Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro vs Lite 40L - Hands-on Comparison

As more travelers seek lighter and more budget-friendly gear without sacrificing quality, Tortuga has answered the call by launching the Travel Backpack Lite. At 1lb lighter and a whopping $100 cheaper than its predecessor, the Travel backpack Pro, it made us wonder: Why? What’s missing? And are these missing features going to be dealbreakers for travelers?

To uncover the truth, we tested each Tortuga Travel Backpack side by side to reveal 7 key differences that will help you decide which backpack is the right choice for you.

Video Review

Quick Specs

	Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L	Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L
Capacity	40L	40L
Materials	SHELL200 waterproof material, water resistant YKK zippers	630D Cordura Ballistic nylon YKK fabric zippers
Dimensions	21.7” (H) x 13.8” (W) x 7.9” (D)	21.7” (H) x 13.8” (W) x 7.9” (D)
Weight	4.5 lbs	3.5 lbs
Laptop Storage	16" Laptop Compartment with tablet sleeve	16" Laptop Compartment
Adjustable Back Panel	Yes	No
Chest Strap	Yes	Yes
Hip Belt	Yes	Yes
Price

Difference #1: The Lite Has Less Adjustments

Key Takeaways:

• Both backpacks are the same dimensions and have a 40-liter capacity

• The Lite is missing the adjustable height back panel

Model height 5’6” - Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L Pro vs Lite

Despite the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite being 1 pound lighter, both the Pro and Lite still manage to be the exact same exterior dimensions with an internal carrying capacity of 40 liters. When worn, you can expect both the Pro and Lite to have the same profile on the back.

The big differences are found with the fit of each backpack.

The Pro offers a 4-point adjustment system for the perfect fit: 

1. adjustable height back panel

2. shoulder straps (bottom straps and top lift loaders)

3. chest strap

4. hip belt 

The adjustable back panel stands out as the star of the show as it allows you to customize the back panel height to match your torso length, ensuring a perfectly dialed-in fit. This feature is very useful if you are shorter or taller than average and often struggle to find a travel backpack that fits well. You’ll notice the Pro does sit higher on the back when worn on the 5’6” model pictured above. This is a subtle detail of the adjustable height back panel in action.

The Lite instead has a 3-point adjustment system: 

1. shoulder straps (bottom straps and top lift loaders)

2. chest strap

3. hip belt

Shoulder straps and hip belt fit - Tortuga Pro vs Lite

As a result we would describe the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite as a “one size fits most” travel pack since the back panel is static.

Difference #2: The Lite has Less Padding

Key Takeaways:

• Comfort is mixed: the Lite has a more comfortable back panel, the Pro has a more comfortable waist belt

To reduce weight on the Lite, Tortuga has decided to remove some padding on the back panel and waist belt and you can feel the difference when wearing each backpack fully loaded.

Believe it or not, we preferred the thinner back panel on the Lite since the reduced cushion gave it a bit more flex for a more contoured fit. However, the extra padding on the Pro's waist belt made it extremely comfortable, feeling like two pillows against your hip bones, while the Lite's waist belt was nothing special. As for the shoulder straps, both backpacks felt the same.

Difference #3: The Lite has Tuckable Straps

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite has stowable straps

A huge upgrade on the Lite is the ability to tuck away the shoulder straps and hip belt for a neater  experience when carrying the bag by its top or side handles. This is a huge feature, and in our opinion, may be a big reason for sticking with the more affordable Travel Backpack Lite.

Difference #4: The Pro is More Water Resistant

Key Takeaways:

• The Pro offers amazing water resistance thanks to its waterproof SHELL200 exterior and water resistant zippers. 

• The Lite uses Cordura Ballistic Nylon paired with regular fabric zippers. Quality is on par with most other travel packs at the $200+ price range.

Tortuga Pro SHELL200 vs Lite Cordura Nylon water resistance

The differences in materials used in each Tortuga Travel Backpack might be the most important for travelers concerned with water resistance. 

The Pro is constructed using Tortuga’s best materials with an exterior made with the brands own waterproof SHELL200 fabric paired with water-resistant YKK zippers. This combination offers amazing protection against rain and makes the Pro a beast in bad weather. Along with being waterproof, SHELL200 is also known for it’s toughness and rip-resistance.

In an effort to reduce costs, the Lite version uses a water repellent 630D Cordura ballistic nylon, a fabric that has great tear and puncture resistance and is commonly used among many premium backpacks. However, the Lite uses standard reverse-coil YKK zippers instead of the coated water-resistant ones on the Pro. As a result, the water resistance of the Lite is nothing special and on par to what you'd find in most travel backpacks on the market.

Despite the more cost-effective materials used on the Lite's exterior, it's important to note that this backpack maintains a high quality comparable to other high-end travel packs in the $200+ range. Both models feature the same interior ripstop lining and use the same durable buckles, ensuring a level of quality and durability that Tortuga is known for.

Difference #5: The Lite Has Fewer Pockets

Key Takeaways:

• The Pro offers more pockets and compartments for smaller items

• The Lite is missing the large front organizer compartment

• The side mesh pocket on the Lite can fit larger water bottles

In order to make the Lite both cheaper and lighter, Tortuga has made a lot of big changes to its pockets and compartments. While both backpacks offer the same top pocket with a key leash for quick access to smaller items, that’s where their similarities end.

Tortuga 40L Pro vs Lite: Same top pocket with key leash.

The Pro features a massive front compartment that is completely missing on the Lite. This front compartment is packed with smaller pockets with organization for everything from pens, tech chargers to business cards. There is even a soft-lined slip pocket for a small tablet like a Kindle e-reader or iPad Mini.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite is missing the front organizer compartment

On each side of the Pro, you’ll also find a side pocket for a water bottle or umbrella, while the Lite only offers one mesh side pocket. The important detail here is that the side pocket on the Lite can actually fit larger bottles, accommodating sizes up to 32oz or 40oz. The side pockets on the Pro aren’t as stretchy, limiting you to thinner bottles 24oz and under.

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro vs Lite: the Lite can fit a larger water bottle

Finally, both packs feature a vertical front panel pocket, but to cut down on weight, the Lite's front pocket is much smaller. For perspective, the Pro's front pocket can hold a light jacket, while the Lite's can only fit a hat. Huge difference!

DIfference #6: The Pro Has More Tech Storage

Key Takeaways:

• Both backpacks can fit up to a 16-inch laptop

• The Pro has an entire tech compartment with a laptop sleeve, tablet sleeve and mesh pocket

• The Lite has no tablet sleeves while the Pro has two (standard tablet + smaller e-reader)

Laptop compartments on the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro vs Lite

Each Tortuga Travel Backpack features rear laptop storage. The Pro can be best thought of as a tech compartment with a 16-inch laptop sleeve, seperate tablet sleeve and an extra pocket for tech accessories. While the Lite simply has a 16-inch laptop sleeve with no other extra pockets.

If you are wondering about laptop protection, you’ll be pleased to know that both laptop sleeves are well-padded and feature a generous false bottom to protect your laptop from drops. 

Difference #7: Different Pockets in Packing Compartment

Key Takeaways:

• Pro and Lite offer the same 40 liters of packing space

• The Lite has two smaller mesh pockets while the Pro has one large mesh pocket

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L has one large mesh pocket

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L has two smaller mesh pockets

Tortuga has decided to make some interesting changes in the main packing compartments. Both backpacks do have the same 40 liters of packing space and our testing found that both can hold the same amount of clothing.

The main difference is that the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro offers one large mesh compartment that is very similar to what you would find in a standard suitcase. The Lite, on the other hand, splits this space into two smaller mesh pockets.

Which one is better really comes down to personal packing preference. The larger mesh pocket on the Pro is better for larger items like shirts and jackets. While the smaller mesh pockets on the Lite does a better job at packing smaller items like socks and underwear. If you plan on using packing cubes, you’ll appreciate the larger mesh pocket on the Pro.

Which Tortuga Travel Backpack Should You Buy?

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L

Choose the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro if you value organization and water-resistance. The exterior pockets and compartments offers amazing access to stuff like tablets, jackets, headphones and smaller travel essentials. Those who carry a lot of tech will also appreciate the large tech compartment with both a laptop and tablet sleeve. Furthermore, the SHELL200 construction offers best-in-class water-resistance for those braving the rain. 

Choose the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite if you don’t carry a lot of tech, value being able to tuck away the shoulder straps and want to save some cash. At the end of the day, the Lite is still a tough travel pack that holds up to the quality Tortuga is known for. The ability to tuck away the shoulder straps and hip belt is a huge upgrade that will save you some heartache when stowing away the bag in overhead compartments.

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Patagonia Black Hole 25L vs 32L Backpacks - Which is Better?

Whether you are looking for a reliable daily laptop backpack or a comfortable pack for an adventurous hike, the Patagonia Black Hole will be a great companion. But which size should you choose?

Currently, Patagonia offers the Black Hole in a modest 25-liter size and a larger 32-liter size. In this backpack comparison, we are going to show you the 7 major differences to make choosing between the two as easy as possible.

Video Review

Quick Specs

	Patagonia Black Hole 25L	Patagonia Black Hole 32L
Volume	25L	32L
Materials	300D Recycled Polyester Ripstop	300D Recycled Polyester Ripstop
Dimensions	18.8” (H) x 11” (W) x 5.9” (D)	20.5” (H) x 11” (W) x 8.3” (D)
Weight	1 lbs 6.6 oz	1 lbs 10.8 oz
Laptop Storage	Sleeve in Main Compartment	Rear Laptop Compartment
Chest Strap	Yes	Yes
Hip Belt	No	No
Price

1. The Black Hole 32L is Larger

How each backpack fits - Patagonia Black Hole 25L vs 32L

The Patagonia Black Hole 32L is obviously going to be the larger backpack. This size increase will be mostly seen in the height and depth of the 32 liter and you can expect the Black Hole 32L to stick out more from your back when you wear it.

Backpack Dimensions:

• Black Hole 25L: 18.8” (H) x 11” (W) x 5.9” (D)

• Black Hole 32L: 20.5” (H) x 11” (W) x 8.3” (D)

However, the back panel padding and padded shoulder straps themselves are exactly the same! It looks like Patagonia wanted to save some money in production by giving both Black Hole packs the same exact back panels and shoulder straps. Both packs are also equipped with the same adjustable and removable chest strap. Because of these similarities both backpacks feel about the same when worn.

Patagonia Black Hole 25L vs 32L - Same shoulder straps and chest strap

Where you will see a fit difference is in the shoulder strap length. The shoulder strap length on the Black Hole 32L will be about an inch longer than the strap length on the 25L liter, making it a better option for bigger people.

2. The Black Hole 32L Has Much Larger Pockets

You can expect to find 4 exterior pockets on each Black Hole version with the difference being in pocket size. The exterior pockets on the Black Hole 32L are a lot bigger.

Black Hole 25L can fit up to a 40oz bottle vs Black Hole 32L can fit a 40oz tumbler with handle

Although both bags can fit up to a 40oz water bottle inside their stretchy side pockets, the Black Hole 32L can fit a large thermos or even a 40oz tumbler with a handle. In fact, the Patagonia Black Hole 32L has some of the largest and stretchiest water bottle pockets we have come across come across. If you happen to be looking for a backpack with a water bottle holder that can fit your big Stanley Cup, go with the Black Hole 32L backpack!

Patagonia Black Hole 25L vs 32L - What fits in top pocket

The top pocket on the 32L is also much larger. Although both top pockets come equipped with a small key leash, all that you can really fit inside the top pocket of the 25 liter are smaller items like a phone and sunglasses case. In contrast, the 32L top pocket allowed us to fit a phone, sunglasses case, small pouch and even a large pair of headphones. This top pocket is massive in comparison!

The last exterior pocket is the semi-hidden vertical front pocket. This pocket is a little larger on the 32L Black Hole but not by much. In here you can fit a 40oz tumbler, notebooks or other bulkier items.

Black Hole 25L vs 32L - Internal mesh pocket

Inside both backpacks you’ll find an additional mesh zippered pocket that’s perfect for storing items like pens, laptop chargers and other loose items. The main difference here is that the Black Hole 25L will have the mesh pocket on the opposite side because of the internal laptop sleeve.

3. Laptop Sleeve is in Different Locations

A big deciding factor for many people will be the type of laptop storage they prefer. Patagonia gives you a padded laptop sleeve inside the main compartment of the Black Hole 25L while the 32L has a zipper-access laptop compartment against the back panel. The laptop compartment zipper on the 32 liter Black Hole gives you quick access to your tech thanks to a large zipper that spans the top and one side.

Black Hole 25L laptop sleeve vs Black Hole 32L rear laptop compartment

Although Patagonia says that both Black Hole backpacks can fit up to a 15-inch laptop, we found that the laptop compartment on 32L can actually fit larger laptops. In our testing we were able to comfortably fit a 15.6” PC laptop as well as a 16” Macbook Pro inside the Black Hole 32L. Anyone with these slightly larger laptops will want to go with the Black Hole 32L as the 25L laptop sleeve can only fit laptops 15-inches and smaller.

4. Black Hole 25L vs 32L Packing Room

The extra depth in the 32 liter Black Hole backpack starts to really shine when we pack the inside of the main compartments. Although both backpacks can fit a generous number of folders, binders and notebooks - the Black Hole 32L can also fit a jacket.

25L vs 32L filled with folders, binders and notebooks

There will also be plenty of room on top for extra items like pouches and cases. Just keep in mind that since a lot of the Black Hole 32L’s extra height is found on top, you will have more room to stack things on top of the 32L when compared to the shorter 25L.

5. You can attach a bungee to the 32L Black Hole

In addition to obvious differences such as size and laptop storage locations, the Black Hole 32L includes a few small upgrades that make a huge difference in everyday use. In fact, these small details may be enough to sway you towards the Black Hole 32L.

Patagonia Black Hole 32L bungee cord added to webbing for extra storage

The two webbing rows on the Patagonia Black Hole 32L gives you the ability to add a bungee cord! This allows you to expand your storage by having a quick way to attach jackets and other items to the front of the Black Hole 32L. Unfortunately, the single row of webbing on the Black Hole 25L does not give you this option.

6. Wider Zipper on the Black Hole 32L

If you look closely at both the 25L and 32L Black Hole packs, you will notice that the main compartment zipper on the 32L goes down further.

The Black Hole 25L operates similarly to a "bucket bag," where your items are stacked on top of one another, akin to playing a game of Tetris. While we favor the wider zipper for easier packing, the best choice for you ultimately depends on your preferred packing style.

Patagonia Black Hole 25L vs 32L - the 32L zipper is larger

7. Black Hole 32L Has a Flat Bottom

The Black Hole 25L unfortunately has a slight curve at the bottom and can have trouble staying upright on its own. However, the Black Hole 32L has a larger and flatter bottom surface area that has no issue standing upright when the bag is full. If you want a bag that will stand upright on the ground then go with the Black Hole 32L!

Which Black Hole Backpack Size Should You Buy?

