Double Oak Essentials Backpack (20L) Review
"Pure Class"
The perfect backpack for everyday use or your next adventure — thoughtfully designed and built to last, combining durability with timeless style.
More on the Double Oak Essentials Backpack (20L)
What I like
- Waxed canvas and beefy full-grain leather that break in and look better with every trip. Heritage look, classy everyday carry for a grownup
- Stands up on its own thanks to the leather bottom
- Old-school JanSport-style front pocket with real dimension. Easy to get into blind
- Surprising capacity. Simple inside, no spot for every dongle, and I'm about it
- All metal hardware and YKK metal zips. The laptop zip never scrapes my laptop
- Laptop slides in and out easily even though the bag is deep
- Water bottle pockets fit my huge bottle, no stretch mesh needed
- Lifetime warranty
- Also comes in a ripstop nylon version with water sealed zips and a mesh back panel if you're worried about back sweat
Watch for
- No mesh back panel on the waxed canvas version, so you might get a little sweaty
- The off-white liner will probably get dirty over time
- Smallish zipper pulls, and the leather handle has a bit of flop
- The leather straps take a while to break in
Specs
- 20L, 18 x 12.25 x 6.5 in
- Waxed canvas and full-grain cowhide leather, YKK zippers, all-metal hardware
Where I've covered it
- The Incredible Double Oak Backpack & Duffel at 3:29 (full review)
- 17 Favorite MINIMAL EDC Backpacks at 9:19
- 17 Favorite MINIMAL EDC Backpacks at 12:11 (ripstop version)
Similar Highly Rated Products:

Waterfield Bolt Backpack
Indiana Jones TechThe Bolt Backpack from Waterfield Designs is a damn classy bag. If I was playing the "raise money" game in the bay area, this is the direction I would go.

Tom Bihn Synapse/Synik
Dad Bag Epic™One of the internet's most beloved backpacks due to its accessibility, organization, build quality and capacity. Dad-bag looks tho.

Topo Global Briefcase
Slimline. Classic.Converts from backpack to briefcase with external access and style for days.

Arktype Dashpack Mark II Backpack
Sleek AF.One that I've gone to again and again. Super unique shape, both clean and utilitarian in style, but the way it's laid out makes it really satisfying to use day to day. Great access and organization without the bag ever feeling busy.

Nutsac Messengers & Satchels
Simple & SolidHigh quality waxed canvas and leather. Simple organization. Some models use magnets to latch. Simple and solid.

Stubble & Co Everyday Backpack 20L
TIght n' ClassyIncredibly tight, simple package that stands up on its own. Built with durability for the long haul (TPU coated exterior). The structure gives it a satisfying shape whether it's packed out or not and the materials feel tough enough to handle years of daily use. Clean and minimal.