TEXT AND IMAGES BY JOHN PANGILINAN
The backpack may be the most important and influential piece to the carry community. Its history stems deep for as long as humans have carried loads on their back to the original Knapsack patented in 1878 by Merriam Knapsack, which used an external sheet metal frame and was invented for use by the US Army.
A couple of years later, Camille Poirier of Duluth built something different, a durable canvas bag secured by straps and buckles with a square shape to fit easily at the bottom of a canoe. This eventually led to the design by Ole F. Bergan, who introduced softer materials of a sack to the light tubular steel of his version.
Eventually, as patents expired and new designs were introduced, backpacks continued to be improved upon with innovations from the addition of zippers, lighter weight materials, internal frames, hip-belts, and suspension technology. Today, backpacks come in all shapes and sizes and are made from various materials.
While backpacks are technically any bag that you carry on your back with two shoulder straps. There is a multitude of styles on the market for various uses from travel packs to hiking backpacks and specialized packs such as camera packs that help carry equipment. Yet, the day pack is the most recognized and used today. As the name implies, day packs are used daily are traditionally smaller, lightweight, and have just enough storage for a day’s worth of gear.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a backpack including the type of activity that it will be used for, the overall capacity, the fit, and the features. Backpacks are tailormade for various activities whether it’s for work and fitting a laptop or built tough to survive days in the wild.
Capacity matters when deciding how much gear you’ll be able to pack. The fit is important as there are packs made for various activities, body types, and gender. The pack’s features need to be considered as this includes the number of pockets, the materials and construction, the organization, and the style.
Since grade school, backpacks have become a daily essential in helping organize and carry items. We selected a handful of backpacks that are versatile, functional, and stylish to add to your daily rotation. EDC
01 BELLROY CLASSIC BACKPACK PLUS
HIGHLIGHTS:
The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus features dual compartment carry in one streamlined backpack. The classic-style backpack is packed with features including a padded section with waterproof zip access to the laptop compartment, multiple interior pockets, and a hidden stretch pocket to hide belongings such as keys or a wallet. A vertical front pocket stores small essentials. Constructed from water-resistant woven fabric and available in multiple colors.
DIMENSIONS: 20.87 x 14.96 x 9.06 in.
CAPACITY: 22L
WEIGHT: 2 lbs. 3.2 oz.
OUR OPINION:
The design and overall style of this pack is classic and timeless. The details of this pack showcase highly considered design from the leather pulls and accents to the weatherproof zippers and organization compartments. Each piece has a deliberate function and creates one cohesive design. The combination of colors is fun and fashion-forward. The padded back and contoured shoulder straps are very comfortable even with a full pack. Combine this with the fact that the pack is made with recycled materials and also features a 3-year warranty and you have a contender for one the best packs on the market.
MSRP: $179
BELLROY.COM