Patagonia Refugio Daypack 30L Assessment

Image this: Your coworker invitations you out for a scenic hike, however all you deliver to the workplace is your briefcase, which might hardly match a rain shell, not to mention a Nalgene or mountain climbing sneakers. That is the place the Patagonia Refugio 30L Daypack comes into play.

Each a laptop computer backpack and mountain climbing daypack, this bag combines the performance of a typical work bag with the aesthetics and textiles of an outside one. People who function in additional informal workplace settings will love this ultra-versatile backpack. 

In contrast to most out of doors daypacks, the Patagonia Refugio comes with an included laptop computer sleeve/desk caddy for on-the-go professionals or college students. It additionally seems to be like a mountain climbing bag however can adapt nicely to instructional environments or extra laid-back workplace settings, even with its a number of colorways of brilliant earth tones. 

Once you wish to transition from the workplace to the path, merely swap the laptop computer sleeve for a hydration bladder, and also you’re prepared for no matter multi-mile trek you’re adventuring out on. The outside bungees are nice for clipping on further gear or cinching down your rain jacket for straightforward entry on the go. When the climate will get gnarly, the Refugio has a sturdy water-repellent end that retains the water from encroaching in your gear inside. 

From journeys to the health club and laps up and down the pores and skin observe, I examined the Refugio in quite a lot of settings, and it tailored nicely to every one. This backpack has all of the bells and whistles with out sacrificing fashion or area. 

Briefly: The Patagonia Refugio 30L Daypack is the jack-of-all-trades for combining a laptop computer backpack’s performance with a mountain climbing pack’s usefulness. At 30L, customers can match all their day by day requirements, resembling notebooks, a pc, climbing sneakers, snacks, and extra. This streamlined design has a detachable padded 15-inch laptop computer sleeve, excellent for straightforward transitions from the workplace to the path. At $129, this informal, outdoorsy backpack is good for customers who wish to mix work and play.

• Dimensions
  19 x 12 x 6.5 in.
• Weight
  1 lb., 12 oz.
• Capability
  30L
• Laptop computer compartment dimension
  15 in.
• Greatest use
  Mountaineering

• 
  Beneficiant cupboard space
• 
  Detachable laptop computer sleeve/desk caddy compartment
• 
  Hydration hanger and pass-through entry

• 
  Lacks construction
• 
  Might not be an expert sufficient aesthetic for the workplace

Patagonia Refugio 30L Daypack: Assessment

A Versatile Companion

In the event you reside in a dorm room or a small studio house in a mountain city, making area for a number of backpacks in your residing scenario might be exhausting. That is additionally true once you don’t wish to break the financial institution by spending tons of of {dollars} on these packs when you might simply get two for the value of 1. That is the place the Patagonia Refugio 30L is useful.

A real multitasker, the Refugio lends itself to any setting because of its sturdiness, cupboard space, and customizable components. Once you’re packing up for work or faculty within the morning, merely use the desk caddy to retailer your 15-inch laptop computer or pill, pens, notes, chargers, and different small equipment.

This sleeve simply slides out and in of the pack’s again panel, maintaining all of your little gadgets well-organized and guarded in its a number of mesh pockets. Gone are the times of digging round your pack looking for that pesky USB-C cable when it may possibly simply sit in a see-through pocket subsequent to your different gizmos and devices.

As soon as work is over, it’s time to play. Whether or not you’re heading to the resort or hitting single observe, the Refugio can rework into the right out of doors pack. Merely take away the desk caddy, swap it for a hydration bladder because of the pass-through entry, after which get movin’ and groovin’. Due to how breathable and comfy the straps on this pack have been, I used it to pores and skin the resort and take my pup out for day hikes.

Even if you happen to don’t use the Refugio for extra leisure actions, this laptop computer backpack could be excellent for longer commutes through foot or bicycle to class or work since it’s so moisture-wicking and breathable when on. There’s even a motorbike mild clip on the base of the cap so you possibly can cycle safely dwelling after the solar goes down. 

The flexibility of this pack might be my favourite function — I really like having the ability to transition simply from my office to the trailhead while not having to swap backpacks or repack all of my stuff. I’m extra excited as a result of I do know my laptop computer is safely saved as a substitute of simply sitting round unfastened.

Exterior Parts

By way of look, the Patagonia Refugio definitely seems to be extra like a mountain climbing pack than an expert laptop computer backpack. It’s best suited to a extra laid-back work setting, resembling an informal workplace, retail setting, or school classroom.

In case your workplace has a strict costume code, you could wish to go on this laptop computer backpack because it has an outside aesthetic because of the polyester outer, bungee cords, and fewer structural design. 

By way of supplies, the Refugio is designed with 100% polyester materials which have sturdy water repellent (DWR). This backpack is water-repellant throughout mild rain however can not face up to a downpour, so people in wetter climates ought to err on the aspect of warning.

Nonetheless, I did discover that it held up fairly durably throughout its months of use, even after scraping towards tree branches and boulders throughout my a number of excursions. The outside bungees are inclined to get snagged on sticks and such, so train some warning when strolling by way of extra dense areas.

For people wanting loads of coloration choices, the Refugio is an efficient match as it’s accessible in 5 choices starting from black and brown to some totally different blue and inexperienced tones. In the event you aren’t amped on the 30L look, try the 26L model, which loses the bungees and has over six festive coloration choices. Both manner, you get the included desk caddy sleeve to retailer your pc safely. 

