mountain designs travel pack

• Science & Environment
• History & Culture
• Opinion & Analysis
• Destinations
• Activity Central
• Creature Features
• Earth Heroes
• Survival Guides
• Travel with AG
• Travel Articles
• About the Australian Geographic Society
• AG Society News
• Sponsorship
• Fundraising
• Australian Geographic Society Expeditions
• Sponsorship news
• Our Country Immersive Experience
• AG Nature Photographer of the Year
• Web Stories
• Adventure Instagram

Home Australian Geographic Adventure Tested: Mountain Designs Escape Multi 30 daypack

Tested: Mountain Designs Escape Multi 30 daypack

The daypack. It’s everywhere – and with good reason. These backpacks are the go-to for everything from commuting to work or using as carry-on luggage through to a full day of hiking or vehicle touring/camping. In short, when it comes to load-luggers, the daypack is the ultimate Swiss army knife in terms of its versatility and, as a result, there are myriad options on the market. This versatility also means these things need to be super-tough, not too heavy, but with plenty of features to cover all the activities they will be called on for use.

It was with this in mind that I opted to test the Mountain Designs Escape Multi 30 (signifying 30L capacity; there is a larger 40L variant available, too). It was my daypack of choice for a recent overseas assignment, where it’d need to be both my carry-on luggage option, as well as my day trip load-lugger. And it fits that wide-ranging remit very well, thanks to its comprehensive feature list.

The Escape Multi 30 offers oodles of storage options in that 30 litres of volume. The pack’s main compartment allows you to fit a hydration bladder and/or lug a laptop. Borrowing from larger more trek-oriented packs, the Multi 30 also includes a bottom compartment, complete with zip for access, which is perfect for storing that wet outer shell if need be, or simply as an easier way of accessing the main compartment’s bottom section. On top of the main compartment, there are two separate zip-access top storage sections (all zips are robust YKK), as well as a larger/deeper one on the front of the pack, along with bungy cord for attaching even more gear if need be. Add in two side pockets (elasticised) a zipped hip-belt pocket and four side compression straps and you can seriously load this thing up.

This capacious stowage capacity means it would be easy to overload the Multi 30 – or potentially put a lot of strain on the wearer’s shoulders – if it wasn’t for the over-engineered (read: bombproof) harness system. This includes a padded mesh back panel to minimise sweat and ensure plenty of ventilation, but the main feature is the contoured – and well-padded – shoulder straps and oversized chest-strap. 

On a couple of days, the Multi 30 was loaded with a large DSLR, two big lenses, a 1L water bottle, additional clothing (including a large outer shell), and enough food for a day. Once the harness was adjusted and cinched down to keep all that weight close to my back/torso, it was good to go. Of course I noticed the weight, but it never shifted or caused me to over-balance/over-correct my posture when I was walking – or even when I had the same load in there for a 25km snow-ride aboard a fat-bike. The outer fabric is robust 500-denier nylon (with PU coating), while the base nylon is twice as tough (1000D). There’s also a DWR (Durable Water Repellency) treatment, plus there’s an additional rain cover. That tough outer fabric was tested a few times when I needed to drop the pack quickly, often on rough rocky surfaces, as well as snow and ice, but the pack fabric stayed true.

There are undoubtedly cheaper (and perhaps lighter; weight is 1.49kg) daypacks out there in this size range but if you’re looking for a versatile daypack that will last years and that is capable of withstanding rugged treatment and heavy loads, Mountain Design’s over-engineered, over-built Multi 30L offers plenty of adventure bang for the bucks and is well worth consideration.

RRP: $180 www.mountaindesigns.com

VMG Typhon E-Mountain Bike: Tested

This Aussie-designed e-MTB is a new entry into this fast-growing cycling segment. We’ve spent four months riding it, to see how it stacks up on the trails.

Go beyond: the ultimate guide to outback travel

Exploring the outback is a rite of passage for adventurous Aussie families. Here’s all you need to know for a successful, safe and fun experience.

Twice the fun: Snowboard and hike NZ’s Queenstown region

The perfect winter combo – snowboarding and hiking – equals a memorable family adventure in Queenstown and surrounds. Here’s how it’s done.

Watch Latest Web Stories

Birds of Stewart Island / Rakiura

Endangered fairy-wrens survive Kimberley floods

Australia’s sleepiest species

2024 Calendars & Diaries - OUT NOW

Our much loved calendars and diaries are now available for 2024. Adorn your walls with beautiful artworks year round. Order today.

In stock now: Hansa Soft Toys and Puppets

From cuddly companions to realistic native Australian wildlife, the range also includes puppets that move and feel like real animals.

Guide to choosing the best bag for your next adventure

Quentin Long

Managing Director

29 September 2021

| THIS ARTICLE WAS CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Mountain Designs |

This article was created in partnership with mountain designs, when you’re planning an adventure, you need to be prepared. you need to pack the right clothes, ensure your phone and other electronics are taken care of, and include food and drink where necessary..

But before you can do any of that, you need a bag. And let’s be honest, with so many different options on the market, finding the right bag for your adventure can be a little daunting.

Before you start shopping, we recommend you write down details of the adventure you’re planning, the expected weather and if it might impact your journey, and the items you need to carry. This will help you determine the type of bag you’re after.

Mountain Design travel pack. Image courtesy Mountain Designs

When choosing a bag, there are a few other things you should also consider, starting with the brand.

Choose a good-quality brand with a superior reputation for bag manufacturing.

Mountain Designs has been around since the 1970s and has continually improved on the quality and functionality of its products, including bags.

Now we have the quality sorted, other things to look for include:

• water resistance – imperative if you’re heading out in the rain or snow;
• different compartments – the more pockets you have, the easier it will be to store and find everything you need;
• size – you might only want something as small as 20L for a simple trip, or you could be looking at 120L for longer journeys;
• padding – if you’re spending a lot of time wearing a backpack, or you’re planning a hike or climb with a bag on your back, you want to make sure it’s comfortable; and
• durability – depending on the activity, you may need a bag that can withstand any inclement weather and the constant scratching and scraping against nature.

Which bag is best?

There are many bag types available and the bag you choose really depends on why you want it, and what you need to put into it.

Bags for short day trips

If you’re planning short day trips, you might prefer to use a bag that is small and lightweight.

Mountain Design travel pack. Image courtesy Mountain Design

Day packs (20L to 40L) and hiking bags (45L to 75L) are ideal for day trips, or if you’re simply heading out on a hike, paddle or bike ride, you might go even smaller with a hydration pack – inclusive of a reservoir.

These are great for catering to your thirst, no matter where you’re headed, and generally also include extra pockets where you can hide your keys and wallet.

Bags for big adventures

Travel packs will protect your gear while also providing you plenty of storage space when you’re off on a big adventure or you need to bulk up your bag with snow gear.

The right bag makes travel that much easier and more enjoyable. Image courtesy Mountain Design.

They’re available in a range of sizes, up to 80L, and can come with an added daypack attached for convenience.

Casual bags

Backpacking around the world or hiking the mountains might not be on your to-do list at the moment, but if you’re in need of a casual bag for an overnight hotel stay, or something to fill with your sports gear, duffle bags are a great casual use option.

From a compact 30L, right up to 120L, they’re highly durable and can often even be converted into a backpack.

Storage bags

Whether you’re travelling for a day or a year, if you want to keep your gear safe, storage bags are the way to go.

From packing cells that have dual compartments so you can keep your underwear and socks separate; to toiletry bags and dry bags – storage bags are designed to protect all your important belongings from getting wet.

