Pactimo Dispatch Backpack 32L

Whoever designed this pack definitely commutes by bike. It’s light at just under 2 pounds, and it’s burly: the polyester construction has a waterproof laminate finish to protect your possessions in crummy weather.

The simple aesthetic is in keeping with the overall theme of the pack: It’s simple, no frills, just the pockets and features you need, nothing you don’t.

Those features include a spacious main compartment that’s accessible from both the side of the bag and the top under the flap. Inside the main compartment, there’s a separate smaller zippered pocket should you need to separate your goodies from each other. The only bummer about the main compartment is its color: It’s all black, which makes it difficult to find dark-colored items within.

A separate laptop pocket against your back fits a 14-inch laptop. It’s separated from your body by ample padding that features channels to keep air moving behind you. You’ll still get sweaty, but at least you’ll be comfortably sweaty. The ergonomically-shaped straps have a layer of padding, which was just enough for commutes around town. They’re more than appropriate for the maximum weights you’re likely to carry within this bag.

Daisy chains on the outside of the pack offer plenty of places to attach a light or a U-lock. The plain gray color doesn’t exactly scream stylish, but at least it won’t draw a thief’s attention as something flashier might.

Our only nitpick is the external mesh pocket that we assume is meant to hold a water bottle. This becomes largely useless once the main compartment is completely full and the sides of the bag bulge out. But if you’ve got a light load inside, the mesh pocket accommodates a water bottle just fine. That’s it. Other than that minor complaint, the Dispatch duffel shines.