“My slim backpack came yesterday and now that it’s here I can compare and contrast it with The Backpack, which I’ve been using for a few weeks. Overall, I really like them both! I hope this review helps anyone on the fence.
The Backpack: mine is black (in case that matters), and I use it every day as a public transit commuter in a large metropolitan city. I’m able to fit my 13” thinkpad laptop, it’s bulky charger, my lunch box (omiebox in case that helps!), a 400ish page book, a sweatshirt, my Brita water bottle (or my contigo commuter cup), my work ID, home keys, work and personal phones, and wallet. When I have everything in there, it is a little bulky looking but I’m very short yet thankfully I don’t look like a turtle! I do try to under-pack it though, mostly because I’m trying to carry less stuff around. The one pocket I haven’t found a use for is the side zip pocket (on the opposite side from the water bottle holder), it’s too narrow for my iPhone 12 Pro Max. I’d love for Day Owl to consider moving one of the internal loops to it so it can be a spot to clip pens or keys into, or maybe create some “credit card” slots to quickly access metro cards, business cards, and a credit card, but I’ll keep playing around with it to see what else could work. The backpack is holding its shape really well, though because I’m short, even with the tightest “setting” it’s still a little loose. That may end up being for the best as the back doesn’t have much space for ventilation. Lastly, it was perfect for a one night trip out of town. It held my essentials and was easy to carry.
Slim Backpack: it’s smaller and thinner as expected, but I’m really excited because I plan to use it in place of a purse when I’m running errands on the weekend. I can still fit the lunchbox, wallet, library book, keys, and phones. It does look bumpy when fully packed so if the sleek, boxy shape is important then either get the larger one or under pack this one. The color, I got the Clay Orange and it’s very true to color - looks just like a terracotta pot, which I love. There is no slim side pocket but as mentioned above, I don’t really miss it because I can’t figure out a use for it.
Overall I know the price makes it a huge splurge for some folks (including me, I budgeted for months!!), but so far I’m finding it well worth it. I can take my laptop to/from work without (a) hurting my shoulder by carrying a tote on my shoulder and (b) I don’t look like a kid going to school when using those other backpacks.”
