DakineMotive Backpack 30L - Black Ballistic, One Size

I have been on a quest for the perfect travel backpack. This pack is the closest that I have found to meet my needs. I use this on trips where I check luggage as my carry-on. It needs to hold 2 changes of clothes, my iPad, e-reader, charging cables, spare battery pack, headphones, snacks, water bottle, light jacket, and folder and sometimes a small laptop. This pack does this with room to spare. The pockets are set up nicely so that everything can be organized and easily accessible. Once I get to my destination, I use the pack to transport daily necessities. This varies for work vs pleasure trips. The waist strap is a wonderful bonus to take weight away from my shoulders. I recently hiked around Italy toting multiple water bottles, souvenirs, extra clothing, etc.. I used the waist strap the entire time. I wish it had zippers that could be used with a lock. I rigged some nite-ize small “s” clips to attach the zippers together and make it more difficult for pickpockets. The zippers also snag a bit where the zippers curve near the front top pocket. This is a minor annoyance, but I feel the zippers are the only potential weak point on this bag. I compared it with similarly sized Pacsafe Venturesafe35 pack and the Dakine Verge 32. The Venturesafe has great zippers, handles but an annoying bottom pocket and is very expensive. The Verge is a great pack but does not have the waist strap. It used to be my favorite pack.

I was looking for a backpack that fit a lot when I needed it to and wasn’t bulky when I didn’t. The full horseshoe zipper is great for packing it full for a long trip, there’s not too many pockets to lose stuff, water bottles holder, cinch straps, and duffel bag loop make for versatile bag. Laptop compartment just barely fits my gigantic HP Zbook 17”. Construction materials are quality. Frankly my only gripe is the flap for the front pocket which easily creases and causes the flap to curl up on the sides.

So far so good, very sturdy and well made. It got it for work so i could transport my laptop and other work items. I like it a lot and would definitely recommend

Used this for a work trip and quite happy with it. The hip and chest straps help take the weight of your shoulders. Easy to access and good that the laptop section can be accessed separately so you don’t pull your underwear out in the office when extracting your laptop !Not too bulky either for every day use for commuting.My only complaint is the handle for lifting the bag is a bit thin so harder to pick it up and to keep holding it with that handle.My colleagues work bags that are much cheaper had a grab handle that was much easier to pick up.