There are all manner of reasons why one might look towards one of the best backpacks out there. For some, it's about the perfect hybrid of lightness and size for commutes. Others long for the most space possible, for packing in the kitchen sink as well.
Recently, I've been testing the Stubble & Co The Backpack 20L. As part of its Canvas collection – alongside the recently reviewed Stubble & Co Classic Backpack – it offers a sleek appearance with solid materials and a distinct lack of pomp and circumstance.
But is it any good? Well, let's dive in and take a closer look.
Stubble & Co The Backpack 20L review: Price and Availability
Priced at £115 / €150 / AU$295 (at present, this model isn't available on the US version of the site), this is certainly not the cheapest backpack you'll ever find.
At the time of writing, these bags are only available directly from the Stubble & Co website.
Stubble & Co The Backpack 20L review: Design
Top marks for design here – this range looks great. A black backpack is simultaneously quite easy and difficult to make stylish. Like anything plain black, it's already a looker, but doing too much with it can run the risk of alienating those who enjoy simplicity.
There's no worries of that here though, with the monochrome design such that you get the impression Stubble & Co was sheepish to even throw its own branding on there. There are a couple of points where they do, with a rubberised logo at the bottom right of the front panel.
Crafted with Millerain Tekwax canvas, this bag feels strong and sturdy. The slightly different tone of the edging and accents offers a neat outlining effect, which also looks really nice.
In terms of pockets, you'll find the main compartment makes up the bulk of this bag. It's split at the rear, allowing you to house a laptop or documents securely, and includes a small zipped pocket near the top of the front panel. There's also a small front pocket, while two side-mounted bottle holders offer a place for your water.
Stubble & Co The Backpack 20L review: Performance
Let me start by saying that this is one of the most comfortable backpacks I've ever worn. The padding on the straps isn't necessarily any more or less than others I've used, but it just sits really nicely, no matter how loaded up it is.
Adjacent to that is the sheer feeling of quality all over this thing. Every stitch and buckle; every zipper and panel of canvas feel sturdy and secure. It's a real work of craftsmanship which showcases exactly why investing in a good brand is worthwhile.
The canvas itself does a pretty good job of keeping a smattering of drizzle out, though it just crumbles under more intense rain. It's not really a mark against this bag, but something to be aware of.
My biggest issue with this bag is actually the capacity. If you're using either of the side compartments, the pressure on the central space impacts what can be stored there, which makes it more of an either-or decision.
And while the drop-top makes sense in some ways, it's a simply loathsome design when you've crammed all sorts of junk in there and need the one thing which has fallen to the bottom. Personal preference will reign here, but I found myself dragging out most of my stuff more often than not.
Stubble & Co The Backpack 20L review: Verdict
If you fancy a neat backpack with great design and a seriously sturdy build quality, you could do a lot worse than this. Sure, the design won't be for everyone, but there's enough in the brand's range to find something which works for you.
Personally, I think the 20L capacity is perfect for overnight stays or a few days with minimal packing. I'd actually say it's on the large side for commuters though – the Classic Backpack might be a better pick there.
Stubble & Co The Backpack 20L review: Also consider
The Troubadour Apex Backpack 3.0 is our top pick, and it's not too dissimilar to what's on offer here. If you fancy something with a zip-top design, this is the way to go.
I'd also wager that the aforementioned Classic Backpack 15L from the brand is a more viable option for most people. It's smaller, has a more useful design, and will save you a touch of cash to boot.
