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2025 - Backpack Collection

Gear & EDC

My Backpack Collection

A Bag for Every Purpose

4
Bags in Rotation
28.5L
AVG Capacity
10+
Years on oldest bag

Overview

The Lineup at a Glance

Over time, I've built a small but functional backpack collection tailored to different aspects of my routine—from travel to work, and even document storage. Here's how each one plays its part:

Bag Capacity Role Character
Adidas Foundation V 33L Travel Lightweight, compressible, low-profile
Dakine Duel 26L Work Ergonomic, durable, structured yet flexible
Nike Utility Speed 27L Utility / EDC Rugged, boxy, stiff fabric
Nautica 18" 28L Home Storage Firm, upright shape, portable filing cabinet

 

Bag 1 — Travel

Adidas Foundation V — 33L

Product Code: EX6630

For travel, I rely on the Adidas Foundation V—the largest in my lineup at 33 liters, yet also the lightest. It's made from a thin, malleable material that's easy to pack and compresses down when not fully loaded, giving it a sleek, low-profile silhouette.

It's accompanied me on multiple international trips and consistently performs well in both comfort and durability, especially in airports and tight overhead compartments.

Bag 2 — Work

Dakine Duel — 26L

Durability Highlight: Over 10 years old, still going strong

My go-to for daily work is the Dakine Duel. The dedicated laptop compartment makes it easy to move between home, office, and cafés. It's also the most ergonomic backpack I own, thanks to its well-designed sternum strap and balanced load distribution.

Material-wise, it strikes the perfect balance—offering the supportive structure of a stiffer bag while maintaining enough flexibility for everyday comfort and versatility.

Bag 3 — Utility / EDC

Nike Utility Speed — 27L

Style Code: CK2668-010

The Nike Utility Speed is the most expensive backpack I own, but also the bulkiest. Its stiff, rugged fabric maintains a boxy silhouette, which adds to its durability but makes it less suited for casual, everyday carry.

That said, it excels as an EDC and utility pack. I keep it stashed in my car, prepped with essentials for unexpected situations. Its multiple compartments and solid construction make it a reliable choice when I need gear ready to go.

Bag 4 — Home Storage

Nautica 18" — 28L

Item Model: NT-BP-21-BK

This Nautica 18" backpack was a $15 find at Ross, and it's become my portable filing cabinet. Its stiff material helps it retain a boxy, upright shape, which makes it ideal for holding papers, folders, and miscellaneous documents without collapsing or slouching.

It's the perfect low-profile solution for home storage, replacing an old Adidas gym bag I used to use in a similar role.

What's Next

Future Plans — North Face Borealis

I'm interested in the North Face Borealis and if it works out well may consider getting 2 and standardizing one for travel and another for work. I'll then move my Adidas to become my file cabinet and the Nautica and Dakine as spare utility general purpose bags.

The Borealis would mean standardizing the lineup — two identical bags, each dialed in for a specific role. Clean and simple.

4 bags, 4 roles, 114 liters of total capacity — and possibly a Borealis or two on the horizon.

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