Mammut Seon Transporter 25L [Review]

When we first laid eyes on the Mammut Seon Transporter 25 backpack, we were immediately drawn to its sleek, professional design. Mammut is known for their high-quality technical clothing for climbing and hiking, so we were curious to see if their backpacks held up to the same standard. After testing this backpack for three months as an after-work tennis bag on weekdays, we can confidently say it lives up to its promise of being a 2-in-1 backpack for work and play.

Here's an in-depth Mammut Seon Transport 25 review, where we’ll be going over the pros and cons of this versatile backpack.

Video Review

The Rundown

What we like

• Sleek, high quality design that blends-in well with work settings.

• Made of water resistant materials

• Very protective pockets for tech; laptop, tablet and phone

What we don’t like

• No side pockets! Water bottles will have to be stored inside the bag.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” H x 12” W x 6.25” D

• Capacity: 25L

• Materials: 100% Polyamide, water-repellent zippers

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 17.3”

• Tablet Sleeve: Up to 11”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

Mammut Seon Transporter 25 Backpack - model height 5’6”

Size and Comfort

Mammut's design focus on a sleek and compact shape is clear in the Seon Transporter 25. Its briefcase-like shape ensures it doesn’t stick out much from your back when worn, providing a sleek, professional look. The size is also compact enough to use as a personal item backpack on flights.

Mammut Seon Transporter 25 exterior measurements: 18” H x 12” W x 6.25” D (45.7 x 30.5 x 15.9 cm)

Mammut Seon Transporter 25 - Foam padded back panel and shoulder straps

The back panel scores a 10/10 in terms of comfort. It’s made with two padded sections that feel like memory foam pillows against your back. Even when the Seon Transporter was packed to capacity, the back panel still felt soft and supportive. The shoulder straps are made from the same foam as the back panel and are ergonomically shaped for comfort. They work well until the bag gets heavy, at which point the shoulder straps start to feel a lot more firm than they should - a far cry from the soft, pillowy back panel.

It’s worth pointing out the lack of a chest strap or waist belt for additional weight management. For everyday use and light to moderate loads, the lack of chest and waist straps wasn’t a deal breaker during our testing. We believe the Seon Transporter 25 is compact enough where they aren’t needed.

Mammut Seon Transporter 25 - Use the side handle to carry it like a briefcase

Another great features is the side handle that allows you to carry the backpack like a briefcase! Although the shoulder straps do not tuck away like a convertible backpack, they do include elastic bands so that you can avoid dangling straps.

Rear "Work" Laptop Compartment

Mammut Soen Transporter 25 - The WORK compartment has both a padded laptop and tablet sleeve

The rear laptop compartment of the Seon Transporter 25, called the "WORK" compartment by Mammut, is designed with a professional work day in mind. Inside this compartment you’ll find a padded laptop sleeve, padded 11-inch tablet sleeve and a flat pocket for a notebook or documents.

Mammut says that this laptop sleeve can fit up to a 17.3-inch laptop, but we recommend double-checking the sleeve dimensions below to ensure your laptop will fit comfortably.

• Laptop sleeve dimensions: 17.1” x 10.8” (43.5 x 27.5 cm)

During our use, we found the tech protection in this compartment impressive. Both the laptop and tablet sleeves have generous false bottoms, giving you about two inches of protection between the bottom of the sleeves and the bottom of the bag. This gave us peace of mind whenever the bag was placed a little too hard on the ground during our use.

Main "Climb" Compartment and Packing Test

The main packing compartment, known as the "CLIMB" compartment, opens like a suitcase. For shorter trips, the packing space was perfect for 2-3 changes of clothes plus toiletries.

There are mesh pockets inside this compartment, perfect for toiletries or small workout accessories. The shoe pocket, surprisingly, does fit running and workout shoes. Our tests showed that women's size 8 running shoes fit inside the pocket just fine, and men's size 12 workout shoes also fit, though it was a tight squeeze. However, just like with most backpacks with shoe compartments, you're left with minimal space for packing when shoes are in this pocket.

Mammut Seon Transporter 25 - CLIMB compartment packed for a workout session.

With shoes in the pocket, we could fit a pair of lightweight pants and a t-shirt in the leftover space on top. Toiletries and smaller workout accessories found their place in the mesh pockets.

The shoe pocket can also double as a spot to store dirty laundry, which came in handy when we traveled and wanted to keep our soiled clothes separated from clean items.

