I recently bought this pack to serve as my daily driver for work. I was using the Gregory Nano 16L for a little while. I appreciated the Nano's simplicity, and really liked the cinch-top design. It was a little too small, and a little sportier than I wanted for the office. I wanted something similar, but sleeker and a little larger. Enter the Topo Designs Y-Pack—perhaps my favorite of the affordable knock-around packs I've used to date.
Visit the official product page here:
//topodesigns.com/products/y-pack?variant=8499251839029
The 20+ liter Y-Pack comes with a smart arrangement of features, but is a pretty simple proposition at its heart. It has a single large compartment with a thin sleeve for laptop. The sleeve is sufficient to hold a 15" laptop, and fits my 13" MacBook Pro with room to spare. The pack also sports a large pocket inside the top flap. Sturdy open pockets adorn either side, perfect for a thinner water bottle. The whole thing comes together in the front, with an arrangement of straps and a G-hook that secures the top flap over the cinch in a Y configuration, giving the pack its name.
The pack is attractive and generally understated in solid colors, though manages to sneak in some Topo Designs flourishes. Even in black, you'll find some pizzaz, such as the red drawstring on the cinch. Some may not like the prominent white brand label, especially against a dark color pack. I've heard complaints about this branding on Topo Designs gear, but I've never minded it. This is my first Topo Designs backpack, though. We'll see how the edges of the tag hold up, and how dirty it gets.
The material is tough nylon. The tops of the side pockets and the interior laptop sleeve are lined with elastic, for a little snug-and-stretch. The top of the main compartment is done in a lighter nylon, which probably helps it all cinch up nicely but honestly feels a little cheap. That said, this is a $79 pack that generally punches above its price, even with this touch. The overall fit and finish is good, even though there are a few other budget touches—the functional but simple handle, for example. The G-clip is stylish in metal, and doesn't have to be. The top zipper is plastic, but a beefy and sturdy YKK plastic. There isn't much padding, but it's there on the back and bottom, where it counts. There's no padding on the front of the laptop sleeve, which seems common on these more affordable, lighter packs. The straps are fine.
Top flap pockets can be disappointing on this style of pack. It seems like a good idea, but it's hard to do right. On the Gregory Nano 16, for example, the pocket is too small, and the zipper sits in such a way that things fall out of the pocket when the pack is flat. Topo Designs has done it right, and there are no such problems, here. The pocket is deep, and the zipper sits a little forward.
I like this pack a lot, but I have some complaints. The side pockets are only good for a smaller water bottle. Forget about anything with any rubber lining. The pockets narrow as they go down, as well. You'll have to drop your fat Nalgene inside the pack rather than want to wrestle it into one of the side pockets, if it would even fit at all.
Also, while the G-clip and straps are a stylish and effective closure in addition to the drawstring cinch, they can be a bit fussy to hook/unhook. I'd like another inch or so of strap to tighten it all up, as well. If the pack's main compartment isn't full, but the top flap pocket has a pile of stuff in it, there's a bit of slack in the closure that makes it all seem a little floppy.
There are two other things that people complain about, but which don't really bother me. First, the pack is made in Vietnam rather than in the US. Quality-wise, it's great. However, people preferring Topo Designs because of their "Made in America" roots need to know that this pack comes from somewhere else. Second, the pack doesn't have much organization. Some folks want more. I prefer to add my own organization, through pieces like a Maxpedition Fatty.
I'm enjoying this pack, and my criticisms are really just nit-picks. The Y-Pack has proven to be a functional, smart-looking accessory. And, at only $79, it's affordable.
TOPO DESIGNS Y-PACK BLACK, daypack that won’t let you down in the great outdoors and lively city.
Topo Designs Y-PACK backpack is a modern twist on the more traditional flap pack carry and provides a highly versatile performance as a result. It boasts a wide flap and single latch closure in order to fuse classical style and modern functionality to dramatic aesthetic effect.
As you’d expect from a Topo Designs carry, it is incredibly robust and lightweight with an abundance of storage for all your day-to-day or camping requirements.
TRAVEL BAG ATTACHMENT LOOPS
This Topo Designs Y-Pack is equipped with the convenient Travel Bag attachment loops. With these loops you can easily attach this Y-pack to your Topo Designs Travel Bag or Travel Bag Roller.
All TOPO DESIGNS Y-PACK BACKPACKS are made of Robust 1000D Cordura® for the exterior in combination with a fully coated lining. Together with heavy duty accessories, reinforced straps and strong zippers, this makes a quality backpack that can withstand all weather conditions.
1000D CORDURA®
Topo Designs uses for the exterior of this Name Bag 1000D Cordura®. 1000D Cordura® is a very strong nylon with a urethane coating which gives it excellent tear resistance and is very durable. It is particularly suitable for the toughest tasks and wear and tear.
What experts say about 1000D Cordura®; "Need of fabric for the toughest tasks and wear? This 1000 Denier Cordura is suitable for any demanding project. This very heavy duty nylon with urethane coating has excellent tear resistance and is very abrasion resistant. This fabric is amazingly tough and versatile. We recommend this fabric for projects such as strong duffle, backpacks, luggage with soft sides, camera bags and cases for musical instruments, and go-kart racing suits".