Patagonia Black Hole 25L

Patagonia Black Hole 32L

Choose the Black Hole 25L if... you specifically want a smaller backpack with a more compact footprint on your back when you wear it. However, some of the small details such as a smaller main compartment zipper, smaller internal laptop sleeve and curved bottom puts it at a disadvantage to the larger 32L. If you can live without these extra upgrades, then the 25L Black Hole will serve you well.

Choose the Black Hole 32L if... you want a larger backpack with more packing room plus a ton of smaller upgrades that really allows you to make the most of your Black Hole. Not only does the 32L offer a larger laptop sleeve (a 15.6” PC and 16” Macbook Pro will fit) it also gives you quick-access through an external compartment. You also have tons of small upgrades such as larger pockets, a flat bottom that stays upright on the ground, a bigger zipper for easier access to the main compartment and two rows of webbing so that you can expand your storage with bungee. The 32L sounds like a clear winner!

More Helpful Resources

• Waterproof Backpack for College - Great waterproof and water-resistant backpack options for daily carry and school

• More Backpack Comparisons - We compare backpacks from The North Face, Fjallraven and more to help you make the best choice.

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Rains Backpack vs Rains Mini - What's the Difference?

In this hands-on backpack comparison, we take a look at the Rains Backpack and the Rains Backpack Mini to find out the real differences between these two waterproof backpacks.

The first thing you should know is that these two backpacks are nearly identical. The Rains Backpack Mini really is just a shrunken down Rains Backpack. Our goal with this comparison is to help you find the perfect sizing based on your carry needs by focusing on the size differences and exploring what fits in each backpack so that you can make the best choice.

Video Review

Quick Specs

	Rains Backpack	Rains Mini
Volume	13L	9L
Materials	PU Coated Polyester	PU Coated Polyester
Dimensions	18.9” (H) x 11.8” (W) x 4.7” (D)	15.7” (H) x 11.” (W) x 3.9” (D)
Weight	34.9oz	31.4oz
Laptop Sleeve	Up to 15" (can fit 16" Macbook Pro)	Up to 15"
Water Bottle Pocket	No	No
Chest Strap	No	No
Price

Size Difference: Rains Backpack vs Mini

How each backpack fits - Rains Backpack vs Mini

The biggest difference between the Rains Backpack and the Rains Backpack Mini is how they fit. The Mini is not only a lot shorter in height but it is also slightly more narrow and has less depth. All this means is that the Mini will stick out a little less and take up less room on your back when you wear it.

We recommend the Rains Mini to shorter people who may find the footprint of the Rains Backpack too large on the back. The 15.7-inch height of the Rains Mini will be a much better fit for people with shorter torsos. Although the regular Rains Backpack is larger, it is by no means a bulky backpack and will be great for anyone looking for a backpack with a slim profile.

Backpack Dimensions

• Rains Backpack: 18.9” (H) x 11.8” (W) x 4.7” (D)

• Rains Backpack Mini: 15.7” (H) x 11.” (W) x 3.9” (D)

Rains Backpack vs Mini - Side view to show how the Mini has less depth

One detail that we were surprised to discover is that both backpacks include the same sized shoulder straps. Any difference in shoulder strap fit comes from the size of the backpacks themselves. Since the Mini is smaller you can expect a slightly tighter fit but it's a very minor difference.

Materials and Construction

Both Rains backpacks are identical in construction. They both are made with the same polyester fabric with a waterproof PU coating. This coating is what gives all Rains backpacks their smooth feel and matte finish. The two backpacks also share the same exact metal hardware and carabiner buckle closure.

Water-repellent coatings: Rains Backpack in Grey color and the Rains Mini in Sand color

Pockets: Rains Backpack vs Mini

Both the Rains Backpack and Mini sizes have the same number of exterior and interior pockets. The most important takeaway is that all the pockets on the Rains Mini will be smaller than the ones on the full-sized Rains Backpack.

Rains Backpack vs Mini - Back pocket with passport and phone inside

On the back of each bag there is a hidden pocket for quick access to valuables such as cash, a passport or a phone. However, the size of the phone that can fit inside the Mini's back pocket may be limited. We found that the back pocket on the Mini could just fit a regular Apple iPhone 15 but it may have trouble fitting larger phones.

Rains Backpack vs Mini - Inside zipper pocket

Another zippered pocket can be found inside each main compartment. Although the pocket in the Mini is smaller, both are large enough to fit a laptop charger as well as smaller items such as pens.

Laptop Sleeve

Inside the main compartment is where you'll find an internal laptop sleeve. The first thing to note is that these laptop sleeves are not padded and do not provide much of a false bottom. A false bottom is spacing between the bottom of the laptop sleeve and the bottom of the bag to prevent accidental damage from drops. With this in mind, we like to pair our laptop with a padded sleeve when using the Rains Backpack for extra protection.

Rains Backpack vs Mini - the laptop sleeve

Both the Rains Backpack and the Rains Mini can fit a laptop up to 15-inches. However, we did find that the Rains Backpack can fit a 16-inch Macbook Pro, which is great news for Macbook Pro users. Unfortunatly, a 16-inch Macbook Pro will be way to too tight of a fit inside the Rains Mini laptop sleeve for us to recommend it.

Where things start to get complicated is if you plan on using a padded laptop case for extra protection. With a padded case, the largest laptop that can fit inside the Rains Mini is a 13" laptop. If you plan on using a padded case with a 14" or 15" laptop then you will have to upgrade to the full-size Rains Backpack.

What Fits Inside Each Rains Backpack?

The Rains Backpack gives you 13 liters of packing space inside the main compartment while the Rains Mini only gives you 9 liters. It's safe to say that neither are large backpacks. Their slim designs force you to stack items on top of each other (it feels like playing a game of Tetris). What we found is both backpacks do best with smaller items like pouches, notebooks and water bottles while the Rains Mini will have trouble fitting bulky items like a jacket, lunch box and bigger shoes.

What Fits Inside the 13L Rains Backpack?

• 24oz Water Bottle

• Tech Case

• Sunglasses Case

• Headphones

• Small Notebook

• Lightweight Jacket

• Laptop (inside sleeve)

What Fits Inside the 9L Rains Backpack Mini?

• 24oz Water Bottle

• Tech Case

• Sunglasses Case

• Headphones

• Small Notebook

• Laptop (inside sleeve)

The Rains Backpack Mini can fit everything that the regular Rains Backpack can fit except for the lightweight jacket. The extra height on the Rains Backpack allows you to "stack" items on top of each other, allowing for a jacket to fit on top of the smaller items.

Both main compartments packed with the same stuff. The Rains Backpack has room on top for a jacket or lunchbox.

Our conclusion: If you have bulky items such as a jacket, lunch box or shoes then the Rains Backpack will be the better choice. Unfortunately, the Rains Backpack Mini may be too small to fit these kinds of larger items and if they do fit, it's all you'll be able to fit inside.

Which Rains Backpack Size Should You Buy?

Rains Backpack

Rains Backpack Mini

Choose the Rains Backpack if... you need a reliable daily carry backpack that can handle small and larger items alike. Although the 13L Rains Backpack is slim, it can still fit bulky items like shoes, jackets and lunch boxes. The laptop pocket is also better suited for larger laptops such as a 16-inch Macbook Pro or a 15-inch laptop inside a padded case for extra protection.

Choose the Rains Mini if... you only need to carry a laptop and smaller essentials. The 8L Mini is great for storing items like pouches, water bottles and umbrellas but it does struggle to fit larger items like shoes and bulky jackets. Although you can fit a 15-inch laptop inside the laptop pocket - you'll be limited to a 13-inch laptop if you want to use a padded case. The Rains Mini is also better suited for shorter people who might find the full-sized Rains Backpack too large of a fit.

More Helpful Resources

• Waterproof Backpack for College - Great waterproof and water-resistant backpack options for daily carry and school

• Backpacks Like the Fjallraven Kanken - Lots of small backpack choices that rival the Rains Mini

• Best Small Backpacks for Men - Our favorite backpacks for men under 20L

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Day Owl Backpack vs Day Owl Slim - Ultimate Comparison

Which Day Owl backpack is best for daily carry? Is the Day Owl Slim too small? We answer these questions and more in this side-by-side Day Owl comparison. 

We have had the privilege of using both backpacks for two years at the time of this comparison and have some great insights on both. Our real life takeaway is that we love the Day Owl Slim as a personal item backpack for airline travel and the Day Owl Backpack more for everyday carry but we will let you be the judge on which backpack is best for your needs by comparing the pockets, main compartments overall functionality.

Video Review

Quick Specs

	Day Owl Backpack	Day Owl Slim
Volume	21L	13L
Materials	Recycled waxed canvas	Recycled waxed canvas
Dimensions	17” (H) x 12” (W) x 5” (D)	15.5” (H) x 11” (W) x 3.5” (D)
Weight	2.4lbs	2lbs
Laptop Compartment	Up to 16"	Up to 14"
Water Bottle Pocket	Yes	Yes
Chest Strap	No	No
Price

Size: Day Owl Backpack vs Day Owl Slim

Size and Fit: Day Owl Backpack vs Day Owl Slim

Exterior Dimensions:

• Day Owl Backpack: 17" x 12" x 5” (up to 6.5” fully packed)

• Day Owl Slim:  15.5" x 11" x 3.5” (up to 5” fully packed)

We should start out by pointing out that the regular Day Owl Backpack is not a bulky backpack to begin with. Its slim profile is a hallmark its minimalist look. With that being said, the regular Day Owl should fit most people just fine.

As the name implies, the Day Owl Slim is, you guessed it, slimmer! We found that the regular Day Owl gives you almost 6.5-inches in depth while the Slim comes in at 5-inches. Note: these measurements were taken when both backpacks were fully packed out with a laptop, full main compartment and a notebook in the front pocket. You’re actual depth measurements depends on what you pack inside!

Day Owl Backpack vs Day Owl Slim side by side

In addition to being slimmer, the Day Owl Slim will give you an overall smaller height and is slightly narrower in width. Overall, the Day Owl Slim will better suit people who usually find most backpacks too bulky on the back or those with shorter torsos who worry about the Day Owl Backpack being too long.

The shoulder straps on the Day Owl Slim are also going to be slightly narrower and overall smaller. So those with wider shoulders or a bulkier frame may find the Day Owl more accommodating overall.

Materials and Construction

Both the Day Owl Backpack and the Slim offer a near-identical construction. The bags are crafted with the same First Mile recycled wax canvas material, complemented by metal zippers and hardware.

We've had the opportunity to use these backpacks for two years leading up to this comparison, which should give the you some added insight into how the waxed canvas ages.

The full-sized Day Owl Backpack is in the Pale Olive color while the Day Owl Slim is Dawn Grey. The way that waxed canvas ages is unlike other fabrics; the more the bag is used, the more of a unique patina develops. 

You can see how the Pale Olive color has visible patina marks while the light Dawn Grey color does a better job at hiding any marks that have developed on the wax canvas.

Day Owl vs Slim: Exterior Pockets

The first thing you should know is that although the Day Owl Backpack and Slim share most of the same pockets, the pockets on the Slim are much smaller.

Day Owl Backpack vs Day Owl Slim: Both have most of the same exterior pockets.

The size difference can be best seen in the spill-resistant water bottle pockets. While both models can fit a wine bottle, the Day Owl Slim is restricted to slimmer water bottles, such as the 24oz Hydroflask bottle show in the photos. The full-size Day Owl Backpack however, can fit larger 32oz or 40oz bottles inside the water bottle pocket just fine.

Both the Day Owl and the Slim feature a flat front pocket and a top pocket but the Slim is missing the hidden side pocket.

Day Owl Backpack vs Day Owl Slim: The Slim is missing the hidden side pocket

A huge difference worth noting is that the Day Owl Backpack has two different spots for storing phone: the top pocket and the hidden side pocket. Unfortunately, the Day Owl Slim is missing the side pocket and the top pocket is too small to fit a phone. This is where the smaller pockets on the Day Owl Slim starts to feel like a downgrade. Aside from the front pocket, items like a phone, passport or portable power bank don’t really have a home on the outside of the bag and as a result you have less quick-access to these items when compared to the original Day Owl Backpack.

Laptop Compartments

For many, the real deciding factor will be the size of the laptop compartment in each backpack. The original Day Owl Backpack can fit a laptop up to a 16-inch Macbook while the Day Owl Slim is limited to a laptop up to 14-inches. 

The Day Owl can fit up to a 16-inch laptop while the Slim can fit up to a 14-inch laptop.

In our testing we found that although the Day Owl Slim can fit a 14-inch PC, it’s a tight fit with the corners of the laptop coming uncomfortably close to the top of the pocket. For extra peace of mind, we do recommend just upgrading to the full-sized Day Owl Backpack if you have a 14-inch PC for that extra protection. The Day Owl Slim is really ideal for 13-inch laptops and tablets (in fact, it’s one of our favorite tablet backpacks), since these smaller devices comfortably fit inside.

It’s worth noting that both laptop compartments are well-padded. Although neither provide a raised false-bottom, there is a thick piece of foam at the bottom of each laptop pocket to protect your device from bumps and drops. In our two years of using these backpacks for travel and daily carry, the laptop protection has always been reliable.

What Fits Inside Each Backpack?

Day Owl Capacity:

• Day Owl Backpack: 21L

• Day Owl Slim: 13L

The Day Owl Backpack offers a capacity of 21L, significantly more than the 13L of the Day Owl Slim. What we have always loved about both backpacks is that the main compartment has a clamshell design for easy packing and unpacking. 

Both backpacks can fit a change of clothes but the Day Owl Backpack can hold an extra pair of sneakers.

The most important fact to know here is that both the water bottle and top pocket take up room on the inside of the main compartments when they are packed. This isn’t a big deal with the larger Day Owl Backpack but with the Slim it starts to really effect the already limited packing space.

Both backpacks can fit items like folder, binders and notebooks but the Day Owl Slim won’t fit these items if you have a water bottle inside the pocket. 

Notebooks and folders fit inside the Day Owl Slim as long as you don’t use the side water bottle pocket.

This difference impacts what you can carry. The Day Owl Backpack can handle bulkier items like lunch boxes, large notebooks, or even a camera cube, while the Slim is more suited for smaller items small notebooks, pouches and tech accessories.

Which Day Owl Size Should You Buy?

Day Owl Backpack

Day Owl Slim

Choose the Day Owl Backpack if… you need more space for larger items such as a lunch box, camera cube or large binders and notebooks. We prefer the Day Owl Backpack as a school and overnight travel bag for its roomy interior and exterior pockets. You should go with the Day Owl if you have a laptop larger than 14-inches or if you carry larger water bottles.

Choose the Day Owl Slim if… you only need a small daypack for essentials. The compact size makes it great for people with shorter torsos who find many other backpacks too bulky. We also love the Day Owl Slim as a travel backpack! It’s great for carrying in-flight essentials and has been small enough to be used as an underseat personal item on on every flight we have taken it on.

More Helpful Resources

• Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L Review - Another compact bag to consider

• Best Backpacks Like the Fjallraven Kanken - Lots of small backpack choices that rival the Day Owl

• Best Small Backpacks for Men - Our favorite backpacks for men under 20L

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Under Armour Hustle 5.0 vs Hustle Pro - Hands-On Comparison

In this backpack comparison we are getting hands-on with the Under Armour Hustle 5.0 and the Under Armour Hustle Pro backpack to find out what the real differences are. We'll break down how they fit, the various pockets they offer, and what you can fit inside each.