Valuables Compartment

Mammut Seon Transporter 25 - Inside the valuables compartment with attached key leash

Sandwiched between the Work and Climb compartments is a smaller valuables compartment. This section features a water-repellent zipper and comes with a built-in lock for added security. Inside, there's a padded pocket for a phone and another pocket that we found perfect for stashing sunglasses.

There's also a larger mesh pocket for smaller loose items, complete with a key clip. This compartment became our go-to for storing our phone, keys, and other small valuables. The built-in lock added peace of mind, especially during our travels.

Exterior Features

In order to keep its sleek look, Mammut only added a few extra features to the exterior of the bag.

Mammut Seon Transporter 25 - The large front pocket can store a lightweight jacket

Front Pocket: The only exterior pocket on the Seon Transporter 25 is a large flat zippered pocket on the front of the bag. This pocket spans most of the front panel and also features a water-repellent zipper. However, it's not gusseted, so bulky items like large headphones or pouches can cause the pocket to bulge, detracting from the bag's sleek look. We mostly used this front pocket for storing a lightweight jacket, which we found convenient for quick access.

Mammot Seon Transporter 25 - Built-in trolley sleeve can be attached to travel luggage

Trolley Sleeve: Between the back panel padding, you’ll find a trolley sleeve that allows you to securely attach the backpack to the handle of your rolling luggage.

Water Bottle Storage: One big con about the Seon Transporter 25 is the lack of side pockets for water bottles. This means that a water bottle will have to stored in the main Climb compartment with your clothes and shoes, which isn't the most practical design. For a backpack that was designed for sports and activities, it was an odd choice not to include one!

Water Resistance TEST

Mammut Seon Transporter 25 - The bag has water repellent zippers and fabric but uses a regular fabric zipper for CLIMB compartment

Our water-resistance test found that the coated polyamide fabric exterior did a great job at creating a waterproof barrier, and wiping away water with a towel to dry the bag was a breeze. The water-repellent zippers also helped keep water out in light to moderate rain conditions. However, one big critique is the main CLIMB compartment uses a regular fabric zipper, which is a missed opportunity. Since the CLIMB zipper also reaches the bottom of the bag, it created an unfortunate situation where moisture can get in through this zipper if placed on wet ground. As a result of this design, leaks were more prone to happen inside the CLIMB compartment.

Even with the extra protection of the water-repellent zippers in the WORK and valuables compartment, it’s important to note that this isn’t a fully waterproof backpack. We wouldn’t feel confident around prolonged periods in heavy rain or significant splashes, as moisture could still seep through the stitching. But if you are looking for a backpack that will stay dry in a light rain commute, the Seon Transporter 25 will get the job done with ease.

Final Thoughts

The Mammut Seon Transporter 25 is an attractive backpack that makes the perfect work to gym bag for those who want a sleek pack that won’t look out of place in an office setting. Its sleek design, high-quality materials, and thoughtful compartments also makes it a great travel bag option. Despite a few drawbacks, such as the lack of water bottle pockets, the overall design of this backpack is impressive.

If you are still searching for a backpack that can be used for both work and play? Check out our Best Backpacks for Gym and Work buying guide for more options.

---

King Kong Heritage Leather [Review]

Let's start by saying that a 'Buy It For Life' gym bag seems like a contradiction. Unraveling seams, fraying fabrics, and brittle plastic clasps that snap are the sorry fate of a well-loved yet heavily-abused gym bag. You tried so hard and got so far, but in the end it was a bag made out of polyester and plastic.

King Kong strives to offer something better with their Heritage Leather Backpack. In fact, we believe this falls squarely in the BFIL gym bag category. In this King Kong Heritage Leather Backpack review we give you the details so you can decide if this is the gym backpack for you.

Video Review

The Rundown

What we like

• Gorgeous full grain leather construction that looks amazing in person

• External shoe compartment

• 26L main compartment that’s roomy enough for most gym sessions

• Comfortable padded shoulder straps

What we don’t like

• Every piece of hardware is made out of metal except for the shoe compartment buckle which is unfortunately made of plastic.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 20” x 12” x 7” inches

• Capacity: 26L

• Weight: 5.9 lbs

• Materials: Full Grain American Leather, 100% Cotton Twill lining, metal zippers

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 16”

• Tablet Sleeve: None

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

Materials and Construction

Let’s start with the construction. The Heritage Leather Backpack is made with full-grain leather, a material that only improves in appearance as it ages. Over time, full-grain leather develops a rich patina, giving the Heritage Leather Backpack a unique look.

