Under Armour Hustle Sport [Review]

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

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

Video Review

The Rundown

What we like

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

• Available in lots of colors for a personalized look

• Ultra lightweight construction

• Affordable price

What we don’t like

• Laptop compartment is not padded

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

SPECIFICATIONS

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

• Capacity: 26L

• Materials: 100% Polyester

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15”

• Tablet Sleeve: None

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

Who is this backpack for?

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

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

What fits inside the Hustle Sport?

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

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

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

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

Exterior Pockets and Bungee Storage

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

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

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

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

Materials and Comfort

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

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

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

Is the UA Hustle Waterproof? UA Storm Technology Tested

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

Buy on Amazon

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

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

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

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Able Carry Daily Plus [Review]

Able Carry has taken their popular Daily Backpack and made it even better with the Daily Plus. What does the "Plus" stand for? More pockets, improved organization, and a more water-resistant design, thanks to its X-Pac and water-resistant zipper combination. Is this the right backpack for you? Check out this review to find out.

Video Review

The Rundown

What we like

• Amazing organization for everyday carry items

• Very protective laptop and tablet sleeves that float to prevent damage from bumps and drops

• Hidden pocket for secret stashes

• Comfortable and breathable shoulder straps and back panel

What we don’t like

• X-Pac is a high-strength and highly water-resistant fabric, but it has a downside: it makes a crinkly, plastic-like noise when the pack is opened, which can be distracting. Are we nitpicking too much here? We had to list something.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19.3” x 11.3” x 7.8” inches

• Capacity: 21L

• Weight: 2.6 lbs

• Materials: X-Pac

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 16”

• Tablet Sleeve: Up to 11” (does not fit 12.9” iPad Pro)

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

Who is this backpack for?

Work Commuters: We love this backpack as a daily driver for work and commuting. The organization panel in the main compartment acts as a mobile office giving you spots for a laptop, pens and tech essentials. The hidden water bottle pocket and back security pocket also provide protection during crowded commutes.

Students who need great organization: The main compartment of the Daily Plus can fit multiple large notebooks, books and binders and has all of the tech organization you need for a busy day campus. We also like the Daily Plus as a waterproof college backpack for rainy days.

"I need a good laptop backpack that won't fall apart": With its high-quality, water-resistant construction and protective "floating" laptop and tablet sleeves, the Able Carry Daily Plus backpack will keep your tech protected from bumps, drops, and the elements. Able Carry did NOT skimp on quality with this pack.

Who it might not be for:

Travelers - The Daily Plus was designed as a daybag first and foremost so it’s missing common travel backpack features. You won’t be getting a trolley sleeve for attaching the Daily Plus to rolling luggage and it’s a little oversized to fit the size requirements as a personal item bag on flights (although it is small enough to fit under airplane seats on many larger planes).

Materials and Construction

Able Carry scores a win with the high-quality construction of the Daily Plus. Its X-Pac exterior and water-resistant zippers provide a weatherproof design that can be relied on to keep your gear protected on rainy days.

We cannot stress enough how every aspect of the Able Carry Daily Plus exudes quality. The zippers are smooth, the interior ripstop lining is sturdy, and even the material used for the stretch pockets feels high-quality—nothing seems like an afterthought.

One thing to note is that when compared to a fabric like nylon, X-Pac is a much stiffer material and feels more like plastic than fabric. As a result, handling the backpack results in a loud, "crunchy" sound. Although X-Pac is incredibly strong and water-resistant, we understand that it may not be everyone's preference for daily use.

The Daily Plus also features Able Carry's "A-Frame" webbing design on the underside of the bag, which adds extra strength to the backpack when carrying heavy loads. This design is a substantial improvement in terms of strength compared to regular backpack stitching alone.

Pockets and Compartments

What sets the Daily Plus apart from its predecessor, the Daily Backpack, is the addition of numerous pockets for organization.

Inside the main compartment, you'll find the bulk of your storage, including a tech panel with a 16-inch laptop sleeve and a separate tablet sleeve for a device up to 11-inches (sorry, iPad Pro users, a 12.9” tablet won’t fit).

The great thing about the laptop and tablet sleeves is that they float in the middle of the backpack, providing ample protection from all sides. Additionally, the laptop sleeve has a generous false bottom to prevent damage from drops, which is a feature that many other backpack brands overlook.

