My current backpack’s zipline finally gave up it’s service after almost 5 years of usage, and I’m looking for a new one. I haven’t ever used a premium backpack per say, but after some searching I have found some good looking candidates for a daily commuter / shorter travelling backpack.
- Thule Paramount 24L
- Thule Paramount 27L
- Fjällräven Räven 28
- Fjällräven High Coast Foldsack 24
What are your experiences with Thule and Fjällräven backpacks? My backpack surely needs to be atleast 24L, because on my commuting days the backpack is filled up with a laptop, mice, headphones, and a gym bag (clothing + shoes)
I barely use it, as I think that the zipper is the weakest part here. I one used it while packing for a trip. I forgot my socks and the side access allowed me to put them inside the backpack without having to unpack everything.
The mangets on the main lid are holding up well - if they connect in the first place. These magnets are rather long and thin. I think they are made this way to allow the magnets to still align when the backpack ist filled (and thus expands in the upper part). It depends on what and how youl fill up the backpack.
Here are photos of said magnet:
I haven’t tried shoes, but I assume yes. Gym shorts and also a t-shirt are not a problem, even a towel (not one of those beach towels tho) should fit in there.
As a comparison: I went on a 4 day trip with that backpack, and besides my laptop, charger, mouse and a power bank I managed to fit in 4 unterpants, 4 pair of socks, 2 polo shirts, 1 pullover, 1 pair of pants, 1 t-shirt and my toilettery bag. The backpack was filled up then - a towel couldn’t be fit in, but I was travelling with a car anyway. Of course, packing it with these items is a bit of a tetris game.
I hope this helps in your decision.