The interior of the backpack is lined with 100% cotton twill and features leather trim throughout. The zippers and hardware are made of metal, so there is no worry of cheap plastic snapping or cracking. The one exception is the buckle found in the exterior shoe compartment, which unfortunately is made out of plastic.

There is an elephant in the room when we talk about construction - and that's the bag's weight. The King Kong Heritage Leather Backpack is heavy, weighing in at a whopping 5.9lbs empty because of all the leather used in its construction. We're not putting a judgement on this weight, as it's the price to pay for an all-leather bag. Only you can decide if this is in the range of acceptability for how you plan on using it.

Pockets and Compartments

The compartments on the King Kong Heritage Leather Backpack are pretty straightforward, keeping in tune with King Kong's mission of designing a gym bag that rivals those made before the time of mass-produced, cheap bags that we see in most gyms today.

The King Kong Heritage Leather Backpack offers 26 liters of packing space, plus an external shoe compartment. We tested the shoe compartment and can confirm that it can fit a size 12 men's running shoes with room to spare for larger sizes.

Overall, the Heritage Leather Backpack offers a pretty 'back to basics' design. You won't find pockets for specific items like a phone, sunglasses, or pens. But it does offer a zippered pocket on the inside of the main compartment and a front pocket on the outside that can fit multiple items like a phone and wallet or smaller workout items like lifting gloves and a jump rope.

The 'back to basics' design also applies to the 16-inch laptop sleeve inside the main compartment, a lightly padded sleeve with no false bottom. If you are expecting a fancy laptop sleeve like you would find in many urban laptop backpacks - don't. Will this laptop sleeve get the job done? Yes. Is it the best we've ever seen? No.

Finally, we have the two side water bottle pockets. These pockets are deep and we can confirm that a 32oz Nalgene bottle fits comfortably inside. The water bottle pockets also zip shut for a cleaner look when not in use.

What Fits Inside?

We managed to fit a change of clothing (pants, t-shirt and sweatshirt), 12 oz boxing gloves and a toiletries bag inside the 26 litter main compartment. The exterior gives us some more storage thanks to the exterior shoe compartment and dual water bottle pockets. The front pocket is surprisingly roomy and we could easily fit a phone, wallet and a pair of weight lifting gloves.

Need more packing room? Check out the King Kong Heritage Leather Duffel that gives you 46 liters with an additional 5 pockets for organization.

Final Thoughts

This backpack rocks. There is no other way to say it. The supple leather and straightforward design makes it feel like an heirloom item. Can a gym backpack be an heirloom item? Well, we think so, thanks to King Kong. We can’t express enough how nice this backpack feels.

However, the $499 price tag isn’t for everyone. This is why we believe if you like the look of the Heritage Leather Backpack but can't justify the commitment, you should go with King Kong PLUS26, which shares a lot of the same design but at a more affordable price. But for anyone ready to make the leap into a premium gym bag design constructed to last decades, then the King Kong Heritage Backpack is the bag to get.

---

Troubadour Pioneer [Review]

Designed to be both a daily work backpack and a gym/travel bag - the Troubadour Pioneer offers a handsome option for those looking for a versatile backpack that can do it all.

Its design is pretty straightforward with a sleek polished exterior that won’t look out of place in office settings where looking your best matters. The outer pockets are discreet with two water bottle pockets that snap back into place when not in use to provide a cleaner look and multiple quick-access pockets for daily essentials such as a phone and sunglasses.

On the inside you’ll find an impressive variety of pockets for your work items plus a generous 17-inch laptop sleeve that’s soft-lined to protect your tech from scratches. This laptop compartment can also be accessed from an outside side zipper for fast entry without having to open up the main compartment.

The Pioneer’s secret sauce however is its sneaky bottom compartment made with an anti-microbial lining for storing shoes and clothing. This is a large compartment that can fit a men’s size 12 in running shoes with room to spare for a sweatshirt or shorts. You can also use this bottom compartment for stashing a change of clothing for overnight stays. The highlight of this compartment is the ability to keep your gym/travel items separate from your work items.

At 23.5 liters the Troubadour Pioneer is the perfect laptop daypack for professionals who need a reliable backpack for work without the unsightly profile of larger backpacks. But unfortunately this compact size does cut into the bag’s usable packing room. The shoe compartment uses up a lot of space inside the main compartment and you may find yourself limited in how much you can carry. But for those tired of large bulky backpacks and awkward silhouettes, the Troubadour Pioneer might offer a good compromise between size and functionality.