On the exterior of the backpack, you'll find a hidden water bottle pocket that can fit bottles up to 1 liter, as well as a spacious front compartment with smaller pockets for easy access.

In terms of security pockets, the Able Carry Daily Plus offers two. The first is a hidden pocket above the shoulder straps against the back panel, which is large enough to hold multiple flat items such as a cell phone, passport, and wallet. When the backpack is worn, this pocket is completely out of reach from pickpockets. The second pocket is a small, well-concealed secret pocket located above the laptop sleeve, which is a little larger than a credit card.

Comfort (Back Panel and Shoulder Straps)

Able Carry is known for designing comfortable backpacks, and the Daily Plus is a testament to their expertise. The backpack features a closed-cell foam back panel that provides cushioning for comfortable weight distribution, even when carrying heavy loads. The back panel is includes with generous air channels, making it breathable enough to wear in warm weather. Additionally, the Daily Plus has a removable frame sheet for added stiffness that can be accessed via a zipper behind the laptop sleeve inside the main compartment.

The shoulder straps of the Daily Plus are padded with dense foam and provide ample support without being excessively bulky. The backpack also comes with an adjustable and removable chest strap with a magnetic buckle, making it easy to put on and take off.

Final Thoughts

This is a really nice backpack for everyday carry. We love the upgrades that Able Carry has made from the original Daily Backpack and are excited that they released this new iteration. If you are choosing between the two packs, we believe the Daily Plus is the clear winner. The separate laptop and tablet sleeves and dedicated water bottle compartment are significant upgrades.

The real victory is in the overall construction. We appreciate the water-resistant design and are glad they included water-resistant zippers in the main compartment instead of regular ones. This protection from the elements provides peace of mind when commuting in inclement weather and really boosts our confidence when choosing which backpack to wear on long days out.

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North Face Recon Backpack [Review]

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

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

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

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

Video Review

The Rundown

What we like

• Lots of pockets and compartments for everyday carry.

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

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

What we don’t like

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

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

SPECIFICATIONS

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

• Capacity: 30L

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

• Weight: 2lbs 9oz

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

Who is this backpack for?

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

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

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

Materials and Construction

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

Is The North Face Recon waterproof? No.

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

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

Pockets and Compartments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

Is it worth the price? Absolutely. 

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

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

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The Ridge Commuter Weatherproof [Review]

The Ridge updated the Commuter Weatherproof Backpack in late 2022, making a few tweaks to the design. In a world where tech is moving away from USB-A, the Ridge has decided to eliminate the built-in USB charging port and instead provide a dedicated internal power bank pocket to charge your devices regardless of your connection. This review is of the updated version without the USB port.

Who is The Ridge Commuter Backpack for?

• Work/Commuting: The Ridge Commuter is a great daily laptop backpack, with the most pockets we have seen in a bag of this size. If daily organization is important to you, this is the bag for you.

• Student: If you are a student who carries a laptop or tablet instead of books, we recommend this backpack for its great tech organization. Its weatherproof design also makes it a reliable option for carrying your important items during rainy days on campus.

• Travel by air: The compact size of the Ridge Commuter makes it a great personal item backpack for flights and a capable daypack for when you arrive at your destination. It has pockets for travel essentials like a your tech, snacks, headphones and a secret pocket for a passport.

Video Review

The Rundown

What we like

• Lots and lots of pockets for organization

• Slim, compact design is perfect for a daily laptop backpack

• Highly water resistant construction

• Hidden RFID-blocking compartment is perfect for keeping valuables secure

What we don’t like

• Water bottle pocket is on the smaller side and is limited to slim bottles

• No false bottom in laptop compartment

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” x 12” x 6” inches

• Capacity: 20L

• Materials: 900D Nylon Shell, YKK Aquagaurd Zippers

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 16”

• Tablet Sleeve: None

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

Materials and Construction

The Ridge Commuter Backpack is called "weatherproof" - which just a fancy way of saying that the bag very water-resistant thanks to its water resistant nylon construction and YKK Aquaguard zippers.

Although the materials are highly water-resistant, this backpack is not truly waterproof. The Ridge uses regular stitching instead of taped or welded waterproof seams, so there is still a chance for water to sneak in if the bag were ever caught in a torrential downpour. It also goes without saying that The Ridge Commuter cannot be submerged in water.