It doesn’t matter what level of adventure you’re planning, finding the right bag is easy with the right advice. Mountain Designs offers a full range of bags and packs , so you’re sure to find something to suit every occasion.

Quentin Long is the co-founder of Australian Traveller Media, Australia’s largest independent travel media company. Quentin is a sought-after travel media commentator. He is Australia’s most trusted source for travel news and insights, having held weekly radio segments across the country since 2006, and regularly appearing on Channel 9’s Today and A Current Affair programs from 2010. Dont ask him his favourite travel experience as that's like asking him to choose a favourite child. However he does say that Garma Festival is the one travel experience that changed him the most.

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT

Cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Save up to $600 per couple* On AAT Kings Outback Safari

World Heritage Sites like Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park are just the entrée to this deep dive into the Northern Territory. Explore ancient structures and culture on this tour, and eat a lot of food along the way. Image credit: Tourism NT

Book a 4-day fabALICE festival pass for only $290!

When booking a 4-day fabALICE festival pass you receive access to five fabulous events for only $290 – retail value of $350. Enjoy priority seating and access, and experience the best events!

Culture of Canberra Package

Stay two nights in a Luxe Studio and experience the Culture of Canberra!

You might also like

Cruises along the East Coast of Australia

It’s a great time to get out and about again and although we can’t go “anywhere” we want in the world, the majority of us can go anywhere we w...

The top ski resorts in Australia

Little known fact: Australia has more mountains covered in snow than Switzerland and our biggest ski resort is over twice the size of New Zealand’s ...

Discover Christmas Island and the Cocos Keeling Islands

Head overseas without ever leaving Australian waters at Christmas Island and the Cocos Keeling Islands. Closer to Indonesia than the mainland, you wo...

© Australian Traveller Media 2024. All rights reserved.

• edit-account
• edit-address
• lost-password

Mountain Designs Hiking Gear Review

by Will | May 16, 2016 | Blog , Travel | 0 comments

I consider myself a pretty light hearted guy but there is a couple of things I do take seriously, namely my photography and outdoor equipment. These are the two things I completely rely upon when I’m out in the field and need to be able to trust, particularly when I’m days away from civilisation. Concerning my hiking and outdoor essentials, I’m honoured to have recently partnered with the Australian owned and operated Mountain Designs who are very supportive of the work I’m doing. Fresh back from New Zealand, here is a brief review of some of the gear I took over with me as I got amongst the almighty mountains of the South Island.

75L Surmount Rucksack

I’ll be honest, hiking as a photographer kinda sucks. Carrying food, water, clothing and shelter up a mountain is one thing but throwing in a few extra kilos of oddly shaped cameras, lenses and tripods is straight up burdensome. Thankfully, technological advancements are helping shed the weight off the essentials meaning when it comes to hiking bags, you don’t necessarily have to sacrifice too much size.

I’ve learned the hard way about cramming too much gear into a small pack so the 75L Surmount is a bag I’ve found great to use from single to multi day hikes. Water resistant, a comfy hip belt, multiple pockets and 3 internal access points makes this pack a great all rounder and perfect for storing various items and camera equipment. Shooting time lapses as well as stills, I generally travel with two camera bodies and 3 lenses which fit fine in this pack along with all my other gear.

A few general tips: When packing your bag, the key is to have a balanced load. Keep your heaviest items just above the middle of your bag closer to your back. Keep your lighter gear toward the bottom and frequently needed items (such as camera and snacks) should be up the top or in the side pockets. Consider packing your side pockets first before your inside equipment takes up the room. Emergency equipment should be kept in a safe and easily accessible compartment. Ensure your hip belt is fitted correctly and nice and firm as your hips should bear most of the weight, not your shoulders.

Travelite 360 Down Sleeping Bag

Let’s face it, nobody wants a bad nights sleep, for this reason your sleeping bag is something you really don’t want to skimp on. Two things I want in a bag is warmth and also something light weight and compact. the Large Travelite 360 ticks all the boxes and blew away my previous excuse of a bag.

Coming in just at 1kg and very compact, it was a pleasure hopping inside this down bag each night particularly as the outside temps began to reach 0 degrees, it was certainly the place to be. The ventilation zips came in handy as I woke up on two occasions surprisingly warm and the down can also be adjusted to suit conditions however I fell back to sleep before needing to do that. When it comes to packing, I use to dread rolling up my old bag but this little guy is almost a pleasure to re-pack as it compresses easily and fits snug inside the compression sack.

Bern Hood Down Jacket

Whether it’s laziness or plain stupidity, I’m notorious for underdressing when it comes to the cold. This trip I was determined to be different and with my first decent down jacket I was well prepared. I’m going to straight out say that I love the Bern Down Jacket, we connected straight away and had a special bond like two old high-school friends. Ultra light, compact and super toasty, we were virtually inseparable for the entirety of the trip. Coupled with some Super Dry base layers, I’ve never been more comfortable on a hike and when out shooting in cold climates.

If you follow my Snapchat you’ll know that I have an obsessions with coffee, so one thing I also love about this gear is that it’s eco friendly  with ethically sourced duck down with a percentage of the down made from recycled coffee beans. Win!

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Topo Designs Travel Bag 30L & 40L Review

Shopping around for a new backpack? This Topo Designs Travel Bag 30L & 40L review is an honest look at everything this bag can (and can’t) do!

Finding a  carry-on backpack  to suit your needs can be a difficult task. You need something lightweight but durable. The pack should fit all your gear, including a laptop, without being too bulky. It should be durable, and it should have extra security features.

And that’s where the Topo Designs Travel Bag comes in.

Topo Designs created this bag with city travel in mind—the slim profile is designed to rest nicely on your back as you navigate crowds on public transportation. Numerous compartments offer lots of space and enough organization to keep you on the road for weeks. And you’ll be sleeping easy at night while your backpack is safely locked up with its heavy-duty YKK zippers and security loops.

This pack comes in two sizes—30L and 40L. Both travel bags have the same features, so the only real difference between them is the size.

It also comes in an array of colors so that anyone can find something they love. From the minimalism of the ballistic black to the subdued olive, to the classic navy with pops for bright yellow and red, the Topo Designs Travel Bag offers a color scheme for everyone.

This  travel backpack  has garnered a lot of attention lately in travel reviews, so I decided to share my thoughts in more detail.

So, does this bag deserve all the love? Let’s dive in.

This lightweight travel bag is practically bulletproof! Thanks to its many pockets and organizational features, it’s also perfect for digital nomads and city travelers.

• Build Quality 9.5
• Comfort 7.5
• Ease of Use 8.3
• Functionality 8.7
• Ideal size for carry-on travel
• Slim profile makes it easy to slip in and out of crowded spaces without having to take it off
• Incredibly lightweight but still durable
• "Three ways to carry" design offers a lot of flexibility
• If packed to full capacity, the 40L dimensions don't align with many airline carry-on size restrictions
• The number of pockets can be overwhelming (for something simpler, try the Osprey Talon or the Osprey Farpoint)
• There are no water bottle pockets (but you can find a clip-on or packable water bottle in my list of best water bottles)

Topo Designs Travel Bag: Quick Answers

• This bag comes in two sizes: 30L and 40L. Both are generally suitable as carry-on travel bags, but the dimensions of the 40L travel backpack may exceed some airlines’ sizing.
• This bag is incredibly lightweight for its size; the 40L version checks in at only 3.65 pounds.
• Numerous zippered pockets make organization a breeze, but minimalists may find the design overcomplicated.
• Military-grade ballistic nylon helps repel water, but this pack isn’t waterproof.
• Travel in style with four color options: black, olive, navy, or charcoal.
• The “three ways to carry” design adds versatility, but most travelers won’t stray beyond the backpack function.
• All packs from Topo Designs come with a lifetime warranty and an extensive repair policy so you’re guaranteed to have the best experience as you travel with your well-loved bag.