Troubadour’s secret weapon has always been their highly water resistant designs and the Pioneer is no exception. The exterior is constructed with a waterproof fabric and water resistant zippers which offers peace of mind to city commuters on rainy days.

Speaking of construction, the shoulder straps are plush and made with a high-density foam that feels great under load and its padded back panel offers great breathability thanks to its generous airflow channels. When it comes to quality construction Troubadour doesn’t miss and it’s safe to say that the Pioneer is one backpack that feels as great as it looks.

What we like

• Sleek sophisticated design and a high quality water resistant construction

• Large bottom compartment for shoes and clothing

• Amazing organization - great variety of internal and external pockets

• Highly water resistant construction for peace of mind on rainy days

What we don’t like

• The bottom shoe compartment takes up room inside the main compartment. At 23.5L this means packing a change of clothes or shoes won’t leave much room for bulkier items inside the main compartment.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19.3” (H) x 11.8” (W) x 6.3” (D)

• Capacity: 23.5L

• Materials: Water resistant recycled polyester fabric, vegan leather

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 17”

• Tablet Sleeve: None

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

---

Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 [Review]

The Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 could easily be described as the Fort Knox of travel backpacks with its large array of cutting-edge anti-theft features for peace of mind when on the move.

The self-locking zippers are a clear highlight of the design. Each exterior zipper is lockable - from the main compartment to the laptop compartment. Not only can the zippers lock themselves but each zipper can also be used in conjunction with a TSA lock for another level of security. 

Other great anti-theft features include Pacsafe’s own eXomesh slashguard technology which uses built-in stainless steel wire mesh inside the fabric to protect against cuts and slashes. The zippers are also puncture-resistant to safe-guard against tampering. A single RFID-safe pocket in the front pocket gives you a great spot to stash a passport or credit cards.

Packing the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 is a breeze thanks to it’s 3-way zipper design that gives you wide-open access to the main compartment. In all, you’ll get 35 liters of packing room which we found to be more than enough for a 2-4 day trip.

The shoe compartment can be found on the bottom of the backpack and it’s one of the largest shoe compartments we have tested yet. You can easily fit a pair of men’s size 12 running shoes  with room to spare. This compartment is also lockable for peace of mind.

After all is said and done Pacsafe has really outdone itself with this backpack. The anti-theft features alone are above and beyond other travel bags. And the overall design is very solid - from the shoe compartment to the wide open main compartment for easy packing - the Pacsafe EXP35 gets the job done.

What we like

• 3-way zipper design makes the main compartment super easy to pack

• Massive bottom compartment is great for larger shoes or laundry

• Amazing array of anti-theft features including self-locking zippers and slash-proof fabric.

• Made with water resistant recycled fabric

What we don’t like

• Anti-theft zippers take a moment to get used to.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 20.5” (H) x 9.8” (W) x 7.9” (D)

• Capacity: 35L

• Materials: Water resistant 750D recycled polyester, recycled polyester lining

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 16”

• Tablet Sleeve: None

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

---

King Kong EDGE35 [Review]

The King Kong EDGE35 is a versatile backpack that can be used for workouts, travel and daily carry thanks to its 35 liter capacity and clamshell style main compartment that makes loading the backpack a breeze. This main compartment is large enough to fit multiple changes of clothes and bulkier items like boxing gloves and other workout gear. The EDGE35 even includes a large bottom shoe compartment for sneakers or dirty laundry.

For daily carry, the King Kong EDGE35 features a large 17” padded laptop compartment and a front admin compartment with plenty of pockets for organizing smaller essentials. The side Fidlock magnetic buckle straps allow you to compress the backpack down for a slimmer profile on days you want to keep it light.

Construction-wise, the King Kong EDGE35 is an absolute beast with beefy zippers and a heavy-weight fabric construction. This definitely feels like a backpack that you can toss around without worrying about the integrity of the construction. Of course, this rugged construction comes at the cost of weight - the King Kong EDGE35 weights a total of 4lbs when empty.

When it comes to the overall design we are impressed the King Kong EDGE35. The 35 liter capacity makes it a great option for gym goers who carry bulky workout kits like shoes, boxing gloves, pads and weight lifting belts. The fact that this backpack opens like a suitcase for easy packing is easily one of the highlights of the EDGE35’s design and its wide variety of pockets and compartments makes it a great choice for anyone looking for a one-bag solution for workouts, travel and daily laptop carry.

