I have been looking for this backpack my whole life. I bought packs from Timbuk2, Bellroy, The North Face, Fjallraven, Patagonia, Osprey, etc., all looking for something I thought didn’t exist: A self-standing, lightweight backpack with enough pockets that was comfortable to wear all day. On a recent trip to Chicago, when I found myself on a cross-town trek without a pack, I popped into REI and made a decision. Topo Designs Light Pack. Since then I have been continuously impressed.
Some bags are loaded on ergonomics and end up being two pounds empty, but this one is very light but has just the right amount of padding. Two expandable bottle slots on either side securely hold water and travel mugs, and there are enough pockets inside to organize smaller bits. There’s even a laptop pocket for computers up to 15 inches. The 15 liter capacity is perfect for day trips in the destination city, a few hoodies, snacks and even some impulse buys from sweet shops. Instead of leaning forward like a sleepy child, it stays upright when you put it down, something other bags do that drives me crazy. The padding provides structure, and both the 400D (medium-weight) nylon and the slouchy design make it look polished, something I appreciate on day seven of a seven-day trip. – AS