Under Armour has always been known as a brand that caters to athletes and we believe both packs do a great job at offering similar features. Both the Hustle 5.0 and Hustle Pro backpacks are made with a water-resistant construction to protect from rain and snow thanks to UA Storm Technology. You can also find a dedicated shoe compartment and a large main compartment for packing books or daily essentials. Whether you are student athlete or just looking a reliable everyday pack, you really can't go wrong with either.

Now, the big question: Is upgrading to the UA Hustle Pro worth it? Let's find out.

Video Review

Quick Specs

	Under Armour Hustle 5.0	Under Armour Hustle Pro
Volume	29L	31.5L
Materials	Polyester with UA Storm water-resistant finish	Polyester with UA Storm water-resistant finish
Dimensions	20.1” (H) x 12.6” (W) x 6.3” (D)	20.1” (H) x 12.6” (W) x 8.9” (D)
Laptop Sleeve	Up to 15"	Up to 15"
Insulated Water Bottle Pocket	No	Yes
Sternum Strap	No	Yes
Waist Belt	No	No
Price

Size and Fit: UA Hustle 5.0 vs Hustle Pro

Despite the UA Hustle Pro having a larger capacity, there isn't a huge size difference between these backpacks.

Exterior Dimensions:

• Under Armour Hustle 5.0: 20.1” (H) x 12.6” (W) x 6.3” (D)

• Under Armour Hustle Pro: 20.1” (H) x 12.6” (W) x 8.9” (D)

Where you'll see a difference is in the depth of each backpack. The Hustle Pro will stick out a little bit more on the back when you wear it. This is due to the larger front compartment which we will take a closer look at later. However, the height and width are the same on both backpacks.

Shoulder Straps

The shoulder straps are where you will begin to see the biggest difference in fit and comfort. The Hustle 5.0 features cushioned and soft straps. On the other hand, the Hustle Pro has stiff, structured straps that are a little wider. Specifically, the Hustle 5.0's straps and are just under 3 inches wide and taper down, while the Hustle Pro's are a little over 3 inches wide.

The Hustle Pro comes with some upgrades for the shoulder straps. The first is a removable UA strap clip that lets you attach an Under Armour duffle bag. This strap clip is adjustable as needed and can be placed on either shoulder strap.

In addition the Hustle Pro comes with a sternum strap that is missing on the Hustle 5.0. However, it's important to note that the sternum strap on the Hustle Pro is fixed in place and cannot be adjusted up and down. If we are being honest, this is not the best sternum strap backpack design since you cannot control where the strap sits on your chest. Although it is an upgrade, Under Armour could have done a much better job here.

Lastly, the Hustle Pro includes Under Armour's LEVELED strap system, which have numbers printed on them. These numbers help you adjust the straps precisely for better weight distribution. The Hustle 5.0, in contrast, has regular straps without this feature.

Construction

It's worth noting that the Hustle 5.0 and Hustle Pro both have use identical materials and feel about the same. Both the Hustle 5.0 and Hustle Pro are made with polyester and use water-resistant UA Storm Technology to make protect your gear in the rain. Each back panel is made with breathable air mesh and is the same design. Lastly, Under Armour uses the same exact zippers on both backpacks.

Exterior Pockets

Moving on to the pockets, this is the area where these backpacks show the most differences.

Hustle 5.0 & Hustle Pro Shared Pockets

Like many Under Armour backpacks, both the Hustle 5.0 and Hustle Pro provide a tricot-lined valuables pocket on at the top for keeping items like sunglasses or tech gadgets. Additionally, there is a mesh water bottle pockets on each side of the backpacks. However, this is where the similarities come to an end.

Extra Pockets on the Hustle Pro

The Hustle Pro comes with three extra pockets on the front. On the one side there is a zippered pocket that features a small sleeve on the inside, which is perfect for securely holding a phone.

On the opposite side, there's a pocket with insulated lining to keep a water bottle cool. We found that it can fit a standard-sized sports squeeze bottle or even a couple of beverage cans.

The final additional pocket is an open compartment that is secured with a clip. This pocket is designed for quickly grabbing and stowing away items. It's great for things like hats, sweaty shirts, or workout accessories that you might want to access easily.

In summary, while both backpacks offer side mesh pockets for water bottles and a soft-lined top pocket, the UA Hustle Pro takes it up a notch with three extra front storage pockets that are missing on the UA Hustle 5.0.

Interior Compartments

Front and Shoe Compartments

Although the Hustle 5.0 and Hustle Pro do include a front compartment and a seperate main compartment, only the Hustle 5.0 includes a bottom shoe compartment. This roomy bottom compartment is designed to hold laundry, athletic shoes (we tested it with US Men's Size 12 shoes) and it's spacious enough for a full-sized basketball. However, this bottom compartment isn't present in the Hustle Pro.

Both backpacks feature a front zippered compartment, but only the Hustle 5.0 boasts organizer pockets inside for pens and small items. The Hustle Pro doesn't have these internal pockets. The lack of pockets is due to the front compartment in the Hustle Pro being intended to serve as a space for shoes and laundry. Although this front zippered compartment is larger than the one on the Hustle 5.0, we found it too small for a full-sized basketball.

The placement of the shoe compartment has its pros and cons with each backpack. It's important to note that the bottom compartment on the Hustle 5.0 shares it's space with the main compartment. So the more you pack inside that bottom compartment, the less packing space you'll have in the rest of the bag.

The UA Hustle Pro elimates this problem by giving you a gussetted front compartment for shoes and laundry on the front of the pack while keeping the packing space in the main compartment intact. But this design eliminates the extra pockets for pens and daily essentials that are featured in the Hustle 5.0. The design of the Hustle Pro makes it better suited for athletes who primarily carry lots of sports equipment, while the Hustle 5.0 might be a better fit for college students and those who need smaller organization pockets for daily carry.

HUstle 5.0 vs Hustle Pro MAIN COMPARTMENT

Overall, the Hustle 5.0 offers 29 liters of packing space, while the Hustle Pro offers 31.5 liters. Despite this difference, both main compartments are approximately the same size.

Both compartments feature a 15-inch soft-lined laptop sleeve positioned against the back. If you're using these backpacks for school, both can accommodate the same amount of books, folders, and notebooks.

For sports or gym use, both main compartments are capable of holding large items such as boxing gloves and toiletry bags. Yes, both compartments can also fit a basketball.

The additional packing room in the Hustle Pro is primarily attributed to its front shoe/laundry compartment. This is where you'll notice the most significant difference in packing as this front compartment adds extra packing room.

UA Hustle 5.0 vs Hustle Pro: Which Should You Buy?

UA Hustle 5.0

UA Hustle Pro

So, how do you make the decision between these two backpacks?

Both the UA Hustle 5.0 and UA Hustle Pro are excellent options for athletes, college students, and even travelers. They offer versatility to suit various needs thanks to their roomy main compartments and useful pockets.

The Under Armour Hustle 5.0 should be best looked at as a hybrid backpack. It provides a front compartment with enough smaller pockets for keeping your daily school or work essentials organized. The added bottom shoe compartment gives you the flexibility to use it as a gym bag or a daily laptop backpack, depending on your requirements for the day. This is because the main compartment and bottom compartment space is shared.

On the flip side, the upgrades in the Under Armour Hustle Pro are more tailored for student athletes and those who frequent the gym. Bonus features like the insulated water bottle pocket, the duffel bag attachment clip, and the replacement of small organizer pockets with a dedicated shoe and laundry compartment make it the perfect backpack for carrying sports and gym gear. While you can still use the Hustle Pro as a school bookbag or daily laptop backpack, the upgrades are primarily designed to cater to the needs of active lifestyles.

MORE HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• Under Armour Hustle 5.0 backpack review

• Under Armour Hustle Sport backpack review

• Best Backpacks with Shoe Compartments - Tested and Reviewed

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Fjallraven Raven 20 vs 28 Backpack - What's the Difference?

Right behind the Kanken, the Fjallraven Raven backpack stands out as the brand's most popular model, and for good reason. Whether you require a laptop backpack for daily wear or a rugged pack for outdoor activities, the Raven is versatile enough to meet your needs.

It's no secret that the Raven is available in two sizes: the Raven 20 and the larger Raven 28. However, what sets them apart? Is it just the size of the main compartment? Well, not exactly.

In this Raven 20 vs Raven 28 backpack comparison we will showcase each bag side by side so that you can decide which is the best for you.

Video Review

Quick Specs

	Fjallraven Raven 20	Fjallraven Raven 28
Volume	20L	28L
Materials	G-100 Heavy Duty	G-100 Heavy Duty
Dimensions	16.5” (H) x 11” (W) x 7” (D)	18.5” (H) x 12.2” (W) x 8.25” (D)
Weight	1.4lbs	2.2lbs
Laptop Compartment	Up to 15" - padded sleeve in main compartment	Up to 15" - seperate laptop compartment
Chest Strap	No	No
Waist Belt	No	No
Price

Size: Fjallraven Raven 20 vs 28

Exterior Dimensions

• Raven 20: 16.5" H x 11" W x 7.08" D (42 x 28 x 18 cm)

• Raven 28: 18.5" H x 12.2" W x 8.26" D (47 x 31 x 21 cm)

Along with having more internal packing room, the Raven 28 is the larger backpack all around. When worn, it takes up a bigger area on your back compared to the Raven 20. The Raven 28 also sticks out more when worn thanks to its extra laptop compartment (more on this below).

Padded Back Panel Dimensions

• Raven 20: 16.5" H x 10" W (42 x 25.4 cm)

• Raven 28: 18" H x 11" W (45.7 x 28 cm)

For those with shorter torsos, we generally recommend the Raven 20 for its smaller back panel. Its compact size provides a more comfortable fit for shorter people. If you prefer a backpack that doesn't stick out as much, then the Raven 20 is also the better option. In general, this small backpack is perfect for daily essentials and as a personal item bag during flights.

On the other hand, the Raven 28 will be a good fit for most people, especially as a school bookbag or as a main bag for short trips.

Materials and Comfort

When it comes to materials and comfort, both Raven backpacks are nearly identical. Fjallraven products are renowned for their durability, and the Raven packs are no exception. Both the Raven 20 and Raven 28 are crafted from the same water-resistant G-1000 HeavyDuty fabric, and they both showcase a leather Fjallraven logo and top handle.

Regarding comfort, these backpacks have the same padded airmesh back panel and padded straps for extra comfort. Despite their different sizes, the shoulder straps maintain the same dimensions. However, you will be disapointed if you are looking for a backpack with a sternum strap since neither backpack have one. While you might not need one for the smaller Raven 20, it is surprising that Fjallraven did not include a sternum strap on the larger Raven 28.

Raven 20 vs 28: Exterior Pockets

The Raven 20 and Raven 28 both include the same exact exterior pockets and compartments.

Both packs have two side pockets for water bottles. Despire the backpacks being different sizes, both the Raven 20 and 28 have the same water bottle pocket size. The photo below shows a 24oz Hydroflask bottle but we found that they can easily hold up to a 40oz Hydroflask bottle.

On the top of each pack, there's a fleece-lined pocket that can hold a phone or a pair of sunglasses. Additionally, each Raven backpack features a large zippered pocket on the front for quick storage.

Both Raven backpacks also include a roomy organizer compartment at the front. Inside, there are smaller pockets to keep items like pens and chargers organized.

The difference starts to show in the size of the pockets themselves. Apart from the water bottle pockets, each pocket on the Raven 28 is slightly larger than those on the Raven 20. This is because the Raven 28 has an overall larger size.

Laptop Storage: The Biggest Difference

The main difference between the Fjallraven Raven 20 and Raven 28 is the location of the laptop storage. In the Raven 20, the laptop sleeve is inside the main compartment, while in the Raven 28, there's a separate laptop compartment at the back. Additionally, the laptop compartment in the Raven 28 includes an extra sleeve for a flat item like a tablet or notebook.

The laptop sleeve in the Raven 20 is padded all around, but we noticed it lacks a false bottom to protect the laptop from drops. A false bottom is a space between the bottom of the laptop sleeve and the bottom of the bag. This space prevents your laptop from hitting the ground if the bag is ever accidentely dropped on the hard floor.

Instead of a flase bottom, the laptop sleeve on the Raven 20 relies on a strip of foam at the bottom for safety. On the other hand, the laptop sleeve in the Raven 28 we tested does include a little bit of a false bottom, adding an extra layer of protection along with the bottom padding.

In conclusion, the laptop compartment in the Raven 28 offers a bit more protection and is more convenient to use. Retrieving the laptop from the separate compartment in the Raven 28 is much simpler compared to having to take out items from the main compartment to reach the laptop in the Raven 20.

Note: We tested each pack with a 13 inch Macbook, however both Ravens can accommodate up to a 15-inch laptop.

Explore Fjallraven Alternatives

See the list

What Fits Inside Each?

Let's take a look at what you can actually fit inside the main compartments of the Fjallraven Raven 20 and Raven 28 backpacks after exploring their sizes and pockets. The examples below should provide you with a realistic idea of what you can comfortably pack in each main pocket.

While it's clear that one Raven offers 20 liters of packing room and the other provides 28 liters, what is suprising is that both main compartments have 5-inches of depth. However, the Raven 20 has slightly less functional space due to the presence of a padded laptop sleeve that occupies room, even when empty.

What fits inside the Raven 20?

• Laptop inside padded sleeve

• 2x Folders

• 2x 1-inch binders

• 1x Single Subject Notebook

What fits inside the Raven 28?

• 2x Folders

• 2x 1-inch binders

• 1x Single Subject Notebook

• 2x Large Notebooks

• Laptop (inside the laptop compartment)

In the Raven 20, we managed to fit a laptop, two folders, two one-inch binders, and a single-subject notebook. On the other hand, the Raven 28 can accommodate two additional large notebooks, given that the laptop resides in a separate compartment. When it comes to bulkier items like a camera cube or lunch box, the Raven 28 offers more ease in fitting them. Although the Raven 20 can still technically hold a camera cube or lunch box, it's a much tighter fit.

For travel purposes, the Raven 20 can hold a pair of shoes and a change of clothes, while the Raven 28 provides significantly more space for quick trips (2-3 days of packing). We found the Raven 28 easier to use with packing cubes.

Which Fjallraven Raven Size Should You Buy?

Fjallraven Raven 20

Fjallraven Raven 28

Choose the Fjällräven Raven 20 if... You want a backpack with a smaller footprint when worn. The Raven 20 is generally recommend for shorter people who don't like the look of a bulky backpack. With the exception of the laptop compartment on the Raven 28, you are getting most of the same exact pockets, making the Raven 20 a great choice for those who want a small pack to organize their daily essentials.

Choose the Fjällräven Raven 28 if... You want a full-featured pack with enough room for many large school books and notebooks or to use as a travel pack for short trips. The 28 liter size is also better for carrying bulkier items like a lunchbox or camera cube. Last but not least, if having a separate laptop compartment is important to you, then the Raven 28 is the way to go.

