A Backpack That Won’t Make You Look Like a Middle-Schooler

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A few years ago, I was shamed into getting a new backpack by a well-meaning coworker. He had a point: I was carrying around a JanSport from the previous decade that wasn’t even cool back then. But, as with most purchases that involve shopping online and spending more than $50, I put it off as long as I could.

When I saw the then-new Twill Snap Backpacks from Everlane, I was cautiously optimistic. I took a chance and bought the Black + Black Leather, but immediately exchanged it for the Reverse Denim + Black Leather version after realizing I’d never keep the all-black backpack as pristine as I’d like.

It fits my laptop, my chargers, my miscellaneous work-related items, and my Longchamp tote (when I need to consolidate my bags at the last minute at my departure gate, which tells you what kind of traveler I am). The best part is that there’s so much room inside the bag that all of this fits with space to spare. Most important of all: My laptop is protected in the padded compartment inside.

The outside isn’t shabby, either: The material is so sturdy that it doesn’t sag or lose its shape. It feels slightly tough but in a good way, the kind of way that makes you think this bag is more expensive than it is. The cotton twill also hides dirt, pen ink, and whatever is on all of those airport floors and bathrooms I’ve placed this poor bag on over the years.

And speaking of travel: I’ve brought it on every trip in and out of the country over the past 2.5 years, and it’s held up to everything from 16-hour flights to Asia to monsoon-like rains in Croatia like a dream.

The product description tells me my backpack was made in Dongguan, China. You can see the factory just by clicking a button. If that detail doesn’t compel you to buy it, the $65 price point will.

My only regret surrounding this purchase is that I didn’t ditch that JanSport years ago.