Who Is the Topo Designs Travel Bag For?

• City-hopping travelers who want a simple, stylish yet functional design
• Digital nomads who want to carry their laptop everywhere
• Efficient travelers who want to skip baggage claim and carry their gear on their back
• Versatile travelers who alternate between work trips and personal travel excursions
• Ounce-counting travelers who want to minimize weight without sacrificing functionality
• The organized traveler who loves countless pocket options and add-on features

Who Isn’t the Topo Designs Travel Bag For?

• Hikers and backpackers will want to travel with something more specialized, as this harness system is not adequate for carrying heavy weight for miles or weeks at a time—try the Osprey Atmos 65
• Heavy packers would benefit from an alternative travel backpack with an internal frame to better carry and distribute weight
• People who like to travel with a lot of stuff; this backpack is meant as a carry-on
• Travelers looking for traditional luggage—although there are multiple ways to transport this backpack, it doesn’t have a roll option like other carry-on luggage options
• Travelers headed to sweaty environments; the lack of mesh on the back panel decreases breathability
• Anyone looking to travel with a laptop bigger than 15″

Who is Topo Designs?

In 2008, Jedd Rose and Mark Hansen started Topo Designs out of their basement in Fort Collins, Colorado. Armed with a sewing machine and a clear vision—to create functional, durable, beautiful products that resembled classic outdoor gear.

Jedd began designing and crafting a backpack. Mark began to work on the logistics. Together, they collected resources and built a company in accordance with their values.

Topo Designs strives to blend the outdoor experience with world travel culture. They pay homage to the classic styling of the outdoors gear they used growing up while incorporating modern additions.

And they want their products to be multifunctional and utilitarian: durable enough to outlast treks in rugged mountains, but simple and stylish enough to be used around town.

Topo Designs stands by their products, offering a “MAP Guarantee”—they ensure that your pack is durable and capable of joining you anywhere you go on the map. But they also stand by the environment: their motto is “repair, don’t replace.” They understand that gear is an extension of its owner.

Anyone who has backpacked can attest that, by the end of a trip, your backpack feels like a part of you. So, Topo Designs aims to reduce the number of products thrown away. Instead, they work to repair broken gear and return it promptly to its owner.

Topo Designs Travel Bag Features

Topo Designs works hard to ensure their travel bags are both functional and appealing. And while they maintain their classic outdoor-style aesthetic with the Travel Bag, this backpack is geared more towards airline travel than trekking.

Its square shape allows ample packing space, but the lack of a frame means the harness system isn’t strong enough to support heavy weight for long durations.

Organization pockets and security features also make this a great choice as a carry-on for some city backpacking travel or a weekend work trip.

Let’s review their demo:

Dimensions & Specifications

The dimensions for these travel bags are indicative of the pack sizes when stuffed to maximum capacity. Overall, both packs’ dimensions are smaller when unpacked, and both are carry-on compatible for most airlines.

Carry-On Compatibility

The 30L Travel Bag is a perfect weekend travel carry-on. It fills the dimension requirements of airlines, contains a designated laptop pocket, and has extra space to spare. However, if you travel more extensively, you may find it too snug and choose to opt for the roomier 40L version.

The 40L Travel Bag fits most airline size requirements, but it’s not a guarantee. However, the additional space could be essential for longer travel. Most people traveling with this pack do not experience any problems using it as a carry-on travel pack but review your airline’s rules before you go.

Backpack Straps with Load-Lifters

Although these cushioned straps will suffice for long layovers and extensive travel days, they are less comfortable than those of a designated hiking backpack. So if you have long walking days in your future, or plan to do much hiking with this bag, you’ll want to go light or seek out other options.

Enhance your experience and use the load-lifter straps, especially when you carry the 40L pack. These straps help to keep the pack close to your upper back while shifting most of the weight onto your hips. Keep in mind, these load-lifter straps are virtually useless without the optional waist-belt.

Carry Handles and Shoulder Strap

In addition to the backpack straps, this bag contains a removable shoulder strap so you can carry it as a messenger bag or duffel. D-rings on the side of the pack to attach this shoulder strap make the transition easy.

This may be especially useful for professional travelers who want luggage that they can carry to work meetings in a messenger bag style, with the option of switching to a backpack later.

(If that’s the case, I recommend this bag in black for a sleek, professional look.)

Keep in mind that the shoulder strap may be better suited for the 30L version, as the 40L is a bit big for the duffel-style to be practical.

Additionally, the hefty side and top grab handles allow you to carry it briefcase-style. This isn’t the most practical method, but it can be useful to grab and go. These handles are incredibly durable and they also sit close to the bag, so you can forget about them when you’re not using them.

Removable Sternum Strap and Optional Waist Belt

Both the removable sternum strap and optional waist belt increase the load capacity of this bag. The sternum strap helps with balance while keeping the pack stable on your shoulders. When you’re not using it, simply remove the sternum strap from its attachment clips and tuck it away in your bag.

The cushion on the waist belt is fairly thin, but this feature is helpful nonetheless. The waist belt can be tucked away into the back panel when it’s not in use. It doesn’t feel bulky when it’s tucked away, so that’s a sacrifice I’m willing to live with.

Stow-Away Harness System

This innovative stow-away system allows you to hide the backpack straps in a zipper compartment. This is helpful if you intend to carry it as a duffel bag for extended periods of time.

Additionally, stowing the backpack straps is crucial if you ever decide to check this bag through an airline. It will keep the straps safe and secure even while your bag gets tossed around.

The Travel Bag’s stow-away harness system succeeds in securing dangling straps without being bulky. It’s hard to even tell they’re there.

Organization Pockets

This travel backpack has so many pockets. It’s amazing to me that they could incorporate so many features and still keep the bag lightweight. And for the organization-enthusiast, there are a lot of packing options. Let’s review.

First, on the front panel, you have a side-zipping security pocket for small items. Inside this pocket, there are two smaller zippered pockets. It’s nice to know that the gear in the front of your bag is safely stowed away in a maze of zippers as you navigate busy city streets.

The front panel also houses another interior compartment. There are dual slip pockets, and yet another zippered pocket. These are significantly larger and can be used to stow maps, notebooks, or other gear which requires easy access.

Then comes the main compartment. This is where the organization options really shine. When you unzip the bag, you’ll see four zipped pockets: two mesh and two nylon. Behind the mesh pockets, you can reveal yet another zippered compartment. (At this point, I’m wondering who even needs this many features.)

And you’re not even fully into the main compartment yet. Finally, you unzip the last section to reveal the roomy main compartment. This is where you’ll want to keep the bulk of your gear. Topo Designs has pack bags (their version of packing cubes) which rest nicely in this space.

The last pocket is a padded laptop compartment (which I’ll review next).

Some will love the plethora of pockets, while others will find the number of zippers overwhelming and unnecessary. It all depends on what kind of packer you are.

I can say without a doubt that if you value packing and organization above all else, you’ll be a fan of this pack. Alternatively, you might want to consider a NOMATIC Backpack, which has many of the same organization features.

Laptop Storage

The laptop storage pocket is well-protected and easy to access. Anyone who has traveled by plane with a laptop knows how crucial it is to be able to unload your laptop without making a mess out of your carefully packed backpack.

