TOBIQ Backpack

Heading to Portugal, need something to carry TWO water bottles and snacks/changes of clothes. This is compact in liters but so well compartmentalized that it holds so much. Love.

As someone who lives with a backpack every day, organization and functionality are non-negotiable for me. This pack delivers! The dedicated laptop compartment keeps my computer safely separated from food (which I carry often because of a food allergy), while the zippered side pockets perfectly hold my water bottle and coffee mug. I would love elastic tops on these pockets for a more secure hold, but the zip-away feature when not in use is genius.

The comfort and versatility really shine - whether worn on my back or carried by the sturdy handles (essential at airports or when I’m already carrying my guitar), it performs so well. I was hesitant about the white color, but after extensive travel abuse, it still looks pristine! Any scuffs wipe clean easily thanks to the exceptional material quality and craftsmanship.

The constant compliments from strangers speak volumes. Another outstanding product from Tobiq (my third purchase!)

I have several duffle bags and just purchased this backpack - I love it. As with all their products, it is exactly what is says it is—and more! I was worried it might be too big, but it’s a normal backpack size with the option of being bigger if you choose to expand it. It’s a beautiful and well-made backpack. You won’t regret any purchases from this company!

This backpack surely has the incredible quality (and beauty) we've experienced in our other TOBIQ products. My husband and I purchased this bag and another higher-end backpack to compare and have enjoyed both over the last couple months. One notable thing I wish I'd researched more is the fact this backpack doesn't stand up. It always falls over and slips down when we set it down, which is something we didn't really think about until using it in comparison to our other new bag. This bag is definitely worth it, otherwise! Gorgeous and functional.

I LOVE Tobiq, and I liked this bag overall. I think those positive features are really well covered in other reviews, so I'm going to focus on what did NOT work for me, and why, for the first time with a Tobiq product, I did not keep the bag.

1. The biggest dealbreaker: the two handles at the top have a snap to hold them together. That snap would catch in my hair and was actually ripping hair out as I pulled the backpack off. (I have long hair and often have it up in a bun.....)

2. The straps are really stiff, and designed not to slide off your shoulders. This is good in a way, of course.- but also means they don't slide ONTO your shoulders. I had mixed feelings. I'm overweight, so I'm not sure why others found the backpack didn't fit an adult who was not petite. Overall, while wearing, I found the backpack really comfortable, but I'm constantly taking mine on and off and I get in and out of the car on frequent stops, so it was a problem for me.

3. Side cupholders were useless. Every bottle I tried fell out.

4. The fabric folds over the zipper. Again, mixed feelings. Great in rain. Definitely makes it harder for a thief to get into the backpack. But also made it hard for ME to get into the backpack. My usage meant constantly opening and closing those compartments, to the point where I folded that material back and it looked a bit odd but did at least mostly solve that problem.

I still give it three stars because I loved the internal organization, the ease in carrying it, and I love the way it looks, lol.