Sherpani Soleil Anti-Theft [Review]

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

Let’s delve in!

Video Review

The Rundown

What we like

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

• Easy to convert to a tote bag or crossbody bag

• Protective padded laptop sleeve

• Lots of pockets to keep things organized

What we don’t like

• The bag tilts forward when worn as a backpack

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

SPECIFICATIONS

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

• Weight: 1 lb 10 oz

• Capacity: 14L

• Materials: Recycled Mélange, Ballistic Nylon

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15”

• Tablet Sleeve: None

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

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

Convertible Design and Bag Fit

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

Sherpani Soleil convertible backpack - crossbody bag and tote bag mode

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

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

Shoulder straps on the Sherpani Soleil backpack

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

Construction & Water Resistance

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

Sherpani Soleil Backpack - Gaps in top zipper

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

Pockets and Compartments

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

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

Sherpani Soleil Backpack - Exterior pockets

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

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

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

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

Sherpani Soleil Backpack - Internal 15-inch laptop sleeve

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

What Fits Inside the Sherpani Soleil?

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

Travel PackING

• iPad (inside laptop sleeve)

• Tech Pouch 

• Baseball Cap

• 24oz Water Bottle

• Compressible Travel Jacket

School or Work Packing

• Folder

• Large 3-Subject Notebook

• Composition Notebook

• 1-inch Binder

• Laptop (inside laptop sleeve)

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

Anti-Theft Features Explained

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

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

Sherpani Soleil Backpack - main compartment zipper locking clip

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

Sherpani Soleil Backpack - Included ReturnMe lost and found tag

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

---

Able Carry Thirteen Daybag [Review]

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

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

Video Review

The Rundown

What we like

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

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

• Protective "floating" laptop sleeve

• Lots of pockets to keep things organized

What we don’t like

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

• Laptop sleeve can be a little difficult to access

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

SPECIFICATIONS

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

• Weight: 2.2lb

• Capacity: 13L

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

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 14”

• Tablet Sleeve: Up to 11"

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

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

Who is this backpack for?

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

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

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

Size and Fit

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

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

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

Able Carry Thirteen Daybag vs Daily Plus size differences

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

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

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

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

Construction & Quality

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Outside Pockets and Compartments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exterior Lash Points

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

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

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

14” Laptop Sleeve

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

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

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

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

What Fits Inside the Able Carry Thirteen Daybag?

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

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

Everyday Carry Packout

• 14” Laptop

• Small Notebook (or 11” tablet)

• Pen

• 24oz water bottle (inside side pocket)

• Sunglasses case (inside side pocket)

• Laptop charger and tech accessories (inside zip pocket)

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

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

School or Work Packout

• 14” Laptop

• Small Notebook (or 11” tablet)

• Pen

• Large 3-subject notebook

• 1-inch binder

• Laptop charger and tech accessories (inside zip pocket)

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

---

King Kong EDT Backpack [Review]

Introducing the Everyday Tactical (EDT) Backpack, King Kong's first-ever daily laptop backpack.

King Kong is best known for their rugged gym bags but they have really surprised us when they announced a smaller laptop backpack for everyday carry. This pack is a fusion of a high-end laptop backpack and a rugged tactical bag. From full grain leather accents to MOLLE webbing for attachments, it’s a nice blend of style and function.

In this King Kong EDT backpack review, we will dive into all of the details and explore if it’s worth the hype.

Video Review

The Rundown

What we like

• Side pockets are great for multi-use: water bottles, pens, phone, etc

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

• Real leather accents really elevate the look and feel

• Comfortable padded shoulder straps and breathable back panel

What we don’t like

• Laptop sleeve doesn’t have a false bottom to protect against drops

• Plastic buckles on the front. We wish King Kong had used metal for durability.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19.7” (H) x 11.8” (W) x 5.1” (D)

• Capacity: 18L

• Materials: Full Grain American Leather, Nylon, Ripstop Nylon

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 16”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

Size and Fit

The King Kong EDT Backpack offers a 18 liters of packing room, making it great for lugging around daily essentials. Despite its modest 18-liter capacity, this backpack falls on the larger side with a pretty big footprint on the back when worn.

The shoulder straps a nicely padded with breathable mesh, which are approximately 3.5 inches apart and wider than most at 3 inches. This design provides great comfort and support for large men and women with broad shoulders, however those with narrow shoulders and a smaller frame may find the straps a bit too wide.

