Sympl Commuter Backpack 20L Review
"Goldilocks"
The epitome of a tech EDC backpack. Tons of org. Materials that will outlast you. Sleek looks. Comfy. Surprisingly roomy. Minimal aesthetics. Available in two sizes (and two materials). INSANE top tech taco organizer/accordion thingy that becomes your end all and be all… it’s like a tech pouch built in. Stands up real well.
More on the Sympl Commuter Backpack 20L
What I like
- Two great materials to pick from: a tight-weave ballistic nylon or a PU-coated nylon. Both are rugged, with these almost bonded, welded-looking edges.
- The accordion-style top taco pocket with magnets and cushy padding. It's basically a tech pouch built in.
- Laptop compartment sits at the very back, pulled up off the bottom, with its own magnetic tech pocket on top. Perfect spot for my charger and headphones.
- Side bottle pocket zips all the way down and around, so it doesn't pinch at the bottom. Swallows a huge bottle, then zips away when you want a lower profile.
- Boxy structure but still soft. Excellent capacity inside.
- Materials inside feel better than they need to. Great stretch mesh, thicker ripstop around the edges.
- Vertical outside zip pocket in a rough, stretchy, textured fabric that feels great.
- Flat front pocket with key clip, and a top quick access pocket for AirPods and keys.
- Molded foam luggage pass-through, very cushy straps, strap gathers, sternum strap.
Watch for
- A big bottle in that vertical outside pocket cuts into the main compartment.
- Top quick access pocket is small. Phone fits, but not with much else.
Specs
- 20L (also 24L), 18 x 12 x 6-6.5 in, fits a 16" laptop
- 2.8-3.1 lb depending on material
- 420D recycled Cordura Ballistic Re/Cor with TPU/polycarbonate coating (or VX21 X-Pac), 210D ripstop lining, YKK Aquaguard zips, Duraflex hardware
Where I've covered it
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