However, the zippered compartment seems small when it actually comes time to fit your laptop in. Topo Designs attests that this pocket fits most laptops up to 15″, but it’s better if your laptop is smaller than that. The compartment is roomy, but the zipper isn’t quite long enough.

This makes it difficult to fit an older-model 15″ laptop in the 30L pack, which increasingly becomes a problem if you tightly pack your travel bag. However, if you’re traveling light and have room to spare, your laptop should fit with no problem.

Clamshell Opening Front and Main Compartment

In addition to the main compartment, there is another large compartment on the front panel that allows U-shaped entry. The pack cloth liner on the interior is yellow on most of the color options, so your stuff easily stands out. However, the ballistic black color option includes a black pack cloth liner to keep the design simple and more professional looking.

Attachment Options

Daisy chain webbing on the front panel provides easy attachment points. This is a great place to add smaller accessories and other items, such as water bottles—a nice touch, since this travel backpack doesn’t carry a water bottle holder.

For us, this attachment feature seems excessive. It turns you into a human wrecking-ball and increases the load past the point where it’s comfortable to carry.

Instead of stacking bag on bag, I would simply wear one backpack and use the messenger-bag carry option for the travel bag.

But hey, it might be useful for covering a short distance from the airport to your accommodation.

Pass-Through Sleeve

The 30L Travel Bag includes a pass-through sleeve so you can easily hook this pack on the handle of a rolling suitcase. Once you get through airport security, you can streamline your carry system and only wheel around one piece of luggage.

This feature is only available on the 30L pack. This makes sense because the 30L can serve as a “personal item” during air travel, while the 40L would be too big. The 30L travel bag stows under the seat of most airplanes. This way your laptop will be easily accessible during travel.

Topo Designs Travel Bag Review

This travel bag is made from high-quality, durable materials. The nylon is so tough that you can carry-on or check this bag without worry.

The padded shoulder straps and waist strap are foam with overlying mesh. The back panel is padded ballistic nylon with a foam interior. There is no mesh along the back panel, so it isn’t breathable.

Heavy Duty Nylon

This bag is heavy-duty. The Travel Bag packs are made of high-quality 1000D nylon. This is standard, durable nylon that is capable of taking a beating. To give you a point of comparison, most nylon hiking backpacks are between 400D – 600D nylon—this means the Topo Designs Travel Bag is a fair bit thicker and more durable.

I haven’t quite figured out how Topo uses such thick, durable nylon and keeps the pack weight insanely light, but props to them.

Additionally, there is ballistic, heavy-duty nylon at the bottom of the pack to protect the extra-vulnerable regions (like your laptop if you drop the bag on the floor). Topo Design’s rugged mountain background really shines here: I can’t imagine much puncturing this insanely durable exterior.

Although none of this nylon is waterproof, it’s all water-repellent. Any moisture that does make it past the sturdy exterior will be stopped in its tracks by the 210D nylon pack cloth liner.

YKK Zippers

If you know anything about zippers, you know YKK are some of the best around. These zippers are equipped with a water-resistant backing. In addition, they are very chunky, easy to grab, and they slide easily. The paracord zipper pulls help these babies run smoothly. The security loop on the main compartment keeps the zipper in place and ensures that no one will be messing with your bag.

Style & Aesthetics

The boxy look isn’t for everyone, but the square design is important for maximizing useable space. The rounded corners of other travel backpacks sacrifice a lot of useable space.

This pack comes in multiple color profiles: ballistic black, navy, olive, and charcoal. The all-black design is modern and sleek, while the olive and navy colors are a bit more playful. The recent addition of the olive color gives a middle ground for travelers looking for a product with a bit of personality. The yellow daisy-chain webbing and red paracord and strap details add pops of color without being too bold.

I personally love both the navy and olive color schemes. The vintage appearance really steps up the style!

The inside of the olive or navy pack is a bright yellow rather than the basic black that many other companies use. While many might think this color is garish, it does serve a purpose. The yellow provides a great contrast, making it easy to find your gear. Avoid the black hole experience of a more traditional pack, and the stuff you carry will certainly stand out.

If you do like the entirely black product look, you won’t be disappointed. The black color option includes a black pack cloth liner instead of the fluorescent yellow.

This bag is very comfortable for shorter durations. The contours of the strap fit nicely to your shoulders, and they are well padded. The padded waist strap and removable sternum strap allow you to travel for longer and will share some of the weight with your hips.

And, if you get tired of wearing it, you can always carry it!

While this product is decently comfortable, it is best used as an alternative to traditional luggage. If you’re embarking on a backpacking-heavy travel adventure, you may want to check out other options.

Organization

Organization was obviously a huge factor for the design of the Travel Bag, so it’s a big part of this review. There are zippered pockets of all shapes and sizes so that you can organize your gear exactly how you want it.

Additionally, the main compartment is surprisingly roomy after you dig through layers of pockets to find it. The choice is yours with this bag: you can easily customize your travel experience.

The organization is greatly improved by the addition of the padded laptop pocket on the outside. It is useful for easy access at airport security and will save you from digging through your bag.

The attachment features enhance the organizational experience. The travel bag may lack any exterior pockets, but it includes daisy chain webbing so that you can carry gear on the outside of the pack as well. This also makes it easy to carry too much gear, though.

Overall, the number of pockets will streamline packing, but I think they overdid it just a little bit on the pocket front.

These travel backpacks definitely are definitely durable. The heavy-duty nylon is overkill compared to most bags on the market today, but this way you know it’s going to last.

Many companies create lightweight travel backpacks by using very thin material that’s prone to rip. But, Topo Designs has come up with a way to match thick, durable nylon with a lightweight design. Basically, this pack is the perfect blend of durable and lightweight.

Topo Designs Travel Bag Accessories

This Travel Bag review wouldn’t be complete without a look at the Travel Bag kits that Topo Designs offers in addition to the backpack. These kits come complete with everything you need to perfect your travel organization system. Add on the accessories to really up the functionality of this already organized pack.

Pack bags are Topo Design’s version of zippered travel packing cubes. They are simple and perfect for bag organization.

The Dopp Kit is a triangular toiletries bag. It’s nice and structured, and the shape makes it easy to fit this in amongst your other packing luggage. When you don’t have anything in it, it folds down flat.

This Dopp Kit is simple, functional, and comes with a hang loop.

Accessory Bags

While the pack bags are designed to hold your clothes and larger goods, the accessory bags come in a range of sizes. They are built to carry smaller items, from headphones to computer charges. They’re also useful for keeping your travel bag free from a nest of cords. However, with the number of zippered pockets already in the Travel Bag, it’s easy to go without these.

Price: How Much Does the Topo Designs Travel Bag Cost?

This wouldn’t be a travel bag review without addressing the issue of cost. And the Topo Designs Travel Bag isn’t cheap.

The 30L Travel Bag starts at $189 with free shipping and returns in the United States.

The 40L Travel Bag is $229 with free shipping and returns in the United States.

These prices may seem steep for a starter travel pack, but the bag’s high-quality, durable materials and design features add to the value. This product is built to last a lifetime of travel, and this durability is backed up by its lifetime warranty.

Warranty: What Kind of Warranty Does Topo Designs Offer?

Like many reputable companies these days, Topo Designs wants their customers to have the best travel experience possible. That’s why they offer a lifetime warranty on all their backpacks, bags, apparel, and gear. They call it the MAP Guarantee and it protects against any manufacturing defects or material flaws. This warranty does not cover damage from wear and tear, neglect, or accidents.

