I’ve been looking for this backpack my whole life. I bought packs from Timbuk2, Bellroy, The North Face, Fjallraven, Patagonia, Osprey, etc., all looking for something I didn’t think existed. Lightweight, self-supporting, and has just the right amount of pockets, it’s comfortable to wear all day long. On a recent trip to Chicago, when I found myself trekking across the city without a pack, I dipped into REI and settled on the Topo Designs Lite Pack. I’ve been impressed ever since.
While some bags are ergonomically loaded and end up weighing 2 pounds empty, this bag is super lightweight yet has just the right amount of padding. Two expandable bottle slots on each side securely hold water or a travel cup, and there are enough pockets inside to organize small items. There’s also a laptop pocket that can hold up to a 15-inch computer. The 15 liter capacity is perfect for day trips in your destination city, and can fit a parka, snacks, or even an impulse buy from a pastry shop. It doesn’t lean forward like a sleepy toddler like some other bags, it stands upright when you put it down. This makes me angry. The padding adds structure, and both the 400D (medium-heavy) nylon and clean design give it a polished look. This is what I am thankful for on day 7 of a 7 day trip. – as