More Helpful Fjallraven Comparisons:

• Fjallraven Kanken Classic vs Laptop

• Fjallraven Kanken Classic vs Mini

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Timbuk2 Authority vs Division Backpack in 2024 - Which is better?

Timbuk2 is a brand best known for their messenger bags but they also offer some great everyday backpack options. Out of their entire lineup, it's safe to say that the Authority and Division are their most popular models.

In this backpack comparison we will take a closer look at the Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe and see how it stacks up to the Division Laptop Backpack Deluxe. Although these bags have a lot in common, the real differences in the details.

One backpack is made for those who need lots of organization while the other gives you a simple carry style. Which one is the perfect backpack for your needs? Let's find out.

Video Review

Quick Specs

	Authority Deluxe	Division Deluxe
Volume	20L	18L
Materials	Recycled nylon	Recycled nylon
Laptop Compartment	Up to 17" laptop	Up to 15" laptop
2nd Padded Sleeve	Yes, in main compartment	Yes, in main compartment
Organizer Compartment	Yes	No
Water Bottle Pocket	Yes	Yes
Sternum Strap	Yes	Yes
Waist Belt	No	No
Price

Size: Timbuk2 Authority vs Division Backpacks

The Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe laptop backpack is larger than the Division and leaves a larger footprint on the back when worn. We found that shorter people will find the Division to be a better fit.

• Authority Dimensions: 18.9" x 11.4" x 5.31"

• Division Dimensions: 17.3" x 10.6" x 5.12"

As for internal capacity, the Authority gives you 20 liters while the Division only gives you 18 liters. Timbuk2 has changed the capacity of these backpacks in 2023. So if you see the old capacities of 28 liters for the Authority and 21 liters for the Division, this is why. In our opinion the new capacities better reflect the main sections of these backpacks.

Although the Authority backpack has a larger capacity, we will explain later on why the Division might be a better choice for people who carry bulky items.

Materials and Comfort

Both Timbuk2 backpacks use the same materials and offer the same amount of water resistance. You can expect the same recycled nylon external material with a waterproof boot bottom. The compression strap buckles are made of plastic.

We are really impressed with the back panel and shoulder straps. The signature Timbuk2 back panel has a unique "bubble" padded design that is very comfortable. As a result, both the Division and Authority pack feel about the same when worn. Each backpack also includes an adjustable sternum strap that can be removed.

Additionally, both the Timbuk2 Authority and Division feature a trolley sleeve, making them convenient for attaching to wheeled luggage while traveling.

To say these backpacks feel the same is an understatement. They feel nearly identical from zippers to shoulder straps.

Authority vs Division: Exterior Pockets

Where we start to see a huge difference is in the number of pockets. The Authority brings the heat with a few front compartments for organization. The first pocket is a top pocket that can fit sunglasses or a cell phone. Below this pocket is a another pocket that includes a key keeper leash.

The Division only gives you one exterior utility pocket on the front. This pocket covers the entire front panel and is where you key keeper leash is located. Other than this front pocket, the Division does not include any other outside pockets.

It's safe to say that if you want a backpack with lots of pockets - go with the Authority Deluxe Backpack.

Water Bottle Pockets

Both backpacks include a single side water bottle holder. We found that the largest water bottle we can fit inside is a slim 24oz bottle. Unfortunately, these water bottle pockets are too small for larger bottles. So if you have larger 32oz or 40oz bottles, they will not fit.

Rear Laptop Compartment

The last compartment is the rear laptop compartment. The big difference here is that the Authority pack can fit a laptop up to 17-inches while the Division can only fit a 15-inch laptop. There is also a second padded sleeve that can be found inside the main compartments, but we will get to that later.

Timbuk2 Authority: Organizer Compartment

A huge difference between these two bags is the extra front compartment in the Authority pack that is missing on the Division. This compartment features an organizer panel for small items like pens and chargers.

The organizer compartment can open pretty wide thanks to two elastic gussets. It's also large enough to fit notebooks, a light jacket and other bigger items. One of the main ways to decided between these two backpacks is to ask if you need an organizer panel for quick access to small items. The Authority pack makes is super easy to organize and quickly grab stuff like pens, chargers and other small bits and bobs.

The Division pack doesn't give you these small pockets other than a large general utility pocket on the front with a key fob.

Authority vs Division: Main Compartment

Want to know the secret difference between the Timbuk2 Authority and Division? It's the main compartment sizes.

The main compartment in the Authority is longer and wider than the one in the Division. But! The main compartment in the Authority is slimmer than the one in the 18L Division.

This means that we could only fit a few binders and notebooks in the Authority before running out room. And if we wanted to fit a jacket, we had to divide our carry and place the jacket inside the organizer compartment. With the Division, we could fit our binders, notebooks AND jacket inside the main compartment just fine.

Instead of giving you one large 20 liter main compartment, the Authority instead splits its space between the organizer compartment and the main compartment. This means you'll have to divide your carry if you run out of space in the main compartment.

What does this mean for you? If you need to carry bulky items like a lunch box or camera cube, go with the Division. The main compartment in the Authority is just too slim for those kind of bulky items. For short trips, we found it much easier to pack the Division backpack because it gave us much more wide open room. The main compartment on the Division also gives you elastic gussets so that you can open it nice and wide for packing.

Second Padded Sleeve

Both backpacks also include a padded sleeve inside their main compartments. We found that we could easily fit a second laptop or tablet inside these sleeves, turning these Timbuk2 packs into dual laptop backpacks.

Compression Straps

The last major difference between the Timbuk2 Division and Authority packs are the location of the compression straps.

The Timbuk2 Authority has its compression straps on the bottom. These straps allow you to attach bulkier gear like a jacket or blanket.

The Timbuk2 Division has side compression straps. These straps aren't useful for attaching extra items but it allows the bottom of the bag to stay nice and flat. The one gripe we have is that you have to unbuckle these comression straps whenever you want to fully open the main compartment. This can get pretty annoying if you need quick access.

Which Timbuk2 Backpack Should You Buy?

Timbuk2 Authority

Timbuk2 Division

Choose the Timbuk2 Authority if... you need a work and travel backpack with great pockets for organization. Where the Timbuk2 Authority shines is in its organization. You also have the advantage of using the bottom compression straps to hold bulkier gear when needed.

Choose the Timbuk2 Division if... you want a smaller laptop bag with a minimalist style. The Timbuk2 Division doesn't clutter you with too many pockets and gives you a cleaner look as a result. The main compartment is also functionally larger. This makes the Division the better choice if you need to carry bulkier gear like a lunch box, clothing or many notebooks and books.

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Fjallraven Kanken Classic vs Kanken Laptop (13", 15", 17") - What's the difference?

The Fjallraven Kanken Classic and the Kanken Laptop are the same exact backpacks except one has a laptop compartment, right?

Well, not exactly.

There are a few important differences that you should know about before choosing between the two. And some details can even be deal breakers depending on what you need in a backpack.

In this review, we provide an in-depth comparison between two popular backpack models from Fjällräven: the Kanken Classic and the Kanken Laptop versions to make choosing as easy as possible.

We will have the 16L Kanken Classic side by side with the Kanken Laptop 13” and 15” versions to look at pockets, features and size differences. If you are looking to get a Kanken Laptop 17”, don't worry, all of the major details discussed here will still apply! And for those considering the Mini, check out our Kanken Classic vs Mini comparison.

Video Review

What's the same?

The Kanken Classic is a traditional backpack that was designed for students. Because of this it's large enough to fit standard A4 papers, documents and books. With the Kanken Laptop, Fjallraven has modernized the Kanken with a separate laptop pocket while still keeping the same overall design.

Despite their differences, the Kanken Classic and Laptop have a lot in common. Both versions will be made with the same Vinylon-F fabric and have the same exact zippers and hardware. Quality-wise, these backpacks feel exactly the same.

You can also expect all Kanken versions to include a removable foam seat cushion that also acts as the back panel padding. On the Kanken laptop version however, this seat cushion also acts as extra padding for the laptop compartment.

Lastly, all Kanken versions are convertible backpacks that allow you to tuck away the shoulder straps and convert the backpack into a tote bag.

Price Difference

There is a big difference in price between the original Kanken Classic 16L and the laptop versions. You can expect the Kanken Laptop price to increase the larger you go, with the Kanken Laptop 17" being the most expensive.

For many people, price alone may be enough reason to choose the Kanken Classic. This is very true for people who don’t plan on carrying a laptop at all times or choose to just use a padded laptop sleeve.

Kånken Classic

Kånken Laptop

More Pockets: Kanken Laptop

The Kanken Classic gives you three pockets total: the front pocket and the two side pockets. While the Kanken Laptop version adds a pocket on the inside of the main compartment and a separate laptop pocket against the back panel for a total of five pockets.

The extra pocket on the inside of the Kanken Laptop version is large enough for things like a laptop charger, pens, a phone or wallet. This pocket gives you easy access to small items without having to use a pouch or pencil case.

The side pockets of the Kanken Classic can fit up to a slim 24oz water bottle or an umbrella. You'll find that the side pockets on the Kanken Laptop 13" are smaller and will not fit most water bottles. If you would like a laptop backpack with larger side pockets you will have to upgrade to the larger 15" and 17" Kanken versions.

Kanken Classic vs Laptop: Size Difference

We have tested the Kanken Classic next to the laptop 13-inch and 15-inch versions so that you can see the size differences.

Kanken Classic vs Kanken Laptop 13" Backpack

The Kanken Laptop 13" is smaller with only 13 liters of packing room while the Kanken Classic has 16 liters of packing room. A big reason there is less packing room in the Kanken Laptop 13" is because the laptop compartment takes up room where the main compartment would be. In order to keep the Kanken Laptop 13" small, Fjällräven decided to just shrink the main compartment.

The laptop sleeve in the Kanken Laptop 13" can fit up to a 13 inch laptop or tablet. This is a small laptop compartment and will not fit a 14 inch laptop. The inside of the main compartment can fit A4 papers, standard sized notebooks and binders but keep in mind that you will have less depth so you will not be able to fit as many items because of the smaller main compartment.

The side pockets on the Kanken Laptop 13" are a little smaller than the side pockets on the Kanken Classic which is bad news for anyone hoping to use them as water bottle pockets. We found that slim water bottles are still too large for the 13-inch Kanken. You can still fit an umbrella or other slim items.

Kanken Classic vs Kanken Laptop 15" Backpack

Where you'll start to see more packing room is with the Kanken Laptop 15" backpack. The Kanken 15" has 18 liters of packing room versusthe Classic's 16 liters.

Most of the extra space inside the Kanken Laptop 15" can be found in the width and height of the bag. This means that you can fit the same amount of notebooks and binders inside the 15" as you can in the classic but there will be extra room on top and sides.

The laptop sleeve on the Kanken Laptop 15" can fit a 14-inch or 15-inch laptop but is too small for a 15.6" laptop.

Kanken Classic vs Kanken Laptop 17" Backpack

The Kanken Laptop 17" is the largest Kanken laptop backpack with the most packing room. With a 20 liter main compartment, here is where you will start to see the biggest size difference when compared to the Classic. The Kanken Laptop 17" is best for anyone who has a laptop larger than 15-inches, this includes 15.6" laptops that are too small for the Kanken Laptop 15" backpack.

Kanken Laptop: Shoulder Strap Padding

The Kanken Laptop version gives us shoulder straps that have built-in padding. These shoulder strap pads were added to support the extra weight of a heavy laptop.

But are the padded shoulder straps enough of a reason to upgrade from the Kanken Classic?

Fjällräven offers a ton of Kanken accessories, including ad-on shoulder strap pads and a chest strap. You could always attach shoulder strap pads to your Kanken Classic for a more comfortable fit. And if you need even more support, Kanken offers a chest strap ad-on for even more support. Unfortunately, the chest strap cannot be attached to a Kanken Laptop backpack.

With shoulder strap and chest strap ad-ons, the Kanken Classic can be even more comfortable and supportive than a Kanken Laptop.

Kanken Classic: Laptop Carry

One question we often hear is: Can you use the seat cushion sleeve as a laptop pocket?

Although you could technically use this sleeve to hold a laptop, we would not recommend it. The seat cushion sleeve was never meant to be used as a pocket and is made with very thin material. As a result, it does not have the same protection as a dedicated padded laptop pocket.

If you plan on using your Kanken Classic as a laptop backpack, we recommend grabbing a padded laptop case. Keep in mind, that the Kanken Classic can only fit a device 13-inches or under with a padded case inside the main compartment. If you have a bigger laptop, you will have to upgrade to the larger Kanken Laptop 15" or 17".

Explore Kanken Backpack Alternatives

See the List

Which Kanken Backpack is Better?

Kånken Classic

Kånken Laptop

Choose the Kanken Classic if… you want the most versatile Kanken backpack with the most color and accessory options. The Kanken Classic a great choice if you don’t plan on carrying a laptop all of the time. It’s compact size gives you more packing room than the Kanken 13-inch without the bulk of bigger sizes.

Choose a Kanken Laptop if… You need the protection and convenience of a dedicated laptop pocket and want an extra compartment for small items. Upgrading to the Kanken Laptop 15-inch and 17-inch will also allow you to store larger devices and give you more packing room inside the main compartment.

MORE HELPFUL FJALLRAVEN COMPARISONS:

• Fjallraven Kanken Classic vs Mini

• Fjallraven Raven 20 vs 28 Laptop Backpack

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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

	Series 1 Knack Pack (Medium)	Series 2 Knack Pack (Medium)
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.

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Fjallraven Kanken Classic vs Mini - What's the difference?

When first released in 1978, who would have guessed that the Fjallraven Kanken would achieve the global popularity it has today?

Well, once you get your hands on a Kanken it starts to become a lot clearer why the bags are so popular. High quality construction, an innovative shoulder strap design and a roomy main compartment that’s perfectly designed for school books and folders is a winning combination.

In recent years Fjallraven has released the Kanken Mini, a smaller version of the original Kanken Classic. But is the smaller size all there is to it?

In this Kanken Classic vs Mini backpack comparison we will have both backpacks side-by-side so that you can see exactly how they fit when worn, what fits inside, and all of the small, but important, differences that may not be obvious at first glance.

Curious about the Kanken Laptop? Check out our Kanken Classic vs Laptop comparison!

Video Review

Kanken Classic vs Mini Side-by-Side

What’s the same?

Some people might argue that the smaller Fjallraven Kanken Mini is made for kids, but that’s not true. The Kanken Mini has the same size shoulder straps as the larger Kanken models but is simply designed to hold less with a smaller footprint on the back when worn. Think of the Kanken Mini as an alternative to a purse, sling bag, or small tote that you would use for daily essentials.

Aside from a couple of small but important differences (more on that later), both the Kanken Classic and Mini have the exact same Vinylon F construction and even share the same zippers, Arctic Fox snaps, and stitch points. 

The Kanken Mini even shares the same size webbing for the shoulder straps and handles as the Kanken Classic, making them feel very similar when carried. Another small but important detail is the X-webbing on the back that promotes even weight distribution when worn - the hallmark feature of any Kanken backpack.

