Knack Pack Series 1 vs Series 2 in 2024 - What's the difference?
Introducing the Knack Pack Expandable Backpack by Knack Bags. These innovative backpacks allow you to seamlessly transition between daily use and travel thanks to an expandable luggage compartment. Now the question arises: Which Series should you choose?
Knack Bags has recently given both their Series 1: Medium Expandable Knack Pack and Series 2: Medium Expandable Knack Pack a few upgrades. In this backpack showdown, we'll explore what the real differences are so that you can make an informed decision and find the perfect Knack Pack for your needs. Let the comparison begin!
Video Review
Quick Specs
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 |
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|---|---|---|
| Volume | 27-39L | 24-35L |
| Material | 1200D Two-Tone Polyester | 420D High Density Nylon |
| Laptop Compartment | Up to 15" laptop | Up to 15" laptop |
| Tablet Sleeve | Yes, in main compartment | Yes, in main compartment |
| Water Bottle Pocket | Up to 24oz Bottle | Up to 21oz Bottle |
| Sternum Strap | Yes | Yes |
| Waist Belt | No | No |
| Price |
Series 1 vs Series 2 Medium Knack Pack: Capacity and Size
When it comes to external dimensions, both the Medium Knack Pack Series 1 and 2 will have the same dimensions when compressed.
Series 1: Medium Expandable Knack Pack - 19" x 12" x 4.5"
Series 2: Medium Expandable Knack Pack - 19" x 12" x 4.5"
When expanded the Series 1 will stick out a little more by a half an inch.
Series 1: Medium Expandable Knack Pack: 19" x 12" x 9.5" (expanded)
Series 2: Medium Expandable Knack Pack: 19" x 12" x 9" (expanded)
Although both Knack Packs have near identical dimensions, we were surprised to find that the Series 1 gives you more internal packing room overall.
Series 1 Medium: 27L (main compartment) + 12L (packing compartment) = 39L total
Series 2 Medium: 24L (main compartment) + 11L (packing compartment) = 35L total
You can see the capacity difference in the design of the main compartments. The main compartment in the Series 1 is bucket shaped which makes it easier to stack small items inside the main compartment.
While the Series 2 has a slimmer main compartment with a more wide-open design. Part of the reason the Series 2 has less internal packing room is because it has an extra organizer compartment in the front that cuts into that packing space.
Overall, if you want the backpack with the most wide open packing room - the Series 1 is the clear winner.
Materials and Comfort
The Series 1 and Series 2 Knack Packs use different fabrics that give them a very unique look and feel.
The Knack Pack Series 1 uses 1200D two-tone polyester on the outside. This thick and robust fabric that feels more like a fancy suit jacket than it does your average polyester backpack. It's a handsome fabric, and even after two years of use, the fabric on our original Series 1 Knack Pack still looks great.
While the Series 2 uses 420D nylon, a tight-weaved nylon that is commonly used in higher end backpacks. This fabric has a slight sheen to it and gives the bag an upscale look that pairs well with professional settings.
As for comfort, you won't notice a difference since they both use identical padded foam back panels and shoulder straps with an adjustable sternum strap to help with heavier loads. Both the Knack Pack Series 1 and Series 2 feel near identical when worn.
Knack Pack Series 1 vs Series 2: Pockets and Compartments
Exterior Pockets
Both bags are going to have the same 15-inch padded laptop compartment against the back panel and a hidden water bottle pocket on the side of the bag. When we tested the water bottle pockets, we found that the Series 1 can fit slightly large bottles.
Series 1 Medium Knack Pack: Up 24oz bottle
Series 2 Medium Knack Pack: Up to 21oz bottle
Where you'll notice a big difference is in the front pockets. The Knack Pack Series 1 features a variety of front pockets for quick access to smaller items. There is a fleece-lined pocket at the top, which can hold a phone and sunglasses. In the middle, there is a V-shaped compartment packed with smaller pockets for business cards. Finally, at the bottom, there is a pocket for easy access to chargers, cables and pens.
What the Series 2 has done is combine all of these separate pockets into one large organizer compartment. This compartment features the same top fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses and business card pockets but adds dedicated pen pockets and an extra mesh pocket for even more organization.
Aside from more pockets in total, the Series 2 also gives you a lockable zipper for added security. The separate pockets on the Series 1 are not lockable.
If you are looking for the backpack with the most number of pockets for organization, then the Knack Pack Series 2 is the one you'll want to get.
Expandable Packing Compartment
What makes a Knack Pack special is its expandable backpack design. This is what makes it such a winning design for business travelers who want just one bag for the office and short trips.
Although the expandable luggage compartment is a little larger on the Series 1, it's not that much larger. You could only fit an extra t-shirt or a couple of pairs of extra socks in the Series 1 expandable compartment.
Both expandable compartments are near identical in size and where you'll see the biggest difference in packing room is in the main compartments.
Series 2 Knack Pack Upgrades
Knack Bags has sprinkled the Knack Pack Series 2 with some great upgrades that are worth a review.
Side Handle
The Series 1 and Series 2 both have the ability to hide the shoulder straps behind the back panel. But only the Series 2 gives you a side handle so that you can carry the bag like a briefcase. This is great for days when you want to look more professional. The Series 1 only has a with a top handle and can not be carried on its side.
Hidden Compartment
Another great Series 2 upgrade is the hidden compartment behind the back panel for valuables like a passport, wallet or other items you want to keep away from sticky fingers. This secret compartment is missing on the Series 1.
New Key Leash Location
The removable key leash has been moved to the front organizer compartment on the Series 2. On the Series 1, the removable key leash is located inside the main compartment. This location makes it harder to quickly grab your keys when the bag is full.
Which Knack Pack Should You Buy?
Series 1: Expandable Knack Pack
Series 2: Expandable Knack Pack
Choose the Knack Pack Series 1 if... you need a work and travel backpack but prefer more internal packing room for bulkier items over smaller pockets for organization. The Series 1 also comes in more sizes (Small, Medium and Large) for a more customized fit.
Choose the Knack Pack Series 2 if... you need a backpack with as many pockets as possible for organization and would like the beefed up security with lockable zippers and a hidden pocket for valuables. The Series 2 will be a better fit for those who value a clean minimalist look over the busier design of the Series 1.
