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What makes a good backpack? Ultimately, it’s one that meets your needs. Style is nice and gadgets are helpful, but what I think makes the difference is this: does it make your life easier or not? I’ve tested a lot of different backpacks, from cheap to premium, the basics to the overbuilt and unnecessary.
For the past month, I have been testing the Panda Pack from Pioneer Carry, a company I’ve grown to love, mainly because of their wallets. I was gifted this backpack by Pioneer Carry, and I am going to let you know my honest likes and dislikes I’ve discovered about it.
Table of Contents
What is the Pioneer Carry Panda Pack?
I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
- Great laptop protection
- Remarkable materials
- Stands up on its own
- Easy access pockets
- Lack of security
- No Elastic keepers or loops
First, let’s take a good look at the backpack itself, what it was built to do, what it’s made of, what features it offers, and anything else worth knowing. What it was built to do: The Panda Pack 2.0 (Paid Link) is built for “seasoned travelers” and for both national and international travel. It fits under airline seats, stands on its own, and provides ample pockets for organization, including a laptop compartment.
It comes with a removable luggage tag, key leash, and handle wrap. It offered in multiple colors and only one size, 25L. As far as pockets, it has the main compartment, a laptop sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and two front outside pockets. There is a zippered pocket in the main compartment and an open sleeve. The materials are Pioneers Mandarin 840 super fabric with a DWR finish and a waterproof membrane. The webbing is 100 percent Nylon.
What do I like about the Pioneer Panda Pack?
1. Great laptop protection
One of my biggest complaints about premium or budget backpacks that I’ve tested is poor laptop protection. If a bag has a laptop sleeve, I’ve learned to check to see if there is a raised bottom in the laptop sleeve. If there is no raised bottom when you set the backpack down, the laptop hits and sits basically on the floor with almost no protection.
The other thing I check is the back panel padding, if it’s too thin or, in some cases, non-existent. If any of these problems exist, I don’t buy or use that backpack. It’s as if Pioneer Carry knew about my concern for my laptop when they sent me this backpack as it has a good, raised bottom and a triple-padded back panel while keeping some good airflow, but not the greatest.
2. Remarkable materials
I’ve used other backpacks at this same price range, and I have to say that I love the materials in the Panda Pack (Paid Link). They use ballistic nylon, a must-have if you can afford it, and the waterproof features are a must for travel.
When I first looked at this bag, I knew I was going to love the materials, and sure enough, I was not disappointed at any time. It’s clean looking, has a smooth feeling, while having a tough quality, and has nothing that annoys while moving it around or carrying it all day.
3. Stands up on its own
I love a backpack that can stand up on its own, and if there were awards for the most stable, this one would take the prize. They’ve somehow built it to stand on its own, loaded or unloaded, top-heavy or bottom-heavy, and front-loaded or back. I’ve never had a backpack that has outperformed this one yet! When flying or taking buses or trams to different places, I can’t stand it when I have to fight to hold a backpack up when I’m in tight spaces or in a hurry. The Panda Pack is unmatched for me so far.
4. Easy access pockets
The compartments are so simple yet formidable. I’ve been surprised by how much I can load into the pockets without compromising the main compartment space. It has very large zippers that can open with a single hand without having to hold onto the bag, and I have yet to have a single zipper snag. At first, I was disappointed by the zippered water bottle pockets, thinking only small water bottles would fit, and that is true if you are going to close them, but if you’re not, they can hold fairly larger water bottles.
What do I not like about the Pioneer Panda Pack?
1. Lack of security
Traveling can come with many risks, and one wrong thing happening can ruin a year’s worth of planning, such as getting important documents stolen. Many travel backpacks have hidden compartments or external zippers that are harder for a pickpocket to grab and open. That is why I was shocked to see such exposed zippers and quick-access pockets; those are the first places that a thief will try to get into.
Don’t get me wrong, the pockets and zippers are amazing and easy to open, but that could be a problem if someone other than you is trying to get in your backpack.
2. No Elastic keepers or loops
I am a fan of a well-organized and clean-looking aesthetic, and one thing that drives me crazy, especially when it comes to travel gear, is loose webbing, side pockets, or, in general, things that catch or snag. Travel means tight spaces and crowds, which is why I don’t like the fact that the webbing on the shoulder straps does not have any elastic keepers or loops built in to store the extra material. They can be purchased, but for a more premium backpack, I would expect it to come with elastic keepers and loops.
Who is this product for?
1. Every day carriers
Is this a good backpack for you? If you are looking for an everyday carry backpack, then this would be an amazing choice for you. Honestly, it feels like that is what it should be used for. While I think it’s a good travel backpack, it makes a better daily driver. So, if you want a bulletproof backpack that offers quick access, hassle-free use, and a clean, mature look, then this may be a great option for you to consider. That is what I’ll be doing with mine from now on.
2. Bad weather users
Traveling and daily carry can take its toll on a backpack and turn what was a clean, fresh backpack into a worn-out out dirty mess in no time. If you live in an area with lots of poor weather, this is a great choice. The waterproof feature is going to keep your clothing, books, and gear nice and dry, and the rugged materials are going to protect your contents from damage. I highly recommend this one if that is you.
3. General Travel
If you are not going into areas that are high in theft or renowned for pickpockets, then this is a great travel backpack that will make your traveling experience easy, comfortable, and stylish. I think it will shine on really long flights with lots of layovers. There isn’t much to snag on under a plane seat, and its ability to stand up is so helpful. Standing in line and reaching for something you need or storing your passport quickly can sometimes make all the difference.
Who is this product not for?
1. Cautious travelers
If I were travelling in areas that are known for pickpockets or tourist traps, I would consider a different backpack. I’m sure many people would not worry as much about it as I do, but I travel to have a good time and in order to do that I want to take reasonable security measures. I would love to see a hidden pocket somewhere on the Panda Pack in the future.
If Pioneer were to do that, then this one would land in the top five of my favorite travel backpacks. I would also like to see some way to hinder a thief from opening the quick-access pocket. So, this is simply something to consider while getting a good backpack for travelling.
Where should you buy this?
I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
- Great laptop protection
- Remarkable materials
- Stands up on its own
- Easy access pockets
- Lack of security
- No Elastic keepers or loops
