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Best Patagonia Backpacks For Work And Travel In 2022

This product guide was written by GearHungry Staff
Last Updated May 27, 2022
GearHungry Staff
GearHungry Staff posts are a compilation of work by various members of our editorial team. We update old articles regularly to provide you the most current information. You can learn more about our staff here.
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Patagonia is the ultimate day trip and travel backpack brand for a few reasons: durability, extendable storage, and some of the finest damn styles on the market today. Most brands think that the function will outdo the lack of flair, but Patagonia knows the best outdoor apparel and gear combines both function and style.

And when it comes to Patagonia backpacks, in particular, they are among the best you can find on the market. These bags combine quality and functionality with a rugged style that is loved by hikers and backpackers, including the backpackers here at Gear Hungry.

Whether you’re looking for a backpack for work or play, we’ve put together a selection of the best Patagonia backpacks for outdoor adventures, travel, as well as daily commutes to work.

Our Top Picks
  • Best Patagonia Backpack Overall: Stealth Pack 30L
  • Built For Any Adventure: Disperser Roll-Top Pack 40L
  • Excellent Water-Repellent Properties: Black Hole 25L Patagonia Backpack
  • Best All-Around Daypack: Patagonia Arbor Linked Pack
  • Compact Day Hike Pack: Patagonia Altvia Pack – 22 L
  • Most Versatile Pack: Patagonia Refugio 30L Pack
  • For Gadget-Loving Hikers: Chacabuco Backpack 28L
  • Ultra-Compact EDC Pack: Patagonia Atom Sling 8L
  • Best For Backcountry Touring: Descensionist Pack 32L
  • Extra-Large For Alpine Missions: Ascensionist Pack 55L

The Best Patagonia Backpack

1
Stealth Pack 30L

stealth pack 30l

The Patagonia Stealth Pack 30L is made from super-durable 100% recycled nylon rip-stop. The exterior is water-resistant so you can take it with you fishing or hiking and keep the contents of your backpack dry.

Comfort is also important and when you’re spending a day hiking, you’ll really appreciate this bag’s thoughtful ergonomic design. The back panel is cushioned and the shoulder straps are fully adjustable for a custom fit that won’t cause friction or discomfort on your back or shoulders.

The inside of the backpack comes with plenty of pockets so that you can organize your pack for easy retrieval of your everyday items. The large main compartment can hold quite a lot of gear and there is also a padded laptop sleeve so your backpack is as useful during the week as it is on the weekend. There is also a quick access exterior pocket for small items such as your keys and phone. Overall, this is a quality backpack that should last you for years and will take you from the office to the mountains with ease.

Key Features:

30L capacity backpack

Ergonomic & lightweight design

Large main compartment

Lined tablet sleeve fits devices up to 13″

Removable waterproof pocket for phone

Fair Trade Certified™

Specification:
  • BrandPatagonia
  • Model89167
  • Weight800 Grams
  • Capacity30 Liters
Pros

Quick access exterior pocket

The back is cushioned for comfort

Adjustable shoulder straps

Cons

External pockets could be roomier

BUY ON PATAGONIABUY ON BACKCOUNTRY

2
Disperser Roll-Top Pack 40L

disperser roll top pack 40l

The Disperser Roll-Top Pack 40L is a top-quality Patagonia backpack that has ample space for all your gear, water bottles and snacks. The Disperser roll-top pack has a 40-liter capacity that is quite generous and as you use or consume some of the contents, the roll-top closure will transform this large pack to a small, compact one.

This reliable backpack has been designed for your carrying comfort. The shoulder straps are easy to adjust to what feels comfortable for you and the backpack also locks in the front with a waist strap. This one features vest compatibility for all your fishing gear and there are also internal pockets for things like your cash, keys, and other small items.

The exterior of the bag is recycled nylon face fabric with polyurethane coating which gives the pack a durable water-resistant finish. This is a really good backpack for fishing, hiking and other outdoor trips and with a lifetime warranty, it is the ultimate travel companion.