However, if you do manage to damage this durable pack, Topo Designs will help you out. They understand that our travel bags see a bit of tough love, so they have a comprehensive repair program to return your backpack to working order. Simply email the company a repair form, send in your product, and let them do the rest. Returns generally take between 4-6 weeks.

But Topo Designs takes it a level further in their returns program. They demonstrate their dedication to sustainable product development by offering a repair reimbursement program. Instead of sending them the product, you could keep your repair local. Find someone in your area, send in a claim to Topo Designs, and they’ll send you a gift card for the cost of the repair. It may not be the most ideal option for everyone (and it may work better for apparel than bags), but I still think it’s pretty darn cool.

Shipping: Does Topo Designs Ship Internationally?

If you order directly from the Topo Designs website, they offer free U.S. shipping, as well as free returns and exchanges. This free domestic shipping can take up to a week, depending on your distance from Colorado.

Topo Designs also ships internationally. This shipping will generally take a couple of weeks. However, additional duties and taxes must be paid at the time of delivery. Keep this in mind when ordering, because these fees are not included in Topo Designs’ shipping rates.

Contact your local postal service to find out what fees you’ll encounter. And of course, you can email the company if you have any questions about their international shipping. Just review the details!

Topo Designs Travel Bag Review Summary: Final Thoughts

The Topo Designs Travel Bag is a well-designed carry-on bag perfect for shorter trips. It’s durable, has numerous pockets for organization, and includes a padded laptop pocket. It’s perfect for the digital nomad, or anyone seeking a balance of classic style and function.

This is also a great pack for a traveler looking to take the leap from traditional luggage to backpack-style travel. With various attachment points and a “three ways to carry” system, the Travel Bag is highly versatile.

The vintage aesthetic is unique. The colorful design of the olive and navy versions is more eye-catching than many of the other sleek black backpacks on the market, like the Peak Design Travel Backpack or Tortuga Outbreaker .

However, as I think this review outlines, it’s not for everyone.

While it works well for a weekend travel excursion, the harness system may be too simple for longer travel. If you’re planning to travel for a couple of weeks, you may want to browse other options.

I love that the Topo Designs Travel Bag comes in two sizes and is full of features. The 30L is great for weekend travel but may be too small for heavy packers for longer travel. However, the 40L version pushes the limits of many airline carry-on restrictions.

This is a high-quality, durable product that is well-suited for those who seek to travel with an extensive organization system. But for the minimalist travelers among us, the Travel Bag design may seem excessive.

At the end of the day, the choice is yours!

Topo Designs Travel Bag FAQs

Is the topo designs travel bag worth it.

The Topo Designs Travel Bag is worth it for anyone who wants a stylish and functional carry-on backpack.

What material is the Topo Designs Travel Bag Made Of?

The Topo Designs Travel Bag is made of recycled nylon in 100D, 400D, and 210D thicknesses.

Where is Topo Designs headquartered?

The Topo Designs headquarters is in Denver, Colorado.

What are alternatives to the Topo Designs Travel Bag?

The best alternatives to the Topo Designs Travel Bag are the Peak Design Travel Backpack and the Cotopaxi Allpa 35.

Is Topo Designs a good brand?

Yes, Topo Designs is a great brand that’s known for retro styling and durable construction

Jeremy Scott Foster

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search our latest articles, reviews and gear guides

• TravelFreak on Instagram
• TravelFreak on Facebook
• TravelFreak on Twitter
• TravelFreak on Pinterest

Sign up now and get the best gear, travel tips, deals and destinations, straight to your inbox.

Thank you for signing up!

Topo Designs Mountain Pack 28L Review - The Best Travel Backpack?

The Mountain Pack 28L takes much of what Topo Designs is known for and creates a durable bag that can be carried from the coffee shop to the mountain peak.

• Multi-functional bag for outdoors or urban environments.
• Many (MANY!) colourways.
• Hideaway hip belt Tucks behind the back panel for better travel.
• The Back Panel has limited ventilation (but not terrible).
• The bag doesn't compress well without a full load.
• Strap keepers are not present on some of the cinching straps.

Technical Details

Capacity 28 L

Weight 1.1 kg

Denier 200D 210D

Dimensions 11.5"w x 19"h x 7"d

Notable Materials lightweight recycled nylon ripstop, recycled nylon liner

Manufacturing Country Vietnam

Laptop Compartment Size 15"

Warranty Information MAP Guarantee

Full Review

Through months of usage as a travel bag, a hiking bag, a weekend bag, and an EDC bag, the Mountain Pack 28L has proven its capabilities. While the factory delivery provided an excellent product, I've chosen to make a few minor modifications to improve my experience with the bag like modifying the zipper pulls so there was a more rigid contact point. Topo also sells a 16L variant of the bag , with fewer features than the 28L. I remain excited to see what other kinds of activities this bag can handle.

Below, we will take a deeper dive into what this bag has to offer, and if it's the right bag for you given your chosen activities.

Want to know more about minimalist travel? Check out the Ultimate Guide To Minimalist Travel from Autogenic Amusements:

Materials and Aesthetic

Outdoors The outdoors is in the name of this bag. Its design seems to work well for outdoor adventure with its webbing and gear loops, water bottle access, and suspension system. Given its outdoors-forward style, it will be at home on the trail.

Urban Despite the bag thriving in the outdoors, it also fits in urban environments too. Details like the stowable waist belt and its clean look make this bag more urban-conscious than some other more outdoors-focused packs.

The Topo Designs Mountain Pack 28L blends a bit of a rustic pack style, with a modern mountainous aesthetic. Its styling works best in the mountains, but with the right colorway, it can pass in the office too.

The bag's shape is reminiscent of an old-school mountaineering bag. Topo decided to stick with function over form. The bag is shaped best when it's fully loaded, either with water bottles on the sides, a large puffer jacket in the main compartment, or even a more slender daily kit like what you'd need for the gym.

Thankfully, this bag comes in some more subdued colours like olive green and black for a militaristic colourway. In total, the pack also comes in 6 different colour ways including a combination of clay and black with some blue and green accents, and even red and turquoise with yellow and black accents. The eye-popping colours are sure to grab some attention if that is your desire.

Near the bag's bottom is a logo on top of a gear loop/ bike light attachment point. On the more colourful variants of the bag, the logo is in white and black, but on the black and Olive colourways, the Topo Designs logo is in subdued colours of black and grey. This is great considering if you ordered the darker colours, chances are you'd not want a white label throwing off your vibe.

The bag looks rugged in its construction and materials from afar. From the top, we have a 200 denier ripstop recycled nylon used throughout most of the bag. We then arrive at the reinforced nylon protecting the bottom of the bag from the most abrasive of areas. We see the same material showing up again on the front side of the water bottle pockets. With thin webbing leading to gear loops, the bag is adorned with some functionality in the front. Then the water bottle sleeves on the sides are made from a tightly woven stretch mesh instead of open mesh; this bag can handle being thrown around.

The Zipper to the main compartment from the J Zip area has a YKK zipper. The zipper works well, even when the bag is packed full. If you have the hip belts unstowed, on the wearer's right side is another zipper for a pocket on said hip belt. The laptop compartment and access to the top pouch both have a sturdy zipper that doesn't snag. One thing you might notice is the lack of aqua guard zippers on this bag. Maybe a mountain bag would do well with some more waterproof zippers?

A final note about the bag is that it can look a bit sloppy if you cinch everything down and have the strap ends loose. The bag didn't include any strap keepers except for the waist belt straps. While it doesn't change much about its general functionality, it might not be the best setup in an urban environment where you could get the strap caught in a park bench. It also might not be ideal in the mountains where you could get the straps pinched in rocks or hung up on trees.

