There’s fierce competition for the best travel backpack, and it’s clear that the Denver-based Adventurist Backpack Co. means business with its signature bag.
As a weekly air traveler, I’m always on the lookout for a stylish and durable backpack to accompany my carry-on luggage. Specifically, I look for a backpack that can comfortably accommodate my laptop, toiletries, charging cables, reusable water bottle and other travel must-haves.
Most importantly, since schlepping through airports can get tiresome, an ultra-lightweight bag is a must.
The Adventurist Classic ticks all these boxes and comes packed with features, all while Adventurist Backpack Co. provides 25 meals to families in need in the US for each backpack it sells.
Here’s a closer look at some of our favorite features of the Adventurist Classic backpack and why you might consider it for your next backpack.
The Adventurist Classic is a lightweight backpack geared toward travelers. It has a large main compartment that can fit most 15-inch laptops, chargers and accessories. Plus, for every backpack sold, Adventurist Backpack Co. provides 25 meals to those in need.
What we liked about it
Simplicity on the go
Bags like the viral Coowoz Large Travel backpack (which my colleague loved) offer tons of organizational compartments. This can be helpful if you’re trying to get away on a trip with only a backpack, but that’s not what the Adventurist Classic is designed for.
Instead, this bag is all about getting the basics right, and that’s one of the reasons I love the bag. It has a large zipper storage compartment and two side water bottle pockets. The openness of the storage compartment means I can fit easily everything from books to a tablet in the bag without having to fit things in a specific pocket.
There’s also a small front pocket that I used for storing chargers and loose change. While it can accommodate a passport or wallet, I prefer a more secure location for storing these valuables.
The main storage compartment has a 16-liter capacity and a padded sleeve that can fit a 15-inch laptop. In my testing, I found the bag can hold two 15-inch laptops back-to-back, but it’s a good idea to put one in a case to avoid scratching.
Super lightweight
The Adventurist Classic weighs just 1 pound when empty. This makes the backpack one of the lightest options in its class, something that road warriors and commuters will appreciate during endless trips through airports and train stations.
Easy to open and close
The Adventurist Classic has two synthetic leather straps that connect to magnetic snaps. They’re stylish and easy to open and close, though the magnetic snaps are just another step when quickly opening or closing the bag on the go.
That said, the bag features premium YKK zippers that secure both the main compartment and smaller front pocket. These move freely and feel sturdy even when the bag is filled to the brim.
Padding and durability
The Adventurist Classic is made from a durable and water-resistant 1000D polyester material. There’s also padding in the front and back of the bag, which protect its contents, maintains the bag’s shape and makes carrying the bag more comfortable.
Three sizes to choose from
The Adventurist Classic is the company’s signature, medium-sized backpack. But if you’re looking for something smaller or larger, the Adventurist has your back with its larger Weekender backpack and smaller Safari backpack, which have similar styles to the Adventurist Classic.
A company on a mission
The company partners with Feeding America to buy excess produce from farmers, combating food waste, supporting local agriculture and feeding families throughout the country. Adventurist Backpack Co. donates 25 meals for each backpack sold.
What we didn’t like about it
Limited interior space
To get to just 1 pound, the Adventurist Classic offers 16 liters of storage space. Compared to other travel backpacks in its class, it falls on the smaller side.
Take, for instance, the Away F.A.R Backpack, which has a larger storage capacity of 26 liters and more interior organization. However, the bag is bulkier and more expensive at $130.
In my view, the Adventurist Classic strikes a balance between having acceptable capacity for light travelers and being attractively priced. Nonetheless, travelers who require more space without opting for a larger backpack may want to explore other options.
Won’t hold larger water bottles
The Adventurist Classic backpack features dual water bottle holders, positioned on either side of the backpack. These pockets are specifically designed to accommodate water bottles with a diameter of less than four inches.
In the provided image, a narrow and tall 20-ounce water bottle, borrowed from a friend, is showcased. While this particular bottle fits snugly, larger water bottles may not fit in the side pockets since the pockets lack elasticity.
How it compares
| Number of colors | 7 |
1 |
10 |
3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10.5 x 15.5 x 6 in. |
12 x 18 x 8 in. |
11.5 x 16.5 x 6 in. |
12.6 x 19 x 7.7 in. |
| Capacity | 16L |
27L |
18L |
26L |
| Organizational pockets | Large main compartment with padded laptop sleeve and a small front pocket |
Three large compartments with a laptop sleeve, tablet sleeve and internal organizational pockets |
Main compartment with laptop sleeve, tablet sleeve, internal organization pockets, small passport pocket and a detachable small front pocket |
Main compartment internal organization pockets, a smaller front pocket and a laptop sleeve in the back of the bag |
| Price | $65 | $130 | $200 | $130 |
Bottom line
The Adventurist Classic backpack, designed by the Denver-based Adventurist Backpack Co., is a stylish and durable option for travelers. Weighing just 1 pound, it’s ultralight and has two storage compartments, side water bottle pockets and a padded sleeve for a 15-inch laptop.
The bag is simple, made with water-resistant polyester and easy to open and close. Even better, the company donates 25 meals to US families in need for each backpack sold.
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