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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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