Key Features:

Water-resistant polyurethane coating

Made from recycled nylon fabric

40 L large internal storage

Adjustable shoulder straps & waist strap

Specification:
  • BrandPatagonia
  • Model48575
  • Weight41.3 Ounces
  • Capacity40 Liters
Pros

Water-resistant coating keeps your gear dry

Adjusts to large or small loads

Fair Trade CertifiedTM sewn

Lifetime warranty

Cons

Not the best looking backpack out there

BUY ON PATAGONIA
BUY ON BACKCOUNTRY

3
Black Hole 25L Patagonia Backpack

black hole 25l patagonia backpack

Even the most experienced and well-prepared hikers can encounter unexpected bad weather and every hiker’s worst nightmare is opening their backpack to find out all their gear is wet. This Patagonia Black Hole Backpack is perfect for ensuring your gear and clothes remain dry when it’s time to call it a day. The weatherproof TPU laminate material is treated with a durable water repellent finish (DWR) so the backpack can store your tech gadgets, precious gear and other valuables and keep it dry in rain.

The large main compartment can store quite a lot of gear including bulky jackets and there are internal mesh pockets for organizing small items such as keys, EDC pens and more. The exterior is heavy-duty and molded to hold your items while protecting them from the elements.

This fabric is Bluesign approved and is the perfect Patagonia day hiking backpack that you can use as a school or work bag as well. You can’t beat that level of versatility.

Key Features:

25L capacity

Ripstop material means nothing is getting through this pack

Daisy chain lash points for securing mats, sleeping bags, etc.

Padded shoulder straps & chest straps

13oz empty weight

Specification:
  • BrandPatagonia
  • Model49296_Talla Única
  • Weight4.41 Pounds
  • Capacity25 Liters
Pros

Waterproof coating keeps your valuables dry

Versatile; a great hiking and EDC backpack

Laptop compartment

Cons

Would benefit from a waist strap

BUY ON REI
BUY ON DICK’S SPORTING GOODSBUY ON BACKCOUNTRY

4
Patagonia Arbor Linked Pack

patagonia arbor linked pack

Patagonia describes their Arbor Linked Pack as being inspired by climbing packs but built for every day life. With 25 liter capacity, this one can hold most if not all your valuables and with the padded laptop pocket, it is the perfect backpack for school or work.

The pack features a quick cinch closure with an over-the-top strap that allows you to add extra items. The PU-coated polyester body is durable and water-repellent which makes it ideal for a backpacking trip or any outdoor adventure. The main zippered compartment and internal pockets make it easy to organize your hiking gear or school supplies for quick and easy access, and with full height front pockets, you can pack even more essential items.

Key Features:

PU coated polyester body

25 liter capacity

PFC Free Coating

Fair Trade CertifiedTM Sewn

Quick Cinch Closure

Specification:
  • BrandPatagonia
  • ModelPAT536546
  • Weight450 Grams
  • Capacity25 Liters
Pros

Simple but versatile backpack

Durable construction; up for almost any adventure

Lightweight and comfortable

Cons

May be too tall/bulky for shorter folks

BUY ON REI
BUY ON BACKCOUNTRYBUY ON EVO

5
Patagonia Altvia Pack – 22 L

patagonia altvia pack 22 l

Patagonia Altvia Pack may look like a smallish backpack, but it has a surprisingly decent amount of storage. Apart from having a generous main compartment, it also has six external pockets that make organizing smaller items a breeze.

This Patagonia hiking backpack is all about comfort. It features a highly breathable back panel and shoulder straps that provide excellent airflow to prevent clingy moisture while you’re trekking up a mountain. The rugged recycled nylon is durable enough to withstand the elements and with a PFC-free water repellent finish, you can hike with confidence knowing your spare clothes won’t be soaked when you want to retrieve them. The pack also includes a raincover for extra protection.

If you’re a hiker who doesn’t like carrying a ton of gear, this is the pack for you. Not only is this a compact, well-constructed backpack model, but it is also hydration compatible which you’ll really appreciate when hiking on a hot day.