Capability and Group

Talking of pc storage, let’s chat concerning the inner area on this pet. The backpack can maintain 30 L and match a laptop computer, chargers, layers, a number of books, headphones, and far more. This capability makes it nice for fast home journeys as it’s carry-on compliant or when you have to pack all of your notebooks for sophistication.

There are two principal compartments — one for the place the desk caddy sleeve can simply slide in, and a bigger open compartment immediately in entrance of that. The open areas are conducive to baggage cubes and different modular packing methods. 

Nonetheless, this backpack lacks pockets, with just one exterior zippered pocket and aspect pockets for water bottles or an umbrella. Whereas the desk caddy has one zippered pocket and two non-zippered pockets, I want there was a bit extra inside group on the Refugio itself, like an inside microfiber pocket for small gadgets like playing cards, keys, and sun shades. 

The detachable desk caddy sleeve is nice for storing your laptop computer — so long as it’s 15 inches or smaller — and I appreciated how easy it made getting all of my tech packed up, particularly as a graphic designer. I are typically on the go typically, since I work for a newspaper, so the padded case positively made unpacking and packing easy. Plus, the sleeve made for the right lap desk and saved the warmth of my pc off my legs. 

You’ll be able to optimize the Refugio’s cupboard space utilizing the bungee cords connected to the entrance of the pack. These have been nice for clipping further gear like canine leashes and storing layers like down jackets, making much more room within the inside compartments to retailer gadgets. People who don’t fairly want the additional cupboard space of the Refugio 30L can go for the 26L model, as it’s a bit slimmer however has a bigger exterior pocket as a substitute of the shock cords.

Consolation and Assist

Recognized for ultra-soft fleeces, dependable jackets, and breathable shorts, Patagonia has additionally designed a plethora of backpacks which might be equally iconic and comfy to put on. Particularly with the Refugio 30L, Patagonia used tender, nonabrasive polyester cloth that doesn’t irritate the wearer’s pores and skin.

The straps and again panel are extremely breathable with ventilated mesh that rapidly wicks away moisture. Even after skinning for a number of miles on a hotter winter day, my torso stayed cool regardless of the sweat I used to be working up.

The harness system on the Refugio is fairly basic for a daypack. The straps are simply adjustable when the pack is on and have easy mechanisms for tightening and loosening. In the event you really feel such as you want somewhat further assist, merely buckle the sternum strap throughout your chest.

When utilizing this pack whereas recreating, I did want there was a hip buckle for extra stability. Nonetheless, the sternum strap supported my higher physique nicely for day by day commutes to the workplace and occasional store. 

I appreciated the consolation of this daypack, which is much less structured than most laptop computer backpacks. It’s also possible to simply retailer it away when not in use. As a result of its flexibility, this pack might be rolled up and put in a trunk, cubby, or shelf. Regardless that the fabric is tremendous tender, I discovered that it held up simply high-quality throughout my a number of months of testing with no indicators of wear and tear or tear. 

Laptop computer Safety

The Refugio impressed me finally with its means to guard a pill or laptop computer. The pack has thick padding at its backside, absorbing any shock if dropped. The again panel additionally has padded lining, which, along side the cushioned laptop computer sleeve, actually provides to this backpack’s total means to maintain your pc secure within the occasion of a tumble. 

As I discussed earlier than, the Refugio is made with moisture-repellent polyester with a DWR end. That is nice for wicking away sweat and defending your valuables throughout a light-weight rain; nevertheless, I wouldn’t put on this backpack in heavy showers or storms.

I examined this pack’s water resistance by putting it below a working sink. The water beaded off seamlessly with none staining or evident seeping. Nonetheless, the underside of the pack didn’t boast the identical water-repellant talents, and the water stained the realm. Upon reaching my hand in, I additionally felt some moisture within the backside of the pack. 

Total, the Refugio’s laptop computer safety issue is palpable, because it has thick padding, a cushioned pc sleeve, and a few water resistance. Within the occasion of an undesirable drop or espresso spill, your gear must be simply high-quality so long as you rapidly reply. Simply understand that it’s not waterproof or utterly invincible to larger impacts.  

Patagonia Refugio Daypack 30L: Conclusion

Total, I discovered the Refugio 30L from good ole Patagucci, as the youngsters name it, to be fairly spectacular for a mountain climbing/workplace hybrid backpack. I believe this backpack could be excellent for a scholar at an outdoorsy faculty, because it has a powerful assist system and loads of cupboard space for tech, books, and binders.

When you’re out of sophistication, it performs even higher on the path because of its breathable textiles and talent to retailer most hydration. Severely, the bottle pockets are big — I might even match my cumbersome tripod in one in every of them. 

People who’re in search of a laptop computer backpack for a big workplace or want a surplus of group components might wish to go on the Refugio, because it has an informal fashion and just one exterior zippered pocket. The effectively organized desk caddy is extremely helpful and might be mixed with a minimalistic briefcase or backpack.

My solely actual points with this backpack have been its lack of a waist strap and questionable water repellency, particularly on the base of the pack. Even a small, removable hip buckle could be the cherry on high for this mountain climbing backpack. If it have been raining or snowing closely, I might decide to swap this backpack out for one thing extra waterproof, particularly if my invaluable laptop computer is in there. 

At $129, I believe the Refugio is a steal of a deal, because you mainly get two backpacks for the value of 1. From lengthy journey days by way of airports to biking commutes to the workplace, this backpack was a high performer for me.

It’s comfy, supportive, and extremely versatile because of the customizable components and storage choices. Whether or not you’re a scholar, photographer, outdoorsy skilled, and even only a passionate hiker, I extremely suggest the Patagonia Refugio 30L.