WATER-RESISTANT
The density of the nylon Topo use, coated zipper backing, and pack cloth lining mean that this Y-Pack is weatherproof and will keep your gear dry for everyday purposes — pretty much anything except for activities like kayaking or scuba diving where you'll need a true dry bag. Some of them have additional water-resistance thanks to features like taped seams, waterproof-zippers and DWR treatment. The Topo-Designs Y-Pack can handle just about anything short of full submersion. We like to think of them as “downpour-proof”.
MAP GUARANTEE™, REASONABLE LIFETIME WARRANTY
The main goal at Topo Designs is to build products that stand the test of time and work anywhere on the map. Topo Designs wants to build fewer things that can be combined in endless ways to work in any environment. Whether traveling the globe or headed to the backcountry, they want to make sure everything they make will go out and come back in one piece, year after year. Topo Designs use the highest quality fabrics, hardware, and materials, and overbuild everything they make.
Topo Designs stand behind their quality and durability on all packs, bags and accessories, which is why Topo Designs offers a reasonable lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Topo Designs warranty does not cover any damage caused by neglect, improper care, accident, or normal wear and tear.
Topo Designs bags and packs, order at BeauBags, Authorized International Topo Designs Dealer and your Topo Designs specialist.
Personal & expert advice | Europe’s largest Topo Designs collection | Free delivery & return | Order before 10PM, we ship the same day | 30-day return policy.
Topo Designs Y-Pack are one of the many great bags of Topo Designs in our large and carefully selected collection.
Please check out the complete collection of Topo Designs in our online shop.
TOPO DESIGNS - Made For Anywhere On Your Map.
Topo Designs Y-Pack from Topo Designs on YouTube.
TOPO DESIGNS Y-PACK RED, daypack that won’t let you down in the great outdoors and lively city.
Topo Designs Y-Pack Red backpack is a modern twist on the more traditional flap pack carry and provides a highly versatile performance as a result. It boasts a wide flap and single latch closure in order to fuse classical style and modern functionality to dramatic aesthetic effect.
As you’d expect from a Topo Designs carry, it is incredibly robust and lightweight with an abundance of storage for all your day-to-day or camping requirements.
TRAVEL BAG ATTACHMENT LOOPS
This Topo Designs Y-Pack is equipped with the convenient Travel Bag attachment loops. With these loops you can easily attach this Y-pack to your Topo Designs Travel Bag or Travel Bag Roller.
All TOPO DESIGNS Y-PACK BACKPACKS are made of Robust 1000D Cordura® for the exterior in combination with a fully coated lining. Together with heavy duty accessories, reinforced straps and strong zippers, this makes a quality backpack that can withstand all weather conditions.
1000D CORDURA®
Topo Designs uses for the exterior of this Name Bag 1000D Cordura®. 1000D Cordura® is a very strong nylon with a urethane coating which gives it excellent tear resistance and is very durable. It is particularly suitable for the toughest tasks and wear and tear.
What experts say about 1000D Cordura®; "Need of fabric for the toughest tasks and wear? This 1000 Denier Cordura is suitable for any demanding project. This very heavy duty nylon with urethane coating has excellent tear resistance and is very abrasion resistant. This fabric is amazingly tough and versatile. We recommend this fabric for projects such as strong duffle, backpacks, luggage with soft sides, camera bags and cases for musical instruments, and go-kart racing suits".
WATER-RESISTANT
The density of the nylon Topo use, coated zipper backing, and pack cloth lining mean that this Y-Pack is weatherproof and will keep your gear dry for everyday purposes — pretty much anything except for activities like kayaking or scuba diving where you'll need a true dry bag. Some of them have additional water-resistance thanks to features like taped seams, waterproof-zippers and DWR treatment. The Topo-Designs Y-Pack can handle just about anything short of full submersion. We like to think of them as “downpour-proof”.
MAP GUARANTEE™, REASONABLE LIFETIME WARRANTY
The main goal at Topo Designs is to build products that stand the test of time and work anywhere on the map. Topo Designs wants to build fewer things that can be combined in endless ways to work in any environment. Whether traveling the globe or headed to the backcountry, they want to make sure everything they make will go out and come back in one piece, year after year. Topo Designs use the highest quality fabrics, hardware, and materials, and overbuild everything they make.
Topo Designs stand behind their quality and durability on all packs, bags and accessories, which is why Topo Designs offers a reasonable lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Topo Designs warranty does not cover any damage caused by neglect, improper care, accident, or normal wear and tear.
Topo Designs bags and packs, order at BeauBags, Authorized International Topo Designs Dealer and your Topo Designs specialist.
Personal & expert advice | Europe’s largest Topo Designs collection | Free delivery & return | Order before 10PM, we ship the same day | 30-day return policy.
Topo Designs Y-Pack are one of the many great bags of Topo Designs in our large and carefully selected collection.
Please check out the complete collection of Topo Designs in our online shop.
TOPO DESIGNS - Made For Anywhere On Your Map.
Topo Designs Y-Pack from Topo Designs on YouTube.