Review of Patagonia Backpacks: Why Travelers Should Invest!

For working adventurers, life is so much easier if you have everything you need close at hand. Whether you’re sitting at the airport lounge with an hour to kill or taking a quick zoom meeting while eating lunch at a restaurant, a backpack that’s equipped to handle everything you need to carry is a lifesaver.

If you’ve been searching for the perfect travel backpack, you’ve probably heard of Patagonia. The company has made waves among adventurers and is famous for the quality of its products and its environmental credentials. But are Patagonia backpacks worth the price tag? 

Today, I’m going to be discussing whether the brand is still worth buying in 2023. I’m going to focus on the brand’s range of hard-wearing backpacks. Digital nomads and adventurers, read on to find out more! 

If you’ve already found your perfect backpack, check out our ultimate packing guide for some practical tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your space. And if you don’t want to carry your world on your back, we’ve got you covered with our round-up of our top five travel cases.

Now, let’s get back to those backpacks!

What Is Patagonia?

Patagonia is an American clothing company that specializes in outdoor gear and clothing. The company was founded way back in 1973 by environmentalist and rock climber Yvon Chouinard. Since then, the brand has stood for sustainability and quality, no matter which product line you choose. 

Patagonia’s Ironclad Guarantee 

Guarantees for returns and repairs are super useful to look at when you’re deciding whether to make a purchase. Patagonia has one of the best guarantee policies out there with a comprehensive return, exchange, and repair policy that forms part of its “Ironclad Guarantee.” 

The Patagonia Ironclad Guarantee states that if you aren’t happy with your product, you can return it to the company in exchange for another item or a full refund. 

There are a few exceptions to this policy. Here are some of them: 

• Products purchased from unauthorized dealers 
• Items that have been stolen or lost 
• Damage caused by everyday wear and tear 
• Anything that you have modified or altered 
• Damage or loss caused by not following the care instructions properly. 

However, the brand is almost always willing to help. So even if your situation isn’t covered by the guarantee, Patagonia will try to come up with a solution to help you. 

Where Can I Buy Patagonia Backpacks? 

Now, you might be wondering where you can buy Patagonia backpacks. The company operates in countries worldwide, including Canada, the US, the UK, and Europe. Plus, you can always order online directly from Patagonia, Amazon, or any other retailer in your country. 

Where Are Patagonia Backpacks Made?

You might also be wondering where Patagonia’s products are made. While its head offices are in the US, the brand does have factories in both the US and Canada. Most of its products are made in 16 countries including Bangladesh, China, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. You can read about the company’s stance on fair manufacturing and working practices here.

How Much Do Patagonia Backpacks Cost?

The prices of Patagonia’s backpacks vary depending on the size, features, and model. They are categorized in the mid to high price range, with smaller daypacks ranging from USD$50 to $70. A mid-sized backpack will usually cost around $80 to $110, while larger multi-day backpacks can go for $110 or more. 

Patagonia uses many recycled materials and sustainable production techniques, all of which don’t come at a low price. However, Keep in mind that you’re paying for responsible environmental practices, higher-quality materials, and longer-lasting durability with those higher prices.  

How Long Do Patagonia’s Bags Last?

The brand takes pride in being known for its craftsmanship and endurance, so its products are made to last. However, how long your Patagonia backpack will last depends on how you treat it. If you follow the care instructions and only use it how it is intended to be used, then your Patagonia backpack should last you many years. 

Just make sure you regularly check the backpack for wear and tear. Remember, you can also send it for repairs as a part of the Ironclad Guarantee! 

Recommendations: Patagonia Backpacks for Everyone

Patagonia offers a wide variety of backpacks which can make it overwhelming to browse through. If you aren’t quite sure what best suits your needs, personality, and lifestyle, it can be a complicated process!  Fear not, we’ve done the research so you don’t have to. 

We rounded up three of the best styles that working travelers swear by. 

Best Patagonia All-Rounder Backpack

Possibly the most famous all-rounder Patagonia backpack is the Black Hole backpack. It comes in two sizes, 25L and 32L, and the lining, webbing, and body fabric are made with recycled materials. The backpack is also water-resistant, so it’s perfect for those slightly soggy hikes. 

Speaking of hiking, the Black Hole backpack also has a sternum strap for extra support on long walks. The shoulder straps are padded for optimal comfort, and the main compartment can even hold a 15” laptop! 

The Black Hole is perfect if you want a large backpack that you can use in lots of different situations. It’ll take pretty much whatever you throw at it!

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Best Patagonia Travel Backpack 

One of the best-rated Patagonia travel backpacks is the Arbor Lid Pack 28L. It’s big and lightweight enough to carry and hold everything you need thanks to the brand's use of recycled polyester material. In addition to being water-repellent and made of 98% recycled materials,  the backpack comes in a wide variety of color options to match your personality.  

The Arbor Lid Pack also comes with a built-in 15” padded laptop sleeve to keep your computer free from scratches. Additionally, the workers who made the bag get paid a fair wage thanks to being "Fair Trade Certified™". 

If you love to work and travel, the Patagonia Arbor Lid Pack could be the choice for you.

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Best Patagonia Backpack for Laptops 

If you want a Patagonia bag that fits your laptop and protects it from damage, then the best choice could be the Arbor Roll Top Bag 30L. Like the Arbor Lid Pack, this backpack is made from recycled polyester, comes in various colors, and is water-repellent. The Arbor Roll also has quick-access pockets for laptops up to 15” making it a game changer if you regularly travel with your laptop. 

If you’re looking for a backpack that will see you through the work day – wherever you happen to be – the Patagonia Arbor Roll Top is a great option.

Are Patagonia Backpacks Worth It? 

Although Patagonia’s backpacks might cost more than other outdoor and adventure backpacks, I think they are definitely worth it. The superb quality, innovative construction, ethical business practices and assortment of designs means you’ll be proud of owning one! 

If you take good care of your Patagonia bag, it might become your favorite accessory. The bag will last many years and will see you through all your great adventures! With a bit of investment now, you’ll have the perfect traveling companion for years to come.

Our Rating: 4/5 

Pros: 

• Long-lasting, durable, and reliable
• Comfortable to wear and carry
• Variety of styles and colors
• Environmentally friendly
• Sustainable business practices
  

Cons: 

• A little expensive
• Might be harder to find in some countries 
  

Grab Your Pack and Travel!

There you have it! My honest and comprehensive assessment of Patagonia’s backpacks. If you’re still not decided, why not check out this Osprey backpack for a comparison.

Once your have the bag that'll work best for your situation, it's time to start planning for your next trip. Whether it's a solo trip or a group trip, you can make sure your trip is a success by keeping organized with a trip planner!