The back panel and shoulder straps are great for a 20 liter bag. The shoulder straps are padded and include an adjustable (but not removable) chest strap for weight distribution when the backpack gets heavy. The back panel is made with one solid piece of padded foam and does a good job at adding structure to the backpack while being comfortable when the bag is full.

Overall, the construction of The Ridge Commuter is solid. The zippers are smooth, and nothing feels cheap. The weatherproof construction is a huge plus for a daily commuting backpack. In fact, the overall construction quality and the pocket variety (which we will get to in a second) are the Commuter's biggest strengths.

Pockets and Compartments

What sets The Ridge Commuter apart from other laptop backpacks is its "dual access" to the main compartment. This means that you can enter the main compartment from a zipper that opens like a regular backpack as well as from a secondary zipper that allows you full lay-flat access to the inside, so you can access all of its pockets.

Using The Ridge Commuter as a clamshell backpack allows you to access all of the pockets that line the main compartment as well as gives you an easy way to pack and unpack clothing while traveling. For everyday carry, going through the primary zipper will be the quickest way to access most items. We appreciate that The Ridge gave us a choice.

The inside of the main compartment is filled with a variety of pockets for all of your daily carry. It includes mesh zippered pockets for larger items, a special power bank pocket, and even a few slip pockets for pens.

On the outside of the backpack, you'll find a fleece-lined sunglasses pocket with a flap lid and a single water bottle pocket. It's important to note that this water bottle pocket is on the smaller side and just barely fits a 32 oz bottle (so you know). On the front of the backpack there are two additional large semi-hidden zippered pockets on the front panel.

Finally, we have the 16-inch laptop compartment that features special shock-resistant quilted padding for protection. We love the padding, but where is the false bottom to protect the laptop from floor drops? Unfortunately, this is a small detail that The Ridge has missed.

The Secret Compartments

The Ridge Commuter has a couple of secret compartments that are security-oriented. The first is the back panel pocket that spans across the width of the back panel. What makes this pocket special is that it is lined with RFID-blocking material for an added layer of protection against digital theft. It's the perfect place to stash important items like a passport, credit cards, and cash.

The second secret compartment is located against the wall of the main compartment, and it's a tiny little velcro pocket to fit a GPS tracking device like an Apple Airtag or Tile device. This pocket blends into the wall of the backpack nicely, and most people won't even notice it's there unless they look very, very closely.

Pssst: Are you looking for a backpack with hidden pockets? Check out our Best Backpacks with Secret Compartments buying guide.

What Fits Inside?

Although the Ridge Commuter gives you 20 liters of packing room, once all the internal pockets are packed it starts to feel like a small 20 liters. You can fit bulkier items inside the main compartment like a few large notebooks, binders, and books. Or, you can pack a change of clothing for an overnight stay, but you won’t be able to pack clothing and the notebooks all at once.

Final Thoughts

Where the Ridge Commuter shines is with its amazing array of pockets for organization and robust water-resistant construction that will give you some serious peace of mind on rainy days.

Is the Ridge Commuter worth it? Yes, if you value organization and a compact design over wide open packing space.

This is a slim 20L backpack that prioritizes packing smaller daily or travel items over big, bulky items. If you need to pack a change of clothes, lunch, camera gear, and a jacket just in case you get cold later, then look elsewhere.

But, if you are a tech-focused student (i.e. have ditched the textbooks for PDFs), travel light, or need a way to carry your laptop and important work items, then this backpack is for you.

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Nomatic Backpack [Review]

The Nomatic Backpack is easily one of our favorite backpacks for work and daily laptop carry, thanks to its incredible organization. It manages to pack pockets into just about every square inch of its interior compartments, giving you maximum organization for your daily essentials while maintaining a sleek, professional exterior.

In this Nomatic Backpack review, we explore what makes this backpack stand out from its competition so you can decide if it is the ultra-sleek, water-resistant, more-pockets-than-you'll-know-what-to-do-with backpack that you've been looking for.

Video Review

The Rundown

What we like

• Insane amount of pockets. Some of the best organization we have seen yet.

• Expanding main compartment when you need more room (20-24L)

• Protective laptop and tablet sleeves thanks to generous false bottom

• Great water resistant protection thanks to tarpaulin material and water resistant YKK zippers.

