Holiday Gift Guide: Lifestyle Bags and Packs

November 22, 2016

by Peter Reese
Holiday Gift Guide: Lifestyle Bags and Packs

Not every outing means survival gear, three liters of water and spare everything. Active Junky’s found some fun, fast and functional ways to tote mobile devices, energy snacks and a liter of water. And maybe a spare hoodie or wind shell.

MIIR 20L Daypack

  MIIR 20L Daypack

Here’s a roll-closure pack that puts the emphasis on streamlined utility. Active Junky testers found its 100% useful space a benefit on and off the bike. Enough quick exterior access through three, zipped-and-garaged panels means snacks, documents and chargers remain at the ready. The side panel handles water bottles and keeps the daypack balanced as the two padded shoulder straps (with sternum strap) need to manage the load without a waist belt. Main compartment pathways include a horizontal, external zipper as well as the folding top secured by dual click-locks. The cool-blue interior makes finding contents easier even by streetlight. And is a reminder of Miir’s work to bring clean water and equal-access education to the world. 

Best For: Commuting, travel and day hiking

Cotopaxi Kpong 15L Satchel

  Cotopaxi Kpong 15L Satchel Starting at: $85.91

Cotopaxi’s credentials as an other-center enterprise is well-documented. Active Junky’s been with them nearly since the start as their inspired giving to health, education and livelihoods is stirring. As such, the Kpong 15L Satchel carries the day’s burdens while lightening the load of others in challenging situations. The padded, zip-access laptop sleeve stays close to the body to minimize the pendulum affect, leaving the interior compartment free to sequester iPads, notepads, water bottle (with a dedicated sleeve), food bars and favorite paperbacks. Outside, the flap-covered panel organizes phone and pens. Suede leather accents, metal hardware and a quilted back elevate this durable canvas bag well beyond the price you pay. For all the right reasons.

Best For: Commuting, day trips, destination exploration

Mountain Khakis Canvas Duffle Bag, Medium

  Mountain Khakis Canvas Duffle Bag, Medium Starting at: $167.20

Active Junky favors this one to defy what’s expected either in day carrying or travel luggage. Here’s where what you carry, and in what you carry it, defines life’s direction. Mountain Khakis steps in confidently with 10oz waxed canvas to become a new adventure classic at 43L. Yes, that trim is 100% leather and the top, flapped zipper is beefy enough to operate even under heavy loads. Testers found the Duffle carried easier than the bountiful capacity suggests, with either apocalypse-worthy webbing handles or the tuck-in, logo-accented shoulder strap. The interior organizing flap manages chargers, memory cards and documents while the exterior open pocket does cram-and-jam beanie duty. While other sizes are available, this one is our selection for best all-rounder.

Best For: Gym, overnight or as a travel companion on longer trips to another, larger bag

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