In short, whether you choose the Kanken Classic or Mini, you will be getting the same exact high quality materials and number of pockets. So the real question you have to ask when choosing between the two is: How much do I need to carry?

Kanken Classic vs Mini: Size Difference

With an internal capacity of only 7 liters, the Kanken Mini is significantly smaller than the 16-liter Classic. Along with a smaller footprint on the back when worn, you'll find that the Kanken Mini feels more like a purse or small sling bag while the Kanken Classic feels more like a traditional backpack. Not only is the Kanken Mini lighter, but its footprint is almost comically small.

Price Difference

Fjallraven recently had a slight price increase across their products in recent years. It’s always best to check for the latest prices, but usually the Kanken Mini is cheaper than the larger Kanken Classic. We also recommend buying your Kanken from a reputable online retailer to avoid knock-offs and fakes.

Kanken Classic

Kanken Mini

Kanken Classic vs Mini: What fits inside?

Since the Kanken Classic and Mini share a lot of the same construction details, the biggest difference will be in what fits inside each. Consider this section the meat and potatoes of this backpack comparison.

The Fjallraven Kanken Classic was originally designed as a backpack for school children and was purpose-built for carrying notebooks and books. As a result, you can expect the Kanken Classic to fit large items like folders, binders, and notebooks inside the 16-liter main compartment. We were also able to fit a 13-inch laptop inside a padded case inside the Kanken Classic.

The Kanken Mini is too small for most larger school items such as binders and folders, but smaller composition notebooks (9.75" x 7.5") and smaller journals and planners will fit just fine. The same goes for laptops. The Kanken Mini is too small to fit most laptops, but you can fit a 10" iPad or other smaller tablet inside the main compartment just fine.

Although too small for A4 folders and papers, you could in theory be a brave soul and use the Kanken Mini as a school backpack if all you need to carry is a few composition notebooks and an iPad.

For travel packing, both the Kanken Classic and Mini can hold a surprising amount of clothing. We tested both backpacks with Men's Size Small t-shirts in order to find out how much each Kanken could fit.

The Kanken Classic can fit 20 t-shirts inside the main compartment, making it a good bag to use for a weekend trip (or more if you are a light packer). For travel, the Kanken Classic makes a great bag for a weekend trip or as a personal item backpack for airlines with strict carry-on size limits (we are looking at you, United Airlines).

Despite its itty-bitty size, we found that the Kanken Mini can fit 10 t-shirts inside its main compartment, which is actually a lot for a bag this small. Although the Mini may be too small for a weekend trip, it gives you enough room for at least a change of clothing.

Pockets and Compartments

Both the Kanken Classic and Mini have the exact same number of pockets. You can expect to find two flat side pockets and a front zippered compartment on each bag.

The front pocket on the Kanken Mini is tiny and too small to fit most smartphones. It's best reserved for very small items such as earbuds, chapstick, and phone charger cables. It can just barely fit pens, markers, and mechanical pencils.

The front pocket on the Kanken Classic can fit larger items such as a cell phone with a charger, plus smaller items like earbuds, chapstick, and pens and markers.

We tested the side pockets with a water bottle and an umbrella and found that the side pockets on the Kanken Classic can fit a 24oz water bottle and umbrella just fine. Although the fabric on Kanken backpacks does stretch and soften over time, don’t expect to ever be able to squeeze in a larger 32oz water bottle inside these side pockets.

The side pockets on the Kanken Mini are too small to fit a water bottle, but there is enough room to fit a slim travel umbrella.

The Biggest Difference: Shoulder Strap Design

One of the best features of any Fjallraven Kanken is the ability to switch between a backpack and a tote bag by tucking away the shoulder straps. This prevents dangling straps when carrying the Kanken by its top handle for a neater experience.

The Kanken Classic has a very simple shoulder strap design that allows you to switch between a tote bag and a backpack in seconds. Simply unsnap the strap at the bottom and adjust it as needed.

The shoulder straps on the Kanken Mini are much more complex and feel less intuitive to use. In fact, when you first get the Kanken Mini, you might ask yourself, "Wait, how does this work?"

On the Kanken Mini, there are two plastic D-rings on the top of the shoulder harness, through which the straps have to pass to free them. Once freed, you can adjust your shoulder straps to wear the Mini as a backpack. Unfortunately, you'll have to repeat this process in reverse when you want to turn the Mini back into a tote bag.

This is a small detail between the Kanken Classic and Mini that makes a huge difference in the day-to-day use of the bag. Unless you plan on only using your Kanken as a backpack, it's fair to say that most people will prefer the shoulder straps of the Kanken Classic.

Explore Kanken Backpack Alternatives

See the List

Kanken Accessories and Ad-Ons

When comparing Kanken backpacks, people will rarely mention the ecosystem of Kanken accessories and add-ons that are available for each bag. These accessories allow you to customize your Kanken based on your needs and are a huge reason why the Fjallraven Kanken backpacks are so awesome to use.

Need to carry a large water bottle? The Kanken Bottle Pocket allows you to do just that. Is your Kanken becoming too heavy? The Kanken Shoulder Pads will give you extra padding.

There are many more Kanken accessories available for the original Kanken Classic than there are for the Kanken Mini. Below is a list of Kanken accessories available for the Classic and Mini.

Kanken Classic Accessories:

• Kanken Shoulder Pads

• Kanken Chest Strap

• Kanken Rain Cover

• Kanken Organizer

• Kanken Bottle Pocket

Kanken Mini Accessories:

• Kanken Mini Shoulder Pads

• Kanken Chest Strap

• Kanken Rain Cover

It’s worth noting that Fjallraven offers the most add-ons for the original Kanken 16L backpack. If customizing and upgrading your Kanken is important to you, then you may want to choose the original Kanken Classic over the smaller Mini version.

Which Kanken backpack is better?

Kanken Classic

Kanken Mini

Choose the Kanken Classic if… you want the full Kanken experience and the most packing space. The Kanken Classic is best for school, work and travel thanks to its roomy main compartment. Plus, the full-sized Kanken 16L allows you to customize the bag to your liking thanks to the wide variety of Kanken accessories and ad-ons.

Choose the Kanken Mini if… you need a daily backpack for just the essentials. The Fjallraven Kanken Mini can be best thought as a good alternative for a purse or sling bag. There is enough room for daily essentials like a water bottle, sunglasses and small notebooks but it won’t be large enough for school or travel packing.

MORE HELPFUL FJALLRAVEN COMPARISONS:

• Fjallraven Kanken Classic vs Laptop

• Fjallraven Raven 20 vs 28

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The North Face Borealis vs Jester - What’s the Difference?

The North Face Borealis or Jester? Which one is the better buy? These backpacks are two popular choices if you are looking for a reliable backpack for school, travel or even outdoor activities and in this updated Borealis vs Jester backpack comparison we dive deep and explore the differences.

Note: this comparison is of the 2023/2024 versions of both the North Face Borealis and Jester. The North Face is known for updating their backpack designs every so often and specific details may be different if you wish to compare older versions of either backpack.

Video Review

Quick Specs

	The North Face Borealis	The North Face Jester
Volume	28 Liters (Mens) 28 Liters (Womens)	27 Liters (Mens) 22 Liters (Womens)
Material	Nylon Ripstop	Recycled Polyester
Laptop Storage	Up to 15" laptop	Mens: Up to 15" Womens: Up to 14"
Tablet Pocket	Yes	No
Fleece Lined Pocket	Yes	No
Compression Straps	Yes	No
Sternum Strap	Yes	Yes
Waist Belt	Yes	No
Price	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

The North Face Backpacks: Mens vs Womens

For this hands-on comparison we used the womens Borealis and Jester backpacks. If you are looking to purchase a men’s North Face backpack, please note that most of this comparison will still apply.

The main differences between the men’s and women’s versions are as follows:

• Men’s North Face backpacks have larger back panels and wider shoulder straps to accommodate broader shoulders and longer torsos. This is the biggest difference. 

• The men’s version of the North Face Borealis has a 28-liter carrying capacity, while the women’s version is 27 liters. 

• The men’s Jester has a capacity of 28 liters, while the women’s version of the Jester is significantly smaller at 22 liters.

Rest assured that all of the pockets and compartments are the same on both the men’s and women’s versions of the Borealis and Jester.

The North Face Women’s Borealis (left) and Women’s Jester (right)

Borealis vs Jester: Capacity and Size 

The Borealis is the larger backpack overall and have a larger footprint when worn. You can expect the Borealis to be wider and stick out more when worn. In comparison, the Jester offers a slimmer fit that doesn’t stick out as much.

Model height: 5’6” - wearing womens Borealis and Jester backpacks

The North Face is all over the place when it comes to their internal carrying capacity and sizes, especially with the Jester backpacks.

Although the men’s Borealis and Jester sit comfortably at 28 liters, there is a huge difference between the women’s sizes, with the Jester being a lot smaller at 22 liters versus the 27 liters of the women’s Borealis.

Backpack Carrying Capacities in Liters:

• Women’s Borealis: 27L

• Men’s Borealis: 28L

• Women’s Jester: 22L

• Men’s Jester: 28L

Main compartments: 27L Borealis vs 22L Jester

What this means for you is that you can fit about the same volume of items inside the men’s Borealis and Jester. When comparing the women’s backpacks, our packing test revealed that you can fit an extra jacket inside the women’s Borealis.

Big Difference: Quality, Materials and Construction 

The main difference between the Borealis and Jester backpacks is in their construction quality. A little-known fact is that not all backpacks from The North Face are cut from the same cloth, literally.

The North Face backpacks can be split into two tiers: Premium Bags, which include models like the Borealis, Recon and Surge. These bags are made with premium materials at a higher price point. Then there are the Budget Bags which include the Jester and Vault, which are made with cheaper materials and cost less.

So, although the Borealis and Jester may look similar, they are actually on two different planets in terms of quality.

Nylon Ripstop construction and YKK zippers (left) vs recycled polyester and SBS zippers (right)

The Borealis is made of nylon ripstop with a water-repellent coating, top-of-the-line YKK zippers, and special features such as fleece-lined pockets throughout to protect items like sunglasses and tech.

The Jester, on the other hand, uses recycled polyester in its construction with cheaper SBS brand zippers. Most of its pockets are made of a cheaper mesh material and it features no special fleece-lined pockets.

You’ll also notice a difference in the hardware used in each respective backpack. The North Face Borealis is filled with hefty plastic hardware for the sternum strap, waist belt, and compression straps. Meanwhile, the Jester uses lighter plastic hardware and is missing a lot of key features like the waist belt and compression straps.

This leads us to the weight of each of these backpacks. All of the extra bells and whistles on the Borealis leads to heavier backpack overall.

Backpack Weights:

• Womens Borealis: 2 lbs 1 oz

• Mens Borealis: 2 lbs 5 oz

• Womens Jester: 1 lb 8 oz

• Mens Jester: 1 lb 10 oz

This difference in quality and construction is what accounts for the price difference, with the Borealis being the most expensive backpack. Meanwhile, the Jester stays consistently under $100, with attractive sale prices from time to time.

Borealis vs Jester: Pockets and Compartments

Laptop Compartment vs Sleeve

A major difference between the Borealis and Jester is the location of the laptop storage. The Borealis features a separate rear laptop compartment while the Jester has a laptop sleeve inside the main compartment.

The North Face Borealis vs Jester: Borealis laptop compartment vs the Jester laptop sleeve inside main compartment

Which is better? We prefer the external laptop compartment of the Borealis, but ultimately, it’s up to personal preference. We like not having to rummage through the main compartment to reach the laptop. It makes quickly grabbing tech a lot easier.

The Borealis and men’s Jester can all comfortably fit a laptop up to 15 inches, but the sleeve on the women’s Jester is a tad smaller, limiting your carry to a 14-inch laptop.

However, both the laptop compartment on the Borealis and sleeve on the Jester feature a false bottom to prevent the bottom of the laptop from reaching the bottom of the bag. This gives your tech extra protection in case of a bump or drop.

A low-key feature of the Borealis is the ability to turn the laptop compartment into a hydration pocket. If you look closely at the top of the laptop compartment on the Borealis, you’ll see a small Velcro hook with a small opening right above it. This is for attaching a hydration bladder. So, if you ever want to go hiking, you can attach a hydration bladder and port it to the outside of the bag. The Jester is missing this feature altogether.

Front Compartment and Extra Pockets

Both the Borealis and Jester come with a front compartment with smaller pockets for organization. The front compartment on the Borealis has more pockets overall, including a fleece-lined pocket for a phone or sunglasses and a larger slip pocket for a tablet. 

Front compartment on the Borealis and Jester - the Borealis has more pockets

The Jester offers mesh pockets for items like pens, accessories, and a phone but does not include any fleece-lined pocket or the larger tablet pocket. This is where the quality differences really shine as the cheaper mesh pockets feel a lot flimsier than the robust pockets inside the Borealis. 

The fleece-lined front pocket on The North Face Borealis is missing on the Jester

Additionally, the Borealis has an extra fleece-lined pocket on the front of the backpack to hold items like sunglasses or a phone. Unfortunately, the Jester is missing this pocket altogether.

Side Water Bottle Pockets

The gap in quality can be clearly seen in the differences of the side water bottle pockets. The Borealis uses heavier-duty mixed materials, including a stretchy tight-weave mesh for their water bottle pockets while the Jester uses a cheaper mesh material. The good news is that both the Jester and Borealis can easily fit larger 32oz water bottles. 

Pictured above are the Borealis and Jester with 24oz bottles for a side by side comparison.

One advantage that we will give to the Jester is that there is no bungee on top of the water bottle pockets to fuss with. This side-bungee on the Borealis acts as compression straps for the water bottle pocket and the bag itself, but in everyday use, you’ll just find it getting in the way. 

We really believe that The North Face added this bungee here to give the Borealis a cool look. Functionally, a proper compression strap (as seen on The North Face Recon) would have been more practical.

Elastic Bungee System

We are pretty sure the reason the Borealis and Jester get compared is that they both have a front elastic bungee storage system, but just like the gap in overall quality, there is a quality gap in the bungee designs.

Borealis vs Jester: towel attached to the elastic bungee storage system

The Borealis features clips in the center that allow you to detach the bungee for quicker attachments. These clips are missing on the Jester, and as a result, attaching something like a jacket or beach towel will take more time.

We can’t express enough how much easier the bungee on the Borealis is to use. Attaching extra cargo is simpler, faster, and less of a headache.

Another smaller difference is with the compression points. The Jester has two compression points on either side of the bungee to hold items in place. As a result, you have extra bungee hanging from either side of the bag that creates unnecessary snag points. The Borealis features just one compression point at the bottom, creating a cleaner look.

Shoulder Harness and Back Panel Differences

Both backpacks use a different version of The North Face’s FlexVent Suspension system with generous air channels on the back panels and ergonomic shoulder straps. The Borealis features extra lumbar support, which comes in handy when the backpack gets heavy. In short, if you are going for the backpack with the most back support, go with the Borealis.

As for shoulder straps, the Borealis does use better and more robust materials on its shoulder straps, but both backpacks feel about the same when worn. The shoulder straps on both backpacks are on the stiffer side and neither feel more cushioned than the other despite the differences in materials.