We really love the back panel on the EDT. It’s cushioned and very breathable, featuring cutouts for airflow. The back panel is stiff to give the bag some structure but it isn’t too stiff and will still conform to your back for a personalized fit. For extra support, the backpack also features an adjustable sternum strap.

Materials and Construction

The King Kong EDT Backpack features a combination of high-quality materials and thoughtful construction. The bag uses full grain American leather trim on the front top panel, front bottom panel, top handle, and various touch points. The leather really adds sophistication to the bag that we only really see in luxury laptop backpacks.

Inside the backpack, King Kong uses light-colored ripstop nylon, providing excellent visibility to easily locate your items. Additionally, the backpack incorporates MOLLE webbing on the side pockets and front, offering versatile attachment options for extra gear.

While the bag includes convenient straps on the front for attaching items like a jacket, we found that the quality of the buckles on the straps is a bit disappointing, as they are made with plastic. Time will tell how these plastic buckles hold up, and we wished that King Kong had opted for sturdier metal buckles instead.

One appealing aspect of the EDT Backpack is the minimal branding. The only visible branding is a removable leather patch on the front, allowing you to personalize the bag with your own morale patch. This touch of customization adds to the backpack's overall appeal and versatility.

What fits inside the King Kong EDT Backpack?

The King Kong EDT Backpack offers 18 liters of packing space, providing enough room for your daily essentials. Inside the main compartment, you'll find a smart organization system with five different pockets, ensuring your belongings stay neat and easily accessible.

Inside the main compartment you’ll be greeted with a padded sleeve, perfect for securely stashing documents or an iPad. There are also slip pockets that can easily fit a laptop charger or sunglasses case. For further organization, two zippered pockets are available for smaller items, making it easy to keep stuff like pens and cables within reach.  Our favorite pocket has to be the hidden pocket underneath the King Kong label that can perfectly fit an Apple Airtag or Tile tracker.

In our tests, we found that the main compartment comfortably accommodated a few binders, notebooks, and folders, making it a practical choice for students and professionals alike.

Furthermore, the EDT Backpack can easily fit a change of clothing and shoes, making it suitable for quick gym visits or overnight trips. For work carry, the main compartment can also fit a lunch box and jacket inside the main compartment.

One thing to note is that the opening of the main compartment isn’t very wide. This is great for stacking your items on top of each other but can be trouble for large bulky items. Stuff like a camera cube and large lunch box had trouble fitting through the opening.

16” Laptop Compartment

The laptop compartment of the King Kong EDT Backpack is designed to accommodate up to a 16" laptop. And when King Kong says 16” laptop, they mean a 16” laptop and not just a Macbook Pro. We found that we could comfortably fit a big clunky 15.6” PC Laptop inside this compartment with some room to spare.

This laptop compartment is generously padded on all sides, offering reliable protection for your laptop. However, our main concern with the laptop compartment is missing a false bottom. Without a false bottom, the laptop compartment extends all the way to the bottom of the bag, potentially leaving the laptop vulnerable to drops and bumps. We would love if King Kong incorporated a false bottom into the design in future versions of this bag, as this small feature adds an extra layer of protection for valuable devices.

Outside Pockets

The King Kong EDT Backpack comes equipped with three quick-access exterior pockets.

The first is a small front pocket secured with a water-resistant zipper. This nifty pocket is perfect for safeguarding your phone, wallet, or sunglasses, ensuring they stay protected even during rain.

The standout feature of this backpack is the multi-use side pockets found on either side. These pockets cleverly zip shut when not in use, keeping them neatly out of the way and maintaining the bag's sleek appearance.

They serve as fantastic water bottle pockets, accommodating bottles of all sizes. We successfully fit a massive 40oz Hydroflask inside these side pockets with ease. Additionally, these pockets prove ideal for storing quick-access items like your phone, pen, or any other essentials you need on the go.

Final Thoughts

The EDT’s high-quality construction and thoughtful design choices truly impressed us, demonstrating King Kong's dedication to delivering top-notch products.

We have noticed that the quality of each King Kong bag keeps getting better and better with each new release. The Everyday Tactical is without a doubt their best release so far. The leather trim, the MOLLE webbing and cool urban backpack design has us excited about what King Kong will come up with next. It really is a mix of a high end backpack and rugged tactical bag. Best of both worlds.

---

---

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.