External Compartments

Outdoors Again, the name of this bag is an attestation to its functionality in the outdoors. It has two oversized (in a good way) water bottle pockets for most water bottles and extra gear that you might need quick access to. It also has a front pocket for things like camp sandals or your wet rain jacket. Two cinching straps per side not only work for cinching, but it can also work to strap down a climbing rope or skis for an a-frame carry. Its hip belt isn't as substantial as some backpacking bags, but it works to stabilize the load and alleviate some weight from your shoulders. It also has a built-in frame sheet to assist with a load of your bag. The external compartments have been incredibly convenient when using this bag in the mountains.

Urban Similar to the last note on the bag's urban aesthetic, the external pocket makes it a good pack in the city too. Its laptop compartment, which is externally accessed, makes it excellent to take to school or the office. The top quick-access pouch has some organization to keep your keys separated from your electronics and snacks. The front slip-in pouch offers a great spot for your shower sandals after the gym, and the water bottle pockets have worked well not only for 32 oz. bottles but an additional layer, a small umbrella, or even a coffee mug when you're in a rush to get out the door.

The Mountain Pack 28L Provides a ton of great functionality from the outside of the bag. From its smart choice of materials to its distinguished access features to its inclusion of many cinching straps, this bag is full of great features.

Starting with the most functional external compartments, the water bottle pockets are made of a stretch woven material that looks and feels incredibly sturdy as opposed to some bags' use of mesh. These pockets are generously sized and each one can handle storing more items than just a water bottle.

The bag comes with two well-placed gear loops, typically for mountaineering tools, that also work as attachment points for anything of your choosing. Going up the bag, the gear loops continue up the front as a webbing for additional attachment points for gear. At the bottom part of the bag where the g hook lid closure system is a cycling light loop that can act as another attachment point of your choosing. On top of this attachment point is the only label of the bag, which isn't too obtrusive, especially in the bag's subdued colours.

Throughout the bag, we have different types of YKK zippers. Do note there are no aqua guard zippers on the bag, so if that's a mandatory feature for you, this might not be the right bag. We have a zipper access to the quick access pocket on the bag's lid, a zipper access on the wearer's right for the laptop compartment, a J-panel opening on the front to give another way to access the bag, and one more on the hip belt pocket.

The bag features a G hook connection point for the lid that affixes to the center/ bottom portion of the bag. It's easy to close and open even with gloves on for those moments when you need to access your bag in inclement weather. Unfortunately, when the bag isn't fully packed out, this closure system can easily come undone. Underneath the lid is a classic cinch closure system with a large (and possibly excess amount) cord.

There exist two compression straps on each side of the bag, and two on the bottom to tighten up the empty bag, or use to attach a sleeping pad to your bag. While this amount of compression is fantastic for larger loads, it almost seems pointless when carrying the bag as an EDC bag, or even just to the gym. The straps do not come with strap keepers. As for grabbing points of the bag, it is possible the use the lid closure system to grab the bag from the front, and there is another thin piece of webbing for the classic grab point on the top.

Next, we have the harness system. The bag features two wonderfully padded shoulder straps. The system has load lifters that allow you to bring the bag closure to your back when you have a heavy load. There is also additional webbing for adjusting the included sternum strap or hanging more gear. The hip belt is well constructed and can handle a bit of weight considering the size of the pack. As a bonus, the waistbelt does include some strap retainers. Lastly, the back panel is constructed as a foam panel with ridges that Topo calls its RidgeBack™ moulded back panel construction, to allow for some airflow. While it is not the most breathable, I feel it provides adequate ventilation without compromising the bag's minimalist nature. This style of panel is also fantastic when laying the pack down in snowy conditions as it keeps snow from building up against your back

On the front of the bag, there is a drop-in pocket that works well for sandals or wet clothes that you want to keep away from the rest of the pack. It has space to expand due to its accordion construction. On a more mountainous note, this pocket would also work well for items like avalanche rescue tools, and additional gear like a tarp.

Below the front drop-in pocket, there is a handy j shaped zipper to allow you to access the bag from the front. This zipper access is so handy that I seldom used the top cinch closure and lid when accessing the internals of the bag. It provides the perfect access if you want to lay the bag flat and pack in things like packing cubes and shoes. It also provides a way to quickly see everything in your bag when you need to rush out of your hostel before checkout time. Additionally, the top of the zipper can sit behind a compression strap for a bit of added security from wandering hands.

Inside the Pack

Outdoors This backpack excels in the outdoors. When packing it out for outdoor adventures, there is ample space to keep the necessities organized, and bring along extras. It uses a black hole-style main compartment that can easily accommodate extra layers and even overnight camping items.

Urban This bag does not offer much for the internal organization in an urban setting. Save for the mesh pocket that is within the lid, there aren't any features to help with the organization except the external pockets and a hydration sleeve. Despite its lack of built-in organization, it allows for customization through the use of stuff sacks or tech pouches or organizers.

The bag's lid has a good amount of storage that easily fits a small organizer or even some cross-body bags. It also contains a mesh divider for a little extra organization for your keys, snacks, or electronics. The lid also includes a lanyard for your keys.

The main compartment of the Mountain Pack 28L takes on the black hole approach to backpacks. In some situations, this is great. In others, you might wish you had gone for a different bag. This bag is great for when you might want to grab an entire tech pouch while working at the coffee shop or stow away a sleeping bag before you hit the trail again. This style of compartment allows one to customize it to their liking without being tied down to any set organization that might already be included.

Deeper inside the bag, we have a hydration sleeve that even includes a hanging loop for your hydration bladder. In a pinch, this could be used for a laptop, but why skip the padded sleeve that already exists?

The laptop compartment fits laptops up to 15", though it might require a bit of spatial recognition to fit different laptop shapes. The compartment is well padded on the front and back, but it does not have a false bottom. So, setting the bag down softly will be a requirement if you want to protect your laptop.

Outdoors Again, this bag is made predominantly for the outdoors with some features in mind for an urban environment. It is a one size fits all bag, but seems to fit well for those of average size. When aesthetics aren't the priority, this bag works tremendously as a hiking bag. And with a minimal setup, it works as a camping pack too!

Urban Unfortunately, when not packed out, this bag has a bit of an awkward shape. If you carry a minimal load in this bag, all of the items will move toward the bottom thus creating a short and wide type of look. When used with a lighter load where the hip belts aren't required, they stow away and allow the shoulder straps to carry all the weight, which is quite comfortable even during prolonged carries.

The Mountain Pack 28L comes in a "one-size-fits-most" size. While the suspension system allows for some degree of carry customization, there is no way to modify the height of the shoulder straps or the hip belt. Thankfully, the load lifters provide a way to keep the back closer to your back and should suffice for most wearers.

The bag carries weight well. While the hip belts aren't as robust as some other bags, they do noticeably take some weight from your shoulders. The back panel provides a moderate amount of cushioning from what's stored in the pack. If your laptop doesn't have rounded or slim edges, you might feel the corners start to poke after prolonged wear.

Unfortunately, this bag doesn't keep much structure when not fully packed out. While it can cinch down and compress, it still looks unflattering when carrying a small load. While travelling abroad for two months, I kept the bottom of the bag compressed as much as possible by creasing the bottom panel to limit the amount of space my minimalist travel gear took up. While the bag can stand up on its own when the bottom is not compressed, I chose to forgo this option to customize the bag more for my circumstances.