Both the Borealis and Jester include an adjustable chest strap, but only the Borealis includes a removable waist belt.

Which Backpack Should You Buy?

The North Face Borealis

Buy on Amazon

The North Face Jester

Buy on Amazon

Choose The North Face Borealis if… you want the full North Face backpack experience with better materials, fleece lined pockets and a separate laptop compartment. The inclusion of the removable waist belt and side compression straps also allow for more control of how you carry which can come in handy when the backpack is full.

Choose The North Face Jester if… you want a lightweight yet reliable backpack on a budget. The Jester is good for anyone who wants a basic North Face backpack without the higher price tag.

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Osprey Daylite vs Daylite Plus Packs - Which is Better?

The Osprey Daylite or the Daylite Plus? What’s the difference? Which is better?

It’s going to be an easy choice thanks to this side-by-side comparison!

Both backpacks offer durable and lightweight construction, as well as a multi-use design for hiking, travel, and daily carry. However, there are a few key differences that set them apart and we are going to get down to the nitty-gritty to showcase them.

Whether you need an ultralight backpack for hiking or a little more room for daily carry, we dive deep and explore all of the details so you can discover which Osprey backpack is the better choice for your needs.

Video Review

Quick Specs

	Osprey Daylite	Osprey Daylite Plus
Volume	13 Liters	20 Liters
Material	recycled polyester, PFC-free DWR finish	recycled polyester, PFC-free DWR finish
Internal Sleeve	Non-padded elastic sleeve Laptop up to 13"	Padded sleeve Laptop up to 15"
Back Panel Measurement	17.5” H x 9.5” W	18.5" H x 10” W
Front Storage	None	Shove-it pocket, zip pocket
Price

Osprey Daylite vs Daylite Plus Side-by-Side

Size and Carrying Capacity

The first major difference between the Osprey Daylite and Daylite Plus are their sizes which for many people doesn’t become apparent until you have both packs side by side.

If you were to put on both backpacks, you would immediately notice how much more surface area the Daylite Plus takes up on the back compared to the smaller Daylite, which feels lighter overall. This difference in size can be best showcased in the back panel measurements when both packs are flat on the ground.

Our measurements of the back panels:

• Daylite: 9.5” (W) x 17.5” (H)

• Daylite Plus: 10” (W) x 18.5” (H)

Surprisingly enough, Osprey includes the same sized shoulder straps on both the Daylite and Daylite Plus despite their overall size differences. In fact, both sets of shoulder strap harnesses are near identical. 

In conclusion, the Daylite would be a better fit for people who are more comfortable with a smaller backpack and the Daylite Plus’ additional surface area could be a welcome addition for taller people who want more support.

Above both backpacks are pictured with the same exact pack-out of a 13” laptop, light jacket, small notebook, tech case and large headphones. As you can see the Daylite is practically filled to the brim while the Daylite Plus has plenty of room to spare.

Internally, the Osprey Daylite offers a modest 13 liters of packing room while the Daylite Plus gives you 20 liters plus an additional front shove-it pocket (more on this below). This allows the Daylite Plus to give you a hefty amount of extra packing room.

To give you a realistic example of the main compartment size difference, the Osprey Daylite, at 13 liters, is large enough for a quick day hike or to use as a lightweight daypack for just the bare essentials, while the Daylite Plus, at 20 liters, allows you to pack a few extras, making it more suitable as a backpack for travel, daily commutes, or longer hikes.

What Fits Inside the 13L Daylite:

• 2L Hydration Bladder filled

• Fleece Jacket (women's size medium)

• Small First Aid Kit (6.5” x 4.5” x 2”)

• Bag of Snacks

What Fits Inside the 20L Daylite Plus:

• All of the above

• Large 1L Coffee Thermos

• Birdwatching Book (8.5” x 5.75” x 1.5”)

Additional Pockets and Compartments

Both the Daylite and Daylite Plus offer similar pocket configurations and share the same front compartment with slip pockets and a key clip. These slip pockets are large enough to fit a phone, wallet, snacks, and other smaller items.

The two backpacks also share stretchy water bottle pockets that can easily fit larger 32-ounce water bottles.

Where the backpacks start to part ways is with the front shove-it pocket on the front of the Daylite Plus. This shove-it pocket is barely large enough for bulky items like a bike helmet or shoes, but it is the perfect spot for items that require quick access, like sandals, a hat, gloves, or snacks.

Osprey also adds a zippered pocket to the front of the Daylite Plus for extra storage, giving the Daylite Plus two additional pockets over the Daylite.

The last pocket can be found inside each respective main compartment. The Osprey Daylite and Daylite Plus both offer an internal sleeve for a laptop or tablet that doubles as a hydration pocket.

The major difference is that the Osprey Daylite gives you a thin and stretchy sleeve for a device up to 13 inches, while the Daylite Plus offers more protection with a padded sleeve for a device up to 15 inches. For commuters who need maximum tech protection, the Daylite Plus is the clear winner.

Materials and Comfort Features

The Osprey Daylite and Daylite Plus offer near-identical construction. Both backpacks use the same bluesign® approved recycled polyester materials with a PFC-free DWR coating for water resistance and are equipped with the exact same zippers and internal lining.

It’s worth noting that although the exterior fabric offers some water resistance, the zippers do not. Will these backpacks do okay in light rain? Yes. But beware of heavy downpours or big splashes where moisture has a chance to sneak in through the zippers.

Both backpacks also provide you with breathable Airscape die-cut EVA foam back panels. Unlike older versions of the Daylite series, these back panels are not removable. Additionally, both the Daylite and Daylite Plus are equipped with a removable 20mm hip belt and an adjustable chest strap with a built-in whistle.

One difference in construction is with the shoulder straps, but it’s a small difference that doesn’t have much impact. Osprey uses die-cut EVA foam padding on the upper portion of the shoulder straps on the Daylite Plus, while the Daylite uses spacer mesh. Both shoulder harnesses are incredibly breathable, and although the die-cut EVA foam on the Daylite Plus offers a little more padding, the difference is negligible.

Which backpack is better?

Osprey Daylite

Buy on Amazon

Osprey Daylite Plus

Buy on Amazon

Choose the Osprey Daylite if… You want an ultralight backpack for hiking, travel and daily carry or if you prefer the fit of a smaller backpack. The Osprey Daylite offers easy, care-free carry of just the essentials.

Choose the Osprey Daylite Plus if… You want a lightweight backpack for hiking, travel and daily carry but need the extra protection of a padded laptop sleeve and could use extra pockets for organization.

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The North Face Recon vs Borealis - What's the difference?

Shopping for a new North Face backpack? Are you torn between the Recon and Borealis? This North Face Recon vs Borealis backpack comparison is here to help you decide! We will showcase each backpack side by side to see what the real differences are so you can choose the right one for you.

Before we begin, it’s important to note that this comparison is for the 2023 versions of both the North Face Recon and Borealis. The North Face is known for updating their backpack designs every so often, so specific details may be different if you wish to compare older versions of either backpack.

Video Review

Quick Specs

	The North Face Recon	The North Face Borealis
Volume	30 Liters	28 Liters (Mens) 27 Liters (Womens)
Material	Recycled Ripstop Nylon YKK Zippers	Recycled Ripstop Nylon YKK Zippers
Laptop Sleeve	Up to 15" laptop	Up to 15" laptop
Front Storage	Stash pocket	Elastic bungee system
Bottom Compression Straps	Yes	Yes
Sternum Strap	Yes	Yes
Waist Belt	Yes	Yes
Price

Men’s vs Women’s North Face Backpacks

The women’s versions are used in this Recon vs Borealis comparison. If you are looking to purchase a men’s North Face backpack, please note that 99% of this comparison will still apply.

The main differences between the men’s and women’s versions are as follows:

• Men’s North Face backpacks have larger back panels and wider shoulder straps to accommodate broader shoulders. This is the biggest difference. 

• The men’s version of the North Face Borealis has a 28-liter carrying capacity while the women’s version is 27 liters. Both the men’s and women’s versions of the Recon are 30 liters. 

• All of the pockets and compartments have the same configuration in both the men’s and women’s versions.

North Face Recon vs Borealis Side-By-Side

The North Face Recon (left) and Borealis (right)

Carrying Capacity and Size

One difference between the North Face Recon and Borealis is their size and carrying capacity.

The North Face Recon has a carrying capacity of 30 liters, while the Borealis sports a carrying capacity of 28 liters for the men’s version and 27 liters for the women’s version.

A 2-3 liter difference in carrying capacity isn’t all that much, and in our packing tests, we found the difference to be about the size of a 24oz water bottle (or two cans of soda). Most of the extra room on the Recon can be found in the depth of the main compartment (from front to back) when compared to the Borealis. 

Is it enough of a size difference for you to notice? Maybe, if you need the most packing room you can get. But for most people, the size difference might not even be noticed, especially when worn.

Pockets and Compartments

Spoiler: The pockets are mostly the same

The choice of pockets and compartments of these backpacks is where things get interesting. Despite their drastically different exteriors, The North Face chooses to use the same exterior pockets, organizer panels, and laptop sleeves with each bag. There really isn’t much difference between the North Face Recon and Borealis when it comes to storage.

The North Face Recon and Borealis are essentially the same backpack with different exterior shells.

Let’s run through the main carry features so you can see what we mean. Both the Recon and Borealis have the same fleece-lined front pocket to store items like sunglasses, phones, and tech you want to prevent from getting scratched up.

The fleece lined pocket on The North Face Recon and Borealis backpacks

Both backpacks have nearly identical front organizer compartments. These compartments have pockets for small items such as pens, phones, and chargers. The North Face also includes a padded, fleece-lined pocket for a small tablet in both.

The laptop sleeves on the North Face Recon and Borealis are also very similar and can both support a laptop up to 15 inches. Both laptop compartments also have hookups for a water bladder, allowing you to turn both into hiking backpacks.

The only difference is that the laptop sleeve on the Borealis sits 3 inches higher than the one on the Recon. As a result, the laptop compartment on the Recon is much deeper, despite being about the same width as the laptop sleeve on the Borealis.

• Women’s Recon laptop sleeve: 18'' x 10.6'

• Women’s Borealis laptop sleeve: 12.5'' x 11' 

The similarities continue with the water bottle pockets. They are the same elastic water bottle pockets and can easily fit larger 32oz bottles, but the difference is that the Recon has compression straps to secure the bottle in place, while the Borealis has bungee compression. And for what it’s worth, it is much easier and faster to adjust the bungee than it is to adjust the compression strap.

Exterior Storage Differences

The real difference between the Recon and Borealis are with their exterior storage designs. The Recon has a stretchy quick-stash pocket while the Borealis has a bungee storage system.

The elastic storage system on the Borealis is made out of small tie-out loops with elastic cord running through them, and The North Face has recently added a clip-on feature that allows you to quickly stash items onto the bungee. It’s best used for attaching large and bulky items to the front of the backpack.

What the bungee is good for:

• Quickly tying down a light jacket or sweater

• Carrying bulky items like a beach towel or blanket

• Securing extra tall items like a light sleeping bag or yoga mat.

What the bungee is not good for:

• Attaching smaller items like a book, headphones, hat or gloves

The elastic bungee system is incredibly functional and you can find a million ways to use it. This feature alone makes the North Face Borealis a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile backpack for school, travel or outdoor activities where carrying bulky items is necessary.

The North Face Recon ditches the bungee system for a single stash pocket. Although the pocket is stretchy, it isn’t that large.

If you have a light sweatshirt or jacket - it might fit. Smaller items like a bike lock or a small notebook will fit just fine. But the pocket definitely too small for a pair of shoes, blanket or a bike helmet.

What the stash pocket is good for:

• Quickly stashing away smaller items like hats, gloves, books and snacks

• You may be able to fit a lightweight compressible jacket

• Storing a bike lock if using the Recon for commuting

What the stash pocket is not good for:

• The pocket is too small for a bike helmet, blanket, shoes or other larger items

This front stash pocket on the North Face Recon is most useful when you need to put something away quickly and don’t have time to open up a zippered pocket. It’s actually very convenient on busy days. 

Another difference on the Recon is the inclusion of daisy chains on the front of the stash pocket which the Borealis doesn’t have. Although the men’s version of the Borealis does include similar daisy chains on the side of the bag, the women’s Borealis includes no daisy chains whatsoever. Both the Recon and Borealis feature a lash tab on the bottom of the front of each bag.

As an aside, if you want to learn more about daisy chains, tie out loops, and lash tabs then make sure to check out our anatomy of a backpack guide where we explain what all of these external attachments are for.

Material and Construction Comparison

When it comes to construction and materials, both the Recon and Borealis are on the same page. The North Face uses the exact same primary materials for both backpacks, and construction quality feels identical. 

Both bags use the same water-repellent recycled ripstop nylon and YKK zippers. Specific secondary materials may vary depending on which color you choose, as the North Face may use additional fabrics for different colors.

Since both the Borealis and Recon use the same exact shoulder straps and back panels, both backpacks feel the same when worn. Seriously. Neither backpack edges the other one out in terms of comfort, since the size differences aren’t that great to begin with.

As you can see, most of the differences between the North Face Borealis and Recon are cosmetic. Their important carry, comfort, and construction features are nearly identical.

Which Backpack is Better?

The North Face Recon

The North Face Borealis

Choose the North Face Recon if… you absolutely need a larger backpack for books, binders, clothes and other essential items. At 30 liters, it’s just the right size for a daily backpack without being too bulky. The quick stash pocket in the front is convenient and comes in handy when you are in a rush. Commuters will like that the external pocket on the Recon that can comfortably fit a bike lock.

Choose the North Face Borealis if… you like the idea of the external bungee system to haul around oversized gear like blankets and jackets. This bungee system is great once you start to utilize it since it frees up the main compartment and gives you a ton of more storage space.

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Knack Pack Series 1 vs Series 2 (2021) - Worth the Upgrade?

Update: Knack Bags has recently rolled out some changes to their Series 1 and Series 2 Expandable Knack Packs since this comparison was first published. Check out our new Knack Pack Series 1 vs Series 2 comparison for the most up-to-date information!

The Knack Pack is a versatile backpack that goes from a sleek daily carry bag to a travel bag in seconds thanks to Knack’s expandable design. 

With the Series 2, Knack has introduced a new look with a few changes to improve the overall security and internal organization. In this Knack Pack Series 1 vs Series 2 backpack comparison we are going to do a deep dive and explore all of the differences.

	Knack Pack Series 1 Medium	Knack Pack Series 2 Medium
Volume	27-39 Liters	24-35 Liters
Material	Water resistant 1200D Polyester	420D Nylon or 600D Polyester with PU water resistant coating full grain napa leather
Laptop Storage	Up to 15"	Up to 15"
Fleece Lined Tablet Pocket	Yes	Yes
Compression Straps	No	No
Sternum Strap	Yes	Yes
Waist Belt	No	No
Price	$195 on Knackbags.com	$225 on Knackbags.com

Video Review

Knack Pack Series 1 vs Series 2

For this backpack comparison we have both the Series 1: Medium Expandable Knack Pack and the Series 2: Medium Expandable Knack Pack so that we can focus on the features and spot any true differences in size.