What we like

• Sleek design that looks great as a gym or travel backpack.

• Plenty of pockets for organizing gym items and clothing inside the main compartment

• Side water bottle pockets hide away when not in use for a cleaner look.

• Clamshell main compartment for easy packing/unpacking.

What we don’t like

• Compression straps work great for managing the backpack size but unfortunately you have to undo these buckles to get into the main compartment.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19.7” H x 12.6” W x 8.7” D

• Capacity: 35L

• Materials: 1000D Nylon, YKK Zippers

• Weight: 4 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 17”

• Shoe compartment

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

---

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.

---

---

Targus Work+ Expandable Daypack 32L

The Targus Work+ Expandable Daypack offers a one-bag solution for work, school, gym and travel thanks to a creative design made to adapt to different situations.

The main compartment opens wide with a near-clamshell zipper design that gives you access to multiple pockets for daily organization. In the rear you’ll find a separate padded laptop compartment for devices up to 16-inches while a large bottom compartment for shoes or laundry allows you to separate the yucky from your daily carry.

Targus also adds some clever travel features into the Work+ design such as lockable zippers in the main and laptop compartments and side and front handles for easy grabbing when using overhead compartments on planes and trains. Another great travel feature is the trolley sleeve in the back panel so that you can attach the Work+ to your rolling luggage.

As for gripes, there is no secondary padded sleeve for a tablet. Also, your main organizer pockets for pens and smaller items is located in the back of the main compartment which makes these items a little cumbersome to reach when the main compartment is packed full. We would have liked to have seen a separate compartment altogether for these organizer pockets. But these are just minor complaints amongst an overwhelmingly positive impression of such a thoughtfully designed and versatile backpack.

Truth be told there are a lot of features on the Targus Work+ Expandable Daypack that just work. Targus includes a good variety of pockets throughout the backpack both internally and externally. Our favorite is the sneaky front panel pocket that stays relatively hidden. 

The side water bottle pockets are also a slam dunk since they are made of incredibly stretchy material and can fit larger bottles. We were able to fit in a 32L Nalgene bottle and a Blender Bottle with and they stayed nice and snug inside the pockets.

What we like

• Awesome expandable design that gives you a roomy bag when you need it and a slimmer bag on light days.

• Great travel features that makes life easy on trips (luggage sleeve, handles, lockable zippers)

• Stretchy water bottle pockets can fit larger bottles (like a 32oz Nalgene)

• Sleek design that would look great at as a daily work backpack

What we don’t like

• No secondary padded sleeve for tablet

• Organizer pockets are in the back of the main compartment making them a little cumbersome to access when the bag is fully packed. We wish there was a separate organizer/admin compartment.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 20.46” (H) x 12.9” (W) x 7.67” (D)

• Capacity: 32L (when expanded)

• Weight: 2.64lbs

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 16”

• Tablet Sleeve: None

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

---

Public Rec Pro Pack Plus

Public Rec scores a home run with their versatile Pro Pack Plus. This backpack features a roomy main packing compartment that can be used for multi-day travel plus a discrete bottom compartment for shoes or laundry to keep your dirty items separate. When paired its handsome minimalist design, it’s no wonder why the Pro Pack Plus is a favorite backpack with shoe compartment.

The rear laptop compartment is filled with pockets for organization and includes a 15” laptop sleeve with an additional sleeve for a tablet or documents. You’ll have also enough room in this compartment to store a couple of notebooks or binders when needed.

Along with being a solid daily laptop backpack, the 26.5L of capacity in the Public Rec Pro Pack Plus gives you the room to pack for impromptu weekend getaways or business trips. The sleek minimalist design also gives you the ability to hit up the gym before or after work while still looking professional at the office. 

The Public Rec Pro Pack Plus is constructed of water resistant poly-twill and has a semi-rigid construction. This means that the backpack does a great job at keeping its shape even when empty to prevent an unsightly floppy and sloppy appearance. Details like these is what makes the Pro Pack Plus such a great backpack for professional environments where looking your best matters.

The back panel and shoulder straps are generously padded for comfort and we have come to appreciate the cushy mesh and airflow channels on warmer days. Overall, the look and quality of the Pro Pack Plus leaves little to be desired for the working professional who expects more from their carry.

