Six Stylish & Waterproof Roll Top Backpacks for Daily Use
Design-minded unisex bags for everyday carry both in the city and on the trail, and made in the USA, UK, Japan, and Sweden
Author
Annie Kluger
Whether trekking in the woods or through city streets, a practical, well-designed backpack is the perfect accessory for comfortably carrying all your essentials—from a laptop and spare layer to reusable water bottle and so on. Enter the following six stylish bags—arranged in no particular order—specially selected for their ability to blend function and attractive design.
1. And Wander Cuben Fiber Backpack, 25L
Made in Japan of extremely lightweight, tear-proof and waterproof cuben fiber, this simple yet functional backpack by Japanese outdoor lifestyle brand And Wander is as easy on the shoulders as it is on the eyes. Weighing just 225 grams (!) and capable of being packed down and stuffed into it’s own stuff sack (or other luggage), it’s the perfect adventure pack in the city and out. $372
2. Hyperlight Mountain Gear Summit Pack, 30L
Leave it to Maine-based Hyperlight Mountain Gear to design the ultimate lightweight pack for outdoor exploration, with four daisy chains for attaching gear, and shock cord lacing for additional storage. The roll top design is essentially one large main compartment with enough space to accommodate all of your essentials, whether backpacking for multiple days (or thruhiking—HMG is a staple on trails like the PCT) or simply lugging your laptop to work in a rain storm. At this capacity, it doesn’t get any more lightweight. $190
3. Millican Smith Roll Pack, 15L
Made in the UK for everyday use, this modestly-sized bag by celebrated British bag maker Millican features pockets for both your laptop and other, smaller valuables, and functions as well in the urban setting as the great outdoors. Made of weatherproof Bionic canvas—entire bag is 65% recycled and 30% stronger than regular canvas—the Smith not only looks good, but it functions in all weather conditions and is approachably priced. $145
4. Sandqvist Nico, 17L
Made of durable and waterproof coated polyester, this sleek roll top backpack from Swedish bag maker Sandqvist, is as equally rugged and stylish, making it ideal for daily use in and around the city. With an internal laptop sleeve, multiple water resistant pockets, and compression straps on the sides to secure your load, your morning commute has never looked or felt so good. $250
5. Fjällräven Ulvö Rolltop, 23L
Legendary Swedish outdoor brand, Fjällräven, keeps functionality and style in mind with all of their sleek designs. The Ulvö Rolltop, made of recycled nylon, is as useful for your morning commute as it is for weekend outdoor adventures. The lightweight design shrinks and expands as needed and can carry up to 23 liters of gear. $135
6. Chrome Industries Urban EX Rolltop, 28L
Chrome Industries has long been a favorite among on-the-move city dwellers and it’s no surprise why. With an adjustable size feature, interior sleeve for a laptop, and five different ways to carry it, this backpack lends itself to endless urban adventures. $140
Published 05-21-2019