---

---

Got Bag Daypack

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

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

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

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

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

What we like

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

• Available in lots of fun colors

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

• Water resistant design for peace of mind outdoors

What we don’t like

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

SPECIFICATIONS

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

• Capacity: 11L

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

• Weight: 1.19lbs

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 13”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

---

Everyman Hideout 5-Way Commuter

It’s a backpack, messanger bag, sling crossbody bag, briefcase and a clutch.

It’s a daily laptop backpack, weekend travel pack and a work to gym backpack.

The Everyman Hideout 5-Way Commuter Pack lets you decide what you want to carry and how you want to carry it.

The versatile packing compartment includes velcro-backed packing cubes that can be used for both travel and organizing daily carry. This compartment also includes compression straps for easy packing of bulky clothing and gear. Remove the packing cubes and compression straps altogether and you have an open main compartment that you can use just like a regular top loading backpack.

A second laptop compartment operates as your mobile office. Felted wool laptop and tablet sleeves keep your tech safe from scratches while additional pockets can accommodate a pen, chargers and flat documents.

The Everyman Hideout 5-Way Commuter Pack is one of the most versatile backpacks we have come across to date. We appreciate its slim and minimalist footprint that minimizes unsightly bulk when worn and keeps you looking your best. The rugged ballistic nylon exterior and water resistant zippers gives Hideout Commuter an attractive black-on-black colorway that makes the bag look as good as it functions.

What we like

• Handsome minimalist design that would look great at both the office and at the airport.

• Super fast and easy to switch between modes of carry

• Includes packing cubes

• Removable packing cubes and compression straps allows for versatile use of the packing compartment

What we don’t like

• Slim 18L packing compartment limits what you can pack to 1 or 2 nights of travel.

• No water bottle pockets

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” (H) x 12” (W) x 6” (D)

• Capacity: 18L

• Materials: 1680 PU lined Ballistic Nylon, water resistant zippers, felted wool

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15”

• Tablet Sleeve: Up to 12.9”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

---

Harber London Commuter

The Harber London Commuter Backpack is definitely one of those backpacks that will turn some heads. Each bag is handmade in Spain and offers that special attention to detail that you just don’t get from mass produced bags. The full grain leather throughout also gives the Commuter Backpack a sophisticated touch that’s only rivaled by much more expensive luxury bags.

To get inside the main compartment you can engage the leather flip top that’s held together by a magnetic clasp to access the main compartment zipper. Inside you’ll find a 16” padded laptop sleeve, 13” padded tablet sleeve and a key leash with a metal clasp. Simple is as simple does.

The 17-liter capacity is roomy enough to use as a reliable daypack for work or as a personal item backpack on flights where compact bags are a must. But the lack of pockets for organization may leave something to be desired. Stuff like water bottles, pens and tech chargers don’t have dedicated storage pockets so you might have to get creative with organizer cases (Harber London offers a ton of great options if you want to go this route.).

For those looking for a simple do-it-all daypack, the Harber London Commuter does hit that sweet spot between a luxury bag and a practical laptop backpack that you can take just about anywhere.

What we like

• Handmade quality with exceptional attention to detail

• Handsome leather lid and accents gives the Commuter a luxurious look

• Leather shoulder straps are padded for comfort without adding bulk

What we don’t like

• No smaller pockets for organization. Very bare bones with just a laptop and tablet sleeve.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 16.92” (H) x 11.02” (W) x 5.51” (D)

• Capacity: 17L

• Materials: Full grain leather, hard-wearing fabric made from recycled bottles

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 16”

• Tablet Sleeve: Up to 13”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

---

Chrome Barrage Cargo

The Chrome Barrage Cargo is a daily commuter backpack with an expandable rolltop design and durable weatherproof construction for peace of mind on rainy days. What makes the Barrage Cargo stand out from other commuter packs is its large cargo net that allows for extra storage of oversized items such as a bike helmet or shoes.

For an in-depth look at this backpack check out our hands-on Chrome Barrage Cargo review.

What we like

• Rugged bombproof construction made with heavy-duty materials

• Waterproof interior tarp liner and welded seams protects your gear during rainy commutes

• Cargo net comes in the handy when hauling bulky items

• The seatbelt sternum strap buckle is actually pretty fun to use (plus it looks cool)

What we don’t like

• Internal laptop pocket is not padded (a padded laptop sleeve is recommended)

• It’s heavy - weighs 3lbs when empty

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 20” H x 11.75” W x 6” D

• Capacity: 18-22L

• Materials: 1050D Nylon, 22oz 1000D TPE tarp

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

---

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

---

HEX Technical Backpack (with wireless charging)

HEX raises the bar for modern carry with their new Technical Backpack.

