Herschel Supply Co. Little America

Founded in 2009, Herschel Supply Co. has exploded in popularity due in part to their introduction of timeless heritage bag designs for a new generation. The Herschel Little America has grown to become one of their best selling bags and it’s easy to see why. The backpack sports a vintage vibe yet is full of features that we have come to expect in a modern backpack.

These modern features include an internal media pocket with headphone port, a 15-inch padded and fleece lined laptop sleeve and ergonomic shoulder straps and mesh back padding. All of these features co-exist in a vintage style rucksack that looks like it’s straight out of the 1970’s.

The Herschel Little America is available in 2 different sizes; full size (25L) and mid-volume (17L). The specs and photos on this page are of the full sized Herschel Little America.

What we like

• Roomy main compartment makes this backpack great for school, commuting or light travel.

• It has a cool vintage heritage design yet it accommodates modern features such as sleeves and pockets for tech and padded comfort shoulder straps.

What we don’t like

• Material and build quality can feel cheap for the price. If you want a high quality heritage backpack, there are better quality options out there.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19.25” H x 11.25” W x 7” D

• Capacity: 25L

• Weight: 1.5 lb

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

• Top loading main compartment entry

Where to buy

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Fjallraven Rucksack No.21 Backpack

The Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 is a great multipurpose backpack that can be used for anything from a daily commuter bag to an outdoor hiking daypack.

Those who want a daily commuter backpack with a vintage-inspired heritage design will love the No. 21’s functional carry features such as a 15-inch laptop sleeve and outside pockets for water bottles and small items. The main compartment is large enough to hold a few books, notebooks and personal everyday items.

But it wouldn’t be a Fjallraven backpack without the ability to use the backpack outdoors. Unlike modern technical backpacks, the Rucksack No. 21 keeps things simple with a rucksack design that allows the main compartment to extend up instead of out. Add in Fjallraven’s G-1000 HeavyDuty fabric into the mix and you have a weather-resistant and tough bag that can handle casual adventures.

The Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 is available in 3 different sizes; Small (15L), Medium (20L) and Large (30L). The specs and photos on this page are of the medium sized Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21.

What we like

• Good multipurpose backpack; from school to outdoor carry

• Fjallraven’s G-1000 HeavyDuty fabric is tough, durable and weather resistant

• Cool vintage rucksack design available in a ton of different colors

What we don’t like

• Can’t fit too much in the medium size backpack, main compartment is deep but on the thinner side limiting what you can carry

• On the pricier side considering the size and features

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.32” H x 11” W x 5.1” D

• Capacity: 20L

• Weight: 2.11 lb

• Material: G-1000® HeavyDuty: 65% polyester, 35% cotton

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

• Top loading main compartment entry

Where to Buy

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Patagonia Black Hole 25L Backpack

Born out of the popular Patagonia Black Hole duffel back, Patagonia’s Black Hole backpacks are available in a few different styles and sizes:

• Patagonia 25L Backpack

• Patagonia 32L Backpack

• Patagonia 45L Convertible Backpack

The 25 liter version is great for anyone who needs a smaller pack for everyday carry or light travel. One of the best features of this backpack is its versatility. It can be used as a daily commuter backpack thanks to its padded laptop compartment and organizer pockets on the inside of the main compartment. For more adventurous days, the laptop sleeve can be used as a water reservoir for hiking and the deep bucket main compartment can be used to stash extra clothes, shoes or a jacket.

What we like

• Incredibly versatile. Large enough to be used for school, commuting, gym or light travel.

• Deep side water bottle pockets. Water bottles, umbrellas and other items won’t fall out when on the move.

What we don’t like

• Although the TPU coated fabric is advertised as water resistant, the zippers are not. Water can sneak into the backpack if you are unfortunate enough to be caught outside during a heavy rain downpour.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 21” H x 11” W x 6.5” D

• Materials: Water resistant 450D Polyester Ripstop with a TPU-film laminate

• Weight: 1 lb 8 oz

• Capacity: 25L

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Fjallraven Kanken Backpack

The Fjallraven Kanken is one of the most iconic backpacks in recent memory. Although first introduced in Sweden in 1978, the bag has only recently exploded in popularity thanks to its unique style, ergonomic design and endless color options.

But it's not all hype. We love this bag for it’s smaller form factor that allows it to be comfortably carried by people with smaller frames who normally have trouble with big bulky backpacks. The design is also versatile enough to be used as a school book bag, travel bag and everyday items backpack. Two side pockets allow you to carry a water bottle and umbrella while a smaller front pocket is perfect for little items such as keys, pens, and wallets.

What we like

• Spacious main compartment that opens 3/4 for full access to the things inside

• Size is perfect for women, kids or people with smaller frames

• Comes in over 2 dozen different color options

What we don’t like

• Shoulder straps can become uncomfortable if the bag gets too heavy.

• No organizers such as pen holders or key fabs for small items.

• The original Kanken does not have a laptop compartment (must go with an updated “laptop” version instead)

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 14.9” x 10.6” x 5.1”

• Capacity: 16L

• Weight: .7lb

• Material: 100% Vinylon-F

• Water resistant

Where to buy

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OGIO Gambit Backpack

OGIO offers a fully-loaded backpack with their Gambit Laptop backpack. Great for commuters, travelers and students alike, the Gambit is full of different pockets, compartments and organizers for all of life’s daily essentials. Add in a roomy 33.5 liter main compartment and you have a workhorse of a backpack that can take on even your busiest days.

What we like

• Lots and lots of pockets and organizers for items like sunglasses, electronics, and small daily items.

• Thick padded shoulder straps and “HUB” back panel make the Gambit super comfortable to wear

What we don’t like

• Laptop pocket is not as padded as the OGIO Renegade RSS and has little padding on the bottom to prevent damage from falls.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19.5” H x 15” W x 10.5” D

• Capacity: 33.5L

• Material: 425D Polyester Oxford

• Weight: 2lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Samsonite Xenon 3.0 Slim Backpack

The Samsonite Xenon 3.0 Slim is a rugged business backpack that covers all of the basics while still being stylish and sophisticated enough to wear to the office. The Xenon 3.0 Slim can be split up into 3 main sections; the padded laptop compartment, a main compartment with mesh pockets for accessories and a full panel organizer on the front.

Samsonite offers the Xenon is a variety of sizes; the Xenon Slim as seen here, the larger Samsonite Xenon 3.0 Large and the more petite Samsonite Xenon 3.0 Small.

What we like

• Stylish and slim profile is sophisticated enough to wear to the office or on business trips.

• Front organizers and pockets inside main compartment are great for storing tech accessories such as cables and chargers.

• Great carry-on or airline personal item backpack. Small enough to fit underneath most airline seats.

What we don’t like

• Little padding on the bottom of the backpack to protect laptop from falls and bumps.

• Thicker 15-inch laptops (such as gaming laptops or older models) may have issues fitting in the laptop compartment.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 16.5” H x 12” W x 6” D

• Weight: 2.1lbs

• Material: 1680D Ballistic Polyester

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15.6”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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