Side by side: Knack Pack Series 1 Medium (left) and the Knack Pack Series 2 Medium (right)

Construction and Size Comparison

Materials

One of the biggest differences between the Knack Pack Series 1 and Series 2 is with Knack’s choice of external materials.

The original Knack Pack uses water resistant 1200D two-toned polyester for the outer body while the Series 2 uses 420D Nylon woven with high-twist yarn (Midnight Black) or 600D two-tone polyester ottoman fabric (Storm Gray) depending on the color you choose.

When comparing the two fabrics we found that the fabric used on the Series 2 has more of a lux feel while the fabric on the original Knack Pack feels a little bit more rugged.

Another change that Knack has made on the Series 2 is with the addition of full grain Napa leather on the touch points such as the handles and shoulder straps. This leather feels incredibly supple to the touch and adds a new level of sophistication when compared to the Series 1 Knack Pack.

The bottom of the Knack Pack Series 2 also includes PVC side and bottom panels. This material compliments the bag nicely while also adding extra wear protection.

PVC side and bottom panels on the Knack Pack Series 2 Expandable Backpack

While the original Knack Pack feels like great quality all around, the addition of nylon and leather really bumps up the Series 2 into luxury bag territory. The Series 2 feels like an amazing quality bag when handled and it is here where you’ll start to justify the jump in price.

Knack has decided to keep a lot of the same materials for the rest of the backpack. Both backpacks use water resistant YKK reverse coil zippers and the same branded rubber zippers pulls. 

Both backpacks also keep the same antimicrobial nylon lining on the inside. The only difference is that the Series 2 Knack has toned down the original orange print with a more subtle gray print.

Size Comparison

Both versions of the Knack Pack keep the same expandable design that allows you to use the backpack for daily carry and travel as needed.

Daily carry mode: Model height 5’5”

Internally, the Medium Series 1 has slightly more packing room at 27 liters unexpanded and 39 liters expanded when compared to the 24-39 liter capacity of the Medium Series 2. For a better understanding of how much you can pack at each capacity we recommend you check out our guide to backpack sizes.

Travel mode: Knack backpacks when fully expanded

Although the Knack Pack Series 1 has more internal packing capacity, it’s surprisingly not that much larger overall. Both the Knack Pack Series 1 and Series 2 keep a similar profile when worn.

Pockets and Compartments

Organization Pockets

The Knack Pack Series 1 is known for its clever pocket placement throughout the outside of the backpack. The Series 1 includes a top fleece lined pocket on the top, an accessory storage compartment on the bottom with elastic loops for cable management and Knack’s signature V-style pocket in the front for organizing business cards and other small items.

In order to achieve a more streamlined look, Knack has combined all of the smaller pockets in the Series 1 into one massive organizer compartment in the Series 2. Inside this compartment is where you will find all of the original organizer features such as a fleece lined pocket for glasses, cable loops, business card pockets and a variety of larger pockets for accessories like chargers, notebooks and wallets.

Main Compartment Comparison

The main compartment on the Series 2 has also seen some changes.

The main compartment design on the original Knack Pack is slightly larger at 27 liters and is a lot more closed off with the walls of the backpack creating a sort of “cave opening”. This design is great for preventing items from spilling out when opening the bag.

Although smaller at only 24 liters, the Series 2 offers a much more open design giving you easier access to the mesh pockets.

Both Knack Pack main compartments are lined with pockets on either side but Knack manages to squeeze an extra zippered pocket inside the main compartment of the Series 2 for increased organization.

Water Bottle Compartments

A great feature that Knack has decided to keep on the Series 2 is the hidden water bottle pocket.

On the original Series 1, the pocket has a stretchy mesh pocket design. This mesh is what holds your bottle in place and as a result you can fit a larger bottle (up to a 32oz Nalgene bottle). You won’t be able to zip the pocket shut when storing a larger bottle but it can be used in pinch.

The hidden water bottle pocket on the Series 2 replaces the mesh with an internal pocket design. This means that larger bottles won’t fit at all and you’ll really be restricted to slimmer bottles. This is something to keep in mind if you carry larger water bottles or tumblers.

Both bottle pockets are incredibly clever and we think Knack offers the best backpack with a water bottle pocket for those who dislike the sight of ugly mesh pockets.

Laptop Compartment

One pocket that Knack keeps in tact is the 15-inch laptop sleeve located right behind the back panel.

Note: When Knack says it fits laptops up to 15” they really mean it! We found that a 15.6” laptop is too large for these laptop compartments. A 15” Macbook or 14” and 13” laptops all fit perfectly inside the Knack laptop sleeve.

Expandable Travel Compartment

Not much has changed with the each bag’s expandable packing compartment. Both backpacks feature near-identical expansion designs that can be accessed with a hidden zipper.

Inside of each packing compartment you’ll find a similar mesh pocket and a compression area for clothing.

Since the Series 2 has less internal capacity than the Series 1. You can expect this packing compartment to be a smidge smaller at only 11 liters while the original Knack Pack gives you 12 liters. That’s the difference of a couple of rolled up t-shirts. 

We found that both compartment can comfortably fit 2-3 days worth of clothing as advertised and if you are a light packer you could fit even more!

Comfort and Fit

Back Panel

The back panel is also different with a change in design and materials. The Series 1 uses a molded foam back panel while the Series 2 went with a memory foam back panel. 

Comfort-wise, we couldn’t feel much of a difference between these two back panels even when the backpack was packed full. Knack does a really good job with both of these foam back panels and the pressure points and thickness are similar enough when worn. Only time will tell how the memory foam will perform over the original Knack’s foam.

Shoulder Straps

Knack features near-identical shoulder strap designs in both the Series 1 and Series 2. We found the padded shoulder straps to be incredibly comfortable under weight and we are happy that Knack has kept the same design. You shouldn’t fix what isn’t broken!

Stowable shoulder straps

Both backpacks feature stowable shoulder straps that can be tucked into the back panel but where the Series 2 improves is that it now include a side handle which gives you the option to carry the bag like a briefcase. The Series 1 only features a top handle but no side handles.

Which backpack is the better buy?

Is the Knack Pack Series 2 expandable backpack worth the upgrade if you are considering a Knack Pack? Although functionally both backpacks are very similar, there are some key differences worth considering before making a final choice.

Knack Pack Series 1

Knack Pack Series 2

Choose the Knack Pack Series 1… you want a sleek yet casual look, more color options and more internal packing space. The Knack Pack Series 1 is a great quality backpack that feels a bit more casual and rugged than the Series 2. You also get more internal carrying capacity for busy work days and longer trips. Another bonus is that the Knack Pack Series 1 comes in many more color and size options (Small, Medium and Large) for a customizable carrying experience.

Choose the Knack Pack Series 2… You want a more refined look with nicer materials and better internal organization. The addition of the PVC bottom panel and napa leather accents really elevates the Series 2 to a more mature luxury bag when compared to the original design. And the combination of the original pockets also gives the Series 2 a sleeker minimalist look and beefs up security (less pockets to pick!)

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The North Face Borealis vs Jester (2021) - What’s the Difference?

The North Face Borealis and Jester are two popular choices if you are looking for a reliable backpack for school, travel or even outdoor activities. But which one is the better buy? In this updated Borealis vs Jester backpack comparison we dive deep and explore the differences.

This comparison is of the 2021 versions of both the Jester and Borealis. For an up to date comparison, visit our new North Face Borealis vs Jester article. The North Face is known for updating their backpack designs every so often and specific details may be different if you wish to compare older versions of either backpack.

Quick Specs

	The North Face Borealis	The North Face Jester
Volume	28 Liters (Mens) 27 Liters (Womens)	27.5 Liters (Mens) 27 Liters (Womens)
Material	Nylon, Nylon Ripstop, Polyester	Recycled Polyester
Laptop Storage	Laptop compartment (up to 15.6" laptop)	Laptop sleeve (up to 14" laptop)
Tablet Pocket	Yes	No
Fleece Lined Pocket	Yes	No
Compression Straps	Yes	No
Sternum Strap	Yes	Yes
Waist Belt	Yes	No
Price	Check the latest price on Amazon	Check the latest price on Amazon

Video Review

North Face Borealis vs Jester Side-by-Side

Men’s Borealis (left), Women’s Borealis (center) and Women’s Jester (right)

Men’s vs Women’s North Face Backpacks

For this comparison we have both the men’s and women’s versions of the Borealis and the women’s version of the Jester. The differences between the men’s and women’s version of the Jester and Borealis are mostly with the dimensions and gender-specific back panels and shoulder straps.

Mens Borealis (left) vs Womens Borealis (right)

On the Borealis, the men’s version has a wider elastic bungee system on the front. And for both the Borealis and Jester the shoulder straps and back panels are different.  The men’s versions can accommodate wider shoulders and a longer torso while the women’s version is better suited for narrow shoulders and a shorter torso.

Rest assured that all of the pockets and compartments are the same on both the men’s and women’s versions of the Borealis and Jester.

Carrying Capacity and Size

The North Face Borealis has an internal main compartment capacity of 28 liters for the men’s version and 27 liters for the women’s version while the Jester runs a bit smaller at 27.5 liters for the men’s version and 27 liters for the women’s version.

Although both the Jester and Borealis have a similar main compartment capacity, the Borealis is the larger of the two and has a bigger footprint. You can expect the Borealis to be wider and stick out more from the bottom when worn. In comparison, the Jester offers a slimmer fit that doesn’t stick out as much.

Materials and Construction Comparison

Materials and overall construction is where the Borealis and Jester really start to part ways. For their newest Jester design, the North Face has gone with recycled polyester.

Recycled polyester is a very lightweight material with very little stretch. It also feels very thin when handled.

The North Face Borealis sticks with their usual mix of nylon, nylon ripstop and polyester materials. When compared to recycled polyester, Nylon is much thicker and robust. It has a lot more weight to it and just feels tougher - like it can take a beating and not scratch or puncture as easily.

Another difference between the Borealis and Jester are the zippers used in each respective bag. The Borealis goes with YKK zippers while the Jester uses cheaper SBS zippers. This is one of the ways North Face is able to cut down the cost of the Jester when compared to the brand’s more expensive offerings.

The last difference in materials is the hardware used in each respective backpack. The North Face Borealis is filled with hefty plastic hardware for the sternum strap, waist belt and side compression straps while the Jester uses much less substantial hardware and is missing a lot of key features like the waist belt and side compression straps.

This leads us to the weight of each of these backpacks. The heavier nylon fabric plus the better hardware and more robust back panel all add to the weight of the Borealis making it almost a pound heavier.

Pockets and Compartments

Laptop Compartment

A major difference between the Borealis and Jester is the location of the laptop storage. The North Face Jester includes a padded laptop sleeve inside the main compartment that can accommodate a laptop up to 14-inches. We found that a 15.6” laptop is too large to fit inside the Jester laptop sleeve.

The Borealis includes a separate laptop compartment that can fit a laptop up to 15.6-inches with a little wiggle room to spare. Both the laptop sleeve in the Jester and laptop compartment in the Borealis feature false-bottoms. This means that there is a space between the bottom of the laptop and the bottom of the bag to prevent damage from drops.

Opening for a hydration bladder on the North Face Borealis

A low-key feature of the Borealis is the ability to turn the laptop compartment into a hydration pocket. If you look closely here at the top of the laptop compartment on the Borealis - you’ll see a small velcro hook with a small opening right above it. This is for attaching a hydration bladder. So if you ever want to go hiking you can attach a hydration bladder and port it to the outside of the bag. The Jester is missing this feature altogether.

Front Pockets

The Borealis includes a fleece-lined pocket on the front of the backpack to hold items like sunglasses or a phone. Unfortunately, the Jester is missing this pocket altogether.

Both the Jester and Borealis feature a front organizer compartment with slip pockets for smaller items. The front organizer compartment on the Borealis features a tablet sleeve, zippered pocket with a key leash and a fleece lined pocket for a phone.

The front organizer compartment on the Jester is missing the tablet pocket and fleece lined phone pocket but keeps the large zippered pocket with a key leash. The slip pockets for small items are made of mesh. It’s safe to say that this entire compartment is definitely a downgrade form the one found on the Borealis.

Side Water Bottle Pockets

Another difference are with the side water bottle pockets. The side pockets on the Jester are made of the same mesh as the front organizer compartment. This mesh has very little stretch and feels much cheaper than the material used on the Borealis.

The side pockets on the Borealis are made of a much nicer material. It’s soft to the touch and super stretchy. Both pockets can fit a 32oz water bottle just fine. But since the side pockets on the Borealis are stretchier they are much easier to use - especially when the backpack is full.

Elastic Bungee System

The Jester and men’s and women’s Borealis all feature different bungee system designs. The main difference between the Jester and Borealis bungee systems is that the Jester has less bungee cord than both versions of the Borealis. This means that items are less secure when cinched down.

Although narrower, the women’s Borealis still includes more elastic bungee and items feel much more secure when cinched down.

Where the Jester Wins

Many North Face backpacks notoriously have curved bottoms that don’t allow you to sit the bag down on the ground. Unfortunately this is the case for some of the most popular backpacks such as the Borealis, Recon and Surge.

One huge advantage that the North Face Jester has is that it includes a flat bottom. This means you can place the backpack down and it will actually stand in place. 

Comfort and Fit

Since both backpacks use The North Face’s Flex Vent Suspension system for their shoulder straps and back panels both backpack feel about the same when worn. The biggest difference you’ll notice is with the materials used.

The Borealis features a breathable mesh material throughout their back panel and shoulder straps while the Jester uses a less breathable fabric.

Which Backpack Should You Buy?

The North Face Borealis

Buy on Amazon

The North Face Jester

Buy on Amazon

Choose the North Face Jester if… you want a lightweight yet reliable backpack on a budget. The Jester is good for anyone who wants a basic North Face backpack without the higher price tag. The flat bottom is also a huge plus when it comes to daily carry. 

Choose the North Face Borealis if… you want the full North Face backpack experience with better materials, fleece lined pockets and a separate laptop compartment. The inclusion of the removable waist belt and side compression straps also allow for more control of how you carry which can come in handy when the backpack is full.

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King Kong Backpack II vs PLUS26 Gym Backpack Comparison

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

	King Kong Backpack II	King Kong PLUS26
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.

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North Face Recon vs Surge Comparison (2021 Version) - What's the difference?

If you are on the hunt for a versatile backpack for work, school or travel then you may have already considered the North Face Recon and North Face Surge. But what’s the difference between the two?

In this North Face Recon vs Surge backpack comparison we will explore the differences so you can choose the best backpack for your needs.

If you are interested in other North Face backpacks make sure to check out our other comparisons:

• The North Face Recon vs Borealis

• The North Face Borealis vs Jester

Note: The North Face is known for updating their backpack designs every so often. This comparison is of the 2019-2020 versions of both the North Face Recon and Surge. 