The HEX Technical Backpack has two standout features: It’s made with antimicrobial fabric technology which repels up to 99% of harmful bacteria and features an innovative wireless charging pocket that gives you hands-free phone charging anywhere you go.

One of the things we love about this backpack is that it feels like great quality when you handle it. The bag is made out of super durable Cordura ballistic nylon and YKK zippers so you know it’s made to last. Add in a 16” faux fur laptop sleeve and a myriad of pockets and you have the perfect daily driver for work or play.

Read our full HEX Technical Backpack review for a more in-depth look.

What we like

• Made with antimicrobial fabric technology to keep germs to a minimum.

• Ability to charge your phone wirelessly thanks to the special charging pocket

• Plenty of pockets for your everyday gear: laptop, accessories and personal items.

What we DON’T like

• Bring your own power bank: In order to take advantage of the wireless charging pocket you need a wireless power bank. Fortunately, HEX sells their own Wireless Power Bank that is guaranteed to work flawlessly with the wireless charging pocket.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19.5"H x 11.5"W x 4.75"D

• Capacity: 17.5L

• Material: 1680 Cordura ballistic nylon, YKK EYL woven “tough zippers” Antimicrobial technology on the fabric.

• Weight: 2lbs

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 16”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

---

Targus 15" Newport Backpack

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

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

What we like

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

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

What we don’t like

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

SPECIFICATIONS

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

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

• Lots of smaller organizer pockets

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

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

---

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Backpack

If you are looking for a small backpack for travel or daily commuting then the Travelpro Maxlite 5 women’s backpack may be just the ticket. Made to compliment Travel Pro Maxlite luggage, we love its travel features such as a luggage trolley-sleeve, separate laptop pocket and roomy front pocket for quick stashing of cell phones and wallets when passing through airport security.

As a daily carry backpack, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 backpack also packs a punch thanks to its various organizer pockets on the inside of the main compartment and water and stain resistant DuraGuard coating to protect your important essentials on rainy days.

What we like

• Lots of small pockets and compartments for easy-access to essentials.

• Laptop pocket is separate from the main compartment - no rummaging through stuff to access your tech!

• Includes a trolley-sleeve for easy attachment to rolling luggage. Small enough to be considered a personal item bag on most airlines.

What we don’t like

• Laptop pocket is better suited for very slim Macbooks or tablets. Thicker devices may have trouble fitting in.

• Main compartment carry is limited. May not be able to fit multiple large objects (large water bottle + bulky sweater) if you are using the internal organizer pockets.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 15” H x 10” W x 5.5” D

• Capacity: 19L

• Materials: Polyester with DuraGuard water resistant coating

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 14”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

---

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

Similar Backpacks

---

Timbuk2 Recruit Backpack

Timbuk2 manages with offer a backpack with a small footprint without compromising on carry capacity with their Recruit backpack. The Timbuk2 Recruit can comfortably carry a 13-inch laptop and a few books while still having plenty of space in its smaller front pockets for personal items.

What we like

• Perfect size for petite women or people with smaller frames.

• Shoulder straps are padded and very comfortable.

• Good amount of pockets and organizers. Great for daily carry.

What we don’t like

• Quality of the zippers isn’t the best.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 15” H x 9.45” W x 3.94” D

• Capacity: 12L

• Materials: Premium twill fabric

• Weight: 1.3 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 13”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

---

Baggallini Essential Laptop Backpack

Baggallini offers a versatile women’s backpack for work, travel and errands with their RFID Essential backpack. The roomy main compartment and additional organizers and pockets are perfect for everyday essentials like books, files and personal items.

What we like

• Sophisticated design won’t look out of place at the office.

• Includes trolly sleeve so that the backpack can be carried on luggage handles when you travel.

• Small enough to be considered a personal item at most airlines.

What we don’t like

• Backpack itself doesn’t provide RFID protection. Instead Baggallini includes a removable RFID wristlet.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 16” H x 11.5” W x 5.75” D

• Materials: Rain resistant nylon

• Weight: 1 lbs 9 oz

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

• Includes removable RFID wristlet

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

---

Baggallini Mendoza Convertible Backpack

With the Mendoza convertible backpack, Baggallini offers a stylish shoulder bag when you want it with the convenience of a backpack when you need it. The Mendoza includes a 52 inch adjustable crossbody straps that convert to backpack shoulder straps. Inside the bag you’ll find useful interior organizers and multiple pockets for storing daily essentials.