When I mention compressibility, I really mean it's excellent. It allows the bag to fit into most metal bag checkers at airports. Not once did I have an issue with airlines thinking the bag was too big, even on budget airlines. While they did weigh it, no one ever measured the bag. I even made it on a flight where they were taking carry-on luggage from travellers to put underneath due to no more space in the overhead bins. Thankfully, they saw how small this bag was and how it could pass as a personal item.

Usage Timeline

Initial Usage Condition: Excellent Well-built and comfortable Spacious for any type of trip 2 Weeks of Use Condition: Excellent The bag remains large enough for increasing lengths of trips Compressing the bag for EDC carry is not great The dedicated laptop sleeve is highly convenient 2 Months of Use Condition: Great This bag was taken travelling abroad and packed minimally. It was used on hikes, city exploring, and as an EDC bag. While it excels in functionality, it could use a better compression system to keep the load more balanced.

You might also like...

Travel burnout - tips for dealing with the stress of travel and van life, patagonia black hole pack 32l review (2023) - the best commuter/ travel bag, rei ruckpack 28 review (2023)- best budget travel bag, minimalist travel capsule wardrobe guide for men [2024], the ultimate guide to minimalist travel, member discussion.

• Collaborations
• Editor's Picks
• Carry Awards
• Carry Candy
• Community and Marketplace
• Buyer's Guide

• Gear Bags & Duffels

• Men's & Unisex

• Misc Archives

Thanks for subscribing. Look out for an email asking you to confirm your subscription to Carryology.

• > Backpacks

Drive By :: Topo Designs Mountain Pack

Topo Designs from Colorado USA is a product of the locally made movement our world is riding at the moment. Started by some rad people who believe in simplicity, spirituality and community Topo Designs makes apparel, accessories and carry gear proudly in the USA.

Initially I was attracted to the mission behind a lot of their bags, “equally at home on the streets as on the trails”. I’ve always been a fan of carry that can handle diversity, yet rarely can a pack handle opposite terrains well without sacrifice.

With that in mind I was pumped to try out the Topo Designs Mountain Pack and what the brand proclaims as “one pack that could do it all, whether as an everyday carry or a weekender…just as at home on a climbing trip as a work trip”. So I did just that, I tested this bad boy out for four months as my everyday carry, my weekend explorer, my hiking buddy and my work trip small carry-on hauler.

Who It Suits

Anyone looking for a tough American-made pack that can be used in both urban and outdoor environments. Topo’s distinct colorway options will also appeal to those who enjoy vivid and eye-catching aesthetics.

Who It Doesn’t

If you often need to carry a laptop there are better packs out there for this purpose. The Mountain Pack does have a laptop compartment but it’s not quick to access your tech, plus it could do with more padding. The interior organization is also fairly minimal, so organizers may prefer a bag with more internal pockets.

Typically, and unfortunately, I’m quite the desk jockey. Life as a creative director has me traveling to and from work in trains, planes and automobiles. I take a few short trips a month to various shoots or meetings and then have weekend explorations sandwiched in-between to keep my sanity.

“Initially I was attracted to the mission behind a lot of their bags, “equally at home on the streets as on the trails”.”

When the Mountain Pack arrived I was immediately impressed by its quality. I could tell from first glance that no shortcuts were taken to give this bad boy the strength it needed to hang with me.

I really dig that Topo Designs use the best of the best in terms of materials. The 1000D-500D CORDURA® fabric is bulletproof and the #8 YKK waterproof zippers gave me confidence that this pack would hold up to anything I threw at it.

I’m also hugely into Topo’s community mentality. They make all their gear locally by hand in Colorado with the help of their neighbors and local craftsmen. I love that they even invite customers to meet them in person to see how their gear is made – not many brands extend that type of invitation. A rarity in the global e-commerce world we live in today.

“I was immediately impressed by its quality. I could tell from first glance that no shortcuts were taken to give this bad boy the strength it needed to hang with me.”

The Mountain Pack is a classic top loader. With a top flap and inner drawstring closure it has the tradition of what one would expect with any top loader. The top flap is secured by an adjustable strap and a quality hook that even though it lacks a clipping closure never came unhooked. The top interior is secured and protected through a classic drawstring entry and weatherproof-feeling pack cloth liner material.

The winner for me though is the large vertical exterior zippered pocket that allows easy access to the main compartment without fussing with the lid and drawstring. This zipper and all others are top-of-the-line #8 YKK waterproof zippers so there is zero concern about moisture getting in. The finishings are what anyone taking a pack on a mountain expects yet us on the street often forget. Quality zipper pulls and three rows of durable daisy chain webbing give you the ability to customize and secure what and how you carry.

The colors are what divide the critics on this bag though. Some love the Lego-like block pantones while others think it looks too childish. Topo does have some more subtle options of a pure silver/grey look or a black on black variation that will surely win over the monotone fans out there.

“The colors are what divide the critics on this bag…”

The Mountain Pack has a large front pocket with an easy access vertical zipper that adequately fits a medium-sized notebook and some small accessories. I used the front pocket for a small Moleskine style notebook and various cables. Additionally, as is common with top loaders there is a decent-sized pocket on the hood. Just make sure you zip it back up before trying to access the main compartment or everything will dump out as the lid flips open. My favorite pockets were the open water bottle side pockets that go from top to bottom on both sides of the Mountain Pack. They are deep and wide and it is easy to throw most types of reusable water bottle inside (up to a 32oz Nalgene Topo says) amongst other stuff. I often would throw a water bottle in one side then a rain jacket bunched up in the other and maybe even my MacBook charger on top. A very convenient feature and great use of what would otherwise be wasted space.

“My favorite pockets were the open water bottle side pockets that go from top to bottom on both sides of the Mountain Pack.”

The carry and support system on the Mountain Pack is an awesome mix. There are adequately padded shoulder straps and a breathable padded mesh backing to keep you cool. With minimal removable sternum and waist straps it’s an easy pack to transition from the street to the slopes with. Additionally, as most good top loading packs do, the Mountain Pack has bottom and side straps to compress or expand the pack depending on the load you’re carrying.

The Not So Good

This bag has been with me for a while now so of course there are a few things that I wish it had or did differently. The first is the vertical laptop compartment. While adequate for a 15-13 inch MacBook Pro the space is snug. I always found it a struggle to get the laptop out when my pack was full of other gear, especially trying to do it quickly with a TSA agent barking down my throat. Being a top loader and having a vertical internal laptop compartment you’re always going to struggle. I would prefer a nice side access compartment so I don’t have to bother with the drawstring and front clip. Additionally, I wish the laptop compartment was better padded. The padding is minimal and I’ve definitely heard a few “thuds” when setting the bag down firmly. A padded false bottom would have been a welcome addition and some more padding in the front of the pocket would have put me at ease. Usually in this case I would sport a padded laptop sleeve but because of the snug fit it just wasn’t possible.

“I always found it a struggle to get the laptop out when my pack was full of other gear…”

The interior pockets are kept quite minimal on the Mountain Pack. On the front of the laptop pocket there is a small zippered pocket that is good for a wallet and set of keys or a few random bits and bobs. The only problem with it is there is little stretch so the depth of what you put in needs to be minimal.

“I wish the laptop compartment was better padded.”

The only other thing I would change is going for a more mellow color scheme. I love the color for the weekends on the trail but for a meeting with CMO’s it is a little wild.

The Topo Designs Mountain Pack delivers on its promises. It works from the street to the trails and is able to put up with anything you throw at it without a hiccup. The passion and care from the designers and craftsmen is evident and I feel proud to sport such a quality bag. With a few more tweaks this would be my go-to all-rounder but the fact that I have to carry a laptop everywhere just makes it a slight struggle. Still, when I get asked what my favorite backpack brands are I’m now gladly recommending Topo Designs amongst my other favorites.