What we like

• Attractive minimalist design

• Very roomy packing compartment that’s perfect for weekend travel or after-work gym sessions.

• Great organization of daily work items

• Hidden pockets in the back for extra security

What we don’t like

• No stretch in the water bottle pockets limits your carry to slim bottles

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” (H) x 12” (W) x 7.5” (D)

• Capacity: 26.5L

• Weight: 2.7lbs

• Materials: Water resistant poly-twill fabric

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15”

• Tablet/Document Sleeve: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

---

Lo & Sons The Hakuba

The Hakuba by Lo & Sons is a gym, travel and commuting backpack designed to be as versatile as you are. One special feature of the Hakuba is its removable insert that can be adjusted as needed to increase the space inside the main compartment. A mesh divider on the insert allows you to keep the bottom compartment divided for shoes and laundry or you can roll the divider up to take advantage of the full 35.5 liter main compartment.

When it comes to pockets, the Hakuba gives you plenty of organization throughout. Quick-access pockets on the top of the bag are real life savers when traveling and the zippered side pockets give you storage for water bottles on work out days and discreetly stay in place for a more streamlined look at the office.

What we like

• Clever removable insert allows you to adjust main compartment storage as needed

• Stylish minimalist design

• Bottom compartment is perfect for shoes or dirty laundry

• Discreet side water bottle pockets that stay out of the way when not in use

What we DON’T like

• Curved bottom won’t allow the Hakuba to stand straight up without toppling over when placed on the ground

• Steep price - the Lo & Sons Hakuba retails for $275

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 21.5"H x 13"W x 7.75"D

• Capacity: 35.5L

• Material: 600D Recycled Poly, water resistant zippers, memory foam shoulder straps

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15” laptop

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

---

Reebok Active Enhanced Backpack

The Reebok Active Enhanced Backpack is a versatile gym bag that can also be used for school, travel or work thanks to its laptop compartment and front pocket for daily essentials. One of our favorite features is the bottom compartment that can store a pair of shoes or laundry. This neat feature keeps all of your clean and dirty items separate for peace of mind on long days.

What we like

• Ventilated bottom shoe/laundry compartment in the bottom keeps dirty items separate.

• Simple design doesn’t scream “gym bag” Versatile enough to be used as a daily carry backpack for work or school.

• Can’t beat the price: $50 MSRP

What we don’t like

• Although the quality is good for the price - it does feel like a polyester backpack. If you are looking for a premium gym backpack, look somewhere else.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.5” H x 12.5 W" x 8.5" D

• Volume: 29L

• Materials:  100% Polyester

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

---

Aer Travel Pack 2

The Aer Travel Pack 2 is a comprehensive travel backpack that is perfect for one bag travel. Its roomy main compartment opens up like a suitcase for instant access to multiple days worth of clothing and personal items. Organizing your daily essentials has never been easier thanks to the Travel Pack’s front panel organizer, separate laptop compartment and smaller pockets for quick access items.

What we like

• Lots of accessible pockets which are perfect for organizing smaller items.

• Incredibly durable ballistic nylon feels rugged enough to withstand years of heavy use. Zippers also feel high quality.

• We love the addition of a separate shoe/dirty clothes pocket.

What we don’t like

• Main compartment doesn’t include any tie down straps or mesh dividers to keep clothing and items from spilling out when opening. If you plan on using packing cubes than this shouldn’t be an issue.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 21.5” H x 13.5” W x 8.5” D

• Capacity: 33L

• Materials: 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon

• Weight: 3.7 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15.6”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

---

Timbuk2 Wander Backpack Duffel

The Timbuk2 Wander is a convertible backpack and duffel bag made for those who need a high-volume travel bag to take with them wherever they roam. The main compartment is incredibly roomy and at 40-liters it’s the perfect size for one-bag travel enthusiasts. For easy duffel carry, simple unclip the shoulder straps at their ends and stow them away in the back panel.

What we like

• Lots of useful pockets and storage options throughout the bag.

• Wet/dry compartment is great for dirty clothes or shoes.

• External compression straps allows you to pack for a days or a couple of weeks.

What we don’t like

• There are plastic clips that allow the shoulder straps to be stowed away when the bag is being used as a duffel. Yet these clips are poorly designed and can come loose when the shoulder straps are in use.

• No hip belt for help with heavier loads.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 22.8” H x 15” W x 7.5” D

• Weight: 3.7lbs

• Capacity: 40L

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

---