What we like

• Front outside pocket is perfect for small items like a phone, tickets or passport.

• Water resistant nylon material looks sophisticated and sleek. Bag can be dressed up or down.

What we don’t like

• Shoulder straps aren’t adjustable when used as a backpack.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 13” H x 12.5” W x 6” D

• Materials: Nylon

• Weight: 1 lbs 1 oz

• Laptop Compartment: No

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

---

Dakine Wonder Backpack

The Dakine Wonder is a stylish daypack that packs a lot of punch in a small package. Features such as skateboard straps, a fleece-lined sunglasses pocket and mesh water bottle pockets makes the Wonder perfect for days when you just want to explore the city with a light load.

Note: The Dakine Wonder backpacks comes in two sizes; 15 liters and a larger 22 liter version. The specs here are for the 15 liter Dakine Wonder backpack.

What we like

• Inexpensive. You can grab one under $50.

• Small capacity is perfect as a light daypack.

• Fun color and pattern options.

• External bungee allows you to cinch extra items like jackets and shopping bags to the outside of the backpack.

What we don’t like

• Lack of organizers and pockets inside the main compartment. No pocket for laptop or tablet.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” H x 12” W x 6” D

• Capacity: 15L

• Materials: 600D Polyester

• Weight: 1 lbs 2 oz

• Laptop Compartment: None

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

---

Everlane Modern Snap Backpack

The Everlane Modern Snap backpack is one the brand’s most popular bags and it’s easy to see why. The Modern Snap Backpack is stylish enough to wear while running weekend errands yet sophisticated enough as a work commuter bag. The sleek design looks great on both men and women while the size is perfect for people with smaller frames who want to avoid bulky backpacks.

What we like

• Stylish modern rucksack design that can be worn to work or on the weekends.

• Main compartment is spacious and can fit everything from books, binders to a change of clothes.

What we don’t like

• Side pockets are not gusseted so it can be hard to fit things like water bottles or umbrellas when the pack is full.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” H x 12” W x 5.5” D

• Capacity: 29L

• Materials: Water resistant cotton twill with leather accents

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

---

Incase Compass Backpack

The Incase Compass is a laptop backpack for those who need reliable daily carry that looks as good as it functions.

If you are looking for a backpack with 101 pockets then the Incase Compass is not for you. If you instead would like a simple backpack with a roomy main compartment for your daily essentials and a few thoughtfully place smaller pockets then the Compass is worth a closer look.

The Incase Compass is offered in two different sizes:

• Compass backpack: 24 liters

• Compass Dot: 13 liters

The photos and specifications below are of the original 24 liter Incase Compass backpack.

What we like

• Stylish modern design.

• Main compartment is spacious enough for tech, books, and personal items while still keeping a slim profile.

• Laptop and top pockets are lined with a super soft faux-fur.

What we don’t like

• No side water bottle pockets

• Not the best construction quality for Incase, but the Compass is also one of the more affordable Incase bags.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18.5” H x 11.75” W x 5.25” D

• Capacity: 24L

• Materials: 500D Blended Weave Polyester & 900D Triple Coated Polyester

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

---

Incase ICON Backpack

Built from the ground up for comfortable laptop carry, the Incase ICON backpack is one of the brand’s most popular backpack releases thanks to its dedicated tech accessory pockets, conveniently placed organizers, and ergonomic back panel and shoulder straps.

The Incase ICON is offered in a few different sizes:

• ICON backpack: 17 liters

• ICON Slim: 14.5 liters

• ICON Dot: 12 liters

The photos and specifications on this review are of the original 17 liter Incase ICON backpack.

What we like

• Attractive minimalist design.

• Side access iPad pocket is convenient and prevents you from having to rummage through the bag for your tablet.

• Laptop, tablet and accessories pockets are lined with super soft faux-fur.

• Great materials and construction. Looks and feels high quality.

What we don’t like

• Inside is not lined with a contrasting color. Small items tend to get lost in the abyss.

• No dedicated water bottle pockets

• Not weather proof, will have to purchase a waterproof cover separately.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19” H x 13” W x 9” D

• Capacity: 17L

• Materials: 840D Nylon

• Weight: 2.2 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

---