Key Features:

Suspended mesh back panel

Made from 100% recycled nylon

Fully adjustable shoulder straps

Durable water repellent (DWR) finish

Hydration sleeve

Specification:
  • BrandPatagonia
  • Model48905
  • Weight8 Oz
  • Capacity22 Liters
Pros

Hydration compatible

Breathable mesh back panel keeps you cool while hiking

Compact size, ideal for a day hike

Cons

Hydration reservoir is not included

BUY ON REI
BUY ON BACKCOUNTRY

6
Patagonia Refugio 30L Pack

patagonia refugio 30l pack

The Patagonia Refugio is a high-quality, large backpack that is ideal for all types of outdoor pursuits. This is a generously sized backpack from Patagonia’s Daypack Line and will hold all your hiking gear, gym equipment, or work essentials. The 30-liter capacity allows for storing a whole lot of gear and also includes a removable padded laptop sleeve and a dedicated desk caddy compartment so you can neatly organize everyday items such as pens, phone chargers and more.

What you’ll really love about the Patagonia Refugio is its versatility. It can easily be used as a backpack for school books and electronics or a backpack to take you from work to the gym and anything in between. This one has plenty of free space and so you can keep all your gear during the week and when you take the laptop sleeve out, you have a fantastic bag the for weekend.

This Patagonia backpack is also ideal for travelers and as it meets carry-on size restrictions for most airlines, you can pack a whole lot of your things without needing a separate duffle bag or suitcase to check in.

Key Features:

PFC Free DWR coating

Removable sleeve for laptop

Dedicated desk caddy compartment

Compression straps to secure your load

Bungee front allows for even more storage

Specification:
  • BrandPatagonia
  • Model201357
  • Weight12 Oz
  • Capacity30 Liters
Pros

Versatile design; great for school, gym, hiking adventures

Great weather-repellent properties

Meets carry on size restrictions for most airlines

Cons

We’d like to see better internal organization

BUY ON REI

7
Chacabuco Backpack 28L

chacabuco backpack 28l

The Chacabuco Backpack is the ultimate solution for the hiker/camper who can’t seem to let go of their electronics. Stash pockets are fit for phone or sunglass-sized items (like a Nintendo Switch), while the main compartment holds up to 15” laptops and other electronics in sturdy comfort.

The mesh back panel means little to no sweating, while the shoulder harness promises not to put too much stress on your joints. Throw in a water bottle or two, a yoga mat, a set of extra dry clothes, and almost anything else you need to take with you. The outer shell is water-resistant too so you can protect your gear in any weather.

If you’re looking for a Patagonia laptop bag that can also serve you as a hiking backpack on weekends, this is it. It is just the right size for school, work and travel. Best of all, it keeps all your valuables neatly secured and protected from rain so you won’t need a separate laptop bag or one for shoes either.

Key Features:

2 main compartments

15″ laptop sleeve, plus tablet sleeve

Exterior shockcord for extra gear

Adjustable shoulder straps

Water repellent exterior

Specification:
  • BrandPatagonia
  • Model48085
  • Weight5.6 Oz
  • Capacity28 Liters
Pros

Plenty of storage for electronics and gear

Deep, but compact and stylish

Water repellent coating

Cons

Great for light day hikes, but not enough space for anything more than that

BUY ON SUNANDSKI

8
Patagonia Atom Sling 8L

patagonia atom sling 8l

Looking for the most comfortable Patagonia backpack for commuting? You’ve found it. Sporty, with an asymmetrical design that fits close to the body, the Patagonia Sling Pack is perfect for those who like to travel light. The compact size holds just enough for a day of fun in nature or a short hiking trip. This one has two compartments that can easily hold your everyday items and it also features small zippered compartments on the shoulder strap for things like keys, pens and phones, making it the ultimate EDC backpack.

With a breathable mesh pad on the shoulder strap, this small but mighty pack allows for comfortable airflow to prevent the buildup of moisture. The buckles are also fully adjustable so you can customize the fit. The sling shoulder harness gives you more carrying options so you can sling the pack on your back or across your body.

As with all backpacks in this range, this Patagonia mini backpack is made with water-resistant recycled nylon so you can comfortably use this pack to stash your gear when you’re out cycling or catching the bus to work or school.

