Shopping for a black backpack can be a little like trying to pick up a white cotton tee – if you're not careful, you'll fall down a rabbit hole comparing the best possible options, and end up with a handmade item that you can only wear in pristine, lab conditions.
Still, follow that path and you'll probably love your t-shirt, just like you're likely to be extremely satisfied if your research on backpacks brings you to Stubble & Co's canvas collection, and the Classic Backpack 15L in particular. I've been using it as my daily carry for a few months now, to really put it through its paces.
Stubble & Co Classic Backpack 15L review: price & availability
You can order the Stubble & Co Classic Backpack 15L right now if it takes your fancy, from Stubble & Co directly or from other stockists if you can find them. It comes in at £110 (around $160) in the UK, which isn't cheap but equally doesn't position it as a truly premium option, either.
Stubble & Co Classic Backpack 15L: thoughts on three months' use
The Classic Backpack is pretty well-named – and it does exactly what it says on the tin. You get a large main compartment with the titular 15 litres of capacity, smartly divided up.
In particular, at the back of the compartment is a padded sleeve that can house a laptop of up to 16 inches in size, according to its marketing. I used it to hold a 13-inch MacBook Pro and found it a great fit, but you might want to try to try one out before committing if you have a hulking great gaming laptop or similar to fit into it.
One of the smart little tweaks that this bag makes compared to the average is that on one side its zipper extends further downward towards its base. This means you can open the bag up much more widely than you might think, and makes it easier to root around for anything down in its depths.
The other side, meanwhile, has a stretching bottle holder that isn't too obvious when you're not using it, but vitally useful when you are. Finally, the front has a really large and wide pocket for your essentials.
The outer shell of this backpack is, of course, made of a premium canvas Millerain Tekwax canvas, to be precise. That means it's really impressive on the durability side, taking scratches and dings without much of an issue. The canvas looks great in all light, too, and has some water-resistance to help you out if you're caught in showers.
I found that it was no issue to be out in rain for half an hour, but if it was a true downpour or a sustained amount of time it would start to soak in. The bigger issue I ran into, which is entirely typical for all types of waxed canvas, was how prone it was to picking up dust.
Everywhere I went, I took a bunch of my cats' hair with me, and picked up dust and dirt more than I'd like. That won't be nearly the same issue if you're a pet-free person, but it's worth knowing if you do have furry friends. I don't hold that against Stubble & Co at all, though – it comes with the fabric.
Comfort is much easier to stay positive about. This is a backpack that feels great to wear, even when it's weighed down for a weekend trip with laptop in tow. The padding on the back is nice and plus, and there's also a slip for you to get it on your luggage handle, which is always a bonus.
Stubble & Co Classic Backpack 15L review: verdict
This is a great backpack from Stubble & Co, one that doesn't draw the eye that much, but in a deliberate and considered way. It's well-made and sturdy, and while it's pricier than many alternatives, I don't think it's exorbitant at all. If you've been searching for a great, simple backpack, make sure to check it out.
Stubble & Co Classic Backpack 15L review: alternatives to consider
If you want a simple black backpack and have a much tighter budget in mind, there's nothing more classic than a black Eastpak Padded Pak'r, which might have a silly name but is about as simple and reliable as a backpack can get.
A slightly more premium option is the Harber London Office Backpack. It offers a similar high-end design aesthetic while providing ample pockets and zipped compartments. However, it comes at a significantly higher price point, retailing at £319.
