day Pack is the lightest laptop backpack in the world… and we believe it! This backpack weighs only 12.8 ounces and still manages to squeeze in a protective high density foam sleeve for a laptop or tablet. While other backpacks may be light, very few make laptop protection a priority like the GBY Ultralight Laptop Day Pack does.

Although much of the design-inspiration comes from lightweight outdoor packs the Ultralight Laptop Day Pack is ultimately designed for urban carry and daily commuting. A single slip pocket on the inside is great for small items or documents while a weatherproof side zip pocket allows for quick access to essentials like a water bottle, passport or sunglasses. The laptop sleeve is fully padded with a false bottom so your laptop doesn’t touch the bottom of the bag when placed on the ground.

What we like

• It’s not a gimmick - this is the lightest laptop backpack we have ever come across. The difference between the GBY Ultralight and your standard laptop backpack is night and day.

• Water resistant fabric and zippers makes it great for commuting on rainy days.

• Really comfortable - the light weight + ergonomic shoulder straps feels like wearing air.

What we don’t like

• Organization is limited. You are limited to only two pockets for smaller items - one slip pocket on the inside and the side zip pocket on the outside. Could use another small pocket for organizing things like pens, keys and charging cables.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19” H x 11 W" x 6.7" D

• Weight: 12.8 oz.

• Volume: 20L

• Materials:  Japanese SS2-Ultra waterproof fabric, YKK water resistant zippers

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

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

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

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

What we like

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

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

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

What we don’t like

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

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

SPECIFICATIONS

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

• Capacity: 27L

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

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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North Face Borealis Backpack

The North Face Borealis is a versatile backpack that can be used for anything from school to light travel. Its medium size has made it popular with those who want a functional backpack without the bulk.

Unlike the similar North Face Jester, the Borealis offers a separate premium laptop compartment for incredible protection of your expensive tech. The front compartment includes a fleece-lined tablet pocket and tons of smaller pockets for organization. Use the front bungee system to quickly stash jackets, blankets and other larger items when you are on the move.

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

What we like

• Great laptop compartment with suspended bottom for extra protection from drops.

• Upgraded bungee systems allows for easier attachement of bulky items

• Best in class organization - lots of smaller pockets and compartment

• DWR finish adds great water resistance to fabric.

What we don’t like

• Side bungee cords are a good replacement for compression straps but can get in the way of the water bottle pockets.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19.5” H x 12” W x 6.5” D

• Capacity: 28L (27L women’s)

• Material: 210D recycled nylon ripstop, 300D heathered polyester, 600D polyester, non-PFC DWR finish

• Weight: 2lbs 5oz

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Burton Annex Backpack

The Burton Annex is a versatile everyday backpack inspired by vintage rucksack designs. What you won’t find in the Burton Annex is a complicated backpack with too many pockets and compartments. Instead Burton decided to keep things simple with a deep and roomy main compartment that stays true to its vintage rucksack inspirations. Side pockets are available for smaller items while a laptop compartment can be accessed from the main compartment or the back.

At 28 liters, the Burton Annex is the larger cousin of the Burton Tinder backpack in both size and design.

What we like

• Multifunctional backpack that’s great for school, outdoor activities or short trips.

• Front straps can be used to fasten things like a yoga mat or jacket.

• Laptop sleeve with separate tablet sleeve in main compartment.

What we don’t like

• Main compartment is one big abyss. Easy to lose smaller items and it can become a hassle to find things at the bottom of the bag.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 20” H x 10.5” W x 7” D

• Capacity: 28L

• Materials: Varies by color

• Weight: 2 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 17”

Where to buy

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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”

Where to buy

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Bellroy Classic Backpack

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

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

What we like

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

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

What we don’t like

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

SPECIFICATIONS

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

• Capacity: 17L

• Materials: Venture-weave polyester with leather accents

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Samsonite Modern Utility Paracycle Backpack

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

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

What we like

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

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

What we don’t like

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

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.75” H x 12” W x 8” D

• Weight: 2lbs

• Material: Ripstop Polyester

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15.6”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Samsonite Tectonic 2 Backpack

The Samsonite Tectonic 2 is a versatile backpack for those who need a reliable backpack for school, work commutes or traveling. Its tough ballistic polyester design looks mature enough to be carried into the office while it’s large main compartment is perfect for carrying large books on campus or extra clothes while traveling.

What we like

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

• Fleece lined top pocket is a nice touch. Perfect for glasses, headphones, etc.

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

What we don’t like

• Front zipper pocket can become hard to access when the main compartment is full.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” H x 13.3” W x 8.6” D

• Weight: 2.6 lbs

• Material: 1060D Polyester

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 17”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Burton Kilo Backpack

The Burton Kilo is the brand’s best mid-sized backpack for school, work or travel. At 27 liter capacity, the backpack is roomy enough to carry school books or extra clothes but compact enough to avoid too much bulk. One of the features we like about this backpack is the number of pockets inside the main compartment and throughout the outside of the bag. Two straps adorn the front of the backpack and can be used to carry your skateboard or fasten your jacket for extra storage.

What we like

• Deep main compartment can fit books, extra clothes and other gear.

• Lots of color and pattern options to choose from.

• Laptop sleeve with separate tablet sleeve in main compartment.

What we don’t like

• Looks bigger in photos than it really is. If you need a large backpack for school or travel, then the Burton Kilo is not for you.

• Side pockets aren’t deep or wide enough for larger water bottles.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.5” H x 11.5” W x 6” D

• Capacity: 27L

• Materials: Varies by color

• Weight: 1 .8 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Kaukko Outdoor Backpack

Another day, another cheaper Herschel Little America alternative. Kaukko heavily borrows from the popular Herschel backpack down to the red and white striped fabric lining and branded woven label placement. We once heard that imitation is a form of flattery.

But the Kaukko Outdoor Backpack is actually a pretty solid deal. At under $50 you get a medium sized rucksack with a laptop compartment, plenty of pockets and countless color options. And the backpack is actually pretty comfortable even when loaded thanks to its padded shoulder straps and back making the Kaukko Outdoor Backpack one of the better cheap “vintage rucksack” style backpacks out there.

What we like

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

• Side pockets and compression straps are a nice touch.

What we don’t like

• It feels “cheap” especially when compared to higher quality backpacks.

• Fake leather straps aren’t the best quality.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18.5” H x 11.8” W x 6.3” D

• Capacity: 22.4L

• Material: 600D Polyester

• Weight: 2.1lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15.6”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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