What we don’t like

• Because of the pockets, the main compartment doesn’t leave a lot of wide open space for packing bulkier items. Will have to expand backpack to pack something like a lunch or a change of clothes.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19” x 13” x 5.75” inches

• Capacity: 20L (24L expanded)

• Weight: 4 lbs

• Materials: Tarpaulin, YKK zippers

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 16”

• Tablet Sleeve: Up to 13”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

Materials and Construction

The Nomatic Backpack really shines with its choice of construction materials. The exterior is made with highly water-resistant tarpaulin, and the exterior compartments are equipped with water-resistant YKK zippers for peace of mind during rainy-day commutes. Inside you are met with a robust liner fabric and quality mesh for the pockets. Everything about this backpack just feels like great quality.

The back panel and shoulder straps are also thoughtfully constructed and Nomatic seems to have done everything right in terms of comfort. The back panel consists of two separate foam panels with a generous air channel in between for ventilation. The shoulder straps are padded, but not too thick and bulky, giving you a sleeker appearance when worn.

Pockets and Compartments

The Nomatic Backpack can be divided into two major compartments: the front organizer compartment and the main compartment. The front organizer compartment is home to a bunch of smaller mesh pockets, pockets for pens, and a variety of zippered pockets, including a fairly large RFID-blocking pocket with a lockable zipper.

The main compartment is where the bulk of your storage will live, and it is home to what we call a “tech station” that includes a 16-inch laptop sleeve, a separate tablet sleeve, and slip pockets designed specifically for a keyboard, mouse, and other tech accessories. We found that the tablet sleeve can fit any device up to 13 inches, allowing you to use the Nomatic as a two-laptop backpack if needed.

Another great feature is that the laptop and tablet sleeves ‘float’ on the inside of the main compartment, giving you a generous false bottom to protect your devices from bumps and drops. The main compartment also has some cool features, such as a hardcase pocket for your sunglasses and a pocket that hides away a retractable leash for your keys.

On the exterior of the Nomatic Backpack, you’ll find two magnetic water bottle pockets that collapse against the bag for a cleaner look when not in use. These water bottle pockets are nice and stretchy and can accommodate wider 32 oz bottles just fine.

Nomatic also manages to include a secret compartment behind the back panel in the rear of the backpack. This pocket is just large enough to fit a passport and stays completely hidden when the bag is worn.

Expandable and Convertible

The Nomatic Backpack is both expandable and convertible. The shoulder straps can be tucked into the back panel, allowing you to carry the Nomatic Backpack like a briefcase when needed and a the expandable main compartment goes from 20 liters to 24 liters in seconds thanks to a wrap-around zipper.

We found that when compressed, the amount of wide-open packing space is limited, especially when the internal pockets are packed. We could fit 3-4 notebooks, binders, and books before running out of packing room. When expanded to 24 liters, we could fit an additional jacket inside.

It's safe to say that the Nomatic Backpack prioritizes organization of items over wide-open packing space. So, if you need to carry lots of bulky gear like camera equipment, shoes, or a lunchbox, then you may find the Nomatic a bit limiting, especially when compared to other expanding backpacks that expand north of 10 liters of packing room compared to the Nomatic's 4 liters. Although we wouldn't choose the Nomatic Backpack specifically for its expandability, it is a nice feature to have.

Final Thoughts

The Nomatic Backpack is best suited for professionals looking for a sleek backpack for work that can function as a 'mobile office' on work trips. In addition to being a great travel sidekick on flights, it really thrives as a daily driver where organization is key.

Overall, there's not much we don't like about this backpack. The pockets are plenty, the style is sleek, and the water-resistant materials are solid. However, there may not be much leftover space inside the bag once you fill up all the pockets. With that said, if you tend to carry bulkier items like shoes, a lunch box, and books and notebooks, you may find the the Nomatic to be lacking in open packing room. But if you're looking for a sleek way to keep yourself organized during the workweek, the Nomatic Backpack is the perfect choice. It shines as a backpack for professionals who need a reliable work bag for their essentials.

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Pacsafe Go Anti-Theft [Review]

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

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

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

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

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

What we like

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

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

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

• Water repellent fabric

What we don’t like

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

SPECIFICATIONS

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

• Capacity: 25L

• Weight: 1.6 lbs

• Materials: water resistant recycled polyester

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15”

• Tablet Sleeve: None

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

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