Chrome MXD Fathom Backpack

Sometimes I just want a coffee. Or a beer. Maybe I’ll bring my laptop, but really, I just want a lock, a jacket, my keys, wallet, and phone. The MXD Fathom has that same agenda: It’s small and light, just what you need for quick trips with minimal gear.

It’s made from 1680d ballistic nylon, so it’s tough enough to drop, drag, and stow under the bar top. If you’ve got a few last emails to send before drinking a pint, there’s a sleeve within the main compartment that fits a 13-inch laptop. It’s not zipped or lined, but it is slightly padded. It’s not ideal if you’re worried about your laptop mingling with the other goodies in your bag, but if you’re just carrying your laptop and some paperwork, the simple design keeps everything easy to access.

Two front pockets allow you to keep small items organized. One pocket has a soft liner, so it’s ideal for your phone or sunglasses. The other has a mesh divider within, as well as a key tether. A small side stash pocket makes a great place to stuff your portable hard drive or a small camera. Again, space is limited, but that’s the beauty of this pack: it’s small and light, and it forces you to really think about what you absolutely need for the ride.

If you’ve got more goodies to carry, like an extra pair of shoes for the office, the Fathom is almost certainly overmatched. Consider this a good choice for the absolute essentials, nothing more.

The back panel is lightly padded, as are the shoulder straps. The pack sits pretty high on the back, so if you’ve got a long torso, this might feel akin to a hydration pack (albeit a pretty wide one). This is an ideal choice for quick trips around town and toting the bare minimum.