Quick Specs

	The North Face Recon	The North Face Surge
Volume	30 Liters	31 Liters
Material	600D Polyester 500D Nylon Cordura Nylon Ripstop	600D Polyester 500D Nylon Cordura Nylon Ripstop
Laptop Sleeve	Up to 15" laptop	Up to 15" laptop
Weight	2lbs 7.7oz	3lbs 2.8oz
Front Storage	Stash pocket	Two vertical zippered pockets
Price	Check the latest price on Amazon	Check the latest price on Amazon

Video Review

Mens vs Womens North Face Backpacks

The Recon and Surge backpacks used for this comparison are the women’s versions. If you are looking to purchase a men’s North Face backpack please note that 99% of this comparison will still apply.

The main differences between the men’s and women’s versions are as follows:

• Men’s North Face backpacks have larger back panels and wider shoulder straps to accommodate broader shoulders. This is the biggest difference.

• The men’s versions will weigh slightly more than the women’s versions. For example, the Women’s Surge weighs 3lbs 2.1 oz while the Men’s Surge weighs 3lbs 2.8 oz.

• Both the men’s and women’s version of the Recon are 30 liters and both versions of the Surge are 31 liters.

• All pockets and compartments are exactly the same in both the men’s and women’s version.

North Face Recon vs Surge Side-By-Side

Carrying Capacity and Size

On paper there doesn’t seem to be much of a difference in size between the Recon (30 liters) and Surge (31 liters) but side-by-side you can see that the Surge is the larger of the two.

The larger profile on the Surge is due to its slightly larger main compartment, larger laptop compartment, and two front pockets that give the Surge an overall larger footprint when compared to the Recon.

Pockets and Compartments

Where these two backpacks differ the most is in their choice of pockets and compartments.

Let’s start with the front-facing pockets.

The North Face Recon has an open stash pocket for quick access to items. The pocket itself isn’t very large - so oversized items like a yoga mat or a pair of sneakers will not fit but it works great for quickly putting away items like a large pair of headphones or a bike lock. The stash pocket on Recon is about 9.5-inches deep.

The North Face Surge has a completely different front design and features two vertical zippered pockets. These pockets overlap each other so that one is on top of the other. This means that you can store items in both pockets simultaneously.

The pocket on the left is lined with fleece and measures to about 7.5-inches wide (horizontally) at it’s widest point. The right side pocket is not lined with fleece but it is the larger pocket coming in at 9-inches at it’s widest point.

Another difference that the Surge features is a front grab handle. This handle is great on travel days because it allows the Surge to be used as a carry on backpack since it’s easy to grab from an overhead compartment. This handle also comes in handy when grabbing your backpack from the trunk of a car.

The similarities between the North Face Recon and Surge start at the pockets on the top of the backpack. Both bags feature a fleece-lined pocket for things like sunglasses or a phone.

Behind the fleece lined pocket, both backpacks feature an organizer compartment with lots of pockets for pens, phones and other small items.

The main difference between the Recon and Surge organizer compartments is that the Recon features a tablet pocket in this compartment and the Surge does not. The tablet pocket on the Surge can easily fit an 11-inch iPad Pro.

The North Face Recon has a tablet pocket on the front and the Surge does not

On the Surge - this entire organizer compartment is actually smaller than the one the Recon and I found that a regular sized iPad can just about fit on its side. But is there is no tablet protection so store a tablet here at your own risk.

Now let’s take a closer look at the main compartments.

The Recon features one large open 30-liter main compartment while the Surge features a 31-liter main compartment with a slim zip pocket against it’s back. This is a smaller pocket that is great for stashing smaller items you want to keep safe like a wallet, phone or other valuables.

Recon vs Surge Laptop Compartment

Both the Recon and Surge have robust suspended 15-inch laptop compartments that do a great job at keeping your laptop safe. Where they differ is in overall size.

Much like The North Face Borealis, the North Face Recon features a single padded laptop compartment while the North Face Surge offers a larger divided compartment with a slip pocket.

The laptop compartment on the Surge has a slip pocket on the divider itself that can comfortably fit an 11-inch iPad Pro. So instead storing your tablet on the front of the bag like the Recon, you can instead keep you tablet in the rear compartment with your laptop. This divider pocket can also comfortably store your laptop charger and cables.

The laptop compartment on the Surge is large enough for two laptops if needed.

The other side of the laptop divider can fit anything you need to keep flat like paperwork, a binder or large textbook. We were surprised to find that the Surge can also fit an additional laptop in this compartment which is great for anyone looking for dual laptop backpack.

We were able to comfortably fit both a 13” Macbook Pro and a 15.6” Acer PC laptop inside the Surge’s laptop compartment.

Turn your Recon into a hiking backpack with its secret hydration bladder loop

Another small yet important difference between the Recon and Surge is that the Recon includes a velcro loop attachment for a hydration bladder and the Surge does not. This allows you to turn the Recon’s laptop compartment into a hydration pocket if you were to ever go hiking.

Comfort and Fit details

When it comes to comfort and fit features there is very little difference between the Recon and Surge in terms of how they feel when worn. The only real difference is that the Surge is slightly heavier since it’s the larger backpack of the two.

But both the Surge and Recon feature the same Flex Vent back panels and we can honestly say both bags feel the same against your back.

They also feature the same adjustable sternum strap and removable waist belt.

Where these backpacks do differ slightly is in the top of the shoulder straps. The North Face Recon features Flexvent shoulder straps with cutouts on the foam to help with airflow. The North Face Surge has solid foam shoulder straps.

Which Backpack is Better?

The North Face Recon

The North Face Surge

Choose the North Face Recon if… you want a reliable backpack that can be used for work, school or the occasional outdoor adventure. Although smaller than the Surge, it still has plenty of room in its large 30-liter main compartment. We also like the front organizer compartment a lot better on the Recon since it includes a tablet pocket and is larger overall. And let’s not forget about the hidden hydration bladder loop that can turn the laptop compartment into a hydration pocket if you ever want to take the Recon on a hike.

Choose the North Face Surge if… you need a workhorse that can be used for school, work or even travel. The North Face Surge also make an incredible tech backpack thanks to its larger laptop compartment, multiple fleece lined pockets and great organization. The Surge’s 31-liter main compartment and front grab handle also make it great for those who need a versatile backpack that can also be used for travel.

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Able Carry Daily Backpack vs Thirteen Daybag - Which everyday backpack is right for you?

Able Carry offers two fantastic everyday carry backpacks with their Daily Backpack and Thirteen Daypack. But what’s the real difference?

Both the Daily Backpack and Thirteen Daybag are designed for easy carry of daily essentials and they don’t disappoint when it comes to style, pocket placement and fit.

In this hands-on backpack review and comparison we will take a closer look at both bags and help you decide which Able Carry backpack is the best everyday backpack for you.

Update: Able Carry have new updated designs for 2024! Check out our Able Carry Daily Plus review and new Thirteen Daybag review for a closer look at what has changed.

Quick Specs

	Able Carry Daily Backpack	Able Carry Thirteen Daypack
Dimensions	19" H x 11" W x 7.5" D	17" H x 11" W x 6.7" D
Volume	20 Liters	13 Liters
Weight	2.1lbs	1.3lbs
Material	Corudra Nylon or XPAC	XPAC
Laptop Storage	15" laptop sleeve	13" laptop sleeve
Document sleeve	No	Yes
Key Leash	Yes	Yes
Sternum Strap	Yes	No
Water Bottle Pocket	No	Yes
Price	Check the latest price	Check the latest price

Video Review

Size and Capacity

Let’s start with the biggest difference between the Able Carry Daily Backpack and the Thirteen Daybag - their size.

• Daily Backpack - 20 liters

• Thirteen Daybag - 13 liters

In the world of backpacks, the Able Carry Daily Backpack is already on the smaller side. But 20 liters can be just the right size for essential carry of daily items.

What fits inside the Daily Backpack?

• 1 large pair of headphones

• 2 light hoodies or sweaters

• 1 small book

• 2 1-inch binders

• 1 laptop up to 15-inches inside the padded sleeve

Note that this is just what can fit inside the main compartment without consideration for the inside or outside pockets (there are plenty of those.)

Can the Able Carry Daily Backpack be used for travel?

Not really. If you are a very light packer then you might be able to make 20 liters work. You may be ok with packing for an overnight stay, but it there won’t be enough room to pack for a longer weekend trip.

What fits inside the Thirteen Daybag?

• 1 large pair of headphones

• 1 light sweater

• 1 small book

• 1 1-inch binder

• 1 laptop up to 13-inches inside the padded sleeve

The Thirteen Daybag has a much smaller capacity of 13 liters. The positive? This is the perfect size for smaller people that find most backpacks too large. The negative? It packs even less than the Daily Backpack.

Pockets and Compartments

In the last section we covered what fits inside the main compartment of the Daily Backpack and Thirteen Daybag - now lets focus on the pockets and compartments that provide some extra storage and organization.

Laptop Carry

• Daily Backpack - 15” laptop sleeve

• Thirteen Daybag - 13” laptop sleeve

When it comes to laptop carry both backpacks offer a padded laptop sleeve with a false bottom. A false bottom prevents the laptop sleeve from reaching the bottom of the bag. This is a great feature that avoids a lot of heartache when dropping your backpack on the ground as it creates a barrier between your laptop and a hard surface.

The Daily Backpack features a roomy laptop sleeve that can fit most laptops up to 15-inches while the Thirteen Daybag can only hold a laptop up to 13-inches.

13” Apple Macbook fit in the Able Carry Thirteen Daybag padded laptop sleeve.

One thing we noticed is that a 13-inch Macbook was actually a tight fit inside the Thirteen Daybag laptop sleeve. There isn’t much room between the laptop itself and the upper walls of the backpack so when you slip in a 13-inch laptop you’ll have to fold over the top of the backpack to comfortably get access to the laptop sleeve. Tablets (12” and under) will fit inside the Thirteen Daybag laptop sleeve just fine.

Inside Pockets

The Daily Backpack features a large mesh pocket right in front of the laptop sleeve that is perfect for storing things like chargers, cables and other small items you don’t want floating inside the main compartment.

On the other side of the Daily Backpack you’ll find an addition zip pocket and a narrow slip pocket for glasses.

The Thirteen Daybag removes the large mesh pocket for a document sleeve. We found that this document sleeve can also hold a tablet for those who want to carry both a laptop and tablet at the same time. The option for double laptop/tablet carry is a feature that the Daily Backpack lacks all together.

On the other side of the Thirteen Daybag, Able Carry offers a zippered mesh pocket for small item storage.

And they moved the slip pocket down to the side of the main compartment. This pocket is too small for a water bottle but it’s great for small items like a pair of glasses or power bank.

Side-Access Pocket

A common feature in both the Able Carry Daily Backpack and the Thirteen Daybag is the side zip pocket in the front of each bag. What’s great about these pockets is that they expand outward to create extra room when you need it. 

The main difference between these two pockets is their size. Not only is the Daily Backpack’s front pocket larger, but it also includes a leash with a key clip for easy access to your keys.

Unfortunately, the Thirteen Daybag hides its key leash in the zip pocket inside the main compartment but that’s still better than having none at all!

Water Bottle Carry

Another big difference between the Daily Backpack and Thirteen Daybag is with their water bottle storage. The Thirteen Daybag has a dedicated water bottle or umbrella pocket on the front of the backpack. This pocket is really convenient and we love how it blends into the front of the bag when not in use.

The Daily Backpack does not include a dedicated water bottle pocket. Instead you can store your water bottle inside the side-access pocket. But this pocket is just one large open compartment with no water bottle sleeve so your water bottle will just free-float in there.

The lack of a water bottle pocket in the Daily Backpack is something to keep in mind if you are someone who likes to carry a water bottle and would like a dedicated pocket.

Additional external storage

The Daily Backpack has one last pocket located on the top of the backpack that is perfect for small items like a pair of sunglasses, phone or wallet. 

The Able Carry Thirteen Daybag skips the top pocket for a hidden pocket right behind the back panel. Although this hidden pocket is great for flat items like a passport or airline tickets, anything that isn’t flat will dig into your back. All in all, we don’t know how functional this large hidden pocket is in a commuter or everyday carry situation. 

The last carry feature worth noting are the attachment loops on both the Daily Backpack and Thirteen Daybag.

Able Carry designed the Daily Backpack with an “A-Frame” anti-sagging straps that double as attachment loops. This A-Frame design is awesome as it allows you to attach carabiners or a bike lock to the outside of the bag.

The Thirteen Daybag does not have an A-Frame but Able Carry cleverly hides a row of small attachment loops on the bottom of the bag. This allows you to have attachment loops when you need them while staying hidden when not in use.

Fit and Comfort Features

When it comes to comfort both backpacks are really comfortable to wear but they are built with differently sized people in mind.

• Daily Backpack: Better for people with wider shoulders and a larger frame.

• Thirteen Daypack: Better for smaller people with narrow shoulders, curved “chest-friendly straps” allow for more comfortable shoulder strap fit in women.

When it comes to comfort the Daily Backpack features a ventilated air-mesh back panel and generously padded shoulder straps. The back panel feels stiff thanks to its foam frame sheet which helps give the bag more structure.

The Thirteen Daybag doesn’t have a frame sheet or air-mesh padding and instead features a quilted padded back panel. But because the Thirteen Daybag is so small you don’t really need a lot of bells and whistles to make this backpack comfortable. 

A lot of the Thriteen Daybag’s comfort really comes from the shoulder straps. If you compare the shoulder straps you’ll see that the Thirteen Daybag has what Able Carry calls “chest-friendly straps.” These shoulder straps are curved to better fit a woman’s body. They are also designed for people with narrow shoulders so all of that adds up to a really comfortable fit if you are on the smaller side.

If you have broader shoulders or a larger frame you are going to want to go with the Daily Backpack because the Thirteen Daybag might be too small of a fit.

One last feature that the Daily backpack includes is a sternum strap. The Thirteen Daybag does not include a sternum strap.

What’s great about this sternum strap is that if you don’t want to use them, Able Carry integrates little pockets on the shoulder straps so you can tuck them away. This avoids annoying dangling straps when they are not in use.

Materials

Cordura Nylon vs XPAC

The Daily Backpack is available in both Cordura Nylon fabric or XPAC depending on the color you choose. The Thirteen Daybag on the other hand is only available in XPAC fabric.

Both fabrics have excellent water resistance, are super tough and are considered best in class when it comes to backpack fabrics but there are some key differences:

Cordura Nylon:

• Heavier weight

• Strong and abrasion resistant

XPAC Fabric:

• Lighter weight

• Great tear resistance

• Signature “X” pattern on the fabric

• Feels more “plastic like” and crunches when you handle it

Both Cordura and XPAC fabrics are really durable and water resistant so it really comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.

Which Able Carry backpack is right for you?

Choose the Able Carry Daily Backpack if… you need room for a 15” laptop and carry a bit more than just the essentials. 20 liters is a great size for an everyday backpack and will be more than enough storage for most commuters. The Daily Backpack has a unisex fit but is better suited for taller people with wider shoulder when compared to the Thirteen Daybag.

Choose the Able Carry Thirteen Daybag if… you need a reliable everyday backpack for just your essentials. The Thirteen Daybag is great for smaller people with shorter torsos and slim shoulders. The contoured “chest friendly straps” and small size is perfect for women who usually find regular sized unisex backpacks too large.

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