“If you're looking for a spacious but not overwhelming, non-tech looking, functional, non-leather, comfy, water resistant backpack for a smaller frame (I'm 5'2'') to fit your whole day into it for work/study/gym AND has a side water bottle pocket, this is definitely IT. Before this backpack, I had tried out several backpacks the WireCutter recommended, including the Topo Rover pack (too small at 16L, and uncomfortable when loaded with everything), a couple of TimBuk2 packs (the Lane, the Parker, and the Tuck pack), and the Dagne Dover large backpack (this one was actually quite nice but looked a little too fashionable for work places IMO). I wanted something that was nice enough to wear to a workplace but casual enough to beat up and wouldn't look weird if I brought it to the gym or hiking in case I wanted to use it as my travel personal item. I chose the charcoal color which is nice because It's a dark gray which still looks sleek but has some contrast to the dark colors most people wear. I can easily fit all of this stuff into my large dayowl backpack main compartments: 14 inch laptop, lunch (large tupperware and a snack), a pair of shoes, a sweater, bulky over-ear headphones in their case, a medium sized organizing pouch, mouse. In the smaller pockets I can fit: keys, badges/lanyards, phone, mints, pens, sunglasses, snacks, water bottle. I was initially concerned about the side water bottle pocket taking up too much room in the main compartment but It's honestly not even that noticeable. This thing is big on space but surprisingly low profile on your back. One of the things I really love about it is that the front pocket is large and can easily widen to accommodate bulkier items. No more using the front exterior pocket only for a book/notebook/pens or having to strangle your hand every time you want to get something out of it - you can fit a sunglasses case in it easily. Not only all this, but It's comfortable to wear, even for short people. The only tip I have is to not tightly stuff the pockets in the main compartment if your laptop is already in the laptop compartment, because it makes the laptop sit weirdly against your back when you wear it. This backpack has had so much thought put into it, the craftsmanship is excellent, and the style is unbeatable. The lifetime repair guarantee shows you how seriously they take their mission and how much they care for their customers. Consider me a loyal follower- I'll be raving about this backpack to anyone who will listen! :)”
“I received my bag with a small defect...maybe someone was eating very syrupy waffles and it had goop on it. I sent them an email that I wanted to christen my bag with my own sticky waffles and they were soooo quick to send me a replacement! I also appreciated the emails letting me know where by bag was/were the new bag was coming, etc. and the most important part...THE BAG IS AWESOME! I love the fabric. Sturdy but just enough cush for a good hug. The canvas is looking better with each time I wear it. The structure/shape of the bag is perfect. It stands up nicely and the straps are really comfy. oh and LOVE the water bottle pocket. Brilliant! when I move the bottle doesn't threaten to knock me in the back of the head when I do cartwheels, stays nicely inside. And the rest of the pockets, so. good. Top pocket great for emergency items (epi pen bc I'm dope like that) side pocket for keys, front pocket for sunglasses and we're not even inside the bag yet....Well you're just going to have to get one to find that out. It's all worth it! Buy one!”
“When I narrowed my search to backpacks with the suitcase strap in the back, I eliminated basically all the attractive ones. So finding this one was insane! I love it so much. It’s comfortable, practical, and really elegant. I love the small side pocket, which makes getting my wallet in and out for subway travel very convenient, and the fact that the water bottle compartment is enclosed rather than an external pocket is truly a clutch feature. Yay for a creation well made!”
“I mean, this thing is backpackalicious. That’s really the only way to describe it. I was first drawn to the company because of what they stand for, but I stayed because of the organization possibilities. I can keep a mini pack of tissues in that mini side pocket during flu season, and then I can switch to sunglasses in the summer. I love it so much, I’m tempted to get another color just to switch it up with my outfits because I plan on using it daily :-) Oh, and the customer service is outstanding. I asked for a different backpack and was sent one immediately to exchange. I will be telling everyone about Day Owl!”
“I’ve gone through backpack after backpack and there hasn’t been one that fulfills all my needs. But then came the Day Owl! If you’re looking for something minimal with organizational needs, this is the backpack for you! I’ve had it for about two weeks now and it has not let me down. I just looove the zipper water bottle pocket on the side and the quick access pocket on top for small things! I also really admire the aesthetic of the bag as well. It feels so nice and cozy on my back which is always a huge plus. Thank you Day Owl for having a backpack like this on the market! You found a forever customer.”
