Those looking for a feature-packed gym backpack should be no strangers to the King Kong Backpack II. This classic backpack offers great gym and daily carry features that make transitioning from work to workout easier than ever.
Recently, King Kong has released the PLUS26 - an updated successor to the popular Backpack II. While the PLUS26 holds on to a lot of the same features that make the Backpack II awesome, it still has some upgrades that are worth your attention.
In this King Kong Backpack II vs PLUS26 backpack comparison we take a hands-on look at what the real differences are so that you can decide which version of this iconic backpack is the better choice.
Quick Specs
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|---|---|---|
| Volume | 28 Liters | 26 Liters |
| Material | 1000D Polyester Ripstop Nylon |
1000D Polyester Ripstop Nylon Hypalon |
| Laptop Sleeve | Up to 15" laptop | Up to 16" laptop |
| Weight | 3.5lbs | 3.5lbs |
| Dimensions | 20"H x 13"W x 7"D | 20"H x 12"W x 7"D |
| Price | Check on King Kong | Check on King Kong |
Video Review
Size and Materials
When it comes to size and carrying capacity there isn’t much of a difference between the PLUS26 and the older Backpack II.
While the Backpack II has a carrying capacity of 28 liters, King Kong has decided to slim it down a bit with 26 liters in the PLUS26.
In terms of actual size and dimensions, the PLUS26 is an inch less in width than the Backpack II while the height and depth has stayed the same.
King Kong has also decided to keep most of the materials the same as well. Both backpack use the same 1000D Nylon on the exterior with YKK zippers and both interiors are made with the same bright red ripstop nylon lining.
One addition to the PLUS26 is the use of Hypalon on high-impact areas. You can find Hypalon along the sides of the front shoe compartment, on the water bottle pockets, shoulder straps and handles. Hypalon is even used to reinforce the stitching on the front shoe pocket strap for extra durability.
Hypalon panels on the King Kong PLUS26
Pockets and Compartments
Shoe Compartment
One of the best features on the Kong Kong Backpack II has always been its shoe pocket. Unlike other backpacks with shoe compartments, King Kong places the shoe pocket on the front of the bag which helps keep the inside of your backpack fresh. The entire pocket expands by using two zippers on the sides and is secured with a heavy duty carbon steel buckle.
The PLUS26 keeps the same shoe pocket design but has changed the buckle to a Fidlock Quick Release Buckle. Although it doesn’t feel as heavy duty as the old carbon steel buckle it is much easier to maneuver. In fact, you can open and close the Fidlock Buckle with just one hand thanks to the fast action magnets that simply pulls the buckle into place.
Admin Pocket
Both the Backpack II and PLUS26 include a small admin compartment above the shoe pocket that features multiple smaller pockets for pens, business cards and a phone.
On the Backpack II we found the slip pockets inside the admin compartment to be a little too small for items like a larger phone, laptop charger or wallet. But one feature that is missing from the King Kong PLUS26 is the cable port that allows you to port a charging or headphones cable to the outside.
On the PLUS26, King Kong offers similar smaller pockets inside the admin compartment but with the addition of a larger slip pocket that is just the right size for a Macbook charger or glasses case. The addition of this slip pocket makes organization of your daily items much easier to manage and we prefer this pocket over the older style on the Backpack II.
Main Compartment
When it comes to main compartment access, both the King Kong PLUS26 and Backpack II feature a dual access main compartment design. This is definitely one of the best features of these bags and one that King Kong made it a point to stick with. This design allows you top loading access to the main compartment with one zipper and full clamshell access to the main compartment with the second zipper.
Once inside there are a couple of minor differences between the Backpack II and PLUS26 worth pointing out. The first difference is with the internal zip pockets that line the left side of the main compartment. On the Backpack II the top pocket is much higher up and the bottom mesh pockets are much lower than the pockets on the PLUS26.
King Kong centers these pockets on the PLUS26 and the result is easier access to the pockets. This is especially true for the top pocket since the older Backpack II design meant that the zipper was slightly buried in the seam making it harder to find when needing to access it quickly. This is a very small improvement but an improvement non-the-less.
The second difference is with the laptop sleeve on the right side. On the Backpack II there is 360 degree spacing along the entire laptop sleeve that creates a protective bumper around your laptop against bumps and drops.
Unfortunately King Kong got rid of this spacing on the left and right sides of the laptop sleeve with the PLUS26. Instead the laptop sleeve itself stitches directly onto the sides of the back panel. Because of this small detail we have to conclude that the Backpack II has the safer laptop sleeve.
Water Bottle Pockets
The last pockets to compare are the side water bottle pockets. On the Backpack II, King Kong offers a compressed water bottle that expands with a zipper and mesh divider. This allows you to hide the water pocket while not in use.
King Kong changed these pockets on the PLUS26 by adding a simple elastic band design. In our opinion this elastic band design is easier and faster to use since you don’t have to fiddle with zippers. It’s just less fuss to deal with when you are on the move.
COMFORT FEATURES
When it comes to comfort features there are big differences in the shoulder straps and back panel that are worth pointing out.
On the Backpack II, the shoulder straps measure 2.5-inches in width and are very padded with a soft mesh lining on the inside. King Kong has changed the shoulder strap design that is much stiffer with less cushion. They also made the new PLUS26 shoulder straps much wider - measuring in at a little over 3-inches.
Our one big gripe with the King Kong PLUS26 is with the shoulder straps. Although the wider design will give more support to those with broader shoulders, the cushioning could be a lot better. Because of this we have to give the older Backpack II the point for having the more comfortable shoulder straps.
The second difference is with the back panel design. Although the back panels look different they really don’t feel that much difference when the bags are worn. In fact, they feel about the same when the backpack is fully loaded.
What we like about the back panel on the PLUS26 is that the air channel cutout offers much better airflow against your backpack while still providing good upper back and lumbar support. This is great if you plan on using your King Kong backpack for hiking or outdoor workouts.
King Kong Backpack II VS PLUS26: Wrap Up
King Kong Backpack II
King Kong PLUS26
Choose the King Kong Backpack II if… you want a reliable gym backpack that can also be used for work or travel. Despite the upgrades to the PLUS26, the Backpack II offers most of the same functionality such as dual access to the main compartment, multiple organizer pockets and an exterior shoe pocket. The Backpack II also has a more protective laptop sleeve and generously cushioned shoulder straps for added comfort.
Choose the King Kong PLUS26 if… you want the best features of the Backpack II with a few upgrades for easier daily carry. The PLUS26 offers better internal pocket placement and an improved front admin pocket for daily essentials like sunglasses and chargers. Other improvements include quick-access water bottle pockets and an easy to use magnetic buckle in the shoe compartment for less hassle on busy workout days. The PLUS26 also includes Hypalon panels in high impact areas for less wear and tear over time.
