Backpacks

How to Choose the Right Backpack

Size and Capacity: 28L, 45L or 60L?

Our Discovery packs come in three capacities. The 28L suits lighter loads and shorter trips, the 45L is a good middle ground, and the 60L Hybrid Duffle takes the largest loads. Bigger sizes do weigh more empty: the 60L is the heaviest of the three at 2.226 kg, against 1.47 kg for the 45L and 1.17 kg for the 28L, so it is worth picking the smallest size that will hold what you actually pack.

Zip-Top, Rolltop, Drawstring or Convertible Tote

A zip-top opens the same way every time and the shape is fixed, which suits packing to a set list. A rolltop expands when you have more to carry and rolls down when you don't. A drawstring closes and loosens quickly fast for things you reach for through the day. Our 2-in-1 Totes sit apart from all three: the backpack straps hide away so the bag carries as a tote, then come back out when you want both hands free.

Our Backpack Ranges: Discovery, Urban Core, Urban Light, Icon and Essential

Discovery

Our Discovery range is made for off-path journeys, use recycled fabrics and come in three sizes. The Discovery 45L Backpack opens fully down the side so you can pack and unpack it like a suitcase rather than digging down from the top, and compression straps pull the contents tight once in. The 60L Hybrid Duffle works the same way but with more room, and the 28L has a back sleeve that slots over a suitcase handle for hands-free carrying.

Essential

Our Essential Backpack has a suitcase-style opening and a magnetic flap, fits a laptop and sits under an airline seat, with a detachable gusset if you want it slimmer. The Essential 2-in-1 Tote Backpack holds a laptop and its straps can be tucked away so it can be worn as a backpack or carried on the shoulder as a tote. For younger travelers, the Kids Essential Backpack is made from lightweight recycled ripstop, weights only 0.48 kg, has a chest buckle to keep the straps in place and a grab handle.

Urban Light

The Urban Light backpack opens suitcase-style rather than from the top, and removing the detachable gusset makes it slimmer on days you are carrying less. There is a hidden essentials pocket on the external flap for keys, cards and anything else you want to keep separate.

Urban Core

Both Urban Core bags are made from Cordura. Our Urban Core Rolltop Backpack expands at the top as you fill it, takes laptops up to 16 inches and has a breathable mesh back panel, all at 0.7 kg. The Urban Core Zip Top Backpack is the more compact of the two at 0.6 kg, with water-repellent Cordura and room for a 14-inch laptop.

Icon

The Icon Drawstring Backpack closes with a drawstring and buckle, fits a 14-inch laptop and carries two bottles in external holders, so your water stays out of the main compartment. The Icon Backpack also takes a 14-inch laptop and has seven internal pockets for sorting cables, documents and smaller items. The Icon 2-in-1 Tote Backpack has hidden backpack straps and a removable shoulder strap.