Key Features:

Two main compartments

Small zippered compartments in the shoulder strap

Breathable mesh pad on shoulder strap

Adjustable buckles

Made from recycled nylon with DWR finish

Specification:
  • BrandPatagonia
  • Model48261
  • Weight10.6 Ounces
  • Capacity8 Liters
Pros

Ideal size for commuting, biking and short day hikes

Easy access compartments in the shoulder strap

DWR coating keeps your valuables dry in rain

Cons

Would benefit from longer zippers

BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON REI

9
Descensionist Pack 32L

descensionist pack 32l

Mountaineers need a lightweight but decent-sized bag for their snow gear and other essentials and the Descensionist Pack Patagonia lightweight backpack is literally built for the task. This is a heavy-duty yet lightweight backpack that can hold a full kit while feeling like a much smaller pack. It has two dedicated compartments for easy and organized storage as well as side access and dedicated compartments for quick access to your snow safety gear.

The top of this pack features a unique cinch spindrift collar design that allows you to close your bag with a quick pull of the cord. This is one of the best Patagonia backpacks for backcountry touring as it’s roomy, comfortable, durable but still lightweight. It gives you multiple carrying options internally and externally and the burly 420 denier nylon shell is resistant to abrasion and tearing.

Need more storage? The Descensionist is available in a 40-liter size too.

Key Features:

2 main compartments with side access

Roll-top closure

Snow safety tool pocket

Weather-resistant 420 denier recycled nylon shell

Removable back panel for lightweight pursuits

Highly breathable harness

Specification:
  • BrandPatagonia
  • Model48150
  • Weight15 Oz
  • Capacity32 Liter
Pros

Holds a full kit, carries like a much smaller pack

Great balance of weight, comfort and functionality

Roll-top closure is highly versatile

Cons

Perhaps a too simple design; we’d like more organizational options

BUY ON PATAGONIA

10
Ascensionist Pack 55L

ascensionist pack 55l

The Patagonia Ascensionist Pack is a large backpack for serious outdoor enthusiasts. Made from 100% recycled nylon ripstop with a PU coating for durability and water resistance, and boasting lots of space, this roomy backpack is ideal for climbing, mountaineering and longer backpacking trips.

Keep your load stable with the dual aluminum stays that offer support for the load and easily customize the pack with a removable lid frame and hip belt pads. The compression straps are also removable and with a long spindrift collar, you can adjust the bag and the load with ease.

As much gear as you can stash inside the backpack, you can secure almost as much or more on the outside. The bag has a three-point rope carrying system and with external buckles you can secure snow shoes, climbing helmets and much more. When you’re ready to go, the bag can be secured to your torso with a waist and sternum strap that helps keep your cargo safe and stable. The less your load moves, the easier it is for you to climb to the summit.

This is one of the best Patagonia backpacking backpacks for those who need lots of gear.

Key Features:

Dual aluminum stays for support

Internal hanging pockets

Adjustable ice-tool carrying system

Long spindrift collar

3-point rope carrying system

Made from 100% recycled nylon ripstop

Specification:
  • BrandPatagonia
  • Model47990
  • Weight13 Oz
  • Capacity55 Liters
Pros

Easy customization with removable lid frame & hip belt pads

Adjustable ice-tool carrying system

Easy cinch collar closure

Carries lots of gear, but manages to feel comfortable

Cons

No DWR coating so get a pack cover if you plan on hiking in rain

We’d like to see more external pockets for better organization

BUY ON PATAGONIA
BUY ON BACKCOUNTRY
Patagonia Backpack Buying Guide
  • Why Trust Us
  • Who This Is For
  • How We Picked
  • Features To Look For In Patagonia Backpacks
  • Patagonia Backpack FAQ

Why Trust Us

Gear Hungry's team of climbers, skiers, campers, and outdoor professionals loves the great outdoors and most of us end up carting a lot of gear when we hit the trails. This means we've also traveled with many different backpacks and Patagonia backpacks are some of our favorites.

Who This Is For

This guide is for anyone who needs a durable, high quality backpack. Offering a great balance between function, style and price, Patagonia backpacks are among the best you can find and we found the cream of the crop. Whether you need a Patagonia school backpack, one for commuting to school or work, traveling by bus, plane or train, or hiking and trekking, there is a Patagonia backpack for you.

