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Need a Backpack? These 3 are THE BEST I’ve EVER tested!

I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

After years of using the same backpack over and over again, it finally failed me, which set me on the journey to find a good replacement! Of course, as a gear reviewer, that means being a deep diver into all of the options on the market today and, of course, wanting to test them out in person, not only to find the right ones for me but also to help you (the reader) find the right backpack for you as well.

The list of backpacks below are my all-time favorite backpacks, ranked by which I would buy first to last! Of course, every backpack does something a bit different, so I’ll make sure to call out why you might want one over a pack higher on the list, so don’t just stop at the first one.

Quick Note: Every pack on this list was sent out to us by the respective brand free of charge for testing! That said, I never guarantee coverage, and all opinions are my own.

1. Able Carry Thirteen Daybag

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4.8
Pros:
  • It’s the right, compact size for a daily bag
  • The magnetic chest strap is awesome
  • I enjoyed the internal water bottle pocket
  • The included rear pocket makes a lot of sense
Cons:
  • It’s definitely a smaller backpack
  • Dirt and dust show really well
Specifications:
  • Capacity: 13 Liters
  • Materials: Cordura, YKK Zippers, Duraflex Hardware
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I’ll be honest, I didn’t have high hopes for this 13L backpack from a brand I hadn’t heard of before stumbling upon them for these reviews, however it has quickly become my all-time favorite backpack for everyday usage. It’s small profile is amazing for taking everything you need for the day with you, but its size makes it stay out of the way!

They have thought about everything, including placement of your water bottles! The brand did away with the water bottle slots on the exterior of most bags, and with minimalism in mind, including two water bottle slots right on the inside of the zipper! This means they no longer fall out, or cause bulk.

The straps were well thought out and comfortable, with the chest strap standing out as my favorite feature (Paid Link)! It’s a magnetic clasp, that clicks itself into place, and doesn’t let go until you are ready (not to mention is infinitely adjustable).

However, every great backpack still has its downsides. Dirt and dust seem to adhere to this day bag much more so than the competition, which results in a dirty-looking backpack. The other big issue is that this backpack’s versatility ends when you need to store items for more than one day’s worth of usage. The thirteen-liter capacity makes it hard to handle changing clothes and toiletries. Instead, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

Want to read the full review of this Able Carry Thirteen Daybag? You can read that right here!

2. Vessi Astoria Backpack

I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

4.3
Pros:
  • I really like its styling.
  • It’s very comfortable.
Cons:
  • The backpack’s material seems to get dirty.
  • It has a lack of smaller pockets.
  • The rubber on the zippers is falling apart.
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It was so incredibly difficult to decide whether the Able Carry above or this Vessi Astoria Backpack (which was gifted to us by the brand) was the better option, and honestly, I would call it a draw if I could. I would have no concerns with you purchasing either one of these packs, because they are both so good.

Adam reviewed this one (as I reviewed the Able Carry above), and he had about the same concerns and positive comments as I did! He very much enjoyed the styling of this pack and thought it was incredibly comfortable.

As for drawbacks, it is easy to find concerns about the loss of pockets in these smaller 13L packs, as they are minimalist by nature. He also found that it got dirty easily, and after only a month or so of usage, the rubber nubs at the end of the zippers started to fall apart.

Outside of those concerns, though, it’s a fantastic choice (you can buy it here at this paid link) and I personally think this pack may look better than my Thirteen Daybag.

You can find the full review of the bag here!

3. Cotopaxi Torre 24L Bucket Pack

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4.5
Pros:
  • The bright colors are awesome
  • Incredibly comfortable straps
  • Expandable main compartment
  • The pack’s lid is the most usable I’ve ever used
  • Just the right size pack for longer travel, but not too big
Cons:
  • The material feels cheap (even though it isn’t)
  • It definitely isn’t minimalist
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I’ve long been a fan of Cotopaxi, but had never had a chance to fully test one of their products until this Torre 24L Bucket Pack! In fact, I tested it so much, I used it for a ten day trip across the world, and i have to say, as long as you aren’t a minimalist, this backpack can do just about anything!

I’m a huge fan of the orange color my backpack came in (Paid Link); it’s bright, but not too bright! However, colors aside, this pack is seriously well thought out. The main compartment can be cinched down or loosened up, depending on how much stuff you need to keep in the pack (meaning it isn’t always huge), and the lid has not only a zippered compartment on the top exterior but a whole other on the inside (perfect for things like wallets, that need to be secure, but also easy to access).

To top all of this off, it by far is the most comfortable backpack I have ever owned! Huge props to the brand for making that happen.

Now for the downsides. The backpack struggles with the material side of things; while the materials are incredibly high quality, they just don’t feel that way. The pack’s water-resistant coating leaves it a cheap feeling. The other downside is that this pack sticks out of the crowd! If you are a minimalist or want a backpack that just blends in, this one isn’t it!

Want to learn more about this Cotopaxi backpack? I have that full review here!

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