The Breakdown

Geek (performance), space & access, organization, style (design), look & feel, build, materials & hardware, stoke (experience), warranty & support, brand experience, reader's review.

All Reviews

• RELATED STORIES
• RELATED PRODUCTS

EVERYDAY CARRY

Triple aught design axiom s2 wx pack.

Inside Line Equipment Spins Up The Latest X-Pac: UX10

Hill People Gear Ute Light Review

KITCHEN & CAMPING

The james brand x sitka anzick review.

Exclusive Release | Carryology x Bellroy Chimera Sling

CARRY COLLAB XLVII

Carryology x bellroy | the chimera rises.

BUYING GUIDE

Best jackets for men 2024.

Mission Workshop x Carryology | Exclusive Release

Carryology delivered. Your inbox. every two weeks. Only the best stuff, we promise.

• Join us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Follow us on Pinterest

Brands & Community

• Contributors
• Write For Us
• Privacy Policy

Privacy Overview

• New Bags & Packs
• New Women's
• New Accessories
• All New Arrivals
• Laptop Bags
• Crossbody Bags
• Duffel Bags
• Roller Bags
• Accessory Bags
• Bag Organization
• Bike Accessories
• Water Bottles & Tumblers
• Straps & Clips
• The Rover Pack Collection
• The Mountain Collection
• Global Travel Bags
• Puffer & Insulated
• Rain & Shell
• Hats & Beanies
• Belts & Wallets
• Shoes & Socks
• The Dirt Collection
• The Global Collection
• T-Shirts & Tank Tops
• Pants & Jumpsuits

Sustainability

• Warranty & Repairs
• Special Releases
• In The Wild Blog
• M.A.P. Pact
• Create Account

U.S. Orders $150+ Ship Free & Free Exchanges

• Join / Sign In

Mountain Pack 28L

Made with super strong, lightweight recycled nylon, the Mountain Pack 28L fits all the essentials in a streamlined carry, blending modern mountain design with style and utility. Technical trims and practical features make it an excellent outdoor adventure piece. With an internal laptop sleeve, this companion works as hard on the commute to work or school, as it does hitting the trail.

Also available in 16L.

Description

Spacer mesh back panel and shoulder straps make the Mountain Pack a more comfortable carry on the way up to climb, hauling around town or navigating the trail. Organization pockets make it easy to get through TSA, while large side pockets fit full sized water bottles. Four compression straps adjust to the load size, while durable daisy chain webbing is perfect for securing extra gear or attaching a bike light.

• Waist strap with zippered stash pocket
• Oversized water bottle pockets
• RidgeBack™ molded back panel construction with contoured straps and load lifters

Features & Specs

• Large main compartment with J-panel front opening
• Center front expandable dump pocket
• Exterior zippered laptop access
• Hydration port and tube access

Materials: 200D lightweight recycled nylon ripstop, 210D recycled nylon liner

Dimensions: 11.5"w x 19"h x 7"d

Volume : 1708 cu. in. / 28 L

Made in Vietnam

• Fair Wear certified production, meeting fair labor standards for the safety, health, and wellness of employees
• 100% recycled nylon with high abrasion resistance, equating to a longer product lifespan
• Fabrics from certified dye mills, ensuring the chemical composition of textile products consists of healthy and safe materials
• YKK heavy-duty zippers for durability
• MAP Guarantee™ Repairs Program

Sign Up & Save

Sign up and stay up to date on all the latest news from Topo Designs and best of all, you'll get 15% off!

Pack Hacker is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Topo Designs Reviews

Product Review

Using every compartment on the messenger-style Topo Designs Mountain Cross Bag requires careful packing to preserve its slim profile and carrying comfort.

Topo Designs’ Session Pack is what we wish for in a daily bag, with lots of room for gear and a comfortable carry, though sliding in a laptop takes finesse.

The 2L Topo Designs Mountain Waist Pack is good to carry the essentials on your next trip with a fun and casual vibe, though the stiff materials affect comfort.

The Topo Designs Mini Shoulder Bag is a good way to carry pocket-size essentials, and the strap is easy to adjust, though it slips easily off shiny fabrics.

The Topo Designs Pack Bags aren’t the lightest packing cubes around. Still, durable and sturdy materials ensure they’ll be your travel companion for years.

While it packs down small, the Topo Designs TopoLite Cinch Pack 16L’s flexible design leaves some structure to be desired.

The TopoLite Hip Pack from Topo Designs lacks common features we’re used to on EDC slings but packs down small enough to make up for their exclusion.

The Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L’s rectangular shape may look unique, but carrying comfort is largely preserved thanks to its relatively low profile.

The colorful Topo Designs Light Pack is streamlined for everyday carry, though its loose laptop sleeve lacks built-in tech protection.

The Topo Designs Commuter Briefcase is comfortable in all three carrying modes, but a few elements are literally too rough for our liking.

The large Topo Designs Tech Case is a substantial step up from smaller tech pouches for those who need to double up on their tech accessories.

Despite its name, the Topo Designs Square Bag is not actually a bag. It’s a small pouch that’s handy for carrying essentials on the go.

The Topo Designs Laptop Sleeve’s carry handle and dense padding add convenience and protection, but its large size makes it a tight fit for smaller bags.

The Topo Designs Rover Pack Classic’s fun two-tone colors and many external loops marry style and flexibility, though the main compartment can be slow to access.

With a comfortable carry and sleek look, the Topo Designs Rover Pack Tech makes a great EDC bag—even if the main compartment feels a little tight.

The Topo Designs Global Briefcase 3-Day is a durable pack that’s great as a daily driver or for quick trips—but we wish the laptop sleeve had more padding.

Spacious, durable, and thoughtfully designed, the Topo Designs Dopp Kit is a solid place to store toiletries. We only wish it had interior pockets.

The Topo Designs Classic Duffel is a simple, robust bag that fits plenty of stuff. Just don't expect anything too fancy.

While the laptop compartment and quick-grab pocket could be better, the Topo Designs Core Pack is a simple, solid bag for EDC and minimal travel alike.

The Topo Designs Mini Quick Pack isn’t the most comfortable to wear but its durability, fun design, and convenience are all top-notch.

The Topo Designs Accessory Bags are a great, simple way to keep your accessories and knickknacks handy and organized as you zip around the world.

The Topo Designs Travel Bag offers some great organization in a classic heritage style, although we think the harness system is less than optimal.

Despite a few minor nitpicks, the Topo Designs Daypack is a great heritage-style pack for buzzing around the city or taking on longer journeys as a daypack.

• GET MR DAILY

Type and Press to Search

• Eric Shanfelt (Local Marketing Institute)
• Michael Dattoma (POS Systems)
• Steve Pruitt (Merchandise Planning)
• Special Reports
• Meet The Team
• Subscribe To MR Mag
• Advisory Board
• Privacy Policy

Things to Do in Elektrostal, Russia - Elektrostal Attractions

Things to do in elektrostal.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Electrostal History and Art Museum

2. Statue of Lenin

3. Park of Culture and Leisure

4. museum and exhibition center.

5. Museum of Labor Glory

7. Galereya Kino

8. viki cinema, 9. smokygrove.

10. Gandikap

11. papa lounge bar, 12. karaoke bar.

• Statue of Lenin
• Electrostal History and Art Museum
• Park of Culture and Leisure
• Museum and Exhibition Center
• Museum of Labor Glory