How We Picked

One of the first things we looked at when putting together a selection of the best Patagonia backpacks is durability. A good backpack doesn't come cheap so when you do buy one, you want to invest in one that will last. Quality was at the top of the list but we also wanted to include backpacks with ample storage and a comfortable design. While Patagonia backpacks are intended for outdoor adventures, we also looked at backpacks that easily cross the barrier between daily obligations, such as work or school, and weekend adventures such as fishing, paddle boarding, hiking or playing sport. It's the versatility of these backpacks that we love the most. From Patagonia waterproof backpacks for outdoor adventures to lightweight but roomy Patagonia school backpacks that can take all your books and electronics, we included a wide varieety of backpacks for everyone's needs and preferences.

patagonia backpack

Features To Look For In Patagonia Backpacks

Type - There are many types of backpacks to choose from in the Patagonia range and while this is great on the one hand, wading through hundreds of different bags can also be tiring. Here are the categories to look at based on your needs.

  • Everyday Packs - These are ideal for commuters, students, and often the gym.
  • Technical Backpacks - Specially designed for hiking, mountaineering, snowfields.
  • Travel Backpacks - Perfect for hiking or traveling by plane, bus, etc.
  • Daypacks - Smaller packs that are perfect for day hikes, school or work.
  • Laptop Backpacks - With a dedicated laptop sleeve, these are built for school or work.

Material - All Patagonia backpacks are made with sustainably sourced or recycled materials. Many bags are made from 100% recycled nylon ripstop while some may be made from 75% to 80% recycled materials. The materials are also often DWR coated so that water rolls right off, making the bags weatherproof.

Capacity - Patagonia backpacks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The real feature to look for is the capacity. While Patagonia does offer small sling bags with an 8 liter capacity, you can find larger ones from 22 liters right up to 50 liters which are great for serious trekking and expeditions.

Compartments - Backpacks are all about storage and while some prefer a large main compartment, others prefer multiple compartments so they can better organize the contents. Students and workers should look for a laptop compartment or a tablet sleeve, while athletes may benefit from a separate compartment for shoes or other gear. The key is to determine what you need and then seek the bag with the storage you need.

Fit - If you've ever had to lug a backpack up a steep slope, you quickly notice how the pack sits on your back. The length of the backpack should fit comfortably along your back and larger packs may also have aluminum stays to stabilize the load. The straps are always adjustable, thankfully, so you can customize them for your own personal comfort.

patagonia backpack

Patagonia Backpack FAQ

Q: Are Patagonia backpacks worth it?

A: Patagonia is a brand known for high performance outdoor products that are made from sustainable materials, so yes, we believe most of their backpacks are worth it. The materials used are usually high-quality and tested to endure exposure to the elements. While Patagonia products are mainly designed for outdoor activities, there is also a great range of everyday backpacks. If you choose to invest in a Patagonia backpack - whether for outdoor pursuits, work or school - it's more than likely you'll be using it for many years.

Q: Does Patagonia repair backpacks?

A: Patagonia does offer backpack repairs. You can repair small holes yourself with a Tenacious Tape patch kit which you can obtain by contacting Patagonia's customer service center and, for larger holes, you can contact Patagonia and they will offer expert advice on repairs. Alternatively, they'll give you the information you need to visit a Patagonia store or send your backpack direct for repairs.

Q: How to wash Patagonia backpacks?

A: You can take care of small spots on your Patagonia backpack with a soft cloth using warm water and a mild detergent. However, if your backpack is considerably grubby you can wash it in a washing machine. If you do choose to wash in the machine, you should wash it separately from other items and ensure all the zippers and closures are open. If your machine is a top-loader, use a delicate washing program. Once the bag is clean, hang it to dry outdoors.

Always use mild detergents when washing your Patagonia backpack and avoid drying it in a clothes dryer. If you are concerned about the pack rolling around in the washing machine's drum, you can add a towel or two to act as a buffer.

Sources:

  1. Press - PatagoniaWorks
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